The trend these days in bridal bouquets is small and tailored in bright colors that match the general theme of the wedding, but if you want to carry a long trailing mass of lilies and carnations, you should do exactly as you please. One of the most beautiful old photographs we found and one reason it’s such a great photo  is that big beautiful bouquet.

Lily of the valley and orange blossoms, roses and orchids in long cascading bouquets were the style set by royalty for many years. Recent trends toward simpler, more compact bouquets are certainly more cost effective and still beautiful, but that long trailing bouquet is just awesome.

Bridesmaids’ bouquets are often just smaller versions of the bride’s flowers, with colors coordinated with their gowns. Often the bride’s
bouquet has her “colors” in it while the bridesmaids, often already dressed in those colors, carry white flowers. You can do this as you see fit. If white  on white for yourself reflects your style, then the bridesmaids can carry something more colorful.

Tall brides can carry large blossoms like sunflower shorter brides might want to stick with rosebuds and baby’s breath. Consider the style of your dress when choosing your bouquet. A ball gown looks good with a round bouquet. A-line dresses are complemented by more irregular, trailing bouquet Sheath dresses look pretty when accompanied by large single flowers or loose arrangements.

As you walk down the aisle carrying your bouquet, consider how it will look to your guests. You don’t want to show them a bunch of stems. Point the bouquet forward, and wrap the stems in ribbon or some tulle to hide the blunt ends. If you wish to carry a Bible or prayer book, keep the arrangement simple by carrying a single white or red rose with it.

The flower girl is an integral part of many weddings. You don’t see her strewing petals as she walks down the aisle so much these days, but that was her original purpose: to spread the bride’s path with flower petals. It’s a tradition you might want to try resurrecting for your wedding. At a recent wedding, the pair of flower girls were so enthusiastic in performing their petal sprinkling duties that the priest congratulated them on a job well done, creating a memorable moment of laughter among the guests. Let the petals fall!