Yesterday I had lunch at a restaurant in Caramagna Piemonte, and in the room next to ours a wedding was being celebrated.
During one of my breaks, encouraged by the beautiful sunshine, I stepped outside to enjoy the lake and take a short walk.
Not far away, the bride had gathered some friends for the bouquet toss. The scene was lovely, but it made me think about how the bouquet has always been an essential element for any bride.
When people picture a bride, they usually imagine the white dress with a veil.
In reality, a bride’s dress can have different shapes and colors depending on her style, and veils are used less and less. But the bouquet is always there.
So I asked myself why this is so, and especially which flowers are used in the different seasons.
Here are the answers I found after a few interviews.
Index
The Bridal Bouquet
The bouquet is a floral arrangement and represents one of the essential elements of the bride’s entire look.
Tradition says that the bouquet is meant to pass from hand to hand three times.
The groom will have it delivered to the bride.
After the ceremony, she will give it to a lucky friend through the famous bouquet toss, which is believed to reveal the next woman who will get married.
However, we all know that despite the groom’s good intentions, the bride is always the one who chooses the bouquet—its flowers, colors, and shape.
The groom must not and cannot know the details of the dress the bride will be wearing.
Which Flowers for the Bouquet?
Choosing the right bouquet means considering the bride’s physique as well as the style and color of her wedding dress.
A bouquet is made of several flowers, but one is always the predominant flower.
The quality and color of this main flower often inspire the design and color palette of many wedding decorations.
For instance, the chosen color theme can be echoed in the flowers used for table arrangements and the wedding venue.
The same type of flower may be used for floral decorations in the church or to adorn the wedding car.
Do not forget that the bridesmaids should carry smaller bouquets than the bride.
The remaining flowers are used to complete the composition, creating a unique floral arrangement.
Bridal Bouquet: Flowers and Seasons
Each season has its own flowers.
The time of year is crucial in determining which seasonal flowers to use for the bouquet.
Spring Seasonal Flowers:
- cherry blossoms
- pear blossoms
- almond and quince blossoms
- magnolias in soft shades
- mimosa and forsythia in bright yellow
- vibrant clusters of rhododendrons
Summer Seasonal Flowers:
Dahlia, Gardenia, and Gerbera are three of the most commonly used summer wedding flowers.
Sunflowers create an impressive visual effect during the warm season, as do delphinium spikes in white, pink, and blue.
A delicate and elegant bride may opt for a bouquet of summer flowers such as Lily, Daisy, and Orchid.
For those who prefer a countryside feel, Hydrangea, Poppy, and Peony are perfect choices.
Autumn Seasonal Flowers:
- oak foliage
- blue maples
- hydrangeas
- daisies
- snapdragons
- Japanese ranunculus
- holm oaks
- beech leaves
- bright viburnum berries
- hypericum
- strawberry trees
- pomegranates
- ornamental cherry
- cascades of Virginia creeper
- dahlias
Winter Seasonal Flowers:
- berries
- camellias
- small white sarcococca flowers with a vanilla scent
- hellebore or Christmas rose
- winter jasmine, along with ivy and holly
- poinsettia
These are just a few tips for future brides. I always recommend having a good chat with an experienced florist, who will be able to suggest the most suitable solution.
Remember: the bouquet is not just an accessory. In its colors, fragrance, and choice of flowers, it captures the essence of the most important day of your life.
This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)
