As you plan your wedding day, choosing floral bouquets and centerpieces that coordinate with the overall theme of the event is crucial. These statement pieces should harmonize seamlessly with each other, all while tying everything together and creating a cohesive look and feel. To ensure that they match, consider using similar blooms and colors throughout your arrangements. Additionally, if you have a statement flower in your bouquet, use it sparingly in your centerpieces for a unified yet refined look.
Equally important is ensuring that your floral arrangements are in harmony with your wedding attire, particularly the star of the show: your wedding dress. While bouquets can add a touch of elegance and beauty to your special day in the form of decor, they also enhance your wedding day outfit. Think of them as the final accessory to your look, working together with each element from your hairstyle down to your shoes.
To that end, it is vital to select a bouquet shape that also complements the form and style of your dress, gown, pantsuit, or whatever outfit speaks to your unique tastes. But how can you match a bouquet to your dress? And how do you match specific flowers to a dress? The wedding experts at Flora D’ Amore in the greater Seattle area are sharing a detailed guide on how to pair wedding attire with flawless floral bouquets.
A-Line or Empire Waist
If you’re wearing an A-line or empire waist dress, a round bouquet is the perfect choice. This option features a symmetrical and spherical arrangement of flowers, which contrasts nicely with the flowing fabric that characterizes this style. It also creates a put-together look that draws the eye to the gown’s elegant lines and angles. This bouquet looks especially sophisticated with full, round blooms like peonies or ranunculus. Opt for soft pastel colors for a romantic feel, or go bold with bright and vibrant hues to make a statement.
Modified A-Line or Drop Waist
Think outside of the box if you’re wearing a modified A-line or drop waist dress and opt for a modern floral hoop. This shape is not your typical bridal bouquet as it’s made of a circular frame adorned with various flowers, greenery, and other elements — great for dresses that embrace a more modern aesthetic than they do traditional. You can use timeless flowers or go for a more edgy and contemporary look with tropical blooms, like orchids or cyclamen, to create an eye-catching statement. This is the time to let bold colors shine, too.
Ball Gown or Princess
Speaking of traditional, for ball gowns or princess dresses, a cascading or crescent bouquet is an equally classic selection. The former is crafted with blooms that gracefully flow downward, creating a streaming look that harmonizes with the striking shape of the gown. A crescent bouquet, on the other hand, features an arched arrangement of flowers that can be positioned in different ways for a customized look. Go big or go home with showstopping blooms like dahlias or hydrangeas in a tastefully monochrome scheme for a classic and elegant look.
Trumpet or Mermaid
If you’re wearing a trumpet or mermaid dress, a long-stem or cascading bouquet is the way to go. These shapes complement the long silhouette of the dress and add a bit of flair to the ensemble. A long-stem bouquet features blooms like calla lilies or king protea wrapped together with ribbon, allowing the flowers to peek out of the top. A cascading bouquet features a waterfall of flowers, such as lily of the valley, that trail down from the top.
Column or Sheath
For a column or sheath dress, a nosegay or semi-crescent/freeform bouquet is an ideal choice. A nosegay bouquet is a compact arrangement of flowers that’s easy to carry and quite fitting for the minimalist bride. A semi-crescent/freeform bouquet, on the other hand, features a more natural and organic shape. This bouquet is an obvious choice for the free-spirited bride who wants a wedding look that feels effortless and natural. You can choose blooms in a variety of colors and textures for a boho-inspired aesthetic, such as roses paired with blue thistle.
Pantsuit or Trousers
If you’re a confident and modern bride who is wearing a pantsuit or trousers on your big day, go for statement blooms and a modern bouquet design; these options flawlessly complement the contemporary lines and shapes of your outfit. To that end, oversized blooms like sunflowers are ideal for making a bold statement, thanks to their unique shape and vibrant yellow petals. Alternatively, you can carry a bouquet that prominently features vivid-hued flowers like anthuriums for an up-to-date and stylish look.
Tea Length Attire
For a fun, flirty, and not-too-fussy bridal look, choose a hand-tied posy or a mini bouquet. The first arrangement features a simple, compact design that harmonizes seamlessly with a tea-length ensemble. As for a mini bouquet, it’s a wonderful option for the bride who wants a cute, whimsical arrangement that is subtle yet elegant. Anemones are an excellent flower for either of these bouquet styles as they come in a variety of colors with moody dark centers for added drama that won’t overwhelm.
The perfect floral bouquet can elevate your wedding look and tie together the overall theme and vibe of your special day. Whether you opt for a classic round bouquet, a modern floral hoop, a cascading or crescent arrangement, or a more compact nosegay or hand-tied posy bouquet, there’s shape and style that will complement your wedding attire with ease.
