Dating | Weddings

Bridal Flowers

Hopefully, by now, you have an idea of what kind of wedding you want. Is it a romantic vintage inspired do, or a very Modern Millie affair? Your bouquet should be a perfectly distilled version of this theme, whilst complementing your look (and, if you are very clever, your figure too).

First you need a suitable partner in crime. It's time to bring in your florist: you need to ensure that you are, ahem, singing from the same hymn book. If you do not feel a rapport with your florist, or they are trying to force their vision onto you rather than letting you call the shots, move on. They may want a chance to recreate the Eiffel Tower in carnations but unless that's your dream too, you can say 'no'. That said, a good florist should be able to guide a confused bride towards their dream bridal flowers by asking a few pertinent questions. Always take along reference material (don't worry if its inconsistent, you can talk that though too) and be open to their ideas. That is, after all, what you are paying them for. If you have any doubts, however, always ask if you can call back the next day; a bit of space will let you see if those ideas were exactly what you want, or exactly what you think you should have. It is also easy to get carried away in the moment, so be wary. And don't forget to ask if they can preserve your wedding bouquet should you choose to.

LET'S BEGIN

There is no set way to do this, but you need to start somewhere, so make it colour, shape, flower or theme. Traditionally bridal bouquets are made of white flowers, but few brides stick to that rule. If you do want to do that, a nice way to bring colour in is to have your bridesmaid's bouquet made up in a smaller version, using the same flower but in a colour. (With grown-up bridesmaids, you may want to opt for wrist corsages instead, or vary the colours.) If you want to choose your bouquet by colour, or a mix of complimentary colours, your florist should be able to present you with a selection of flowers available in those shades. The main shapes are a loose and hand tied arrangement, a flowing cascade, (which is full at the top and trails to a point), a tight cluster, a pomander (a ball of flower heads carried by a ribbon) or a nosegay or basket filled with flowers, or arm bouquet that rests naturally in the crook of the arm. You may have a love of a certain flower that you want to build your bouquet around, or be holding a 1920s themed wedding, in which case flowers popular in that era, like Calla lilies, are a good choice.

HELPING YOU BLOOM

The bride usually holds flowers at waist height, and this needs to figure in your plan. If you are petite, an overwhelming cascade bouquet will overpower you (and possibly tip you over), so choose something in proportion to your size. Similarly, if you have a fuller figure, a small pomander might look a bit inconsequential whereas a cascade will lengthen your silhouette. As with your dress, keep and open mind about the shape you want until you have explored the options. The colour you choose must also flatter your skin tone, especially if you intend to also have them in your hair. Whatever you choose needs to work with the flow of your dress and not obscure you - this is decoration, not camouflage.

FORGET ME NOT

Smell is the most evocative of the senses, and the most likely to trigger memories, so include a scented bloom. A lovely way to make your flowers special to you for more than just the day is to choose seasonal blooms, so that the daffodils will always remind you of your spring wedding (and hopefully remind your groom that your anniversary is nigh). Another advantage of choosing seasonal blooms is that they will be able to withstand the weather conditions. If your bouquet includes delicate flowers that can wilt, make sure your arrangement can incorporate a bouquet holder to keep them fresh - your hand-tied posy won't look quite so great if it's turning brown at the edges. If you want exotic or off-season flowers, make sure this is discussed well in advance. And make sure you are clear about whether the flowers are to be collected or delivered, and at what time.

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