Types of Bouquets
October 18th, 2006 Posted in Wedding Planning and IdeasChoosing the perfect wedding bouquet may feel like a daunting task. The different types of flowers, colors and sizes are just the beginning of your worries. You may also be scrutinizing how each style matches your gown. Not to worry! Your bouquet will match your gown, regardless of the style or flowers you choose. A bouquet is an accessory. It should match, or set the tone for the overall wedding style. Do you want sleek and elegant? Fresh and contemporary? Or does a traditional majestic style fit you better? You pick the style, then the flowers, and the overall look being expressed will be yours.
However, bouquets are grouped into different styles. The following descriptions are to help you be well-informed when talking to consultants, your bridesmaids and even your mother!
Nosegay. This traditional bouquet consists of a round cluster of flowers that are cut to uniform length and style. The densely packed cluster is often wrapped tightly, wired together or placed into a silver carrying cone (also known as a “tussy mussy”). Nosegay designs may vary slightly, but usually feature a primary flower or color.
Beidermeir. Taking the shape of a nosegay, the Beidermeir’s only difference is the alignment of flowers. It consists of several types of flowers, with similar ones placed in concentric circles, giving the bouquet a striped effect.
Cascade. Resembling a waterfall, the Cascade bouquet uses a mixture of flowers and greens to create a flowing look. The top is the fullest part, with flowers that gently “fall” into the lower, tapered section.
Round or Posy. This bouquet is round in shape, and usually contains more flowers than greenery. While it maintains visual balance, it often features a focal flower or color.
Composite. The Composite bouquet consists of numerous petal or buds that are wired together on a single stem. This merge of blossoms creates an appearance of a single, giant flower.
Hand-tied. As its name suggestions, this bouquet consists of a dense bunch of flowers whose stems are grouped and tied together. The stems become a visual component of the bouquet, giving it a slightly more casual appearance.
Contemporary. Contemporary bouquets have no particular form, with flowers and greens protruding at various angles. Unique flowers such as tropical flowers and orchids often work well within Contemporary bouquets. The flower must compliment this bouquet, for it is the flower itself that adds unique character to this asymmetrical design.
Single Stem. A simple and elegant choice, a single-stemmed bouquet often features a non-flower design component. This may be an intricate wrap, bow, streamer, or collar.
Pomander. Typically used for flower girls and children, this bouquet is a round ball of flowers suspended from a ribbon or twine. It is worn from the wrist and is ideal for brides who want their hands to be free throughout the ceremony.
Presentation. This bouquet is also known as a pageant bouquet, since it is most commonly associated with pageants such as Miss