One of the oldest wedding traditions (and one of our favorites) is the bridal bouquet. But where did the tradition begin? According to Brides.com, Roman brides would carry bouquets filled with herbs, grain, and spices to ward off evil spirits on their wedding day. Starting in Victorian times, brides began carrying bouquets that are more similar to the ones we know today. And while the styles might have changed, the beauty of the bouquets have lived on.

Kaleidoscope Florist & Designs/ Tiffani Jones Photo

Kaleidoscope Florist & Designs/ Tiffani Jones Photo

How to Choose Your Bridal Bouquet

After choosing your bridal gown it’s time to choose the perfect bridal bouquet to compliment. But how do you know which bouquet style to choose?  From cascade to nosegay, there are varied styles to chose from.

First, take into consideration your ceremony location and venue. For example, a larger bouquet may be a better fit for a formal church wedding, while a smaller flower arrangement will complement an intimate garden ceremony.

Many brides have dreamed of walking down the aisle carrying a particular flower. The size and shape of the blooms can determine the style of bouquet. Roses and peonies work well for round bridal bouquets, while a bouquet filled with more greenery is perfect for a cascade style.

Finally, some brides choose the bouquet style first and then work with their florist and planner to decide the perfect flowers that work with this style.

To help you in your bridal bouquet hunt, we have five classic styles that are perfect to add to your Pinterest boards.

 

1. Cascade Bouquet

Botanica Int. Design Studio / Jacqui Cole

Botanica Int. Design Studio / Jacqui Cole

Drama. Now, this is the ONLY drama we want to see at your wedding. This dramatic bouquet looks like a “waterfall” of flowers. This bouquet makes a strong statement, so keep your wedding gown and other accessories fairly simple.

Native Gardens Florist / Jen Jar Photo

Native Gardens Florist / Jen Jar Photo

Still Floral / Tiffiani Jones

Still Floral / Tiffiani Jones

2. Posy Bouquet

The posy is the classic bridal bouquet style. This bouquet features mostly flowers and is often in a rounded shape. Classic blooms of tulips, roses, peonies, and garden roses are ideal for this style.

Boca Blooms / Hunter Ryan Photo / Bridal Bouquet

Boca Blooms / Hunter Ryan Photo

 

Flowers by Fudgie/ Carrie Ann Photo

Flowers by Fudgie/ Carrie Ann Photo

3. Hand-Tied Bouquet

Velvet & Twine / Jacqui Cole Photo

Velvet & Twine / Jacqui Cole Photo

Bohemian and garden weddings are the perfect match for the hand-tied bouquet. These bouquets give a “fresh-picked flower” feel and can be filled with a variety of floral and greenery. And then they are tied up with a ribbon or twine.

Flowers by Fudgie-Eli Meyer Studio / Bridal Bouquet

Flowers by Fudgie / Eli Meyer Studio

Kaleidoscope Floral/ Kaity Brawley Photography / Bridal Bouquet

Kaleidoscope Floral / Kaity Brawley Photography

4. Round Bouquet

Like the name says, it’s all about the shape. The round bouquet is formed into a perfect dome, often using a single type of flower. Often, a single color of flower is used in this style. But we do love a round bouquet in complementary shades.

Boca Blooms / Tara Tomlinson Photo

Boca Blooms / Tara Tomlinson Photo

Victoria Blooms / Kirstin Shontere Photography

Victoria Blooms / Kirstin Shontere Photography

5. Nosegay Bouquet

Victoria Blooms / Cat Pennenga / Bridal bouquet

Victoria Blooms / Cat Pennenga

Finally, the nosegay is similar to the posy bouquet but is filled with more greenery rather than flowers. This is a very popular style for your bridal party to carry, with its compact size.

Flowers by Fudgie/ Salvador Robles Photography

Flowers by Fudgie/ Salvador Robles Photography

Elegant Designs Floral Art Studio/ Tiffani Jones / Bridal Bouquet

Elegant Designs Floral Art Studio/ Tiffani Jones

Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding, an elopement, or a large family celebration, we know that you will find the perfect bridal bouquet to walk down the aisle with. We’d love to hear what your favorite bridal bouquet style is; let us know.