5 Common Mistakes Brides Make with Their Wedding Bouquets (and How to Avoid Them)
Your wedding bouquet is one of the most important floral arrangements of your big day. It’s in nearly every photo, it complements your dress, and for many brides, it holds deep sentimental value.
But in the excitement of wedding planning, it’s easy to overlook key details that can affect your bouquet’s beauty and longevity.
Here are five common mistakes brides make with their wedding bouquets—and how you can avoid them!
1. Not Considering Seasonal Flowers
When choosing your wedding flowers, it’s essential to consider what’s in season. Some blooms are available year-round, but others might be difficult (or expensive) to source depending on the time of year.
If you have your heart set on a particular flower, speak to your florist about seasonal alternatives that will give a similar look while staying within budget and ensuring top-quality blooms.
2. Forgetting to Keep the Bouquet Hydrated
On your wedding day, your bouquet will be carried around for hours, from early morning prep to the last dance.
Flowers need hydration to stay fresh, so if possible, keep your bouquet in water whenever you’re not using it for photos.
Ask your florist for a water source that won’t damage your dress, such as a dampened wrap for the stems.
A hydrated bouquet will stay vibrant longer and look stunning in your photos.
3. Not Planning for Preservation
Many brides don’t think about what happens to their bouquet after the wedding—until it’s too late.
If you want to preserve your wedding flowers as a keepsake, it’s crucial to plan ahead.
Different preservation methods require different handling, and some flowers press better than others. If you’d like a bit more information about different types of bouquet preservations I have a blog post about it here: Different Methods of Flower Preservation: Which One is Right for You?
By deciding early, you can ensure your bouquet is in the best condition for preservation.
If you’re considering flower pressing, make sure to follow proper care instructions and arrange delivery or drop-off as soon as possible after the wedding.
4. Tossing the Bouquet Without a Backup
Throwing your bouquet might be a fun tradition, but if you want to keep your flowers as a memento, consider having a separate toss bouquet.
The excitement of the bouquet toss can leave your carefully arranged flowers damaged or scattered.
A smaller, simpler version of your main bouquet is a perfect solution—it allows you to take part in the tradition while keeping your bridal bouquet safe for preservation.
If you’d like some ideas of what you could do instead of a bouquet toss I have written a whole blog post about alternatives here: 10 Modern Alternatives to the Bouquet Toss Tradition.
5. Choosing a Bouquet That’s Too Heavy or Awkward
Your bouquet should be comfortable to hold throughout the day. Some designs, while stunning, can be too large, heavy, or awkward to carry.
If you find yourself struggling to hold it up for long periods, it might affect your comfort and how natural your photos look.
Work with your florist to create a bouquet that’s not only beautiful but also easy to manage.
Preserve Your Wedding Memories
Your wedding bouquet is more than just flowers—it’s a symbol of your special day. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your bouquet stays fresh, beautiful, and ready to be preserved as a cherished keepsake.
If you’re interested in turning your wedding flowers into a stunning piece of pressed flower art, get in touch to learn more about my bouquet preservation services!
