How to Hold Your Bouquet!
The Right Hold Is Everything!
A beautiful bouquet is the most iconic and lavish wedding day accessory around! Having a great floral designer is a fantastic start, but you can really optimize the full effect of your bouquet by holding it properly! It may seem like a simple task, but putting just a little thought into how you carry them can make a world of difference!
Don't: Hold The Bouquet Too High
Holding your bouquet too high will hide your dress, figure, and confidence! We don't want that! Stiff, raised arms make you look tense and might even make it look as though you're hiding behind the bouquet. Not to mention, your arms will get tired quickly from holding up your bouquet in pictures!
Instead, Hold It Low
Hold the bouquet roughly at your belly button. Your arms should be relaxed at a 45 degree angle or wider. The bouquet should sit below your waist and at your hips. This way, you can see your gorgeous dress! Holding a bouquet at a relaxed level will help you look more comfortable and confident, too! With the bouquet at your hips, it will also help accentuate your figure.
Don't: Hold the Stems Too Low
Holding the stems of your flowers too low can cause you some potential problems. You may have stability, balance, and control issues, especially if your bouquet is full and heavy. If you have problems managing your bouquet, it can make you look tense and stiff! You might also accidentally cover up the pretty ribbon wrap holding your stems together.
Instead, Hold Towards the Top
Don't choke up on the blooms, but you definitely want your hands on the top half of the bouquet. For cascading bouquets, you shouldn't be able to see your hands from most angles. If you're holding with two hands, keep them together. Your thumbs should face inward towards your belly. If you're holding with one hand, the same placement rules apply!
Don't Hold Cascading Bouquets Even
Hand tied bouquets are so lovely because they retain a "fresh picked" look. They give off a carefree, yet elegant vibe that we just love! However, without using and floral foam, floral designers cannot as easily manipulate the direction the flowers or greens grow. It comes down to positioning and how you hold the bouquet that gives it the cascading effect! Brides who hold their bouquets even don't get the full effect of the draped greenery. Avoid standing with the stems parallel to your body! The greenery will stick straight out in front of you, as pictured above. Not the desired effect!
Instead, Hold at an Angle
Brides who can successfully manage to hold their bouquets at an angle really work it! Tilt the bouquet forward away from you body until the greenery is parallel to your body instead of the stems! This is especially important to remember when taking pictures or walking down the aisle. This method will also keep you from staining your dress with the pollen and pigment of your flowers - keep them off your dress!
More Good Tips
Take a deep breath, shake out your shoulders, and practice good posture. Don't let the nerves or excitement of the day get in the way of you looking your best! Hold the bouquet firmly, but your hands should not be in fists or clenched! As a general rule, the larger the bouquet, the more attention required to make sure you're holding it just right. Single stem or very small bouquets are generally more flexible and work for a variety of holds and heights. You'll only be holding your bouquet for a portion of the day, so make the most of it with how you hold!
Here is a video of Wedding Planner Diana Dorsey
where she shares with you tips on how to hold your bouquet when walking down the aisle!
