When it comes to wedding florals, few things are as iconic as the bridal bouquet. It’s one of the aspects of a wedding brides love designing most—and many brides opt to press or dry their bouquet after their big day is over, ensuring they can hold onto those precious petals for years to come. But, with so many styles to choose from, how do you know which best complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding? Get to know the ins and outs of these six iconic bridal bouquet styles so you can say “Yes!” to the right set of stems.

Pageant Bouquet or Presentation Bouquet

• What it is: This bouquet style typically has longer stems and is designed to fit into the crook of a bride’s arm (rather than held in her hands like with traditional bouquets).
• Who will love it: Pageant bouquets are gaining popularity in modern boho weddings. They’re perfect for the bride who loves the look of long stems and wants a bouquet that’s out of the box, super lush, and extra dreamy.
• Things to consider: Presentation bouquets make for stunning photographs, but they’re not as practical for walking down the aisle.

Hand-Tied Bouquet

• What it is: Hand-tied bouquets are typically tied off by ribbons or twine, with stems left showing at the bottom for that "fresh-picked-flowers" feel. They’re usually chock-full of an assortment of both flowers and greenery and are meant to feel less constricted and “looser” than round bridal bouquets.
• Who will love it: Brides looking for something wild and free will love a hand-tied bouquet. This style is perfect for bohemian affairs and outdoor ceremonies set in a garden or forest.
• Things to consider: These bouquets can get heavy! Because a hand-tied bouquet is meant to look lush and often contains tons of both greenery and flowers, they can be a little burdensome to carry for long periods of time.

Cascading Bouquet

• What it is: Cascading bridal bouquets are just what they sound like: arrangements that cascade downward (like a waterfall). Think wispy, long vines spilling forward in front of your hands.
• Who will love it: If you’re the queen of all-things whimsical and dreamy, this bouquet is for you! The waterfall shape can feel quite feminine and fairytale-like, so they’re perfect for charming garden weddings, stunning ballroom weddings, and classic cathedral weddings alike. If you’re using lots of vines and greenery throughout your other florals, a cascading bouquet might just be the perfect option to tie everything together.
• Things to consider: Cascading bridal bouquets are a sight in and of themselves—so they don’t typically pair well with super elaborate wedding gowns, as they can be overpowering. Instead, they’re the perfect way to complete a simple, understated bridal look.

Round Bouquet

• What it is: Round bridal bouquets are just that: round! Round bouquets either consist of a single type of floral or varying types of florals in a single color arranged in a perfect dome. Stems are typically wrapped tight with a silk ribbon.
• Who will love it: Looking for the most timeless and elegant of all bridal bouquet styles? This is it. Round bouquets have been popular in weddings for years—and they’re not going out of style anytime soon. If you’re rocking a princess ball gown or going for a classic, formal wedding aesthetic, this bouquet is your best friend.
• Things to consider: A round bouquet is a true classic, so you’ll want to make sure it fits with the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Keep in mind round bouquets typically make the strongest statement when they’re monochromatic or consist of all one type of flower. They also look best kept to a moderate-to-small size.

Posy Bouquet

• What it is: Think of a posy bouquet as a round bouquet’s younger sister. Typically meant to be held in one hand, posy bouquets are often given to grandmothers, mothers, or bridesmaids for their walk down the aisle. Just like a round bouquet, they’re arranged into a round dome.
• Who will love it: Brides looking for something small and petite that won’t overwhelm their gown will love an elegant posy bouquet.
• Things to consider: Because these are smaller and typically used as bridesmaids' bouquets, you might want to consider a floral mockup first to ensure a posy bouquet isn’t too tiny or underwhelming for the look you’re going for.

Nosegay Bouquet

• What it is: A nosegay bridal bouquet is like a posy bouquet, only it contains more greenery. While a posy is typically focused on all florals, a nosegay will have leaves or greenery that peep through as well, with the focus being on just a few floral stems. Just like a posy, a nosegay bouquet is small and hand-tied.
• Who will love it: If you want something small and understated but with a stronger focus on greens, this bouquet is for you!
• Things to consider: These are usually given as gifts to bridesmaids for their walk down the aisle, but they can work well for petite brides or brides who want to opt for a smaller bouquet and keep the focus on their gown instead of on florals.

Hero photo courtesy of Kelly Russo

View the full feature in Volume 1 of The Aisle magazine