Top Picks for Bridal Bouquet. Not Just Another Pretty Flower

A bridal bouquet must be and do many things. It must be beautiful. It must be exactly what the bride wants. It must match or coordinate fabulously with the wedding gown, plus it must work with the dresses the bridesmaids wear and the flowers they carry. And, this is very important: When the bride tosses the bouquet, it must hold together and sail with grace and flair into the arms of the girl who’ll be next down the aisle.

So, how do we get that combination of strength and beauty? The Place for Flowers’ owner, floral designer Taylor O’Shields, says to start with a nice mix of flowers that have thick, sturdy stems. Roses or calla lilies, for example, will create a strong foundation for the bouquet. Then more delicate flowers such as sweet peas, hydrangeas, ranunculus, and many others can be included for their shape, their color, or to add texture to the arrangement.

Bonus: A bride can sometimes be a little nervous. A foundation of strong-stemmed flowers will give her something both sturdy and lovely to hold on to as she walks toward the altar with the confidence that she truly feels. ~JSC