How Many Flowers In A Bridal Bouquet? [Per Arrangement]

The bridal bouquet could not be more symbolic. From walking down the aisle to the signature bouquet toss; it‘s a real focal point of any wedding day. But how big does it need to be? More specifically, how many flowers are typically included? Here is what your typical wedding florist would recommend.

So, how many flowers are there in a bouquet? There are typically between 4-10 stems for a small bouquet arrangement, 8-20 stems for a medium bouquet arrangement, and 16-30 stems for a larger bouquet arrangement. Although, the total number of stems will depend on the size of the bouquet required, the type of flowers used, their cost, and the budget available.

Flowers come in all shapes and sizes, and as such, bridal bouquets can do too.

It goes without saying that the larger the flower, the fewer stems that will be required, or will even fit, in your bridal bouquet.

Besides, they should not look cramped – this is all about elegance, of course.

As such, the number of flowers in the bridal bouquet will range from bride to bride. You’ll also need to take into account your wedding theme, and the colors of your day too.

Finding a high quality and reputable florist will go a long way in helping you get the flower arrangements right. For yourself, and for the rest of the bridal party.

But to ensure you enter the conversation with some pre-existing knowledge and to help direct the conversation, the following information should be of great help!

How Many Flowers In A Bouquet

The number of flowers in a bouquet will depend primarily on the size required and flowers used.

The following table provides a good overview of the most common types of flower arrangements used for weddings and what will be required:

Flower Arrangement	Stems Required for Small Bouquet	Stems Required for Medium Bouquet	Stems Required for Large Bouquet
Peony Bouquet	3-5	6-10	8-12
Hydrangea Bouquet	2-3	3-6	6-9
Rose Bouquet	6-12	16-22	20-26
Mixed Bouquet (Central & Secondary Flower, and Greens)	8-10	16-22 Stems	24-30 Stems

Types Of Bridal Bouquets

There are literally dozens of different types of bouquets you can choose from for your upcoming wedding.

You have likely already been on Pinterest, searching for the perfect dress, and the perfect décor, and the perfect flower arrangements.

The truth is, there is no absolute number of flowers to strive for in your bridal bouquet. Instead, it will be highly individualized depending on the flowers chosen and the arrangement required.

Below are eight of the most common bouquets styles brides typically choose for their weddings.

Cascade Bouquet

The term “cascade” means having something “arranged or occurring in a series or a succession of stages…”

With that said, a cascading bouquet has become quite popular for those not wanting something that is so accurately put together, yet still displays beauty and contrast.

A cascading bouquet usually features a varied color gradient and will contain several different types of flowers.

However, brides can always go with the classic white cascading bouquet with some simple greenery for a timeless look.

Biedermeier Bouquet

If you are preferring something that has a tighter and cleaner look, the Biedermeier bouquet is as clean-cut and specific as you get.

This bouquet is circular and is larger and also features the same symmetry of flowers throughout.

Most of the circular shaped bouquets that you will see when searching through bridal flower arrangements will be this one.

Interestingly: this bouquet actually got its name from the “Biedermeier” period of the 19^th century.

Fittingly, this particular era and decorating style were known for its conventionality and use of clean lines.

Nosegay Bouquet

This particular bouquet is very similar to the Biedermeier bouquet in that it is structured and all of the flowers are tightly packed and secured in place.

However, the nosegay is smaller than that of the Biedermeier and contains bits of greenery that can pop out.

The greenery can often time play as the focal point of this bouquet.

This particular bunch of flowers and greenery is perfect if you love the look of greenery and would rather be more of the focus.

Round Bouquet

Elegant and classic, the round bouquet typically has one single type of flower that makes up the entirety of the unit.

The stems are tightly wrapped in some type of ribbon, or for a more rustic look, twine. You will often see round bouquets that are entirely one color of roses, lilies, or daisies.

Also, you won’t see any gaps between any of the flowers so as it appears to be one seamless flow of flowers.

Contemporary Bouquet

The greatest feature about the contemporary bridal bouquet is simply that there is not necessarily any rhyme or reason to it.

It can contain features from every single type of flower arrangement on this list is still look amazingly stunning as you hold it walking down the aisle.

This bouquet typically has some more abstract pieces in it…flowers that you wouldn’t normally see in any ole’ flower arrangement and pieces that you might not think would belong in the bouquet, to begin with.

Essentially, this artistic expressional arrangement allows the bride with the funky flavor or that wants something unique and different the room to do so.

More than anything, this bouquet has the freedom to truly show the personality of the bride.

Composite Bouquet

Compared to the construction of all the other bouquets on this list, the composite is by far the most time consuming and complicated of them all, yet, it looks extremely simple and elegant.

When completed, the composite bouquet appears to be one large (and I expressly me large) flower being carried by the bride.

However, this particular bouquet is compiled of 1. a large number of small flowers, or 2. Detached petals taped and wired together.

Both of these methods are to bring the illusion of one very large flower being carried.

Hand-Tied Bouquet

While the majority of the other bouquets are tightly tied in place to ensure none of the valuable stems slide out and about, this one is looser and has the appearance of being hand-tied, just as it sounds.

Essentially, this arrangement is made by placing each stem in the hand of another until the bouquet is formed.

Honestly, that sounds just like any other bouquet, but it isn’t. Many specifically styled bouquets are made with plastic holders to ensure the same size, shape, and amount of stems in each one.

However, with a hand-tied method, flowers are simply placed in another hand until it reaches the desired look and then is tied off.

Crescent Bouquet

When I think of a crescent bouquet I think of the crescent shape (a certain type of tasty roll comes to mind).

However, if you can think of the shape you can certainly get an idea of what this particular flower arrangement looks like when all put together…you guessed it…and crescent.

Most similar to the cascading bouquet, the crescent has a soft arching of the flowers that can cascade a bit down each side.

These bouquets are generally larger and classic in appearance.

Further, there is no specific type of flower you need to put into this one and can have the choice of having several different kinds.

What Flowers Are In A Bridal Bouquet?

There are thousands of different flowers that you can put into a bridal bouquet. From your traditional roses to something more exotic like the Anthurium or Cymbidium Orchids. Some brides even choose to have bridal bouquets made entirely of greenery.

Whatever you choose, one thing to take into consideration is the time of year in which you are having your wedding ceremony.

For one, choosing in-season flowers will help keep the cost down, thus, keeping more money in your pocket.

Second, typically brides chose specific seasons to get married in because they like the colors and florals associated with it.

Spring

Who doesn’t love Spring? Aside from the roaring allergies that normally come with the season, we begin to feel warmer weather, as well as see all of the beautiful trees and flowers showing their glorious colors once again.

It is a season of rebirth and life, which is exactly why many brides choose to marry in this season.

Flowers that are typical to this season are Roses, Peonies, Hydrangeas, Tulips, Orchids, Dahlias, the Iris, and dozens more.

All of these different flowers can be put together to form a hand-maid loose bouquet of Spring or create a more structured look.

Summer

The summer is one of the best times of the year to get married, and for good reason.

Not only is the weather in the majority of the U.S. sunny most of the time, but it is the perfect time of year to combine your wedding with that tropical honeymoon experience.

But aside from that, there are lots of beautiful buds that happen to be popping up this time of the year.

While Roses still hold their place at the top, we also see flowers such as the Buttercup, Sunflower, Calla Lilly, Carnation, Chrysanthemums, Lavender, Gardenia, Corn Flower, and again, dozens more.

Fall

When spring and summer are used to provide those bursts of bright yellows and pastels, fall is the perfect time to incorporate dramatic flower arrangements because of the different hues that befall this season.

Tones of rust, oranges, purples, and whites are the stars of most bridal bouquets this time of the year.

Many of the same flowers that show themselves in the summer re-arrange themselves to incorporate fall leaves, wheatgrass stalks, and other types of rustic greenery to give the bouquet a different look.

Winter

While Winter may not be the most popular time of year to get hitched, many people opt for this magical season and the hopes of a snowy white wedding day.

Many winter brides choose beautiful dark and rich colors to accompany whites for a romantic winter effect.

Certain flowers, like Roses, are a year staple to bridal bouquets because of their beauty and ability to provide a vast array of colors. To accompany the deep red or white roses for this time of year are the Amaryllis, Hypericum Berries, Camellias, and even Poinsettias.

Does The Bride Have the Same Bouquet As The Bridesmaids?

Traditionally, bridesmaids will carry smaller versions of the bridal bouquet. Sometimes they are the same flowers, at other times they are somewhat different.

Essentially, the bridesmaid’s purpose is to complement the bride in every single way possible.

For example, the dresses of the bridesmaids are to complement the various colors of the wedding pallet.

So on this same note, the bridesmaid’s bouquets are to compliment the brides.

The bridesmaid’s bouquet should never outshine the bridal one.

On a different thought, it is acceptable for the maid of honor to have a slightly different bouquet than the rest of the bridesmaids.

Think of the bouquets as everyone knowing what their role is in the wedding.

How Many Flowers in a Bridesmaid Bouquet?

The bridesmaid’s bouquet should be smaller than the bridal bouquet, so a good rule of thumb is to have 50-75% less flowers in the bridesmaid’s bouquets.

So, for a bridal bouquet of 30 stems, the bridesmaids would have between 10-15 stems.

It all of course depends on the flowers used and the arrangement.

But if a bridesmaid was to have a bouquet any larger than this it will start to become slightly overwhelming and risk outshining that of the brides.

However, the bridesmaid’s bunch of flowers should not be any smaller than half the size of the bridal bouquet.

They still need to be plentiful, visible and complimentary to her.

Are There Any Flowers That Should be Avoided?

There are certain flowers that should be avoided for a bridal or bridesmaids bouquet. This includes lilies, daffodils, gardenias, magnolias peonies, and hydrangeas. These particular flowers are more likely to wilt, and do not do very well with being out of water for longer periods of time.

Therefore its does come advised to discuss your flower options with a florist; who will be able to advise on the best type of flower for your day and the situation (taking into account the season and the weather).

However, if you are more of a DIY type of person then you need to do your research regarding which flowers are more sturdy.

Look for those that can hold their shape and color when out of the water and being passed around for several hours, aka, your wedding day.

This is why roses are so widely used – they simply are a tough flower.

They can withstand being out of water for a long period and not look bruised in the process.

On the flip, certain flowers like Peonies or Lilacs don’t do well in those same conditions, leaving your once beautiful bunch of flowers looking pretty sorry.

Should You DIY Your Bouquets?

Its great to DIY your bouqets, so long as you do your research and ensure you are getting the right flowers for the day, for the occasion, that will last and compliment your theme.

Personally, I am a huge advocate of the DIY for two reasons:

1. I really like to learn how to do new things, and
2. I am a huge spendthrift. My thought is, why pay someone to do something that I can do myself?

This is why I will be looking t do my own flowers for my own wedding.

Searching on Pinterest and watching YouTube videos is great for showing exactly how to make your own bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, and boutonnieres.

If you have the time and the energy and think this is something you can take on yourself or with your bridesmaids, then bring it on!

However, do your research to make sure you get long-lasting flowers that can stand the abuse a wedding day will bring.

Final Thoughts

The bridal and bridesmaid bouquets are some of the main focal points of your wedding (outside of you and your dress, of course).

So, it’s important that you do your research.

Fortunately, there are so many different styles of bouquets out there, that you will be sure to find one that matches your personality and wedding theme.

From there, you can run with it.

Not literally of course that could do damage!

So, you know, nicely walk down the aisle with it.

Just remember, the larger the flower, the fewer stems you will need for your bouquets.

A good rule of thumb to consider is:

• Small Flowers – 15-20 stems
• Medium Flowers – 9-14 stems
• Large Flowers – 6-8 stems.

Contact a few florists, research online, and soon you’ll have a good idea of how to proceed!

Other wedding flower guides and tools you may want to check out:

• Wedding Flower Cost Calculator
• How Much To Tip Wedding Florist [And Whether You Even Should!]
• Do Bridesmaids Need Flowers? [Are There Any Alternatives?]
• When To Book A Florist For A Wedding