Floral and Non-Floral Bouquets and Boutonnieres

When it comes to bouquets and boutonnieres, the sky is the limit. From flower type, to bouquet shape there are so many options. But if you’re not sold on a traditional bouquet of flowers, you can still have a gorgeous bouquet. 

Round, hand-tied bouquets seem to be the most common style, but lately I’m seeing more slightly less structured bouquets with wild flowers, as well as the occasional cascade. 

Other traditional options (some of which aren’t seen very often) are nosegays, small, compact bouquets usually made up of one type of flower and no greenery; presentation bouquets, generally made of long stemmed flowers, held over the arm; tussy-mussy’s, a Victorian style bouquet placed in a decorative holder; and pomanders or kissing balls. 

A more somewhat unique option is a glamelia or composite bouquet, a bouquet that is made up of a single stemmed flower with the petals of many others wired around it to resemble one large bloom. It’s a beautiful way to make a statement.

If you like the idea of a floral bouquet, but want to do something a bit different or unique, you could do a bouquet of flowers with curly willow accents. Or maybe even add some succulents and lotus pods. Even feathers or a large collar of greenery would make for an interesting type of bouquet that you don’t see every day. 

If you’re looking for a non-floral bouquet, there are still a lot of great options! You could carry a bouquet of brooches and/or buttons. If you consider yourself quite crafty, you could even make paper, felt, fabric or beaded flowers to make and be able to keep your bouquet for a lifetime without having to worry about dying flowers! A bouquet made up of seashells, starfish and sand dollars would be perfect if you’re having a beach or summer themed wedding. In the fall, you could incorporate leaves or mini pumpkins and gourds. 

When it comes to boutonnieres you can be just as creative as you can with bouquets- just on a smaller scale. Just about any flower can be used in a boutonniere. You can do a single bloom, or dress it up with some greenery or berries. Or you can do a few smaller blooms. There are also lots of unique options, such as succulents, ferns, wild flowers, etc. 

It’s always nice to coordinate the groom’s boutonniere with the bride’s bouquet so whether you do a traditional floral bouquet or not, be sure to use the same medium for your groom’s boutonniere. 

-Becky