To everything there is a season, and that’s definitely true for wedding flowers. Bridal bouquets have transformed throughout the decades, reflecting shifting values and perspectives. The bouquet has proven to be one of the most crucial pieces of the bridal wardrobe, an iconic accessory that sets the tone for the look of the bride herself as well as her wedding.
Turn of The Century
At the dawn of the 20th century and into the 1910s, bridal flowers were still taking their cue from the Victorian style carried over from England. Bouquets cascaded with vines and ribbons and trail of ivy, or were clustered into an ornate, detailed style using delicate blooms. Many of the flowers used had specific meanings that spoke to the feelings of the couple getting married. Because modern refrigeration didn’t exist yet, bouquets were dictated by the seasons.
Art Deco And Beyond
In the 20s and 30s, bouquets were either massive and opulent, showing off in grand Industrial-era style, or took inspiration from the Art Deco movement, boasting a strong shape that capitalized on one or two statement flowers. Bouquets were fragrant and full of drama until the 40s, when wartime influenced the look of weddings overall. Bridal bouquets took on a more modest and demure feel.
Era Of Peace and Love
By the 60s, the bridal bouquet had become a much looser affair. The style was free spirited and as if snatched from the garden, with Gerbera and other daisies making their debut. This more laid back, earthy style eventually gave way to the big, bursting bouquets of the 70s and 80s, where excess became a thing again. What did these decades have in common, flower-wise? Their love of flower crowns, which translated to flowers adorning everything from parasols and big hats in the later decades.
The Modern Bride
Today, bridal bouquets are styled to look wild and free. They are filled with unusual statement blooms in intriguing combinations and strong color palettes. We’ve added all sorts of natural elements and distinctive greenery to our bouquets, which have an “anything goes” feel. And we’ve returned to letting the season’s offerings be our guide.