Unusual bridal bouquets: succulents, wildflowers and hoops

A classic round bouquet of roses is not the only option for a bride. More and more couples choose bouquets that reflect the style of the wedding and the bride's personality: with succulents, of wildflowers, lisianthus or gerberas, of dried flowers or in the shape of a hoop. Here are the most interesting ideas and what to consider so an unusual bouquet is also practical.

You can order a bridal bouquet in our bridal bouquets section.

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Unusual bouquet ideas

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With succulents

Echeverias and other succulents give a bouquet a graphic look and suit eco and boho weddings. They don't wilt without water but weigh more than flowers, so they are wired and combined with light greenery and small blooms. After the wedding the succulents can be rooted and grown at home.

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Gerberas

Gerberas are a bright, cheerful choice for a summer wedding. Their heavy heads need support, so florists strengthen the stems with wire. For gerbera colour meanings, see "Gerbera bouquet".

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Lisianthus

Lisianthus (eustoma) resembles a rose but looks airier. It is long-lasting, copes well with heat and comes in white, cream, pink, lilac and purple, making it ideal for soft, pastel weddings.

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Wildflowers

Daisies, cornflowers, lavender, wheat ears and greenery create a light, rustic look. It is best to order them from florists: flowers picked in a field wilt quickly, and some species are protected and must not be picked.

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Dried flowers

Pampas grass, bunny tails, cotton, preserved hydrangea and dried grasses suit boho weddings, especially in autumn and winter. Such a bouquet copes with heat and frost and can be kept as a memento. More in "Preserved and dried flowers".

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Unusual shapes

• Hoop bouquet — flowers and greenery attached to a metal or wooden ring.
• Cascade — a trailing bouquet, especially striking with orchids or ivy.
• A single large bloom — a peony, a protea or an orchid stem.
• A bouquet bag or muff — practical for a winter wedding.

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What to consider

• Weight. The bouquet is carried all day, so balance succulents and large blooms with light greenery.
• Season. Delicate flowers struggle in heat, and in frost the bouquet needs wrapping.
• Style. The bouquet should match the dress, the groom's buttonhole and the decor.
• Allergies. Consider any sensitivity to pollen or strong scents.
• A second bouquet. A small duplicate can be ordered for the toss.

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How to choose a classic bridal bouquet is covered in "Bridal bouquet guide", and the history of the tradition in "History of the bridal bouquet".

FAQ

Which bridal bouquet lasts longest?

One made of lisianthus, chrysanthemums, orchids, succulents or dried flowers.

Can a bridal bouquet be made of wildflowers?

Yes, but order the flowers from a florist: field-picked flowers wilt quickly and some species are protected.

What is a hoop bouquet?

An arrangement of flowers and greenery attached to a metal or wooden ring.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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