The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Bouquets: Similar but Different - Pause Rewind & Fast Forward

Creating cohesive bridal party bouquets is both an art and a science. Bridesmaid bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet without being identical, maintaining harmony in wedding photos while allowing each bouquet to have its own personality. This florist guide expands on every step of the process.

1. Planning Your Bouquets

a. Understand the Bridal Bouquet

Before designing bridesmaids’ bouquets, you need a clear understanding of the bridal bouquet’s elements:

Flower types: Identify the main flowers and fillers.
Color palette: Note primary and secondary colors.
Shape and size: Is it round, cascading, asymmetrical, or hand-tied?
Texture: Are the flowers soft, spiky, or delicate? Are there mixed greenery or berries?

Why this matters: This will help you pick elements to echo in bridesmaids’ bouquets while leaving room for variation.

b. Consider Wedding Theme and Style

Formal wedding: Bridesmaids’ bouquets may mirror the bridal bouquet’s elegance with slight tweaks.
Rustic or boho wedding: You can be more playful with textures, greenery, and asymmetry.
Seasonal weddings: Take advantage of flowers in season, which can differ from the bridal bouquet while keeping a similar look.

c. Decide the Cohesion Level

High cohesion: Bouquets almost match the bridal bouquet but vary in size or one accent flower.
Moderate cohesion: Some flowers and colors overlap; shapes may differ.
Low cohesion: Only the color palette or one signature flower is shared.

2. Choosing a Color Palette

a. Identify Core Colors

Select 1–2 colors from the bridal bouquet as the main color in bridesmaids’ bouquets. These are usually the bridal bouquet’s dominant flowers.

b. Introduce a Secondary or Accent Color

Adding a complementary color distinguishes the bouquets without clashing. Consider:

Pastels for soft contrast
Bold shades for drama
Seasonal tones (orange in fall, soft blues in spring)

Example:

Bridal bouquet: white roses, blush peonies
Bridesmaids: blush peonies + lavender or pale pink roses

c. Test Color Harmony

Place a sample of bridal bouquet flowers next to bridesmaid bouquet flowers to ensure they complement each other in photos. Lighting matters—daylight vs. indoor lighting can affect perception.

3. Selecting Flower Varieties

a. Pick Signature Flowers

Choose 1–2 flowers from the bridal bouquet to carry over.

Bridal: Peonies, garden roses, ranunculus
Bridesmaids: Only one type of peony + complementary fillers

b. Include Filler Flowers

Filler flowers provide texture and make bouquets appear lush. Options include:

Spray roses
Astilbe
Baby’s breath
Wax flowers
Eucalyptus or ruscus

c. Consider Seasonal Availability

Use seasonal blooms for cost-effectiveness and freshness. For example:

Spring: tulips, ranunculus, lilacs
Summer: dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias
Fall: chrysanthemums, marigolds, berries
Winter: amaryllis, pine accents, hypericum berries

4. Determining Bouquet Size

a. Maintain Proportion

Bridesmaids’ bouquets are usually smaller than the bridal bouquet:

Bridal: 12–15 stems
Bridesmaids: 8–10 stems

Smaller size ensures the bridal bouquet remains the centerpiece in photographs.

b. Avoid Overcrowding

Too many flowers in a small bouquet can make it look messy. Keep the bouquet proportional to the bridesmaid’s height and dress style.

5. Bouquets Shapes and Styles

a. Match the Bridal Bouquet Style

Round
Cascading
Hand-tied
Asymmetrical

b. Introduce Variation

Keep overall style but adjust shape subtly:
- Bridal: cascading
- Bridesmaids: semi-cascade or rounded
Avoid duplicating exactly to maintain visual hierarchy.

c. Height and Silhouette

Taller stems in the bridal bouquet
Shorter, more compact stems in bridesmaids’ bouquets
Visual contrast adds interest in group photos.

6. Greenery and Texture

a. Match but Differentiate

Use similar greens, but change the type or ratio:
- Bridal: eucalyptus + ferns
- Bridesmaids: seeded eucalyptus + ruscus

b. Add Variety

Introduce subtle textural elements:

Berries
Succulents
Small buds
Delicate fillers like astilbe

Texture adds depth and differentiates bouquets without clashing.

7. Wrapping and Ribbon

a. Coordinate with Color Palette

Ribbon colors should complement the wedding colors.

Bridal: white satin
Bridesmaids: blush chiffon or pale green satin

b. Consider Wrapping Style

Tied with bow
Simple floral tape with ribbon overlay
Loose or tight hand-tied wrap

The wrapping is an easy but impactful way to differentiate bouquets.

8. Adding Unique Accents

a. Signature Touches

Each bouquet can include a small unique element:

Tiny charms or brooches
A subtle pop of contrasting color
A unique flower not in the bridal bouquet

b. Personalization

Monogrammed ribbons
Seasonal foliage or herbs
Small sentimental tokens

This gives each bouquet personality without breaking cohesion.

9. Step-by-Step Assembly

Prepare the Flowers
- Strip excess leaves and thorns
- Condition flowers in water overnight if possible
Build the Structure
- Start with central blooms (signature flowers)
- Add secondary flowers around the center
Layer Fillers and Greenery
- Integrate greenery evenly to avoid gaps
- Add texture with filler flowers
Adjust Shape
- Step back frequently
- Trim stems to maintain proportion
Wrap Stems
- Use ribbon and pins or floral tape
- Finish with bow or knot if desired
Final Touches
- Mist lightly with water to keep fresh
- Ensure stems are even and handle is comfortable

10. Practical Tips

Make bouquets in batches: Keeps flowers fresh
Store properly: Keep in cool water until ceremony
Communicate with florist: Provide photos of bridal bouquet for reference
Test photographs: Take a few shots in wedding lighting to see how colors look together

11. Sample Combinations

Bridal Bouquet	Bridesmaid Bouquet Ideas
White roses, blush peonies, eucalyptus (cascading)	Blush peonies + lavender roses + seeded eucalyptus (rounded)
Peonies, ranunculus, baby’s breath (round)	Ranunculus + spray roses + ruscus (slightly smaller round)
Lilies, hydrangeas, greenery (hand-tied)	Mini lilies + hydrangea + fern accents (hand-tied, compact)