You've found the perfect wedding color scheme. You've nailed down everything from bridesmaid dresses to shoes. What about wedding bouquets, though? It's easy to forget about wedding florals until you're quickly approaching the big day. While it's true that you can't plan too far ahead as flowers are typically picked up or delivered on the big day, it's never too early to start gathering wedding bouquet ideas!

Before you commit to your wedding floral look, think about your wedding aesthetic. Consider the season, venue, wedding attire, and the price you are willing to spend. Speaking of price, you'll need to determine whether or not you want to opt for real flowers or an alternative. There is no right or wrong answer, but consider the following:

• Who needs flowers? Hint: more than just the wedding party!
• How many arrangements will you need? You may want potted arrangements for the ceremony, bridesmaids bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages (typically for close relatives such as mothers or grandmothers).  
•  What blooms? This one is especially important if you live in a climate with all four seasons! Out of season or rare blooms may cost more, but can be absolutely stunning.
• Any allergies? You and your wedding party will be holding/wearing flowers most of the day. No one wants to be sneezing and running for the tissues during picture time!
• Preservation - Consider how you want to keep your flowers after the wedding. Preserving a real bouquet is a great option, but obviously it won't look exactly as it did on the big day. Eco Flowers or silk arrangements will look as "fresh" in ten years as they did on your wedding day.

Whims and Joy Photography 

 

Finding a Wedding Florist 

Once you've determined which type of flowers you love, it's time to consult a florist who can arrange your florals - faux or real. There are many options when it comes to choosing a wedding florist. You may have a crafty friend or relative who has experience creating beautiful arrangements, or you may turn to a floral service that caters specifically to weddings. Don't be afraid to shop chain stores, too. Hyvee, Whole Foods, Michael's, and other large retailers offer affordable options and  are often available on holidays if needed. 

Schedule a consultation with a florist before jumping in to a contract. Be sure to bring lots of inspiration photos to show your florist! Consider creating a mood board or saving some photos on Pinterest or Instagram. Even if you don't know the names of the plants and elements you want to include, showing your florist some inspirational photos will help them determine what to create. 

Your florist will most likely mock up an arrangement for you during your consultation. This is your time to speak up and ask lots of questions! If you feel that this sample is missing something or have questions about how to transport and care for flowers, ask now. You'll also want to go over the contract in detail with your florist so you know exactly how pick up or delivery will go and can discuss all of the wedding day details without missing anything. 

Flow Event Group

Now that you're a pro at wedding flower research, it's time to get inspired! Check out some of our favorite wedding bouquets to get ideas for the big day.

Whether you're opting for silk or eco-flowers or sticking with traditional fresh blooms, these stunning wedding party bouquets are sure to spark inspiration. Figuring out what your bridal and bridesmaid bouquets will look like will also help you gain ideas for men's boutonnieres and other wedding decorations.

Photo: Russell Heeter Photography

Floral: Heather Huyen Pham

Cara and Curtis featured peach and coral hues along with succulents in their wedding flowers. The pink and peach tones perfectly complimented the Sage green bridesmaid dresses!

Photo: Hello Dolly Photography

Floral: Bloom Floral

Cassie and Phillip's peacock themed wedding was flawlessly executed. Everything from the bridesmaids' dresses to the ribbons on the bouquets and boutonnières were peacock colors. If you have a specific color or theme in mind you may want to consider dyeing flowers!

Photography: Empiria Studios

Floral: Shoots and Stems Floral

Stumped when it comes to winter wedding flowers? Maggie and Patrick opted for elegant white florals with subtle blue burrs and greenery that coordinated perfectly with Slate Blue Iris bridesmaid dresses. It is totally possible to achieve lush bridal party bouquets in the winter months, but be sure to research in-season options to make sure you are able to get the flowers you like. 

Photography: Justina Louise

Floral: Dickenson Floral

Simple white roses and silver dollar eucalyptus is a combo that never goes out of style. Nicole and Andrew's wedding featured many classic elements from blush lace bridesmaid dresses to romantic rose bouquets. 

Photography: Samantha Lynn Photography

Floral: Flowers Plus

Get creative by combining blooms! Chris and Kara's wedding featured succulent bouquets with a mix of wildflowers and greenery. Eclectic flowers are an easy way to accent more modest bridesmaid dresses like Sienna.

Photography: Saje Photography 

Floral: Evening Star Customer Designs 

Blush bridesmaid dresses make choosing bridal party bouquets a breeze since there are so many pink hues found in nature! Some simple pink blooms with fluffy white roses make for the perfect wedding flowers. 

Photography: Iris Studios

Floral: Artemisia Studios

This styled shoot featured yet another gorgeous winter wedding bouquet option! Burgundy blooms complimented the Bordeaux bridesmaid dresses perfectly. Winter wedding tip: eucalyptus keeps well and can easily be added to any wedding decor or flowers to add some life!

Photography: Sophisticated Grace

Floral: Simple Joys - Flowers for Life 

Who says city weddings can't be green? Danielle and Steve featured lots of classic greenery in their bouquets and decorations which added a cool contrast to their metro venue. White flowers with a pop of color are a good way to make the bride stand out when opting for simple wedding flowers. How pretty are simple flowers against mismatched Slate bridesmaid gowns?

Photography: Felicia the Photographer 

Floral: Dawn Marti

Megan and Jake's wedding featured pink and Burgundy wedding bouquets. We love a good pop of pink combined with Bordeaux bridesmaid dresses - definitely a bouquet you'll want to preserve! 

Photography: Flow Event Group

Floral: Lilia Flower Boutique 

If you or your bridesmaids are wearing simple, sleek dresses, consider unique bridal party bouquets like this one! Combine different types of florals, greenery, and other natural elements like this Great Lakes bride!

Choosing the perfect wedding bouquets isn't as daunting as it may seem. Try to find inspiration all around you! Take photos of a community garden near you or make a visit to your local conservatory. Bonus points for reading the informational signs and learning about the plants you're looking at!

Are you more attracted to a classic white rose bouquet or are you inspired to try something more eclectic? Got any ideas for other wedding decor? Leave us a comment to let us know!