Flower Power: Selecting Your Perfect Bridal Flowers

What would a wedding be without flowers? Without gorgeous centerpieces adorning each table, without the fragrant blooms lining the aisle in the church, without the bridal bouquet? Flowers can make the difference between an ordinary wedding and a romantic fairytale extravaganza.  With so many varieties and arrangements to choose from, selecting the right bridal flowers can seem a daunting task.  Luckily, Today’s Outlook is stepping in with Bridal Flowers 101 – everything you need to know about selecting the perfect bouquet for your perfect day! 

 

There are a number of things which must be decided upon before selecting your bridal flowers, the first of which is your color scheme.  Choose a color scheme, which can vary from subtle whites to vibrant colors, preferably one that complements rather than contrasts with the color of your bridesmaids’ dresses.  If you simply can’t make a decision, consider selecting your color scheme based on the season during which the big day will take place.  Rich ambers, oranges and reds, for example, complement fall weddings while silver, gold and burgundy are more suited to winter weddings.  If you are getting married in spring, virtually any pastel color will work wonderfully and for summer, there are a range of rich beach and citrus colors to choose from.

 

Next you must consider the formality of your wedding and choose a bloom accordingly.  While daisies are perfect for a casual outdoor wedding, roses are more suited for a formal affair.  Give your florist an idea of the kind of wedding you are hosting including both the theme and color scheme as well as a picture of your dress and that of your bridesmaids to ensure that they create arrangements which will tie all the elements of your wedding together.  Don’t be afraid to stray from the norm; many couples nowadays are opting for less conventional embellishments such as fruits and vegetables, these could make for interesting centerpieces which will have your guests talking.  

 

After the reception, flowers are perhaps the greatest expense a couple will have when planning their wedding.  While nowadays, due to new growing techniques, a number of flowers are actually available year-round, selecting flowers that are in season can save you money and a lot of hassle.  If you have your heart set on roses, anthuriums, orchids, tropical flowers, lilies or gerberas, you have nothing to worry about as these blooms are available all year. If, however, you are planning your big day in spring, iris, lilies, pansies, tulips, hyacinths and peonies should all be in full bloom whereas in summer you can choose from asters, zinnias, shasta daisies, dahlias and calla lilies and hydrangeas.  For a winter wedding, amaryllis, camellias, forget-me-nots, orchids and poinsettias are readily available, while asters, chrysanthemums, gerbera daisies and marigolds make for the perfect bridal flowers for a fall celebration.  


If you have no particular color scheme or flower in mind why not make the selection based on your personality type.  It is said that each particular bloom reflects a specific personality.  Daisies for example are refreshing and unpretentious and are suitable for a bride who is optimistic and loves spending time in nature.  If you are a spiritual person, why not opt for iris arrangements.  Iris is said to impart a sense of ease and serenity. For the graceful and dignified bride, the calla lily is the way to go.  This flower has a goddess-like sense of poise and presence that is quite commanding and imposing. Carnations are for those who are down to earth and grounded, so if traditional is more your style than trendy this could be the flower for you.   The bride who selects roses is warm with an old-fashioned sense of femininity.  She is a helpless romantic with a timeless sense of style.  However, if understated but tastefully elegant is more your style, opt for violets.  The bride who selects violets is sensitive, private and complex.  

 

The final decision to make is your choice of bouquet.  Wedding bouquets come in three basic styles: cascade, round/posy, and hand-tied and depending on the type you choose, a bouquet can enhance the way you look and possibly hide some figure imperfections.   The cascade bouquet is shaped like a waterfall with more flowers on the top and some flowers flowing downwards and is usually mixed with greenery for a natural look.  Since the bouquet is rounded at the top and pointed at the bottom it works to slim your silhouette.  The round bouquet is, of course, round in shape. It usually contains less greenery and more flowers which can be of one or several kinds.  The round bouquet can work to balance the appearance of a petite bride and have her looking best on her wedding day.  Finally, the hand-tied bouquet is composed of flowers tied together with a ribbon with the stems revealed.  This type of bouquet is gaining popularity and is perfect for an outdoor or casual wedding.  A bride-to-be with a more rounded figure should not opt for the hand-tied (or cascade) bouquet as it will simply emphasize her hips.  

 

You now have the basics to get you started on selecting your wedding flowers.  Browse the net and skim through wedding magazines to get more information and make an appointment with your florist to discuss the details.  Above all else, ensure that in everything that you plan and all that you do, your big day is a reflection of both you and your partner as individuals as well as the couple you are about to become.