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Everything to Know About Your Bridal Bouquet

October 3, 2024 | riley
bridal bouquet hero

Image by Na Lia Weddings

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.

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

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.

greenery bridal bouquet

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.

wedding bouquet alternatives

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).

dried bridal bouquet

Image by Cinema Wedding

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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

bridal bouquets

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.

DIY wedding bouquet

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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This Alaskan Elopement Theme Was “Coffee for a Lifetime” and We Couldn’t Love it More

October 2, 2024 | justine

Ayla and Jake’s Alaskan elopement was simple and meaningful, just like their relationship. After getting engaged, they imagined different places for their wedding but realized the perfect spot was right in front of them—on the bluff where they live in Wasilla, Alaska. With stunning views of the inlet and mountains and a place they often visited for adventures and sunsets, it felt right. They wanted to say their vows somewhere they could see every day, sipping coffee together, and they made it happen in the most beautiful way.

The couple started their day in their cozy home, sharing breakfast and coffee. Their closest family gathered to send them off, and during the ceremony, they exchanged vows by the fire, surrounded by a few of their favorite people as witnesses. The day ended with everyone they loved gathered in their living room, eating cake and popping champagne, as the house filled with love and joy, marking the start of their new life together as husband and wife.

Their intimate elopement came together easily, full of love, and now they can always return to the place where they promised forever. If you dream of saying “I do” in a stunning, secluded spot surrounded by breathtaking scenery, check out these gorgeous photos captured by the talented Junebug vendor Chelsa Jay.

The Couple:

Ayla and Jake

The Wedding:

Wasilla, Alaska

Celebrating Forever Right in Their Snowy Backyard: How Their Alaskan Elopement Came To Be

After we got engaged, we imagined different places for the ceremony—a mountaintop or the spot of our first date. But then we realized the perfect place had been right in front of us all along. Living on a bluff in Wasilla, Alaska, our front porch looks out onto the inlet and a majestic mountain view. A few months before the wedding, Jake started taking snow machine trips to the inlet, where we’d have fires, enjoy sunset views, and spend time together with our little family. We knew this was where we wanted to promise our lives to each other—a place we could visit often and see every morning while sipping coffee in our living room. Our intimate elopement came together effortlessly, filled with joy and love. We’re grateful to reminisce and visit the exact spot where we said our vows whenever we like. The theme of our ceremony, officiated by a dear friend, was “coffee for a lifetime.” We wanted to make the moment last forever, and what better place than our own front yard? That’s right—our small wedding took place just a three-minute snowmobile ride from our porch. Surrounded by close family and friends, we left the rest of the world behind, if only for the night. Our tiny “backyard wedding” came together with a little family, a few friends, and lots of love!

Embracing Their New Family with Vows, Promises, and a Shared Future

During our ceremony, we exchanged vows while cozied up by the fire, surrounded by a few of our favorite people. We spoke from the heart, focusing on creating a strong foundation for our marriage, family, and future children. I surprised Jake by not only sharing my vows with him but also making promises to his daughter, Alma. Jake then placed a ring engraved with Alma’s name on my finger. At that moment, our little family of three became one.

How Their First Dance Song Became a Special Tribute to Their Baby Boy

“Banks” by Needtobreathe was our first dance song and holds an incredibly special meaning for us. Now, we enjoy our morning coffee with our precious 5-month-old baby boy, Banks LJ Wade. Even before we met him, he was a part of our wedding day. There’s something so special about cozying up with your fiancé on a snow machine as you ride out to get married. We were truly living the moments we had both been praying for.

Personalized Moments and Cherished Memories at Their Alaskan elopement

We’re most proud that throughout the process, we stayed focused on each other and our love, making the day even more perfect than we’d dreamed. The smiles, the flower crown, and how all the little moments came together were just incredible. After our elopement at the inlet, we walked up the stairs into our living room to be greeted by our parents, who watched the ceremony through binoculars and welcomed us with deep, thankful hearts. We celebrated together with a toast. Every detail of our wedding was personalized; even the unplanned moments felt like signs that we had truly found our forever in each other.

A Perfect Ending to Their Intimate Alaskan Elopement

We woke up in our cozy home and shared breakfast and coffee before our intimate elopement, which was just a short distance away. One of our closest friends officiated the ceremony and also did Ayla’s makeup and hair in our living room, which overlooks the inlet where we got married. Our closest family gathered to see us off, and our parents were waiting at home for us after we exchanged our vows. When we returned, we celebrated in our living room, enjoying cake and champagne. Our home was filled with love and joy as we began our new life together as husband and wife.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Chelsa Jay
Floral Design – The Teal Door
Cake – Leisl Jane
Officiant + Makeup Artist – Chantel Baldwin
Wedding Dress – Dalliance Gown Rentals

 

Congratulations to Ayla and Jake on their unforgettable Alaskan elopement. Junebug vendor Chelsa Jay deserves a huge thank you for capturing every moment of this sweet, snowy adventure. To see more meaningful celebrations like this, check out her profile in our directory of the world’s best photographers.

After checking out these amazing photos, you might be ready to plan your own elopement—and who could blame you? To get the ball rolling, take a look at our guide for planning an intimate special day you’ll remember forever.

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This Pastel 16TULUM Wedding Brought a Garden Party to Mexico

September 30, 2024 | justine

Ashton and Alec envisioned a vibrant spring garden for their big day, inspired by their love for nature’s beauty. They wanted a celebration that felt both elegant and intimate, filled with lush florals that captured this dream. To escape the city’s hustle, they chose a serene, scenic venue in Mexico, offering the perfect backdrop. With soft neutral tones accented by rich, deep colors and the expert touch of Junebug vendor Pride Maya Weddings, they flawlessly brought their vision to life in a stunning pastel 16TULUM wedding.

The celebration dazzled from start to finish with stunning details. The ceremony featured eye-catching asymmetrical pillars, making their vows even more special. For the reception, they set up a lounge area with colorful furniture accents. To end the night, they brought the fun with an LED dance floor and a DJ playing electronic music. They cleverly alternated between fun and romantic vibes throughout the wedding, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging.

This stunning celebration perfectly intertwined their love story with the breathtaking natural backdrop, resulting in an unforgettable event. Get ready to be amazed by the exquisite details, all expertly captured by Beatatum Photography.

The Couple:

Ashton and Alec

The Wedding:

16TULUM, Tulum Centro, Mexico

Highlights from Their Pastel 16TULUM Wedding

Ashton: It’s hard to choose just one favorite moment, but the ceremony stands out the most. Walking down the aisle surrounded by my closest friends and family was incredibly special. Seeing my husband under the rainbow flower arch at the end made me so happy. The reception was another highlight. The decor, venue, and food were perfect, and the flowers and lights matched our guests’ outfits beautifully, making it all feel like a movie scene. 
Alec: The most memorable part for me was the first look and sharing our private vows. It was an emotional experience to see the love of my life and start our journey together. Although Ashton looks beautiful every day, when I turned around, I thought she looked absolutely magical in her dress.

Tips for a Smooth Wedding Planning

We recommend hiring a wedding planner, even if you’re super organized. Be clear about your wants and ask plenty of questions. We started planning a year ahead, and our ideas evolved, so sharing those changes with your planner is key. They can help adjust plans and find the best vendors. Remember, not everything will go perfectly, but sometimes the best memories come from things that don’t go as planned, so try not to stress. Also, a realistic budget should be set, and one person should manage it to keep spending on track.

The Perfect Blend of Decor and Music

We’re most proud of how all the little details came together to make everything run smoothly and beautifully for us and our guests. The decor, music, and refreshments complemented each other perfectly, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Ashton was incredibly proud of not crying during the wedding—she usually tears up when she sees other couples’ wedding photos and videos.

The Importance of Communication and Vision

The key to planning our wedding was finding the right wedding planner, especially since the event was overseas. We needed someone great at communication, execution, vision, and planning. Once we had that, we were confident the wedding would be amazing, no matter what. We focused on the most important aspects and adjusted the rest of our plans to fit our budget. For the remaining funds, we looked for ways to save and considered DIY options to stay within our financial limits.

How Their Pastel 16Tulum Wedding Came to Be 

We chose 16Tulum because we wanted an intimate spot for our guests to enjoy the wedding weekend. We loved that the venue captured the Tulum vibe inside and was close to everything we needed after the wedding. The venue staff were responsive and friendly, which was a big plus. Finally, we wanted the space to have a spring garden feel, and 16Tulum perfectly matched that aesthetic.

DIY Name Tag Keychains That Doubled as Favors

We used an acrylic printer to make our own name tag keychains for the dinner seating. We also created the wedding invitations and menus at home, drawing design inspiration from YouTube.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Beatatum Photography
Event Planning – Pride Maya Weddings
Venue – 16Tulum
Floral Design – Grisel Serrano Florals
Catering – Hoja Santa
DJ – Uno Audiovisual
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – PrepTulum
Wedding Dress – Netta BenShabu
Accessories + Rings – Cartier
Groom’s Apparel – Suitsupply

 

Congratulations to Ashton and Alec on their pastel 16Tulum wedding, which brought a charming garden party vibe to Mexico. A big thanks to Beatatum Photography for capturing all the exquisite details, and a special shout-out to Junebug vendor Pride Maya Weddings for helping make their vision come to life. To see more of their amazing work, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding planners.

The florals and color palette at Ashton and Alec’s wedding perfectly brought their garden party theme to life, blending soft pastels with rich hues for a stunning effect. If you’re looking for more ideas for your own event, our florals and color palette guides offer plenty of tips and inspiration to help you create your dream look.

Sponsors
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