How to Choose Bridesmaid Bouquets That Match Bridesmaid Dresses?
Planning a wedding means making about a million decisions, and somewhere between picking the venue and tasting cake samples, you'll need to figure out bridesmaid bouquets. The good news? Matching flowers to dresses doesn't have to be complicated.
Start with Your Dress Color
Your bridesmaid dress color is your starting point. If you've gone with a bold shade like emerald or burgundy, you have two options: complement it with similar tones or create contrast with lighter blooms. For softer colors like blush or champagne, you can't go wrong with white and cream flowers accented with greenery. One trick that always works: pull a secondary color from your wedding palette. If your bridesmaids are wearing navy, consider bouquets with white roses and touches of dusty blue or even coral for a pop.
Consider the Dress Fabric and Style
A flowy chiffon dress calls for something different than structured satin. Romantic, garden-style bouquets with loose greenery suit softer fabrics beautifully. For more formal gowns, go with classic, tightly arranged roses or peonies. Also think about necklines. If your bridesmaids are wearing strapless or sweetheart necklines, a cascading bouquet can balance the look. High necklines pair better with smaller, rounder arrangements.
Don't Forget About Season and Venue
Your wedding season matters more than you'd think. Spring weddings shine with tulips and ranunculus, while fall calls for dahlias and deep-toned blooms. Trying to force peonies in November? You'll pay a premium and they might not even be available. Your venue sets the vibe too. A rustic barn wedding looks amazing with wildflower-style bouquets, while a ballroom affair needs something more polished.
Mix or Match?
Here's where you can get creative. Matching bouquets create a cohesive, traditional look. But if your bridesmaids are wearing different dress styles or colors, consider giving each person a slightly different bouquet that shares common elements—same greenery, different focal flowers, for example.
Quick Tips That Make Life Easier
Bring fabric swatches to your florist consultation. Phone photos never show the true color. Ask your florist what's in season—you'll save money and get fresher flowers. And remember, your bridesmaid bouquets should be smaller than yours. You're the bride, after all.
At the end of the day, trust your gut. If a combination makes you smile when you picture it, that's probably the right choice.