Buttons, Beads and Broaches
Beautiful flowers can add a special touch to any wedding. Brides are looking for new ways to make their bouquets more than a simple cluster of roses. Bouquets have evolved over time; today, cascading, wispy flowers are very popular. These elaborate bouquets can be traced back to the 1920s when large "shower" bouquets were all the rage. "I am starting to see more brides interested in long, thin cascades of flowers that fall almost to the floor. This is a big trend on the West coast, going back to the more traditional ways women carried their bouquets in the past," says Jenny Thomasson of Stems florist. When it comes time to design your bouquet, try adding non-traditional items such as beads, long grasses, trailing vines, cascading flowers and colorful wires. These items can make your bouquet a work of art that reflects your personal style.
Gems and Beads
Adding gems and beads to flowers is a new trend onto which brides are quickly catching. Martha Abbott of Floral Accents creates custom beads for each bouquet. "We can coordinate the beads in the bouquet to match accents on the bride's gown or even her jewelry," says Mary Ann Vest of Floral Memories and More, who uses Abbott's custom beads in her arrangements. Pearls are also elegant and can be scattered throughout the bouquet on long strands or added to the center of each flower.
Jewelry and Buttons
The old saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" still influences many women when they are planning their weddings. One way to incorporate family heritage is to add to your bouquet broaches or other jewelry that has sentimental value. These can be nestled in the flowers or attached to the wrap at the bottom of the bouquet. Ornate buttons can also be sewn onto wraps, making the bouquet a more personal reminder of your day.
Grasses, Vines and Ivy
Incorporating more greenery in bouquets is also popular. Thomasson has even seen bouquets where green was the only color used. She suggests a choice of calla lilies and grasses for a new and different bouquet, and says that grass or leaves can even be used instead of fabric for wrapping the stems of the bouquet. "I had one bride ask that we make the grasses in her bouquet look like fireworks," says Vest.
Wraps
Wraps add a unique touch to any bouquet. Items with sentimental value can be attached to the stems. You can have your wrap simply tied or intricately braided around the bouquet. According to Thomasson, florists use fabric from old wedding dresses to create wraps for brides' bouquets. She suggests that bridesmaids use the shawl from their dress, if it is not being worn, to make wraps for their bouquets.
Wire
Different types of wire in every color can be wound through bouquets for a wild and different look. "If the bride has gold or silver stitching or accents on her gown, we can create matching wire in the bouquet," says Thomasson. Wire can also be matched to the color of the flowers in brides' or bridesmaids' bouquets.
Making Your Bouquet Into a Keepsake
Although it is inconvenient to dry a large bouquet, there are ways to make your bouquet last a lifetime. Vest also suggests that brides and bridesmaids take the beads and ribbons from their flowers and make them into Christmas ornaments, which can serve as treasured reminders for years to come.
Inspiration for bouquets can be found everywhere. Browse online picture galleries, magazines and displays at bridal shows for ideas. Don't forget to take into account the theme and location for your wedding, too. Whatever you choose to add to your bouquet, make sure it reflects you and is something you will be able to remember forever.
