FLOWERS: Bouquet styles

(edited from original article on http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/bridal-bouquet-types.html)

The Posy Bouquet

Most popular shape--dome-shape and stems--may be held in one hand. There are two styles of posy bouquets. One can be loose, hand tied and unstructured. The other is formal and wired--the stems of the flowers are removed and replaced with florists wire, constructed into a much lighter posy with a short, easy to hold handle that is ribbon wrapped.

Commonly, natural stems are wrapped in a beautiful satin, velvet or organza ribbon handle. Popular embellishments are pearl pins, feather curls, rhinestones on wires or seashells, charms, or beading trim.

The Nosegay Bouquet

It came back in fashion in the 1980's, smaller than  posy style, as a VERY small, tight bunch of flowers and stems. It was very popular with flowergirls and bridesmaids. In modern times it has been revived and reinvented with additions of lovely satin and organza ribbons and larger flowers. Super simple, clean designs are still popular.

TUSSY MUSSY:  is another nosegay with a handheld vase or cone. The tussy mussy first appeared in France during the eighteenth century. Some have attached ring chains for easy carrying.

The vase or cone could be made from pewter, cobalt glass, silver, gold, porcelain, plastic and even beaded. You have the option of tying lace and ribbons to the tussy mussy to dress it up. Today, the tussy mussy elegantly displays the 

bouquets on your reception table during the wedding festivities, and then serves as a lovely keepsake for the bride and bridesmaids.

The Biedermeier Bouquet

The biedermeier bouquet is European-influenced. The blooms are tightly-structured and carefully-arranged in defined circular patterns of different coloured flowers, each ring containing one type of flower. Originating in Switzerland in the late 1800's, often orange and lemon peels were added for extra fragrance. A bouquet similar to the nosegay and named for a German style of interior design. The biedermeier has a very pleasing geometry and is recently showing signs of popularity again due to its dramatic beauty and contrast.

The Arm Sheaf Bouquet or Presentation Bouquet

The arm sheaf bouquet first became popular in the early 1900's under the name of Bernhardt bouquets; inspired by the presentation bouquets given to the actress of the day, Sarah Bernhardt. They are long stemmed flowers and foliages that the bride carries cradled in her arm, also known as a presentation bouquet.

It is a stunning alternative to more traditional styles of bouquets, it is very chic, and best suited to modern style weddings. Tastefully designed to be cradled in the bride's arm and can be as simple or as elaborate as she likes.

They can be single-ended, with stems showing at one end, or double-ended with no stems showing (see Crescent Bouquet below). A gorgeous ribbon provides the finishing touch. Popular floral choices for arm bouquets are calla lilies, gladiolus, orchids, long-stemmed roses, delphiniums, and larkspur.

The Composite-Flower Bouquet

The composite-flower bouquet dates from the early 20th century, mostly used for brides with an unlimited budget. This bouquet is a variation of the round bouquet.

A flower constructed of hundreds of real petals wired together to look like one enormous flower. This style is simplistic in design, but graceful and elegant. It works well in more intimate, sophisticated weddings.

Although featured recently in high fashion magazines, this specialised and time-consuming technique is yet to regain its former popularity. However, a single large daisy stands alone with its striking colour, adding the finishing touches of satin or organza ribbons to bring out it natural beauty. Perfect for the bride who loves simplicity.

The Fan Bouquet

The fan bouquet, is a simple bouquet of flowers, shells, and/or broad leaves attached to a lacy plastic fan. Popular in the late eighties, they are embellished with carnations, baby's breath and plenty of ribbon.

This style of bouquet is reminiscent of the Victorian Era, and is popular for old-fashioned, vintage style or Asian-inspired weddings. Perfect for brides who want something a little different. 

The Crescent Bouquet

The crescent bouquet appears in the shape of a quarter moon, a soft arch, using distinguished flowers with definite shapes, often orchids, wired together to form a slender handle that you can hold in one hand. These bouquets are true floral art and an individualist representation of the bride's personality. This style is perfect for sophisticated and contemporary weddings.

Flowers are usually tapered and extended at each end while the center is more compact. It can be symmetrical or not, the left and right side of the bouquet is seen flowing down and has only one trailing stem. This style of bouquet is best carried below the waist to show off its unique beauty.

The Muff Bouquet

The Muff bouquet was very popular in Europe and was created in the early centuries and borne out of neccessity.

In mid winter, the bride's hands would sit inside the muff. There are two styles--a lovely corsage-shaped bouquet attached at the front of a fuzzy muff; or the whole muff is covered in florals.

Unusual and unique, a perfect choice for a winter wedding. This bouquet is lovely with long evening gloves.

The Prayerbook Bouquet or Bible Spray

 The prayerbook bouquet is a VERY small prayer book or bible used as the platform upon which a small bouquet is placed. The design may be a small cluster of flowers the size of a corsage which is placed on top of the prayer book and can be attached with ribbons or a small armature to prevent damage to the book.

Another way of carrying a prayer book is to place a single flower stem through the center of the book. The prayerbook or Bible spray bouquet is a sign of faith and spirit. A long-time favourite of devout brides. While a traditional choice, it can be designed in a contemporary way.

Shower bouquet or Cascading Bouquet

The cascading bouquets were originally referred to as shower bouquets. Also known as a teardrop bouquet or trail bouquet. These replaced the fashion of posies around the time of 1910. This style became exaggerated by 1920, with much larger bouquets, so large they almost concealed the bride. They reached their peak from 1920 - 1930's until WWII.


The Cascading bouquet, which is the most formal and most traditional of bouquets, is designed to spill gracefully over the bride's hands as it flows downward for a sophisticated and stylized look, almost any flower can be used in this style.

The bouquet is roundish at the top but pointy at the bottom. The traditional shower bouquet is known as the large multi-trail bouquet, subsequently renamed the princess in honour of the late Princess Diana and her impressive bridal bouquet. The modern smaller version is called the teardrop bouquet or trail bouquet.

The Pomander Bouquet or Kissing Ball

The pomander bouquet is also known as a kissing ball. A pomander is a ball of flowers suspended from a loop of decorative ribbon.

Adult attendants can carry pomanders, but young attendants such as flower girls and junior bridesmaids most often carry them.

The "kissing ball" is a throwback reference to a mistletoe ball which couples kiss underneath as it hangs in a home.

The Wreath or Flower Hoop Bouquet The hand-tied bouquet is a loose-tied arrangement of "country" style blossoms. These hand tied styles are also referred to as clutch bouquets. This type of bouquet consists of a simple gathering of flowers, bound in a circle, and tied with ribbon with stems left exposed. Also worn on women's head or a door or table decoration. And if you have animals in your wedding, on the neck of a horse or beloved dog, etc.  This is a beautiful choice for an outdoor wedding with that just picked from the garden look. It is arranged in a looser manner with the stems left longer and a large ribbon or exotic fabric tied together.

Wrist Corsage or Pin-on Corsage  A corsage (or flower bracelet) is a VERY small bouquet worn on the wrist or pinned to a strap or dress. More corsage than bouquet, this style is comprised of a small floral arrangement. Flowers and foliage are mounted on a small base attached to a strong elastic bracelet fitted around the wrist. A great alternative to a traditional bouquet. Worn by brides and bridesmaids who want the look of a bouquet, but want the freedom of having their hands free. The wrist corsage can be made in any combination of flowers and is occasionally complimented with ribbons and beads.

The Ballerina Bouquet The ballerina bouquet, is a round bouquet composed of masses of tulle or net and few flowers. This type of bouquet was popular in the early 1940s when flowers were scarce due to World War II. For modern brides, a ballerina bouquet offers a cost-effective, yet beautiful solution for a tight floral budget.

The Basket Bouquet The basket bouquet has flowers arranged in a beautifully shaped shallow basket and is usually and more often used in a garden or garden-like wedding setting. The basket bouquet may be carried by the bride, but are most popular with and often carried by flower girls and junior bridesmaids. The small basket keeps their little hands occupied and out of mischief.

The Scepter Bouquet The scepter bouquet gives a dramatic accent to your wedding day, it takes the shape of an over-sized wand. The handles are extra long, entwined with ribbon, cording, ornaments etc. The scepter bouquets are suitable for any wedding occasion and may be carried by any member of the wedding party.

The Cone Bouquet

The cone bouquet, as the name implies, forms a cone shape. This style bouquet works best for bridesmaids and flower girls.

Depending upon the flowers and foliage selected, this bouquet will compliment any casual or formal event.