Choosing Your Bridesmaids Bouquets

Bouquets for your bridesmaids add color and beauty to your event, as well as providing the nervous bridesmaid with something to do with her hands. Often, the bridesmaids have a similar bouquet to the bride, just in a smaller version. The most popular style is the hand-tied or posy style but many options are available to add a creative flare. Alternatively a color theme can be chosen that works best with the color of the bridesmaids dresses, and complements the overall color theme of the wedding. If you are struggling to think of an appropriate color for the bridesmaids bouquets, you can never go wrong with white. This will work with any color of bridesmaid dress and will not compete for attention with the brides' wedding flowers.

Roses and gerberas are the two flowers that are requested most for bridesmaids' bouquets. Both of these flowers are available in a wide range of colors, and can be made into elegant posy style bouquets.

As an alternative, you could have pomanders. These are sometimes called flower balls, which describes them exactly: a ball of flowers finished with an elegant ribbon or tulle handle. These are quite easy to carry as the handle is slipped over the wrist. Pomanders are often made from roses but you can choose any type of flower. Gerberas, chrysanthemums and carnations make great pomanders.

Another idea that is popular is providing your bridesmaids with elegant handbags that are finished with a beautiful corsage. This looks attractive, and the handbags can be kept as a thank you gift.

If you have very young bridesmaids, a container or basket full of flower petals can be utilized instead of a bouquet. These 'flower girls' will enjoy tossing the petals down the aisle prior to the brides' arrival. I have seen small galvanized buckets filled with rose petals for a unique presentation.

If you want your bridesmaids to have real flowers but are worried that a bouquet may be too heavy for them to hold, use a flower basket. A basket arrangement has the advantage in that it can be put down without damaging the delicate flowers. This is also ideal for younger bridesmaids.

A change from the norm would include giving a different flower bouquet to each bridesmaid. Co-ordinate these with the bride's bouquet. For example if the bride's bouquet is a mix of tulips, roses and gerberas then produce a single bridesmaids bouquet of just tulips, another of just roses and a third of gerberas.

Remember it's your day and you can create your unique style with flowers. I am here to help. Cheers, Helen Hoke BravaFloralDesigns.com