Your Guide To White Bridal Bouquets {Plus Inspiration Gallery}
Although I love designing with vibrant color, there is always something so elegant and timeless about a white wedding bouquet! Whether it’s a classic, pure white, round bouquet of garden roses, or a loose, organic, bouquet with hints of greenery and botanicals, there are a few things I always keep in mind when designing white wedding bouquets for my clients.
The Wedding Dress
When designing a wedding’s look and bouquet, my inspiration almost always begins with the wedding dress. The bride’s dress tells me so much about her personal style and the atmosphere that the couple is envisioning for their event. Is the dress straight out of a fairy tale? Or is it minimal, modern and streamlined? Is it ultra-traditional and sophisticated? Or does it have a relaxed and playful quality? The look of the bouquet should, most importantly, compliment the style of the woman.
In addition, the bouquet should also compliment the height of the bride and the scale of her gown. For example, if you’re wearing a full, voluminous ball gown, pairing it with a full, voluminous bouquet may overwhelm your look and draw attention away from your face. It may also feel overwhelming to you to have to manage a large skirt and large bouquet at the same time. In that case, consider a smaller and more compact bouquet to balance your look and keep the focus where it’s most important - on you!
Long, cascading bouquets tend to look great with taller brides wearing sleek column dresses or bias cut gowns. Loose, organic, hand-tied bouquets pair beautifully with wedding dresses that have medium volume skirts and soft textural details. There are no strict rules for bridal bouquets since every wedding is unique, but I always let the dress and the bride’s personal style guide my inspiration.
Bouquet Shape
The bouquet shape can impact what flowers I choose, and vice versa. If you know what bouquet shape you want, then be sure to choose blooms that will help you create the shape you’re envisioning. Don’t choose flowers that will fight against you!
For example, flowers that have a naturally round shape themselves, like roses, peonies and ranunculus, will help you create a round bouquet. They fit together nicely and can create the round, uniform look you’re going for.
If you know you want something looser or cascading, be sure to choose flowers and botanicals with varying shapes and lengths. Once you layer them together they will automatically create a more natural look. For example, in an organic style white spring bouquet I might incorporate flowers like white ranunculus, sweet peas, lisianthus, lilac or hellebore.
Here is a list of my go-to flowers for white wedding bouquets - you can use this a a reference when deciding which flowers will work best for you!
Helleborus
Garden Roses
Ranunculus
Peonies
Lily of the Valley
Hyacinth
White Scabiosa
Freesia
Tulips
Spray Roses
Flower Color
A white wedding bouquet doesn’t mean you can ONLY use pure white flowers. Little hints of color can set off the creamy white tones in your flowers and add extra dimension. Consider adding greenery, multiple shades of white blooms, or white flowers with delicately colored centers to add interest to your bouquet.
Flower Texture
Color isn’t the only thing that can add dimension to your bouquet - texture is one of the most important components in floral design! Think about the difference between an all-white bouquet made from sleek, sculptural orchids, or one made from soft, fluffy, open peonies. One creates a modern look and the other, more soft and delicate. Mixing multiple blooms together can create additional texture and give your eye more places to travel. In addition to your flowers, play with the textures of your finishing details like ribbon around the stems. Will you use shiny satin ribbon? Or how about a soft chiffon ribbon with an unfinished edge?
Here are some white wedding bouquets I’ve designed over the years. I hope they bring you inspiration! And to see how I create a white European style wedding bouquet, watch this wedding flower tutorial video!
PHOTOS BY: Jessica Claire Photography, Love and You Studios, Duke Images, Rene Zadori Photography, Katie Beverley, Kris Kan, Steve Steinhardt Photography, Armen Asadorian Photography, Sam Justice, Rich Chard, Amy and Stuart Photography
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