Make a statement with these fashionable and creative bridal bouquets
Your bouquet is a whole lot more than a pretty bunch of flowers—it’s a statement of both your personal style and your wedding theme. The right bouquet will tie your whole look together, whether it’s minimalist or super glamorous. From wedding bouquet trends to classic arrangements, the options are endless. We’re here to help you navigate this floral wonderland and make the right choice.
The evolution of wedding bouquets
Back in the day, brides didn’t have bouquets for the same reasons we do now. For instance, in ancient times, they carried herbs and spices to ward off bad luck. Yet during the Victorian era, the whole custom evolved, and flowers took center stage, with each bloom chosen for its symbolic meaning (more on this in a minute).
Fast forward to today, and bridal bouquets have evolved into an art form and an opportunity for self-expression. And when it comes to choosing yours, a good starting point is deciding on the style you want to go for—after that, you can pick out colors, flowers, and arrangements. Let’s look at some of the main types of bridal bouquets.
Key styles of wedding bouquets
Bridal bouquets come in various shapes and styles. Here are a few of the main types.
Cascade bouquets
These dramatic, flowing arrangements are perfect for a bride who wants to make a grand entrance.
Posy bouquets
Small and easy to carry, these are great for brides who prefer a sweet and understated look.
Hand-tied bouquets
Rustic and relaxed, these bouquets are perfect for outdoor or boho weddings.
Composite bouquets
Made from individual petals wired together to look like one giant bloom, composite bouquets are ideal for brides who want something striking and unique.
The symbolic meaning of wedding bouquet flowers
Choosing flowers with a deeper meaning adds a whole other layer of significance to your bouquet. That’s because flowers speak a language of their own, with many having a historic or cultural meaning. If you really want to ‘say it with flowers’, here’s a little cheat sheet for the symbolic associations of some much-loved blooms.
- Roses: Love and passion.
- Lilies: Purity and refined beauty.
- Orchids: Exotic beauty and strength.
- Tulips: Perfect love and happy years.
- Peonies: Prosperity and a happy marriage.
- Sunflowers: Adoration and loyalty.
- Daisies: Innocence and purity.
- Iris: Wisdom and courage.
- Lavender: Devotion and calm.
- Hyacinths: Playfulness.
- Gardenias: Joy and secret love.
- Chrysanthemums: Optimism and longevity.
- Magnolias: Dignity and perseverance.
- Lilacs: First love and youthful innocence.
- Baby’s Breath: Everlasting love and purity.
Why not choose a set of blooms that expresses your hopes for the future?
Iconic brides and their wedding bouquets
Or you could emulate some of the most glamorous brides in history by choosing a bouquet look inspired by them. Some unforgettable floral moments are worth a mention.
Kate Middleton (Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge)
Kate Middleton glided down the aisle with a small, shield-shaped bouquet that included myrtle, lily of the valley, sweet William, and hyacinth. Myrtle also featured in Queen Victoria’s bridal bouquet, so it symbolized tradition and continuity (idea—why not choose flowers that were part of your mom or grandma’s bouquet?). Also, the choice of sweet William might have been a nod to her royal husband-to-be.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana’s wedding look featured a breathtaking cascading bouquet featuring gardenias, stephanotis, orchids, lily of the valley, and Earl Mountbatten roses. Her bouquet was as iconic as her dress, showcasing the grandeur of a royal wedding.
Grace Kelly (Princess Grace of Monaco)
Movie star Grace Kelly’s bouquet was a simple yet elegant arrangement of lily of the valley. This understated and chic bouquet reflected her timeless, classic style.
Meghan Markle (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex)
Meghan Markle chose a lovely low-key mixture of forget-me-nots, sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia, and myrtle sprigs. The forget-me-nots were actually a tribute to Princess Diana, as they were her favorite flower. Who could you pay tribute to with your bouquet?
Jackie Kennedy (Jacqueline Bouvier)
The American style icon carried a combination of pink and white spray orchids and gardenias. The bouquet was as stylish and sophisticated as Jackie Kennedy herself, very fitting for her wedding to John F. Kennedy.
Bianca Jagger
When marrying rock star Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger carried a simple and boho bunch of white roses with green foliage. It looked terrific with her chic Yves Saint Laurent wedding outfit of a white suit and wide-brimmed hat—very unconventional for the time.
15 unique wedding bouquet designs
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—inspiration for bridal bouquet designs that will make a statement on your big day.
1. Vintage glam bouquet
If you’re a bride with a flair for the dramatic and a love for all things nostalgic, a vintage glam bouquet is your perfect match. Channeling the opulence of the Great Gatsby era, this arrangement blends flowers and gems with feathers. Choose timeless white roses as your flowers, as their soft petals will create a lush, romantic base. Then embed delicate pearls (faux is fine!), for a touch of sophistication and vintage charm.
To top it all off, intersperse your arrangement with elegant feathers, bringing a sense of movement and old Hollywood glamor. This bouquet is ideal for brides who want to make a statement and capture the enchanting allure of the 1920s.
2. Boho chic bouquet
For the free-spirited bride who dreams of an effortlessly beautiful wedding day, the boho chic bouquet is a match made in floral heaven. Go for a vibrant mix of wildflowers, pampas grass, and succulents, which will all come together to create a carefree and earthy aesthetic.
Imagine walking down the aisle with a bouquet that looks as if it was handpicked from a meadow, each flower adding its unique charm and texture. The wildflowers will bring a burst of color and whimsy, while the pampas grass will add height and a touch of bohemian softness.
Succulents introduce a modern, resilient element, perfect for brides who want a bouquet that stands out. Ideal for outdoor and garden weddings, this bouquet encapsulates the essence of nature and free-spirited elegance. It’s perfect for brides who want their wedding to reflect their laidback, adventurous personality.
3. Classic white bouquet
The epitome of timeless elegance, the classic white bouquet is a sophisticated choice that transcends trends and fads. This bouquet could feature a harmonious blend of white roses, lilies, and peonies, each bloom contributing to an overall look of pure, unblemished beauty. The white roses symbolize love and purity, lilies add a touch of refined grace, and peonies bring fullness and a romantic charm.
To enhance this pristine arrangement, a touch of lush greenery is interspersed throughout, adding depth and texture that elevates the bouquet’s overall appeal. The contrast of the verdant foliage against the delicate white petals creates a striking yet serene visual effect that’s both fresh and enduring. Classic white bouquets will never go out of style.
4. Vibrant color burst bouquet
For the bride who loves color and wants her bouquet to make a bold statement, a vibrant burst of petals is a fabulous choice. Imagine a stunning assembly of blooms such as sunflowers, dahlias, and tulips, each in a dazzling array of hues that create a riot of color.
Sunflowers bring bright and sunny yellows, symbolizing happiness and adoration. Dahlias add depth with their rich, varied tones and intricate petal patterns. The sleek shapes and vibrant colors of tulips will inject playfulness and joy.
This bouquet is perfect for a summer wedding, capturing the essence of the season’s warmth and exuberance. It will infuse your ceremony with positive energy, plus will treat your guests to an unforgettable visual feast. It’s the ideal choice for brides who aren’t afraid to embrace boldness and celebrate their love in full, living color.
5. Rustic country bouquet
Embrace the charm and simplicity of rural life with a rustic country bouquet. For a warm and carefree aesthetic, consider a sweet blend of sunflowers and baby’s breath, with stems wrapped in humble burlap.
The bright and cheerful faces of the sunflowers symbolize adoration and loyalty, plus will add a sunny, uplifting vibe to your wedding day. Baby’s breath, known for its delicate and airy clusters, will complement the sunflowers with a touch of softness and purity. This bouquet is ideal for brides who want their wedding to reflect laidback charm.
6. Romantic garden bouquet
For the bride who dreams of a fairytale wedding with a touch of timeless romance, the romantic garden bouquet is an enchanting choice. A classic combination would be a dreamy combination of roses, hydrangeas, and peonies in soft pastel shades.
Roses, the ultimate symbol of love and passion, are an unmissable inclusion, while the delicate hues of hydrangeas will create a sense of grace and serenity. Peonies, with their luxurious, ruffled petals, bring a soft, romantic charm that is simply irresistible. Together, these flowers create a bouquet that is as captivating as a blooming garden in spring. This lush arrangement of a pastel palette will add a touch of whimsy to your special day.
7. Modern minimalist bouquet
If you love sleek and contemporary design, then a modern minimalist bouquet is the ultimate expression of understated elegance. Choose striking orchids or calla lilies for a bouquet that embodies the principle of “less is more”. Orchids, with their exotic beauty and intricate details, offer a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the senses. Calla lilies, known for their sleek, sculptural shapes, contribute a modern and timeless appeal.
A minimalist aesthetic highlights the natural beauty of each flower, with no added embellishments or frills, ensuring the blooms themselves are the focal point. This design is perfect for a contemporary bride who appreciates the beauty of simplicity.
8. Tropical paradise bouquet
Transport your guests to an island paradise with a tropical bouquet, a perfect choice for any bride looking to infuse her big day with faraway charm. Lush orchids will aid an air of elegance and mystique, while Anthuriums—with their glossy, heart-shaped blooms—offer a striking contrast and air of flamboyance.
Complement your bouquet with an abundance of lush greenery to capture that rainforest look. This bouquet makes a statement of adventure, ensuring that your wedding day is as unforgettable as a Mauritian sunset.
9. Seasonal winter bouquet
Planning a winter wedding? Embrace the serene beauty of the season with a bouquet of pristine white roses (symbolizing purity and elegance), set against a backdrop of rich evergreens.
Pinecones will add a rustic, natural touch, bringing a hint of woodland magic to the arrangement. To enhance the wintry theme, add silver accents for a frosty glimmer. This bouquet is festive and sophisticated, ideal for any bride who wants to channel her inner snow queen.
10. Fairytale bouquet
Step into a storybook realm with a fairytale bouquet that brings the magic of an enchanted forest to life. Imagine a lush arrangement featuring ferns and ivy, their tendrils weaving through the bouquet to create a lush, woodland feel.
The addition of delicate blooms like freesia and lily of the valley will add ethereal beauty and grace. Freesia, with its sweet fragrance and soft, bell-shaped flowers, complements the lily of the valley, which brings an air of classic romance and purity. Together, these elements conjure up the essence of a fairytale garden, where every flower and leaf seems to tell a story.
11. Eco-friendly bouquet
For the environmentally conscious bride who wants to celebrate Mother Earth on her special day, an eco-friendly bouquet is a perfect choice. Choose an arrangement featuring locally sourced, seasonal flowers that both support regional growers and reduce carbon footprints.
Also make sure to wrap your flowers in biodegradable materials, such as rustic recycled paper or natural fibers (both of which have a distinct boho charm). This way, you’ll be minimizing waste and helping to create a truly sustainable wedding.
12. Dried flower bouquet
For a bouquet that combines timeless beauty with lasting memories, consider a dried flower bouquet. It’s a lovely choice that captures the essence of rustic charm. One combination would be dried lavender, dried roses, and wheat, with each element adding a unique touch.
Dried lavender’s soothing fragrance will fill the air with serenity, while dried roses bring a vintage romantic feel. Wheat adds a touch of rustic simplicity, celebrating the natural beauty of the countryside.
The big bonus is that this bouquet will last forever, making it a keepsake to treasure long after your wedding day. Plus the permanence of dried flowers symbolizes your commitment to your beau. Perfect for a rustic or vintage-themed wedding, a dried flower bouquet is filled with its own quiet charm.
13. All-green bouquet
For a touch of modern elegance and minimalist sophistication, an all-green bouquet is an excellent choice that exudes understated beauty. Your bouquet could feature a variety of greenery, including eucalyptus, ferns, and olive branches. This creates a lush and textured arrangement that focuses solely on the natural beauty of foliage.
Eucalyptus, with its round, silvery leaves, adds a subtle sheen and a hint of aromatic freshness, while ferns contribute a delicate, feathery texture that enhances the bouquet’s depth. Olive branches bring a timeless touch and also symbolize peace and prosperity. The result is a bouquet that is both sleek and contemporary, perfect for brides who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of greenery.
14. Monochromatic red bouquet
If you want to make a bold statement on your big day, then a monochromatic red bouquet will definitely get everyone’s attention. Think classic red roses, dahlias, and ranunculus, all combined into a dramatic crimson and scarlet arrangement.
Red roses symbolize passion and romance, while dahlias are associated with eternal love. Ranunculus, with their delicate, ruffled blooms, introduce a layer of softness and sophistication. The red palette will have a powerful visual impact, making your bouquet a focal point as you walk down the aisle. It’s perfect for a bride who wants to infuse their big day with flair.
15. Classic cascading bouquet
For the bride who dreams of making a grand entrance and leaving a lasting impression, the cascading bouquet is the height of dramatic elegance. You could choose a breathtaking waterfall of orchids, ivy, and roses, designed to flow gracefully downwards and create a mesmerizing visual effect.
Exotically beautiful orchids will be the focal point, while ivy will add verdant lushness. Roses will bring classic charm as well as visual depth. If you really want to wow your guests, then a cascading bouquet (a la Princess Diana) will make a showstopping choice.
Choose a wedding bouquet that expresses your essence
Whether you decide on a classic bouquet or something completely out of the box, make sure it reflects your unique style and personality. Your bouquet is there to showcase your wedding theme, so pick an arrangement that makes your heart sing. Whether it’s hothouse orchids or wildflowers, make a statement with flowers.
Plus if you want your blooms to last forever, check out our tips on How to Preserve Your Wedding Flowers After Your Big Day.
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