How to Choose The Perfect Bridesmaid and Bridal Bouquets

Did you know that brides spend an average of $2,534 on flowers and bridal bouquets for their weddings? Flowers might only take up a small portion of an average wedding budget, but they're one of the stars of the nuptials (after you, of course!). Not sure how to pick the best wedding flowers for your big day? We've rounded up some of our best tips from our experience with brides-to-be -- and there's bound to be a tip or two you haven't considered.

Choose Your Wedding Gown First

Let's face it: You're the focus of your wedding, but your dress is the real star. So much of your wedding plan revolves around the style and color of the dress, including your bridal bouquet.
That's why it's important to have one picked out before you get to the flowers. A ball gown dress would overpower a small bouquet, while a more form-fitting dress would look good with a simple bouquet.

Bring a photo of your dress -- and your bridesmaids' dresses -- when you meet with your wedding florist for the first time. Your florist will take the dresses into account when recommending potential arrangements so they don't overpower your dress or hide the silhouette in photos and when you walk down the aisle.

Complement Your Shape

You don't want the bouquet to overpower your dress, but you don't want it to overpower you, either!
Opt for a smaller bouquet if you're on the shorter side, like a nosegay or a posy bouquet. These two types of bouquets are designed to be tightly packed to give the illusion of one stem. Go for a round bouquet if you're tall or curvy. These are bolder than a nosegay and give off an elegant vibe.

Take the Color Wheel For a Spin

You might have your heart set on a monochromatic look for your wedding, but consider loosening your restrictions up a little bit -- especially for your bridal bouquets. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors for your flowers that are the opposite (but complement) your dress. For instance, a plum-colored bridesmaid dress would really pop with a tangerine bouquet. Not that daring? Go with flowers that are a few shades darker than your dresses, like red roses with a blush red gown.

Go For Seasonal Flowers

The choices you have for bridal bouquet flowers largely depends on the season. Some flowers, like roses and amaryllis, might be easy to find (and cheaper) in the winter, but impossibly expensive in the summer. But even if you can find your favorite flower doesn't mean it's a good choice to use for your wedding. Take sunflowers, for example. They might look amazing for a late summer or early fall wedding, but a little out of place in a January ceremony.

Fill Out Expensive Bouquets With Extras

Your heart might be telling you to get a bouquet of roses for you and your bridesmaids, but your budget won't allow it. Do you have to give up your dreams? Nope! You can add everything from trendy greenery to ribbons or accent flowers to round out rose arrangement without breaking your entire flower allowance. Or, get roses for the bridal bouquet and opt for flowers that complement for your bridesmaids, like lily of the valley.

Personalize 'Em

You know that old saying "something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue"?
Try using the concept in your bridal bouquet to really give them a personal touch, like adding a brooch or lace handkerchief from your grandma to the arrangement. You can even personalize your bridesmaids' bouquets with little personal trinkets that symbolize your relationship with them.

Get Input From Your Bridal Party

Your bridesmaids know you better than anyone, so get their opinions on which flowers they think would look good for your wedding. Or, you can even let them pick out their own bouquets for the big day (within reason, of course!).

Think About Comfort

A heavy bridal bouquet might look beautiful, but do you really want to be lugging it around all day? If so, go for it! Otherwise, opt for arrangements that won't make your arms -- and your bridesmaids' arms -- sore as you hold it for hours at a time. No one wants to hit the dance floor with a backache.

Consider Getting Two Bridal Bouquets (One For You, One For the Toss)

The flower toss during the reception might be a tradition, but who wants to give away a special memory to someone who won't appreciate it as much as you do? You don't have to! Instead, invest in an extra bouquet made especially for the toss. These bouquets typically aren't as expensive as the regular ones -- and you get to keep your precious memento where it belongs!

Let Go of the Reigns (a Bit)

It's understandable that you want everything about your wedding to go -- and look -- like your vision. However, all of that stress can really pile up. It's totally fine to lean on the professionals you're paying to help your wedding to come to reality. Loosen the grip and let your wedding florist give his or her suggestions for your bouquets and arrangements based on your vision. Chance are good they'll come up with suggestions you'll love -- and never would've considered otherwise!

Get the Flowers of Your Dreams

Flowers are one of the most important parts of your wedding, so don't trust your bridal bouquets to just anyone. At Peachtree Petals, our wedding designer will work with you one-on-one to learn more about your vision and desires to determine the right choice flowers for the ceremony, reception and beyond. Ready to get started? Contact us to set up a consultation or call 678.336.1195 to order the bridal bouquets of your dreams.