Types of Bouquets

Flowers are one of the most meaningful ways to send congratulations on an event or milestone. They instantly brighten your recipient’s day, causing a rush of pleasant emotions and making them feel cared for and appreciated.

A hand-tied bouquet is a classic choice that suits any occasion. Prioritize tight buds that will bloom as the others wilt to create a balanced and cohesive look.

Cascading Bouquet

Whether you choose long-stemmed blooms like hydrangeas and roses or delicate petals such as gardenia and double petal hellebore, a cascading bouquet creates a natural trail of flowers that drapes down the bride’s hand. Add a touch of romance with long streamers of silk ribbon or lace tied to the stems of the bouquet for an extra-special effect.

Cascading bouquets are perfect for rustic wedding themes and summery or fall colors. For this romantic bouquet by Mindy Rice Design, a mix of peonies, tulips, ranunculus and anemones spilled over an array of greenery and berries.

Orchids are the ultimate showstopper for any bouquet, but they also look great in cascading designs. For this modern arrangement, phalaenopsis orchids give height while lilacs and tulips add color.

Dark jewel tones, like burgundy and amethyst, are dramatic on their own, but they really stand out in cascading arrangements. For this opulent bouquet by Bows + Arrows, clematis, scabiosa, and California poppies were added for texture and color.

Nosegay Bouquet

Also known as a tussie mussie or nosegay, this small handheld bouquet features a cluster of flowers and greenery that is tied with ribbon or lace. This floral grouping is the smallest of all the bouquet types and is ideal for bridesmaids, flower girls and the mother of the bride.

A posy is a classic round bridal bouquet that usually consists of one type of bloom, or blooms with a very similar color and texture. The blooms are tightly packed in a dome shape and the stems are all cut to the same length.

While this bouquet style is more formal than a cascading or a biedermeier bouquet, a posy can veer glam with certain flowers like dahlias and extra-large peonies. And, Sisti notes, a posy is a great option for brides who are looking for a budget-friendly choice that will still deliver that oh-so-important big bouquet moment.

Presentation Bouquet

Often referred to as the nosegay or tussle-mussie bouquet, this style is a small and compact hand-held bouquet that usually features a few larger, focal flowers surrounded by filler flowers and framed with greenery. The flowers are typically bound together and tied tightly to create a neat, small and simple look.

This modern sheath spray combines 18 calla lilies in your choice of color with a luscious ribbon skirt and aspidistra leaf.

Pageant bouquets are a great option for brides who want to incorporate their wedding florals with meaningful foliage. They are typically shorter in height and veer towards being asymmetrical, so one side of the bouquet may have more of a major accent than the other.

For instance, this dreamy winter-inspired pageant bouquet by Magdalen Hill features chinese evergreens, chincerinchee, tweedia, Bells of Ireland, freesia, ranunculas and cascading pampas grass. The result is a swoon-worthy display that would work well for a spring, summer or winter wedding.

Biedermeier Bouquet

Named after a specific style of furniture from 19th century Europe, this floral arrangement is a round bouquet with concentric circles of different flower colors. The colors can fade into one another or be sharply contrasting, depending on the desired look. This is a great option for a bride who wants to make a bold statement with her bouquet.

To make this bouquet, first trim the stems to a uniform length and remove any excess foliage. Next, begin arranging by choosing the first type of flower and tightly packing it around the center, securing it with floral tape. Then, choose a second type of flower and add it to the bouquet in an even circle around the first flowers. Continue alternating between the two types of flowers until you have reached your desired size for the bouquet.

Finally, wrap the bouquet with a ribbon or piece of fabric in a color that matches your wedding theme. This not only finishes off the bouquet but also provides a comfortable grip for holding.