One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is making sure that your decor is unified and in harmony with the overall theme of the event. And, of course, the stars of wedding decor are the floral centerpieces; notably, these also tie into fashion elements, the most prominent being bridal bouquets. They must complement one another in form and style, in turn creating a synergetic element that unifies all visual components. That’s why it’s key to feature matching blooms — bearing size, color, and shape in in mind — in each individual arrangement. Additionally, if you’re utilizing statement flowers, use them intentionally but minimally to create a sophisticated overall aesthetic.
It is just as vital that all floral elements complement the style of wedding attire, especially wedding dresses — the beating heart of wedding fashion. Bouquets shouldn’t be an afterthought or hastily added at the last moment, given their capacity to act as a stylistic element that acts as an accessory. Rather, each component of the bouquet — flower selection, shape, greenery — should speak to a corresponding piece of the wedding outfit. Truly, the possibilities are endless here.
But how precisely can you match a bouquet to your wedding dress? And what is the best way match specific flowers to a dress, gown, or even a pantsuit? If you’re not sure, the seasoned flower professionals at Rose Hill Florist in Nashville have put together a comprehensive guide on how to pair wedding attire — from traditional to edgy and beyond — with flawless flower arrangements.
A-Line or Empire Waist
A-line or empire waist dresses are a modern yet classic option for brides seeking a timeless but on-trend ensemble. The best way to embody similar traits in the bouquet, then, is a classic round option that provides a bold contrast the the lines of these cuts. That emphasizes both the flow of the fabric and the shapes created where it fits snug to the body. Echo the roundness in the blooms by selecting bold, ball-like flowers such as dahlias or hydrangeas, which also bring a host of color options to the table. Go pastel to up the romance, or go bold to put your personal stamp on the style.
Modified A-Line or Drop Waist
If you want to put a more modern spin on your wedding dress, modified A-line or drop waist gowns can trace elegant lines throughout while preserving the silhouette of more traditional outfits. Complement this option with a floral hoop, which brings contemporary energy to the forefront. These bouquets are thoughtfully and tastefully adorned not only with flowers, but also greenery and other elements that complete the edgy yet natural aesthetic. As for the most fitting flowers, anemones can bring in drama with their bold colors, or you can lean into the stark contrast of light petals with prominent dark centers. Pair with eucalyptus to bring in a trendy yet subtle green element.
Ball Gown or Princess
It doesn’t get more traditional than ball gowns or princess dresses, which lean into the super feminine energy that some brides love radiating. Think puffy sleeves and wide skirts that add drama while enhancing the body’s natural shape. The ideal bouquet in this case needs to harmonize with this bold style while not overwhelming the overall look — enter cascading or crescent arrangements. The first flows like a waterfall, in harmony with swishing skirts, while the second offers a more streamlined and restrained arch in which to fashion custom blooms. In both cases, big, bold blossoms like peonies or ranunculus echo corresponding shapes in the wedding dresses. Opt for a monochrome color scheme, which adds timelessness and sophistication.
Trumpet or Mermaid
Looking for a dramatic and showstopping silhouette that enhances the body’s natural movement and shape? Consider a trumpet or mermaid gown, which make flowing lines and organic shapes the star of the show. Naturally, a long stem or cascading bouquet are obvious options here, leaning into length and bold, exaggerated movement while adding a twist of flair. Combine long-stemmed orchids and anthuriums for a lush and tropical look, perfect for mermaid-inspired attire. Or, let bright and flowing flowers do the talking in a cascading bouquet, with blooms like cyclamens that fade from one color gradient to the next for an added hombre touch.
Column or Sheath
Column or sheath dresses may on the surface seem like a simple and stripped-down choice of wedding attire, but this opens up huge opportunities for customization and style. Highlight straight lines and simple contours with a nosegay or semi-crescent/freeform bouquet; both bring different elements to the table. If you want to drive home the minimalism of the look, a nosegay arrangement perfect, thanks to its compact size and shape. Or to turn up the whimsy, the shape of the semi-crescent bouquets can incorporate a natural and organic element — an ideal contrast to the lines of the sheath. Roses are always fitting in either arrangement, which you can highlight with boho greenery and thistles.
Pantsuit or Trousers
Yes, you can absolutely stun in a wedding outfit that bucks tradition by embracing pantsuits or trousers, which also allows for versatile gender expression. This is without question a bold choice — one you should amplify with big flowers that take up lots of space without overwhelming the ensemble. King protea work beautifully in this context, as the blooms can be sizable while effortlessly holding onto elegance and drama. However, if you prefer to carry smaller blooms, opt for vivid colors that stand in for the size element. Anthuriums do the trick marvelously here, especially crimson blooms, though bright tulips can stand in if you want a more restrained option with spring energy.
Tea Length Attire
For a fun and flirtatious bridal outfit, tea-length attire brings both hemlines and the whimsy factor up — perfect for the Audrey Hepburn aficionados out there. If you’re opting for this delightful retro look, a hand-tied posy or a mini bouquet complements that energy effortlessly. These arrangements also allow brides to hold onto elegance while embracing that classic, free-spirited vibe on their wedding day. They also beg for blooms that have an innate showstopping quality that works in bunches, such as traditional lily of the valley or dainty sweet peas. Pair with rustic greenery that complements the soft quality of these sweet and subtle flowers.
There’s no end to the options when it comes to matching a bouquet of specific flowers to your wedding dress, which can seriously up the wow factor of not only your outfit, but the aesthetics of your wedding as a whole. It doesn’t matter if you’re embracing minimalism, thinking outside of the box, or wearing the princess dress of your dreams — flowers can take it all to the next level.
