The Bridal Bouquet: Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Flowers

A wedding is one of the most beautiful events in life. Besides choosing the dress, the venue, and the guests, an equally important aspect is choosing the bridal bouquet.

However, have you ever wondered what its meaning is, or is it just a pleasant visual element? Surprisingly, the bride's floral arrangement has meaning depending on the colors and flowers chosen, being a tradition that has existed since the 19th century.

In this article, you will learn significant details about the bride's bouquet. Here are some of them.

The history of the bridal bouquet

In ancient times, brides didn't have bouquets as we know them today. They adorned their hair with garlands woven from aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, garlic, or even wormwood) to protect themselves from evil energies and spirits.

A defining moment in the history of the bridal bouquet occurred in 1840, when Queen Victoria of England married Prince Albert. For the first time, a royal bride carried a bouquet made up not only of plants but also of flowers, in a round and delicate arrangement.

In contrast, during World War II, bouquets retained their simplicity, using lilies and wild roses, and in the 1970s, the bohemian style predominated, in a libertine spirit, using wildflowers.

Image source: © TRAVÁ Own Archive

The most popular flowers for the bridal bouquet

Inevitably, the bouquet must convey the bride's joy and hope in love. Each lady will choose her favorite flowers, taking into account the resistance, fragrance and shape of the plants. Find out below which are the most popular flowers for the bride's arrangement.

Roses

There are standard, spray (mini) and garden rose varieties, ideal for different styles of bouquets – from compact to loose or "cascade" type.

Roses are available in different colors, such as white, pale pink, cream, and even intense shades (red, purple, yellow). However, white varieties are the most durable and popular for brides. As an argument, white roses offer an elegant and classic look, signify love, purity, and form superb combinations with flowers such as gypsophila, freesia, or ranunculus.

Image source: © Bridal Bouquet with Freesias and Roses

peonies

Peonies are spectacular flowers, appreciated for their generous volume. Available in shades of white, powder pink, burgundy red or coral, they are a symbol of happiness and a happy marriage.

However, opt for peonies if the wedding is in late spring or early summer, because out of season peonies are of lower quality and more expensive - which can compromise the quality of the bouquet.

freesia

Freesias are delicate flowers, preferred by brides who want a refined, fragrant and discreet bouquet. They are available in a variety of colors (white, pink, yellow, purple) and have a pleasant, but not overwhelming, scent.
Due to their delicate structure, freesias are often used as a complementary flower in mixed bouquets, combining harmoniously with roses, lisianthus or gypsophila. They are hardy flowers, available all year round. At the same time, they symbolize trust, friendship and pure beginnings.

holds

Callas are flowers with a special elegance, easily recognizable due to their elongated and graceful shape. They are ideal for brides who prefer a modern, simple, but visually impactful bouquet.
Although they are not among the most resistant, they can be carefully integrated into floral arrangements, either individually or in combination with other delicate flowers, such as freesias or orchids.

They are available in a variety of colors – from immaculate white to intense shades of purple or yellow, being a symbol of purity and nobility.

Image source: © TRAVÁ Own Archive

Gypsophila

This flower is appreciated in wedding arrangements because it symbolizes purity, but also because of its technical characteristics.

As an argument, they last up to 7-10 days in bouquets, but can also be kept and dried as a keepsake. They are particularly beautiful due to the volume and texture of the flowers without visually overloading the floral arrangement.

It is a versatile flower, ideal for both mono bouquets and as an accent in rich bouquets, alongside roses, calla lilies, lisianthus, freesias or daisies.

Lisianthus

Lisianthus is an inspired choice for a bridal bouquet. First of all, it is available throughout the year, in a wide range of colors (white, pink, purple, cream). Its stem can have several flowers, which gives volume to the bouquet without significant costs. At the same time, its vigorous stem, after cutting, lasts between 7 and 10 days, harmoniously completing the bridal bouquet.

Ranunculus

Ranunculus, available from January to April, is a flower similar in shape to the peony, but with a more compact appearance. With delicate petals and multiple layers, it is spectacular when in full bloom.

Although sensitive to temperature and handling, its beauty is worth the care. Also among the most appreciated varieties are Hanoi (the most resistant and spectacular), Clooney and Butterfly, each of which is used in premium bridal bouquets.

Choosing flowers according to the season

We must understand that choosing seasonal flowers for the bridal bouquet is important, because they are fresher, more affordable, and fit naturally with the atmosphere of the event. Here are some of the technical details.

The advantages of seasonal flowers

• Increased resistance: Seasonal flowers, being cut, are usually not stressed by long transport or inadequate temperatures.
• Affordable price: The cost of seasonal flowers is more affordable because they are available in large quantities and come from local and international producers.
• Rich and fresh appearance: Being in season, the plants will be in their best shape, having a fresh and rich appearance.

Disadvantages of off-season flowers

• Increased sensitivity: Flowers that are not in season are often more fragile, wilt more quickly, and may suffer damage by the day of the event due to transportation conditions or inadequate storage.
• High costs: Off-season flowers involve additional costs related to import, refrigeration, and logistics, which leads to significantly higher prices than local flowers. For example, peonies ordered out of season are often of lower quality and can cost about 3–4 times more than during their natural blooming period.
• Uncertain availability: Access to flowers in the off-season may be limited, and deliveries may suffer delays or quality variations, which implies risks in bouquet planning.

Flowers available all year round

In addition to off-season flowers, there are also some available year-round. Although prices may fluctuate, these remain safe and classic choices for brides. Find out what they are!

• Roses - one of the most versatile flowers, which can be grown in greenhouses regardless of the season. They are ideal due to their symbolism, varied colors and shapes.
• Freesias - for their delicate fragrance and refined appearance, freesias are available year-round, often used as complementary flowers due to their discreet texture and pastel colors.
• Callas have a sculptural and elegant appearance with solid stems, making them a favorite for minimalist bouquets and modern arrangements. Their outstanding quality makes them a popular choice for sophisticated occasions.
• Gypsophila – a flower available all year round, notable for its airy and delicate effect. It is used to highlight and complete floral arrangements, adding volume thanks to its dense flowers.
• Lisianthus - a flower appreciated for its durability in arrangements. It is ideal for both bridal bouquets and decorative floral arrangements.

Why do you need to plan the bride's bouquet in advance?

Planning your bridal bouquet is as important a decision as planning other aspects of your wedding. Order your flowers early because:

• The florist will have time to create the order and check the quality of the flowers received.
• You can negotiate the price or choose more affordable bouquet options.
• Last-minute stress and hasty decisions will be avoided.
• The bride will have time to choose the perfect bouquet based on meaning, color, and outfit.
• You are sure to receive the flowers you ordered, even if they are out of season.

A bridal bouquet is a beautiful accessory, but also an extension of the bride's love story and personality. Choosing the right flowers, depending on the season, style and preferences, will transform an ordinary bouquet into a memorable symbol of your wedding. Planning, information and collaboration with a trusted florist are the keys to a dream bouquet – fresh, harmonious and just right for the emotions of a wedding.