Choosing the Flowers for Your Wedding

Now that the ceremony is over and the reception has unfolded in equal parts revelry and heartfelt emotion—banquet, dancing, cake—one ritual still remains, timeless and full of meaning: the moment when the bride gathers her bridesmaids, turns her back, and tosses her bouquet. A tradition that endures as both a charming superstition and a good-luck gesture, it’s undoubtedly one of the day’s most anticipated highlights. But with so many floral options, how do you choose the perfect bouquet?

Sleek, minimalist gowns invite a more sophisticated bouquet—one that lends an aristocratic touch to your overall look. Conversely, if you’ve chosen a princess-style dress with voluminous fabrics and a long veil, a restrained arrangement will keep your silhouette from feeling overloaded. As a rule of thumb, remember: less is more.

Think about your hairstyle and makeup when selecting blooms. Planning a half-updo or a soft updo? Ask your florist for creative ways to weave matching flowers into your hair. And a luminous, understated beauty look will highlight not only your natural radiance but also the floral accents you’ve chosen.

There are cascading bouquets, hand-tied clusters—roses, tulips, calla lilies—designed to drape along the arm. Yet the classic round bouquet never goes out of style. Consider both your dress and your figure: tall, slender brides might opt for a dramatic, elongated cascade, while petite or curvy brides often look best with a compact round arrangement. For shorter dresses, orange blossoms or hydrangeas held at waist height strike the ideal balance.

If you prefer one standout flower, the peony is a show-stopper—especially when paired with ivy leaves, symbolizing passionate, enduring love. Other beautiful choices include:
• Tulips, in vibrant hues or pure white
• Orchids, elegant and feminine
• Azaleas, conveying purity and sincerity
• Lilies, gentle and fresh
• Lilacs, tender and fragrant
• Hyacinths, symbols of faithfulness
• Iris, representing hope
• Roses: white for devotion; yellow for jealousy; orange-edged for eternal love; red for passionate ardor

Let yourself be won over by shape, color and fragrance. Every bride has a story to tell at the altar—and each flower offers its own way of expressing those emotions. Keep the season in mind, too, since not all blooms have the same lifespan. Ask which varieties will stay freshest.

Whether your celebration is rustic, beach-side, elegant or minimal, plan your flowers at least two to three months in advance. Out-of-season blooms often require longer lead times. And don’t forget bridesmaids’ corsages, ceremony décor, family boutonnieres and arrangements for the reception venue.

Place floral accents on the rear shelf—the space between the back seat and the rear window. No need to overdo it: simple white ribbons on the hood and a trail of tin cans will complete the look. In every detail, from the grandest arrangement to the smallest flourish, you’ll create a perfect wedding day.