Your wedding day is something to look forward to for months, and to cherish for a lifetime. Everything must be perfect on this special day, including the flowers! The bridal bouquet features in almost every photo and accompanies you throughout the day, setting the tone for the entire wedding. It's no wonder many couples are torn over which flowers, colours and shape to choose.
Fortunately, the selection process is mostly great fun. In this article, we will guide you step by step through the process of choosing the perfect bridal bouquet, covering everything from style and season to shape and practical tips.
First, consider your style: classic, rustic or modern?
The most beautiful bridal bouquets are not just about the flowers; they are about your story. What kind of wedding do you want? Making atmospheric choices will make all subsequent decisions much easier. We recognise three main styles, each with its own floral language.
- Classic and romantic. Do you love elegance and timeless beauty? If so, roses, peonies and lilies would be the perfect choice for your big day. Imagine a full, lush bouquet in soft colours, complemented by elegant greenery. A classic bouquet never goes out of fashion and always looks good in photos.
- Rustic and natural. Are you getting married outdoors, in a barn or somewhere surrounded by greenery? Then a looser bouquet in a wildflower style would fit in wonderfully. A combination of wildflowers, grasses, carnations and seasonal flowers creates a relaxed, romantic atmosphere, as if you had just picked the bouquet yourself in the garden.
- Modern and sleek. Do you love a contemporary, sophisticated look? Choose a bouquet with a clear shape, a limited colour palette and unique flowers, such as orchids, callas or a single, striking variety. Sleek, stylish and surprising.
Still feeling unsure? Create a mood board with images you like and discuss it with our florist. Your style will often emerge naturally as soon as we look at them together.
Choose your flowers by colour and season
Colour is perhaps the most enjoyable aspect to consider. Your bridal bouquet can either contrast sharply with your dress or blend softly with it. Here are a few pointers:
- White and cream exude pure, classic elegance and suit almost every dress and theme.
- Soft pink and peach create a romantic and warm look that is both cheerful and refined.
- Deep shades such as burgundy, deep purple or coral red create a striking look and are perfect for autumn or winter weddings.
- Colourful and playful combinations are perfectly acceptable: a cheerful mix of shades is ideal for a relaxed, festive occasion.
A useful tip is to coordinate the colour of your bouquet with your partner's boutonnière and the bouquets of your witnesses, ensuring a cohesive look in the photos.
The season is also important. Flowers that bloom naturally are at their most beautiful and strongest, and are often the most affordable. Spring brings tulips, daffodils and ranunculus; summer is bursting with peonies, dahlias, sunflowers and hydrangeas; autumn brings warm tones with chrysanthemums and berries; and winter brings amaryllis, carnations and roses, along with atmospheric greenery to create a cosy atmosphere. Would you like a specific flower that is out of season? Feel free to discuss it — often, more is possible than you think.
The shape of the bouquet: round, teardrop, Biedermeier or wildflower-style
The shape of the bouquet largely determines its appearance. Here are the four most popular shapes:
- Round bouquet: This is the classic choice and by far the most popular. A full, round bouquet is versatile and looks beautiful with almost every dress and style. It is a timeless favourite for good reason.
- The teardrop shape. This bouquet flares out elegantly at the bottom and is also known as a cascade or waterfall bouquet. It is graceful and romantic and is beautiful for a classic wedding and a slightly longer dress.
- Biedermeier. A sleek, compact and perfectly round bouquet. Refined and stylish, it is a beautiful choice if you prefer a neat, understated look.
- The wildflower-style. This is a looser, more natural-looking bouquet that looks as if it has just been picked. It is playful and casual, and is perfectly suited to a rustic or outdoor wedding.
When making your choice, consider your build and dress: a large bouquet can overwhelm a slender figure, while a small bouquet will get lost with an extravagant dress. We would be happy to help you with this.
Did you know? Flowers have their own language
Many couples like to give their bouquet a personal meaning. After all, each flower has its own symbolism: roses stand for love, peonies for a lasting, happy union and tulips for passion. You can read more about this in our blog post about the meaning of flowers. It's a beautiful way to make your bouquet that little bit more personal.
Practical tips: order on time and keep flowers fresh on the day itself
A beautiful bridal bouquet requires some advance planning. The most important practical points:
When should you order?
We recommend contacting us three to six months before the wedding. This allows plenty of time to discuss things calmly and ensure everything is perfect. Are you getting married during a popular period, such as late spring or summer? If so, be sure to order early, as these are busy months for florists.
How can you keep the bouquet fresh on the day itself?
Your florist will take care of that. We arrange the bouquet as close to the wedding day as possible and deliver it fresh and on time. On the day, avoid placing your bouquet in direct sunlight or in front of a hot car window. Instead, put it in a glass of water between photo opportunities. Don't worry — a well-arranged bridal bouquet can easily withstand a long day of celebrations.
Consider the other floral arrangements too
A bridal bouquet rarely comes alone. You might also want to consider corsages for the bridal couple and guests, flowers for the wedding car, an altar arrangement for the ceremony and table decorations for the reception. It's best to arrange all of these at once so that all the flowers are beautifully coordinated.
The florist's role: creating your dream bouquet
Do you know what makes a custom-made bridal bouquet special? You are not alone in this. At De Duinroos, we start by mapping out your wishes and style, creating mood boards and taking into account the location, season and budget. Next, we create a proposal featuring the most beautiful flowers, ensuring that everything is delivered to the desired location looking its best. The only thing you have to do is enjoy it!
With over 90 years' experience and countless weddings under our belt, we know how to transform flowers into something truly unforgettable. Whether you want a unique bridal bouquet or complete venue decoration for your wedding and reception, we always create custom designs.
Want to know more about what we can do for your wedding day? Visit our bridal work page for inspiration and examples of our previous work, or contact us directly to discuss your requirements. We look forward to brainstorming with you to create something beautiful.