Bridal bouquet: how to choose yours

The bridal bouquet is far more than an accessory — it is the floral expression of your personality, your companion down the aisle and one of the most photographed elements of your wedding day. Round, cascading, loose, colourful or all-white... the possibilities are endless. This guide helps you choose the bouquet that reflects who you are and will enhance your silhouette on the big day.

Bridal bouquet shapes

The shape of your bouquet significantly influences the overall look of your outfit. Each shape has its own character and suits a particular wedding style.

The round bouquet. Classic and timeless, the round bouquet suits all body types and every dress style. Compact and harmonious, it is easy to hold in one hand and works equally well at a traditional wedding or a modern ceremony. It is composed of tightly packed flowers of similar size — roses, peonies, ranunculus — and can be accented with small touches of greenery.

The cascade bouquet. Spectacular and elegant, the cascade bouquet tumbles gracefully downward. It is perfectly suited to long gowns and slender silhouettes. Made with trailing flowers — orchids, ivy, amaranth — it brings a dramatic, romantic dimension. Note: its imposing size can overwhelm a petite figure or a very voluminous dress.

The loose, unstructured bouquet. Natural and contemporary, the unstructured bouquet looks as though it was gathered from a wild garden. Stems are visible, flowers at different heights mingle with herbs and grasses. It is the ideal bouquet for rustic, bohemian or outdoor weddings, and pairs beautifully with flowing dresses and relaxed outfits.

The armful bouquet. Cradled in the crook of the arm like a freshly picked bunch of flowers, this elongated bouquet has an effortless elegance. Composed of long-stemmed flowers — delphiniums, gladioli, peonies — it suits brides who want a glamorous effect without excessive formality.

Matching your dress

Your bouquet and your wedding dress should form a cohesive ensemble. Here are the combinations that work best.

For a princess gown with a voluminous skirt, choose a medium-sized round bouquet that won't be dwarfed by the skirt's volume. Full, round blooms — peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas — complement the curves of the dress.

For a mermaid or sheath dress, the cascade or elongated armful bouquet accentuates the vertical line of the silhouette. An unstructured bouquet with vertical elements (delphiniums, veronica) also works very well.

For a bohemian dress in lace or flowing chiffon, the unstructured bouquet is the perfect match. Wildflowers, untamed herbs, silk ribbons: everything breathes freedom and naturalness.

For a minimalist, modern dress, a pared-back bouquet composed of just one or two flower varieties works wonders. A bouquet of white calla lilies, orchids or anthuriums brings a graphic touch that complements the dress's simplicity.

Also consider the colour of your dress. Bright white pairs with pure white flowers, while ivory or champagne tones harmonise better with cream, blush or peach shades. Don't hesitate to bring a fabric swatch when you meet your wedding florist in Nice.

Choosing your colours

The colour palette of your bouquet sets the tone for your entire floral decoration. It should harmonise with your wedding theme and your floral decoration scheme.

White and neutral tones. Timeless and refined, the all-white bouquet suits every style. To avoid monotony, play with textures: full roses, airy lisianthus, delicate lily of the valley, wispy gypsophila. Touches of green — eucalyptus, fern — add depth.

Pinks and blush. Soft and romantic, dusty pink and blush tones are the most requested shades. They flatter every skin tone and photograph beautifully. From David Austin roses to ranunculus and peonies, the options are endless.

Vibrant colours. Fuchsia, coral, orange, yellow: colourful bouquets are gaining popularity. They bring energy and joy, and capture the Mediterranean light of the French Riviera particularly well. A multicoloured bouquet can be the starting point for your entire wedding palette.

Deep tones. Burgundy, plum, marsala, dark violet: these rich shades suit autumn and winter weddings. Paired with dark foliage and berries, they create a luxurious, dramatic mood.

Seasonal flowers

Choosing seasonal flowers for your bouquet is at once an ecological, economical and aesthetic decision. Seasonal blooms are fresher, more fragrant and more affordable.

In spring (March to May), enjoy peonies, ranunculus, lilac, lily of the valley, tulips and anemones. It is the richest season for bridal bouquet choices.

In summer (June to August), garden roses, dahlias, lisianthus, delphiniums and lavender take centre stage. Prioritise heat-resistant varieties if your wedding is outdoors.

In autumn (September to November), dahlias, chrysanthemums, autumn roses, berries and colourful foliage offer a warm, rich palette.

In winter (December to February), anemones, amaryllis, ranunculus, hellebores and eucalyptus compose refined bouquets with varied textures. For a comprehensive guide, read our article on wedding flowers by season.

Bouquet budget

The price of a bridal bouquet varies according to its size, the flower varieties chosen and the complexity of its design.

From €65, you can get a lovely moderately sized round bouquet with classic seasonal flowers (roses, lisianthus, gypsophila). This is the entry point for a professional-quality bouquet.

Between €95 and €150, the bouquet gains in volume and variety. More sought-after flowers can be included (garden roses, ranunculus, eucalyptus) and there is more room to play with textures and heights.

Above €150, bouquets feature premium flowers (peonies, orchids, proteas), complex compositions (cascade, voluminous armful) and sophisticated finishes (silk ribbons, floral jewellery).

Don't forget to budget for complementary accessories: groom's boutonniere (€15 to €25), bridesmaids' bouquets (€35 to €65 each) and possibly a tossing bouquet (€25 to €45).

Preserving your bouquet after the wedding

After the wedding, many brides wish to keep their bouquet as a keepsake. Several techniques exist.

Air drying. The simplest method: hang your bouquet upside down in a dry, dark place for two to three weeks. The flowers lose some colour but retain their shape. Roses, eucalyptus and lavender dry particularly well.

Pressing. Separate the flowers and press them between the pages of a heavy book for a month. Pressed flowers can then be framed or set in resin to create a unique decorative object.

Freeze-drying. A professional technique that preserves the shape, colour and volume of the flowers. The bouquet is placed in a freeze-drying chamber for several weeks. The result is spectacular, but the cost is significant (€200 to €500). Specialist artisans offer this service in the Nice area.

Whichever method you choose, let your florist know in advance: they can adapt the flower selection to facilitate preservation and advise on the best technique for the blooms in your bouquet.