If you are planning a retro-themed wedding, you’ll want to be sure to include flowers with an authentic retro look. Flowers are very important to a wedding’s overall look and mood, and there are plenty of great styles that can work well if you’re going for a retro effect. You’ll find a wide range of prices in every bouquet category, so shop around to find the best price. Or, if you have some artistic talent, you might even want to try making your bouquets and boutonnieres yourself. Here are five of the top bouquet and boutonniere styles that work as well today as they did back in the “good old days.”
The Bride and Bridesmaids
Arm Bouquet: This old-fashioned look, which was popular in the early 1900s, features long-stemmed flowers which are carried draped over the bride’s arm. This look is a natural for a sophisticated retro-themed wedding. Long-stemmed roses, calla lilies and orchids all work wonderfully well for this style of bouquet. Tie the stems with a ribbon bow for the perfect finishing touch. This style of bouquet is sometimes referred to as a “sheath.” It looks especially stunning with a slender and streamlined wedding gown.
Nosegay: This classic retro look features a tight round floral arrangement with very little greenery. This style of bouquet, sometimes called a “posy,” became popular during Victorian times. The nosegay bouquet is generally small and beautifully simplistic.
Cascade: Popular in the 1920s, this retro style of bouquet can be quite dramatic. The style is somewhat similar to a large nosegay, but also features cascading flowers and greenery. Beautiful roses, lilies, orchids, and even vines are often used as part of this bouquet. This bouquet would look stunning with a long gown and train.
Tussie-Mussie: This very Victorian bouquet features flowers with evenly trimmed stems, usually placed in a cone-shaped holder. It is a very elegant looking bouquet. Traditionally, these bouquets were arranged according to the special meaning of specific flowers, to create a kind of “flower message.”
Pomander Ball: This unique style of arrangement, also known as a “kissing ball,” has a simple elegance that can work well with a retro wedding theme. The flowers are arranged in a ball shape, which is suspended from a ribbon used to carry the bouquet.
The Groom and Groomsmen
Carnations: The carnation is a classic for men’s boutonnieres. Available in a wide variety of colors, these versatile flowers can be used to create a very stylish retro-look boutonniere that will coordinate with any wedding color selections. Miniature carnations are usually the most popular choice. Carnations often work best for simpler daytime weddings.
Cornflowers: This small and perky flower has been used for generations as a boutonniere, just as the name “Bachelor’s Button” would imply. These flowers are traditionally blue, but are also available in white, pinks and purples.
Gardenias: Gardenia boutonnieres work very well for elegant retro weddings, especially if gardenias are also used in the bride’s bouquet. They work equally well for day and evening weddings.
Orchids: Another elegant choice, a single orchid has a classic look. Orchid boutonnieres would be an especially good choice if the bride is carrying a cascade bouquet featuring these same flowers.
Roses: A single small rose is always a great choice for a man’s boutonniere. You can choose a rose that coordinates with the bride’s wedding flower colors, or go with a classic white rose. Some people prefer to adorn the rose with baby’s breath or ribbon, but a plain unadorned rose often creates the classiest look.
RESOURCES:
http://www.brides.com/planning/flowers/guide/glossary/
http://www.weddingsitaly.com/flowers/wedding-bouquets/arm/index.htm
http://weddingstyle.suite101.com/article.cfm/vintage-wedding-bouquet-ideas
http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/2002/tussie_mussies.htm
http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/pomander-ball-kissing-balls.html
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic_Components/Accessories.htm
http://thelondonlounge.net/gl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7829&start=0
