Schulz Photography

The tradition that the bride should carry a bouquet of flowers is still in force today. And although until a few years ago it was common for her to throw it among the unmarried women, because whoever took it would be the next to get married, today it is possible to give it directly to a special person, or to give it through various dynamics.

But, what is the meaning of the bride's bouquet? The history goes back to the Middle Ages, when the guests used to tear off pieces of the bride's dress as a sign of good luck, but over time this was replaced by a bouquet of flowers, which was also a symbol of fertility.

If you are already dreaming about yours, but many ideas invade your mind, here you will find answers to all your questions; from styles and prices, even ways to keep it after marriage.

Styles of bridal bouquets

Francisca Perez Flowers

What is the best bridal bouquet? The 10 points not to fail? The truth is that none holds that title, since there is an ideal bouquet for each type of fiancée. However, to find it you will have to be attentive to the different factors.

Depending on the marriage

Just like your wedding dress, the bouquet of flowers will be must be in keeping with the type of celebration Therefore, the first step is to define whether it will be a country, bohemian, romantic, minimalist, vintage, glamorous, eco-friendly or urban wedding, among other trends.

For example, if you are getting married in the countryside, a rustic arrangement with wild flowers will be a good choice, while for a bohemian one, olive or eucalyptus leaves will decorate any arrangement.

On the other hand, roses are a must in a romantic wedding, as well as calla lilies in a minimalist-inspired one. But if you are planning a vintage or glamorous celebration, you can always incorporate eye-catching details to your bouquet, such as brooches, pearls or feathers.

Now, if you want to surprise with an original arrangement for an eco-friendly ceremony, browse among natural bridal bouquets with succulents. Or on the contrary, if you plan an urban chic wedding, a bouquet with black and white silk flowers will steal all eyes.

According to the season

But in addition to being guided by the style of marriage, you can also it is important to take into account the season There are flowers that are typical of each season in Chile.

For example, marigolds, magnolias and chrysanthemums are typical of autumn. Daffodils, Persian violets and allelis are for the winter season. Peonies, hydrangeas and jasmines bloom in spring, while calla lilies, daisies and sunflowers are characteristic of summer.

If you choose a seasonal flower, you can take advantage of its color to combine other elements of the wedding decoration, such as tablecloths and garlands. For example, give a touch of yellow to your summer wedding, if you choose a bouquet of sunflowers. Or choose the centerpieces in burgundy, if you choose a bouquet of chrysanthemums in that shade.

However, there are also flowers that you will find all year round in Chile, such as roses, orchids, lilies and astromelias, among other species.

It is worth noting that, due to availability, a bouquet with seasonal and timeless flowers will be more economical than one with flowers that are not typical of the season, and seasonal flowers will resist perfectly to the temperatures that will dominate your big day.

Depending on the bride's outfit

Although there are no rules, since the right one will be the bouquet you fall in love with, your wedding dress can also guide you at some points.

For example, if you are wearing a voluminous princess cut design, a round or oval bouquet will stand out above others, while simple bridal bouquets with long stems are perfect for mermaid or straight silhouette dresses.

Cascading bouquets, on the other hand, stand out in A-line or empire-cut bridal gowns, while asymmetrical arrangements harmonize better with simple dresses with little volume.

But whatever bouquet you choose, especially if it will be XL, make sure that when you carry it, it does not excessively cover the details of your outfit.

And with regard to colour, you can always combine the bouquet with the accessories of your outfit, but not only when choosing the same flowers for the headdress or crown you will wear in your hair. For example, select a bouquet with fuchsia flowers, if you will wear shoes in that vibrant shade. Or opt for a bouquet with blue flowers, if you will wear a set of sapphire jewellery.

Now, if you want to match your partner, select the flowers only once you know what color suit or accessories your groom will be wearing.

For convenience

Since you'll be carrying it throughout the ceremony and then posing for photos, it's important that the bouquet you choose is you find it comfortable and easy to handle .

That's why, when quoting the different bouquets, make sure that it is not too heavy for you. If you are a short or slim bride, you should ideally go for a floral arrangement that is light.

Or, if you're wearing a dress with a long train or veil that requires you to constantly adjust them, perhaps the best option is to choose an arrangement that allows you more mobility.

For example, bouquets of type pomander which are flower spheres, practical and adaptable to all styles, which incorporate a ribbon or pearl strap to carry it as if it were a small handbag. You can choose between a bridal bouquet with natural flowers or with artificial flowers, in the following formats pomander .

However, if you want to leave both your hands free, then your best alternative will be a bouquet corsage which is nothing more than a flower arrangement that is placed on the wrist, as if it were a bracelet. The corsages can be discreet or showy, with natural or artificial flowers.

More options? In the line of the bouquets full comfortable, the following also stand out hoop bouquets These are circular bouquets that are mounted on a metal, wood or bamboo hoop. The floral arrangements occupy half of the circumference, while they can be carried by hand or even slung over the shoulder.

But there are also the so-called presentation or pageant bridal bouquets, which are those made with long stem flowers, which are held resting on the forearm. Ideal for lovers of maxi arrangements.

Flowers for the bridal bouquet

Milan Flowers

Once you have a clearer idea about the style of bouquet you are looking for, you will have to define its composition. What kind of flowers are used at a wedding? One type or a floral mix? What color should the bride's bouquet be?

To clear all your doubts, check this list with the most demanded flowers in wedding arrangements and their main colors.

• Roses With their velvety texture and intoxicating aroma, roses are classic, elegant and romantic, so they will delight the most traditional brides. White, red and pink roses stand out among the favorites.
• Peonies Peonies are sweet, pompous and fragrant, and are usually chosen in pastel colors, such as cream, pale pink, vanilla or lilac, which is why peonies are very suitable for vintage-inspired brides.
• Paniculatas The small flowers of this plant, also called "bridal veil", are usually white and look good on their own or as a complement to other species. Because they look as if they have just been cut, paniculata bouquets are ideal for country, bohemian or hippie chic brides.
• Cleats These slender, sober and sophisticated flowers with long stems and soft texture are perfect for minimalist bouquets. They are available in many colors, but white flowers are undoubtedly the favorite of brides and grooms.
• Carnations These aromatic flowers, with scalloped petals, tend to conquer brides who prefer outdoor ceremonies, being very versatile and appearing in multiple colors, such as red, pink, yellow, purple, white and even mixed. A bouquet of coral carnations, for example, will be a success in a wedding in front of the sea.
• Daisies For those who are looking for discreet and delicate bouquets with a country air, daisies will be an excellent choice, and they combine very well with craspedias and green foliage.
• Sunflowers On the contrary, if what you want is a country bouquet with large flowers, sunflowers will be the best choice. With their intense yellow colour and thick stems, sunflowers are perfect for summer weddings.
• Jasmines fragrant, silky in texture and small in size, jasmine is a great alternative for a discreet bridal bouquet, for example, for an intimate civil ceremony. In their characteristic white colour, they exude elegance and purity.
• Hydrangeas hydrangeas: one of the few flowers you will find in blue tones, hydrangeas stand out among the favourites, but they are also very popular in pastel colours. These flowers will make you fall in love with their simple elegance.
• Orchids Orchids: distinguished and captivating, orchids are ideal for making asymmetrical or cascading bridal bouquets. The favorites are white, although they are also sought after in purple or burgundy.
• Lavender Lavender flowers, characteristic for their colour, are small, fresh and aromatic and can create beautiful arrangements either alone or mixed together. Lavender bouquets are very popular with rustic or bohemian brides.
• Lilies Also called lilies, these showy flowers, in white or pastel colours, will seduce the most romantic brides. Combined with smaller species, they are ideal for making cascading arrangements.

While some will opt for bouquets with a single type of flower, whether romantic bouquets of pink peonies or bright arrangements with yellow calla lilies, others will prefer to choose more than one species to show off at their wedding, for example, an elegant bouquet with red roses and white lilies, or a springtime bouquet with multicolored hydrangeas and paniculata.

Bridal bouquet prices

Nelson Galaz

Who buys the bride's bouquet? Traditionally, it is the bride herself who is in charge of this item, so it is advisable to determine a budget before starting to look. But, how much does the bridal bouquet cost? There are several factors that influence when quoting floral arrangements for the big day.

Among them, if the flowers chosen are seasonal or not, a bouquet with flowers that can be found all year round or during the season in which they are ordered, will be more economical than a bouquet with flowers out of season and, therefore, that have to be imported.

But the composition of the bouquet will also have an influence, since the bigger and more elaborate the bouquet, the more expensive it will be and vice versa.

And at this point it will be decisive if the arrangement includes a single type of flower or if it combines several species, taking into account that personalized details, such as satin ribbons or cameos, also increase the price.

If you are looking for bridal bouquets with natural flowers Prices start at $25,000 for simple arrangements with seasonal flowers, while the most expensive ones, either for their complex compositions, exotic flowers or additional details, can reach $120,000.

In addition, some suppliers include in the price a smaller replica of the bouquet, so that the bride can keep hers and the other one can throw it among her guests, or a boutonniere for the groom to match the bouquet for the same price.

In any case, the standard values for bridal bouquets are around Between $40,000 and $80,000 including bouquets with dried flowers, preserved flowers, freeze-dried flowers or artificial flowers.

Consult the promotions in flower shops

How to purchase the bouquet

La Negrita Photography

Where to buy bridal bouquets? Start by checking online catalogs, compare prices, read comments from other brides and make a note of those suppliers that fit what you are looking for. You can check our directory of suppliers for those florists that best suit your area, taste and budget.

Then, make contact with those you have selected, if necessary go personally to the florists and resolve all your doubts before choosing the final supplier.

For example, if you have a consulting service or if it is possible to customize the bouquet, in the sense of putting together a bouquet that is not found in the catalogs.

Also, find out about the method of payment, ask about the delivery date of the bouquet, if they deliver it to your home or if you have to pick it up and also ask if they offer other services, such as decoration for halls, arrangements for the church, decorations for the bridal vehicle, complements for the outfit, bouquets for the bridesmaids or the bridal party. souvernis with flowers.

It will be more convenient for you if you choose more than one service in the same place, and at the same time you may be eligible for a discount.

How to keep a bridal bouquet?

Flowers Kathy Holmes

If you opt for a bouquet of natural flowers and want to immortalize it, there are several techniques you can use .

However, for best results, start the preservation process of your choice as soon as possible and with caution.

Inverted drying

This method consists of hanging the bouquet upside down in a cool, dry, airy and dark space, e.g. a cupboard.

If the bouquet is small, hang it as it is, but if it is large, divide it into small bouquets and arrange them so that they do not run into each other, but first remove the damaged petals.

You will have to leave the bouquet for about three weeks without touching it and then, when it is dry, spray it with hairspray to fix it and let it dry for a couple of days more. In the meantime, look for the vase where you will wear your bridal bouquet.

Waxing

Start by separating the bouquet stem by stem, and pull off all the petals and leaves that are in bad condition.

Next, heat wax in a pot at 150º and immerse each flower in the solution, but only for a few seconds.

As soon as you take them out, place the flowers on a tray on parchment paper to cool and harden. The result will be very elegant waxed flowers.

With glycerin

The technique consists of immersing the bouquet in a container containing equal amounts of water and glycerine.

You must mix well so that both ingredients are integrated and leave the bouquet there resting for a maximum of two weeks.

How do you know if they are ready? You will have to check constantly and remove your flowers when they are flexible, do not crackle when you touch them and you do not perceive any sign of fragility. To finish, wash your bouquet with a little soap and water, dry it carefully and, for a better result, hang it upside down for a couple of days. However, consider beforehand that the glycerin will darken your flowers.flowers.

With silica gel

The first thing to do is to grind these porous and granular balls, called silica gel, which serve to absorb excess moisture. Use a rolling pin to reduce them to powder.

Then, fill a container with about four centimeters of the ground silica gel and place the flowers, one by one, and then cover them with another layer of gel.

Close the container, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Depending on the size of your bouquet, the drying process will take between two to seven days. Once ready, remove the silica gel residue from your flowers with a brush.

Pressing

Since you probably don't have a press at home, you'll need a heavy book. The idea is to separate the bouquet and intersperse the flowers between the leaves of a journal, on which you'll have to place the book and ideally more weight. And in that position you should leave your bouquet for the course of three to four weeks.

You will have enough time to think about what you will do with your pressed flowers and get the materials. The most common way is to make a painting with them, although you could also immortalize them in a frame.

Then, when the flowers are already dry, you will only have to rearrange them according to the original composition of the bouquet. Or invent a new one, as you prefer.

In the oven

Finally, another way to dry the bouquet is to use the conventional oven you have in your kitchen. To do this, you must disassemble the bouquet and introduce the flowers, one by one, on the oven rack, with the bud up and the stem down.

Set the oven temperature to 40 degrees, but leave the oven door slightly ajar so the flowers don't burn. After two to three hours, your flowers will have dehydrated, so remove them and let them cool. When they are dry, finish this process by applying a floral sealant to them. As a result, your flowers will be preserved with their original volume.

How to choose the bridal bouquet? This is a question you've asked yourself many times, if you haven't even started looking at portfolios yet. And although there is no formula to find the perfect bouquet, it is recommended that you purchase it only once you have defined your bridal gown.