Enhancing Your Bridal Bouquet

Like most brides, you'll have a beautiful bouquet when you walk down the aisle; but there are a number of ways that you can customize your bouquet to make it one of a kind!
The bridal bouquet is typically a bit larger than your bridesmaids' bouquets, as well as a bit fancier. This is only the beginning of your bouquet's uniqueness. Adding touches to the wrapping of flowers' stems is a gorgeous way to personalize your bouquet.

• Choose a ballerina wrap for the stem of your bouquet (wrapped the way a ballerina wraps his/her shoes). Use ribbon of multiple colors, sizes and types - such as chiffon - to add texture and beauty.
• Add sequins, rhinestones or pearl pins
  
• Add a monogram brooch or pin for the initial of the last name you two will now share
  Tie small (postage-sized) photographs to ribbon. This is a great opportunity to include pictures of loved ones that have passed away and, therefore, cannot be there physically to share in your special day. Tie the ribbon around the stem of the bouquet
  
• Hang or pin one or multiple charms on the stem, such as a cross, angel or any other symbolic ornament.
• Tie an elegant bow with the ribbon used to tie the stem. Let the ends of the bow hang anywhere from two to 10 inches, whichever you prefer
• Have customized ribbon printed with your wedding date (or you and your groom's names) on it.

The stem is surely not the only way to distinguish your bouquet. The entire bouquet can take on a whole new look, should you decide.

• One spin on the typical bouquet is the pomander, a gorgeous grouping of flowers that are individually pinned into a sphere shape. The ball bouquet hangs from a delicate handle for carrying down the aisle.
  
• Another interesting option is a fan bouquet. As its name depicts, it's an assemblage of flowers held together in a fan shaped frame. Chances are many of your guests haven't seen anything like it!
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  A feather bouquet is an enchanting alternative to flowers. Should you choose to use feathers, you may also want to incorporate them into bridesmaids' bouquets, centerpieces and other décor to keep the theme consistent.
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  For those getting married around Christmas, a holiday bouquet might be just the individuality you need. Incorporate hints of ribbon, garland, tinsel, mini pinecones, poinsettia flowers or even lights in your bouquet for a magical, delightful touch.

A more common choice is a bouquet of exotic flowers, perfect for those having a Carolina beach wedding. Suggestions for flowers to add to your exotic bouquet include (by their commonly used names) Birds of Paradise, Calla Lily, Oriental Lily, Lotus, Heliconia, Anthuriums, Amaryllis, Hibiscus and Plumeria.

Let your artistic side shine! Whether you're looking for slight enhancements to give your bouquet some personality or an entirely new twist on bridal flowers, don't be afraid to have some fun with it. Talk with your florist about your ideas. A good florist should be able to work with your floral vision (dependant, of course, on your budget) and will probably have his or her own creative designs to contribute.