Start with the Dress

When it comes to designing a bridal bouquet, the creativity and skills of a professional florist are the only limits to your options. The choices -- ranging from a simple beribboned posy to an extravagant cascade of roses -- can make it difficult to know where to begin.

In actuality, there is a perfect place to start -- with your dress. First consider its style. A modern, straight sheath might be best complemented by a tight round cluster in one bold color, a simple arm bouquet draped with a long, luxurious velvet ribbon, or a hand-tied arrangement consisting of just one or two flower varieties.

On the other hand, if your dress is heavily decorated with beads and/or lace or has a full traditional skirt, a large teardrop cascade or free-form bouquet might balance the ensemble best.

Whatever your dress style, take a photo or sketch of it with you to the florist. An experienced, professional flower arranger will bear your dress style in mind when suggesting arrangement possibilities and while designing your bouquet.