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The bridal bouquet is one of the most important details of any wedding. Whether you’re decking out your ceremony and reception spaces in flowers or keeping things minimal, your bouquet will help tie your overall wedding look together with your theme. It also acts as a symbol of love, style, and personality.
From lush cascades of fresh florals to minimalist arrangements of wildflowers, there are so many routes you can go when creating your bouquet. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know–including costs, stem count, how to make one, how to wrap it, and preservation tips.
What is a Bridal Bouquet?
The bridal bouquet is a hand-held floral arrangement the bride carries as she walks down the aisle. It serves both practical and symbolic purposes. Historically, it was meant to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. In some civilizations, the flowers and herbs symbolized happiness, fidelity, and fertility. Today, it has evolved into a statement piece that reflects the bride’s taste, the wedding theme, and, at times, the season of the celebration.
Types of Bridal Bouquets
Traditional Floral Bouquets
A traditional floral bouquet is what you’re most likely most familiar with. These bouquets are typically made from fresh flowers like roses, peonies, lilies, or tulips and are known for their classic look.
Image by In Bianco e Nero
Wildflower Bouquets
Wildflowers have become extremely popular over the past few years, so it’s no surprise that wildflower bouquets are becoming trendy. Perfect for rustic or outdoor weddings, these bouquets are less structured and often include a variety of colorful, seasonal flowers.
Recommended Reading: 40+ Wildflower Wedding Decor Ideas For Your Big Day
Image by Meredith Washburn
Greenery and Foliage Bouquets
Your bouquet doesn’t have to be made up of flowers. If you want to keep things minimalistic, consider a bouquet made of greenery like eucalyptus, monsteras, or ferns. They’re not only beautiful, but they are also budget-friendly and long-lasting.
Image by Silvia Falcomer
Non-Floral Bouquets
Some soon-to-be-wed couples opt for alternatives like paper flowers, fabric flowers, or even bouquets made of jewels, brooches, or feathers for a unique look. We’ve also seen parasols and singular flowers grow in popularity.
Image by EFEGE
Dried Flower Bouquets
If you’re hosting a boho celebration, dried flowers may make the perfect addition to your theme–think pampas grass, dried palms, etc. These bouquets can be kept indefinitely with minimal maintenance, and they can still come in a wide variety of colors (yes, that’s right–you can have dried florals that aren’t just brown).
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How Much Does a Bridal Bouquet Cost?
The price of a bridal bouquet can vary greatly depending on several factors, including:
Size and complexity
The more intricate and large the bouquet, the more expensive it will be. Bouquets with cascading flowers, exotic blooms, or complex arrangements will often cost more.
Flower type
Premium blooms like orchids, garden roses, or peonies tend to be more expensive, while seasonal and local flowers are generally more affordable. Roses and lilies are mid-range options, and wildflowers or daisies may be more budget-friendly.
Recommended Reading: Tips For Navigating Setting Up Your Wedding Floral Budget
Seasonality
Flowers that are out of season will generally be more costly because they have to be imported or grown in special conditions. If there’s a flower that you’ve always envisioned being a part of your day, a quick Google search can tell you when it’s in season to help you prep!
Geographical location
The cost of living in your area can also impact the price of a bridal bouquet. Florists in major cities or high-cost regions typically charge more than those in rural areas.
Average Costs by Bouquet Size:
- Small bouquets (e.g., single flower or few stems): $100–$150
- Medium bouquets (standard size for weddings): $150–$300
- Large, elaborate bouquets: $300–$500+
Junebug Tip:
If you want to save money on your florals, there are a couple of things you can do. As we mentioned earlier, if possible, use in-season flowers, as they are more readily available and typically cheaper. We also recommend opting for filler flowers and greenery (such as baby’s breath) to add volume without increasing the cost too much.
Image by Let’s Frolic Together
How to Make Your Own Bridal Bouquet
Making your own bridal bouquet is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding. It can also be an opportunity to bond with your wedding party. If this is something you are considering, you’re going to need the following materials:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fresh flowers (choose a mix of focal flowers, secondary flowers, and fillers)
- Foliage or greenery (like eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy)
- Floral tape
- Floral wire (optional, for reinforcing delicate stems)
- Ribbon or fabric for wrapping
- Scissors or pruning shears
- Floral pins (to secure the ribbon)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose Your Flowers: Select a mix of flowers based on your wedding colors, theme, and budget. You can typically find flowers in bulk in places like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club. A balanced bouquet typically includes:
- Focal Flowers: Larger blooms that catch the eye, like peonies or roses.
- Secondary Flowers: Smaller flowers like tulips or lisianthus that complement the focal blooms.
- Fillers: Greenery, baby’s breath, or smaller blooms to fill in gaps and add texture.
- Prepare the Flowers: Remove excess leaves and thorns from the stems. Trim the stems to your desired length, making sure to cut them at an angle, which allows for better water absorption and keeps the flowers fresh for longer.
- Arrange the Flowers: Start with one or two focal flowers and gradually add secondary flowers and greenery around them. Hold the stems loosely in your hand, turning the bouquet as you add more flowers to maintain balance. Adjust the placement of flowers as needed until you’re happy with the shape.
- Secure the Stems: Once satisfied with the arrangement, tightly bind the stems using floral tape. Start about 4-5 inches below the blooms and wrap downward.
- Wrap the Bouquet: Cover the floral tape with your chosen ribbon or fabric. Secure the ribbon with floral pins, hiding them neatly within the fabric.
- Final Touches: Leave some extra length at the bottom if you want a cascading ribbon. You can also add decorative pins, pearls, or small charms to customize your bouquet.
Junebug Tip:
While we’re forever advocates of DIY projects at weddings, we can’t recommend hiring a florist enough. They can help bring all of your flower dreams to life while also helping you remain within budget. They know how to take care of your flowers beforehand and throughout the celebration (which may seem easy but does require a lot of work), and they can help you cut costs without sacrificing your vision.
Image by Kate Merrill
How Many Stems Are Typically in a Bridal Bouquet?
The number of stems in a bridal bouquet depends on its size, style, and the type of flowers being used. Here are some general guidelines:
Small Bouquet
A small bouquet typically contains 10–15 stems. This is ideal for minimalist brides or those looking for a simple, understated look.
Medium Bouquet
A medium bouquet generally has 20–30 stems, which allows for a balanced mix of focal flowers, secondary blooms, and fillers. This is the most popular size for bridal bouquets.
Large Bouquet
A large bouquet can contain anywhere from 40 to 60 stems or more. These are often lush, full arrangements that make a dramatic statement, perfect for grand or formal weddings.
Keep in mind that larger flowers–like hydrangeas or peonies–take up more space, so fewer stems may be needed to create a full look, while smaller blooms like spray roses or daisies require more stems.
Image by Elissa Deline
How to Preserve Your Bridal Bouquet
After your wedding day, preserving your bouquet can be a meaningful way to keep a lasting memento. There are several methods you can choose from, each offering a different result.
Air Drying
This is one of the simplest and most popular methods. Simply hand the bouquet upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place, allow it to dry for about two to four weeks, and then spray with hairspray to preserve the shape and prevent crumbling.
Pressing Flowers
Pressing is a great option if you’d prefer a flat keepsake (which can be framed). Remove the flowers from the bouquet and lay them between two sheets of parchment paper, place the parchment paper between heavy books (or use a flower press), and wait for 2-3 weeks. They will then be ready to be framed or added to a scrapbook.
Professional Preservation
There are companies out there now that specialize in bouquet preservation, using advanced techniques like freeze-drying. These professionals can preserve your bouquet in a shadow box or encased in resin, which offers a more permanent and vibrant keepsake.
Recommended Reading: 5 Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet
Your bridal bouquet is just the beginning of your wedding flowers. To ensure that you have everything you need, we’ve put together a wedding flower checklist to incorporate florals throughout your day. And, of course, we can’t recommend a florist enough. To find the florist that’s going to help you make your flower dreams a reality, check out our directory of florists from around the world!
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