Edgy, understated, flamboyant – whatever suits your style
Photos by Melissa Kew Photography
There’s nothing predictable about the latest wedding bouquets. Edgy, understated, flamboyant or sleek, they are as unique and appealing as the beautiful brides who carry them for all to see. While every floral design is a distinctive reflection of the wedding itself, including the thematic colours and style of the celebration, there are, nonetheless, some fresh trends coming into full bloom. Take a look at these gorgeous real wedding bouquets for inspiration.
Glorious Style
This stunning bouquet carried by Nadine on her winter wedding day was ahead of the fashion curve. Nadine and Mike’s nuptials took place at Le Belvedere (lebelvedere.ca) and as photographer Melissa Kew notes: “For a February day in the Ottawa region, the weather was absolutely perfect and the sunset during the wedding ceremony was breathtaking.” If anything, Nadine’s flowers were even more sensational. All the florals for the day were designed by Pollen Nation Floral Studio (wearepollennation.com) and the bridal bouquets were certainly a highlight. Although Pantone named Living Coral the Colour of the Year for 2019, these winter bouquets show how varying shades of this hue can elevate any occasion.
The subtle versions of this latest colour, mixed with a profusion of glorious complementary tones and textures, looked amazing with Nadine’s long, lovely hairdo, fur stole and gloves. Since the winter ceremony was outdoors in a marvelous cliffside setting with views of the Gatineau Hills, the sophisticated, vibrant arrangement served as a brilliant counterparts. The sheer variety of eye-catching textural elements and the masterful tailoring of the design ensured the look was decidedly artful and luxe.
Pretty in Pink
On Meagan and Osman’s wedding date at Cornwall Golf and Country Club (cornwallgolf.com), pictures reveal the weather was idyllic, with not a cloud in the sky. A perfect match for a luminous day, the bride’s lovely, softly shaded crescent-shaped bouquet was a dreamy confection. The shading, with delicate pinks, white and sage green, whimsical, modern crescent-moon shape and touch-able textures beautifully suit the lush outdoor setting, as well as Meagan’s feminine strapless wedding gown. The bridesmaids wore blush pink, and their classically shaped, rounded iterations riffed on the bride’s more elaborate, complex design.
Boho Beauty
For Cat and Jay’s September 2018 wedding at Stonefields Estate (stonefieldsweddings.com), Pollen Nation Floral Studio (wearepollennation.com) created all the floral elements, from the spectacular round floral arbour in front of the farmhouse, where the ceremony took place, to the floral crowns worn by the bridal party. But the bride’s contemporary bouquet, in varying shades of pink and green, stole the show. Richly textured, loosely structured and asymmetrical in shape, with a profusion of greenery and floral elements, the stunning design beautifully played off—and enhanced—the bride’s lovely, feminine floral crown and long, wavy hairstyle. It also complemented the shape of Cat’s enchanting, frothy gown, with the visible stems adding to the day’s nature-kissed vibe.
Elegant Cascade
At Catherine and Brandon’s wedding in September of 2018 at Jabulani Vineyard and Winery (jabulani.ca), an elegant floral cascade was a stunning counterpoint to the bride’s sleek, romantic gown and pretty, polished updo. Highlighted by deep red, soft pink and white blooms, the lush floral waterfall is accentuated by verdant trailing greenery. Although Catherine’s bouquet is striking in its tasteful restraint, this type of arrangement lends itself to a wide assortment of flowers and bridal looks, from urban sophistication to country princess. However, the shape itself, rounded at the top and tapering gracefully down to a narrow finish, flatters a variety of body shapes and dress styles.
Vivid Hues
When Kelly and Mike celebrated their nuptials at the Mill Street Brew Pub (millstreetbrewery.com/ottawa-brew-pub) on a hot, summery day, the vivid colours of the bridal bouquets lent extra pizzazz to the special occasion. Rich purple, vibrant yellow, hot pink, blush and white were the predominant colours in the loosely structured arrangements, with stems wrapped in ribbon. The chic, informal, eye-catching arrangement was a fitting foil for Kelly’s lovely, unfussy mermaid-style gown with simple spaghetti straps.
As these bouquets illustrate, shape should be a key consideration when discussing options with your florist. Since the bouquet literally precedes you, the bride, as you make your way in the spotlight to say your vows, it serves as the all-important first impression. You want it to flatter your shape, enhance your gown and make a statement about your personal style and the ambience of your big day. From round and more horizontal crescent-formed designs to vertical cascade or teardrop arrangements, there are lots of shape choices. As for overall aesthetic, options range from carrying a very few long-stemmed blooms for an ultra minimalist look to a lavish, pageant-style presentation. Whatever your budget or inclination, one thing is sure: you don’t have to settle for anything standard or boring.
