Perfect Couples: Wedding dress and flower combos by LOVE Bridal Boutique

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with many, many brides. And choosing the bouquet remains one of the most exciting bits – for both bride and florist! For me, getting an understanding of the bride’s dress is usually the starting point for the bouquet, and is key to creating a bouquet that enhances and complements whatever style of dress the bride chooses.

The same principle applies for wedding dresses, your stylist knowing your favourite flower, theme or style gives them massive clues as to the dress of your dreams.

So, we’ve turned to one of The Flower Lounge’s favourite wedding friends, Emma Draper, who owns the stunning Love Bridal Boutique in Altrincham. Having worked with many of the same brides, Emma and I have got to know each other pretty well over the years and share the same passion for helping brides have the most perfect wedding possible.

So, in the spirit of collaboration, I’ve asked Emma to write a blog for all those brides out there who want some advice about the perfect wedding dress and bouquet combination. I hope you enjoy!

Siân x

While a lot of focus and attention goes on finding THE ONE, often, a wedding dress is made by the finishing touches, whether that’s jewellery, veils, shoes or bouquet. All these elements come together to create the ultimate vision the bride has of her wedding day. So, it’s important to give them careful consideration and find the right accessories to complement the dress rather than fight with it.

Having been lucky enough to work with Siân on a number of the same weddings, I know how she and the team advise their brides, considering the colours, textures and embellishments of a bride’s gown and suggesting ways in which the shape of the bouquet or choice of flower can really harmonise with the dress to dramatic effect. Her work never fails to impress! Here are just a few Flower Lounge and LOVE Bridal Boutique collaborations that really show how the perfect bouquet can complete the perfect dress.

Autumnal bride…

I’m starting with such a fun collaboration between LOVE, The Flower Lounge and bride Becky and even captured by our very own Jonny Draper Photographer (Co-Director at LOVE and also my husband!). Becky was married at Upper House at Hayfield in October and needed a dress and flowers that shouted AUTUMN! Boy, did she get it, with the beautiful Enzoani caped ‘Ginger’ gown, perfect for that slight chill in the air, paired with steel berries and rosehips in her bouquet, using their texture and vibrancy to contrast against the stunning ivory tone of her dress. Flowers are an obvious way to add dramatic colour to any wedding, whatever the season but the rich colour scheme of deep reds and burnt orange in this bouquet really stands out against the moody October sky.

Dramatic bride…

Rachel was looking for some drama in her dress, and the beautiful and spectacular train of the ‘Jodie’ gown by Enzoani really provided it. Finished with the most exquisite hand-crafted lace and amazing illusion back detail, this dress was always going to be a show-stopper. So Rachel needed a bouquet that wouldn’t fight against the extravagance of the dress and the soft, muted colours in this arrangement really complement her gown, while the looser foliage helps to give a more relaxed feel to her overall look

Lacey bride…

Louise married Alex at Styal Lodge in the beautiful ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ by Stewart Parvin. Louise’s gown was styled with a detachable back fastening lace jacket, giving the appearance of a full lace gown with sleeves, and this was then removed later on in the day to reveal a show-stopping strapless look. The head to toe lace with stunning corsetry required a bouquet that wouldn’t fight for attention, so the traditional and simple posy of peonies, hydrangeas and roses in beautiful pastels was absolutely perfect. The posy looks as though it is an extension of the dress, it doesn’t overwhelm or detract, but is pretty and restrained, letting the exquisite lace speak for itself.

Simple and elegant bride…

At the opposite end of the spectrum, a simple and elegant gown is perfect to pair with a dramatic bouquet. This picture was taken at our LOVE showcase event, The Wedding Edit, at Styal Lodge, and the Astrid gown by Sassi Holford looks amazing with this oversized and colourful bouquet. The trailing fern and eucalyptus foliage added volume, while the protea flowers added colour and drama, both went perfectly with the pared-back simplicity of a sweetheart neckline and bare shoulders. A stunning statement!

Modern bride…

Another gorgeous gown from The Wedding Edit, ‘Ester’ from Sassi Holford. A beautifully simple and traditional ‘high low’ style, with a dramatic A-line skirt. The pampas grass bouquet was a great opportunity to give this look a modern twist. I’m seeing more and more grasses being used in bouquets, they’re beautiful, the texture is amazing and they’re something that people haven’t seen before. Perfect for a modern bride who wants to stand out from the crowd!

Colourful bride…

Who says a bride must wear white?! The gorgeous Sarah Seven Marigold ‘Sullivan’ gown is fun and modern and has caused a real stir amongst our brides.  More and more brides are experimenting with colour or statement features such as bows, feathers or ribbons – check out some more of the key 2018 trends here. We recommend pairing statement coloured gowns with simple shades in the bouquet.  Lush, green foliage not only works perfectly but is very on trend! There’ll be no mistaking the bride with this beautiful bouquet.

Romantic bride…

I LOVE, LOVE this Savannah Miller ‘Lucinda’ pearl detailed gown. A simple style which also makes a statement, this gown is whimsical, soft and romantic. To keep with the theme, we paired this romantic look with a romantic bouquet made up of flowers that look wild, and with that ‘just picked’ relaxed construction and simple tie. You can just imagine this bride picking this bouquet as she walks through a meadow on the way to her summer wedding…

I really hope this has given all you brides-to-be some ideas about how the perfect bouquet can complement your wedding dress. Although let’s be honest, if you’ve already snapped up the talented and wonderful Siân to create the floral masterpieces at your wedding, then you’re going to have a beautiful bouquet!

Emma

xoxo

Perfect Couples: Wedding dress and flower combos by LOVE Bridal Boutique