Fall Bridal Bouquets
The bridal bouquet is one small detail of your big day, but it provides a great opportunity to get creative without breaking the bank. Fall in particular is the perfect season to be inventive with your bouquet. The foliage offers a wide range of stunning color, while many autumnal flowers are coming into bloom. Whether you can spend a little or a lot, you can have a beautiful fall bouquet clasped in your hand as you say, “I do.”In-Season FlowersWhen the world turns autumnal, the best thing to do is work with the season rather than against it. Most people think that, once summer ends, the flowers die, but there are dozens of fall blooms that can save you a pretty penny in comparison to exotic flowers.Cymbidian orchids come in a variety of colors, including white, rust and yellow. While the bloom itself may be more expensive, fewer are needed to make a statement. A single orchid wired and tied with trailing ribbon can have multiple blooms and make an elegant, simple bouquet. Alternatively, Calla Lilies can be either miniature or full-sized, and come in a stunning array of hues perfect for the fall. Alone or paired with ferns and other fall foliage, a dozen blooms can be just what you need to add that splash of complimentary color to your bridal outfit.Hydrangeas are perfectly seasonal and, while not the cheapest bloom available, a little expenditure goes a long way. With plenty of blooms to each stalk, these white flowers are a perfect neutral touch to compliment darker plants such as Chocolate Cosmos. These are perfect for the richer touch, and really make a statement against white linens. Burgundy-brown in appearance, these flowers can be grouped with flame and neutral colors. Best of all is the subtle scent. When deeply inhaled, there is a rich chocolate perfume at their hearts - something the person who catches the bouquet is bound to appreciate!The traditional rose never goes out of style at a wedding. Available in a staggering range of colors and readily found in the fall, they can be styled from pure elegance to rustic charm. Consider adding sprays of seasonal berries and fruits to give this traditional bouquet an edge and tie it into the theme of your wedding.These are just a few examples of flowers available to you in fall. By choosing blooms in-season, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money and still have a beautiful arrangement that really catches the eye.Fall FoliageSince nature is going all out in the dying days before winter, why not get in on the action and add some fall foliage to your bouquet? This is a particularly good idea if you are having an arrangement that is either neutral in color or simplistically elegant. Ferns add a touch of woodland magic, while there are many beautiful leaves that will literally fall into your hands: oak, birch and maple are just a few that can add that autumnal touch.If you feel the need to take it a step further, there are some ingenious alternatives to the typical flower bouquet. Lightweight fruits such as blackberries can provide a bloom-like focus to a collection of fall foliage in your arrangement. Alternatively, the berries of either the Hypericum or Virburnum can give the perfect touch of texture.DecorationsThe plants themselves are not the only area that can be influenced by the season. Whether you are going for a complete fall experience with your bouquet or you simply want a hint of color, ribbons can add the ideal highlight to the arrangement. Not only are they available in any color and size imaginable, but they can be an affordable alternative to a trailing bouquet. You still get the general teardrop shape, but do not have to pay for the structural wiring required or the additional blooms.Money MattersRegardless of the size of your wedding or your budget, it is a forgone conclusion that you will find yourself over-spending. The bouquet, while a small part of the big day, can quickly rise in price. Here are some general tips applicable year-round that can help you save some money on your big day, whether it takes place in the fall or beyond.Bouquet arrangements tend to be expensive simply because the bride does not have the intimate knowledge of the properties of each flower that the florist possesses. You may choose a dozen roses, Calla Lilies and trailing ivy, but while your naming names the florist is doing the math. Not only will such a bouquet end up being very heavy, but the structuring required to create a trailing shape will add to the bill.For simple alternatives that will not leave your wallet empty, consider getting a hand-tied arrangements. The best flowers to match your dress and theme are selected and tied together in a bundle. A good florist will offer you a range of choices and explain the pros and cons of each one, but the overall simplicity can be hugely beneficial. Ribbons can also be used to mimic a trailing shape and add a wistful touch to your bouquet, or a single flower clutched in your hand can be that perfect, minimalist touch; it also means that your bouquet will not detract from the main event – you!Whether you choose to spend $20 or $2000 on your bouquet, there are hundreds of dazzling choices available in the fall: traditional or modern, pale or dark, flowers, foliage or both! Go with your heart, but don’t forget to listen to your head. A few careful choices can make sure you still have a fabulous bouquet without it costing you the earth, leaving more money available for you and your spouse once the wedding is over.
