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Finding Your Ideal Wedding Bouquet Shape - The Beginner's Guide to Wedding Flowers


lilac floral background with text reading "the beginner's guide to wedding flowers - finding your ideal bouquet shape by Emma Jane Floral Design"

If you Google "Wedding Bouquet Shapes" you will find 100 different names for bridal bouquet styles; Nosegay, Posy, Beidermeier... The list is endless. And confusing. Endless and very very confusing. And let's face it, wedding planning can be confusing enough already.


At Emma Jane Floral Design, we think wedding planning should be exciting, not overwhelming, which is why we like to keep things as simple as possible for our couples. We do the hard work to make your wedding planning journey as fun as it should be; relaxed and filled with anticipation for your big day!


Despite there being many names, ultimately there are just a few wedding bouquet shapes to choose from. The many bouquets names you see online will most likely fit into one of these categories, so keep reading to find your ideal bouquet shape!


Round Bridal Bouquets


A timeless classic. Round bridal bouquets are also often referred to as Hand Tied Bouquets, they have no distinct front or back and are created by carefully arranging flowers in a circular shape, with each stem spiraled around a central bloom and tied together with ribbon or twine.


The round shape symbolizes unity and eternity, making it a popular option for brides looking for a romantic and traditional bouquet style. They can be kept neat and tidy for a more formal look, or created in a loose and relaxed garden style (which is typically our design preference).

ivory blush pink and nude round bridal bouquet with trailing silk ribbon

Photography by R.Orange Photography


bride and groom standing in front of a red brick church, the bride is holding a bouquet of red orange and yellow flowers with trailing silk ribbon

Photography by ATD Photography


Cascading Bridal Bouquets


Another traditional design, cascading bridal bouquets, also be referred to as Shower or Waterfall Bouquets, are a classic and elegant choice. These bouquets became popular in the Victorian era and feature a waterfall-like arrangement with flowers spilling gently down out of the bride's hands, creating a romantic and whimsical look. As with round bouquets, they can be kept small and neat where the bouquet creates a tear drop shape or made fuller and more organic to create a design with lots of movement and drama.


white flower cascading shower style bridal bouquet

Florist Unknown


Pageant Bridal Bouquets


Pageant style bridal bouquets typically feature longer stemmed flowers, that are cradled in the crook of the brides arm (as if she had just been given a bouquet after winning a pageant!). They are also sometimes know as Presentation or Sheaf Bridal Bouquets. Pageant bouquets have gone out of fashion over the last few years, but with 2025 showing a major rise in the popularity of calla lily bouquets - this bouquet shape is desfinitely making a come back!


I believe pageant bouquets are most effective when created from one signature bloom type; roses or calla lilies being a favourite. They can be given a modern twist by using choosing reflexed roses for a sleek and sophisticated vibe, that would work perfectly for a formal black tie wedding.


bride holding a bouquet of white flowers in a pageant style

Florist unknown.


Free-Form Bridal Bouquets


At Emma Jane Floral Design we specialise in free-form bridal bouquets. Free form bridal bouquets are an expression of the beauty of nature and have a whimsical and romantic feeling about them. These bouquets embrace a natural, organic style, with a mix of blooms and greenery that appear effortlessly gathered, as if plucked straight from the garden.


We craft our bridal bouquets to have a distinct front and back, making it easy for you to know how to carry them and ensuring they look incredible as you walk down the aisle. Free form bridal bouquets are a lovely choice for brides seeking a soft and dreamy aesthetic, a twist on the traditional and a sense of wild, untamed beauty on their special day.


bride and groom embracing, the bride is holding an organically shaped bouquet of pink and orange flowers with trailing silk ribbon

Photography by Wyldbee Photography


bride and groom kissing, the bride is holding a brdial bouquet of white and blush pink flowers in a natural free form shape

wildflower style bridal bouquet in a loose and organic shape

bride and groom walking through fields, the bride is holding a organically shaped bouquet of brightly coloured flowers

bride holding a small bridal bouquet of white and blush flowers in a loose natural shape

Photography by Leri Lane Photography


bride holding a bouquet of pastel garden flowers in a wild and natural style

Photograph by Pix By Vix


If you're looking for a florist to design your ideal bridal bouquet and feel Emma Jane Floral Design might be good fit for you, pop your details in our contacts forms and Emma will be in touch as soon as possible!


free form fresh flower bridal bouquet in lilac tones

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