Fresh flowers always make the perfect gift. It is a simple way to speak the language of love and the world has acclaimed it for centuries.
Be it a wedding ceremony, birthday party, anniversary, or even a funeral service, presenting your loved one with a flower bouquet is a surefire way to bring a smile to their face.
Given how they uplift the mood and aura of any place and person, flowers are indeed a priceless gift from nature itself.
The flower industry in the US is blooming more than ever. With more than 60,000 small businesses serving in the floral field, it’s not too surprising that the industry is worth more than $100 billion today.
Garden centers, retailers, importers, and distributors of flowers are at the pinnacle of their business activities as more and more people are looking for the finest, freshest, and most exclusive flower bouquets for their special ones and special occasions.
But when it comes to finding the perfect bouquet for a friend or family member or selecting a floral arrangement for any other occasion, there are so many forms and varieties that you can be spoiled for choice.
Picking a bouquet should be fun and exciting. And if you have some floral beauties growing in your backyard, you can even make one at home.
Take a look at the different types of bouquets that you can buy from your local florist or arrange on your own.
Different Types of Bouquets
Below you will find all types of bouquet flowers.
1. Nosegay Bouquets
Nosegay bouquets are one of the most popular types of wedding bouquets. They are usually round in appearance and small and compact in size.
Nosegay bouquets consist of different flowers arranged in a neat and tidy manner.
All the flowers are cut to a uniform length and then wrapped tightly together using a piece of fancy fabric or a silken ribbon. Sometimes a simple wire can be used instead.
A nosegay bouquet typically features a large focal flower that draws attention to the floral arrangement.
They look best when formed using a mix of different species of flowers with complementing tones. Nosegay bouquets are somewhat similar to posy bouquets except for the fact that in nosegays, more emphasis is placed on the greenery.
2. Biedermeier Bouquets
A bunch of flowers arranged in concentric circles, the Biedermeier bouquet is the ideal choice for the bride who seeks perfection in everything on her big day.
The Biedermeier bouquet was named after a German style of interior design. It consists of different types of flowers that are arranged in such a way that they form rings of different colors.
Depending on your tastes and liking, a florist can customize the Biedermeier bouquet to any size. You can create a simple two-layered bouquet or go for as many as 8 or 10 floral rings to form a truly stunning, grand centerpiece for the wedding ceremony.
The recommended flowers for this type of bouquet include orchids, dahlias, roses, and tulips surrounded by lively green foliage or textured leaves and ferns.
3. Cascade/ Waterfall Bouquets
Waterfall bouquets are a really gorgeous type of bouquets that are best described by the name that they have been given. They feature a mix of beautiful flowers, long trailing vines, and draping leaves.
When put together, the end result is a magnificent floral arrangement that is nothing short of being a literal ‘waterfall’ of flowers.
If you are looking for ways to make a strong style statement on your wedding day, look no further than cascade bouquets.
Their inverted teardrop shape looks impressive against wedding gowns and is ideal for high-end wedding ceremonies as well as casual or themed wedding parties.
Waterfall bouquets are usually made in a hand-tied style using floral foams, wires, and ribbons to hold the bunch of blooms in place. However, to ease handling you can also place them in a decorative holder as it will maximize their elegance even more.
All types of flowers can be used in making the ultimate waterfall bouquet. Make sure that your florist includes bold and vibrant blooms such as garden roses, lilies, dahlias, and a bunch of hyacinths to the mix.
4. Posy Bouquets
Posy bouquets are amongst the classical bouquets for brides. They feature plump and round flowerheads on short stalks that are wrapped tightly with spools of ribbon.
The ribbon covers the wires holding the stalks together. Their round, compact form coupled with a neat and orderly look is what makes posy bouquets a timeless beauty.
Posy bouquets are the go-to wedding bouquet for brides who prefer a minimalist look.
They are also well suited for brides who are more inclined to wear heavy jewelry and fancy accessories and thus, want a small and simple bouquet to avoid a gone-overboard look.
These floral arrangements are really versatile in the sense that they can be used for decorating the venue as well. Hang the small posy bouquets around the aisle or let flower girls hold them as they announce the arrival of the bride.
The unique thing about posy bouquets is that they feature very little to no greenery. Round blooms such as peonies, gerbera daisies, roses, dahlias, ranunculus, and the like are the perfect fit for this type of bridal bouquet.
5. Round Bouquets
The round bouquet refers to any type of floral arrangement that is overall round in shape. Posy bouquets come under the category of round bouquets.
This type of bouquet is one of the most commonly used styles of flower arrangement. Round-shaped bouquets go well on various occasions be it a formal or a casual event. They come in a variety of sizes, flower forms, and color combinations.
Although ferns, leaves, and other forms of greenery are included in round bouquets, flowers remain the dominant element.
Virtually any type of flower can be used in these bouquets as long as it has a bulbous shape. For example, garden roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums, ranunculus, and anemones are commonly used in making this type of flower bouquet.
6. Composite Bouquets/ Glamelia
A composite bouquet or amelia is what you should select to up your glam game for the big day.
This unique flower arrangement is also good for various other occasions as it will make a lasting impression on the recipient regardless of the reason for which it is given.
What makes a composite bouquet stand out amongst all other types of floral arrangements is the fact that it is made from individual ‘petals’ rather than flowerheads.
The petals can be collected from any type of flower although ones with large and thick petals are preferred. These petals are then arranged in a radial manner such that the bouquet resembles a single, large circular bloom.
7. Hand-Tied Bouquets
Perfect for rustic and bohemian weddings, a hand-tied bouquet is just what the name suggests – a bundle of flowers tied manually using any appropriate material such as a string, wire, ribbon, or a piece of fabric.
Hand-tied bouquets are known for their casual look that stems from the loose and slightly messy floral arrangement.
It is a popular choice amongst DIY lovers because all you need to do is gather an assortment of flowers and just tie them together – a fresh flower bouquet is ready!
8. Crescent Bouquets
As is evident by the name, crescent bouquets are shaped like a moon. A wide variety of flowers are generally used to make the shape more prominent.
Bold but compact blooms are placed in the center whereas tapered ferns, vines, and greenery are placed around it to form the narrow edges.
Naturally draping greens such as star asparagus and ivy make a fine addition to this type of wedding bouquet while flower combination includes a mix of ranunculus, baby’s breath, hanging amaranth, and similar dreamy blooms.
9. Contemporary Bouquets
Totally unique and highly fascinating, contemporary bouquets are far from the traditional floral arrangements that are a common sight at most wedding ceremonies. These bouquets include distinctive plants arranged in an incredibly impressive style.
Exotic flowers are a must-have for contemporary flower bouquets. Blooms such as calla lily, hydrangea, hyacinth, stephanotis, anthuriums, sweet peas, and delphiniums are often used to add texture to these complex bouquets.
All in all, the eccentric style of contemporary bouquets has its own intriguing charm.
10. Single Stem Bouquets
Single-stem bouquets are based on the ‘simpler is better philosophy. Oversized, asserting blooms such as garden roses, hydrangeas, and peonies are commonly used in single-stem bouquets.
They can be held by bridesmaids to ensure that the bride remains the center of attention or given to the bride herself to bring her under the spotlight with a graceful and elegant look.
11. Pomander Bouquets
Pomander bouquets are unlike any other. They consist of a ribbon handle or a string so that the bride can hold it in a handbag-like style.
Alternatively, they can be displayed around the venue or hung on trees for outdoor weddings while a smaller version can also be worn on wrists by the bridesmaids, flower girl, and guests as well.
Pomander bouquets are often accentuated by gems and jewels used as an embellishment on or around the blooms. Anemones, gerbera daisies, carnations, roses, and sunflowers are popular choices for pomanders.
12. Presentation Bouquets
Presentation bouquets are commonly called pageant bouquets because they are usually used in pageant competitions. If you have ever seen shows like Miss America, you have probably seen a presentation bouquet.
A rather large floral arrangement, these bouquets feature crisp and elegant blooms that evoke a lavish and luxurious look.
The overall size of the bouquet can vary but the extravagance is never affected. Calla lilies, orchids, delphiniums, roses, sweet peas, and a variety of tropical flowers are usually used for presentation bouquets.
13. Shower Bouquets
Shower bouquets were made popular by Princess Diana who held a long and cascading floral arrangement on her wedding day.
The upside-down teardrop-shaped bouquet reportedly weighed 2 kg and was composed of gardenias, orchids, lilies, stephanotis, hydrangeas, and roses to name a few.
14. Basket Bouquets
As the name suggests, basket bouquets refer to a bunch of flowers arranged in a basket or any other similar container.
They are a popular choice for garden weddings and decorating other open-sky venues. They are treasured for their rustic charm and are a must-have for flower girls.
15. Tussy Mussy Bouquets
A tussy mussy bouquet is another term for a nosegay bouquet housed in a special container. The holder is generally a small vase made up of glass or porcelain or at times even metal.
The vase is shaped like a cone. This makes it suitable for displaying on flower stands while it also provides a better grip for the bride, bridesmaid, or flower girls. Sometimes a chain is added for a more rustic feel.
16. Fan Bouquets
Ideal for vintage weddings, tropical weddings, or weddings around an Asian theme, fan bouquets are a really attractive floral arrangement.
They can be of two types. Usually, fan bouquets refer to flowers arranged in an outward-spreading style. However, sometimes the leaves and flowers are placed in a container that actually looks like two Japanese fans placed side-by-side.
Different Types of Flower Arrangement with Pictures and Names
Below you find all types of floral arrangements.
17. Wrist Corsage
A wrist corsage is a type of flower arrangement that is worn on the wrist and is considered an alternative to traditional bouquets. It is an essential item for proms and serves as an extraordinary way to accessorize a wedding dress.
They are favored amongst brides who want to keep their hands free rather than hold a flower bouquet throughout the whole ceremony.
18. Oriental Flower Arrangements
Oriental flower arrangements are a highly structured and well though-out type of flower arrangement. It is mainly used to express the beauty of flowers by arranging them in a harmonious way.
Oriental styles of bouquets use the principles of line, form, and meaning to bring out the beauty of these gems in nature.
19. Traditional/Western Flower Arrangements
Contrary to oriental arrangements that place emphasis on the underlying meaning of the flowers, Western flower arrangements emphasize the use of flowers themselves.
These arrangements focus on using a wide assortment of flowers to create and captivating floral display.
20. Oval Flower Arrangements
Flowers in this type of arrangement are organized in a basket or container in an oval shape. This is achieved by placing tall and bright flowers in the center and enveloping them with compact and short-stemmed blooms around the sides.
21. Vertical Flower Arrangements
Mostly arranged in pots and baskets, vertical flower arrangements are intense floral displays that extend high up in the air. Ferns and leaves serve as the perfect backdrop to brightly colored blooms.
22. Horizontal Flower Arrangements
The exact opposite of vertical arrangements, a horizontal arrangement is meant to lie flat on a surface. They are commonly placed on caskets to honor the deceased or used as a stunning centerpiece on dinner tables.
23. S-Shaped Flower Arrangements
This is a truly artistic floral arrangement that will take the beauty of any place to a whole new level.
Typically housed in large and sturdy pots, S-shaped floral displays made from fresh or sometimes artificial flowers are placed near the entrance or stairways of grand houses as well as arranged on either side of the altar for a magnificent look.
Gifting flowers are usually inexpensive but a highly prized and good gesture. If you are looking for a gift to present to a dear one, is there any option better than a bouquet full of fresh and lively blooms? Flowers bring life and color to any event.
Whether it’s large or small, multicolored or monotone, fragrant or not, a bouquet makes the recipient feel loved and appreciated. Now that you know the different types of bouquets, unleash your flower power and get the best ones when needed.
