Number of Flower Stems to Use in a Bridesmaid and Bridal Bouquet
Are you wondering how many flowers you need to create the DIY flower bouquet of your dreams? Well you’ve come to the right place, we’ll tell you everything you need to know! Ordering the right number of flowers is key to keeping you on budget…and also, you don’t want to run out, NIGHTMARE!
Alright…let’s break it down!
Consider Your Style
1. Type of Bouquet
The style of your bouquet greatly influences the number of flowers you’ll need, we can’t tell you exactly what you need, since you’re making a DIY wedding bouquet, you’re the florist and you can make it however you wish! Of course though, we have some guidance we hope will make it easier, flower arranging is supposed to be fun, not scary!
- Loose and Lush: Bouquets that are full of blooms and greenery, like garden or bohemian styles, typically require more flowers—around 20 to 30 stems, depending on the size and type of flowers used.
- Compact and Structured: For tighter, more formal bouquets (like a classic round bouquet), you might need fewer flowers—around 15 to 20 stems can create a beautiful, polished look.
- Minimalist: If you’re leaning toward a minimalist design, 5 to 10 flowers can make a stunning statement, especially when using larger blooms like peonies or hydrangeas.
For a rule of thumb for an “average” bouquet, we say 20 stems of flowers for a bridal bouquet (comprised of a mix of at least 5 flower types) and 1/4 bunch of greenery (comprised of two types of greenery). For an “average” bridesmaid bouquet, we say 15 stems of flowers (same rules about # of flower varieties) and 1/3 bunch of greenery. If you’re looking to save costs, you can reserve the more expensive/bougee flowers (e.g. lisianthus) to go more in your bridal bouquet.
We always suggest ordering a bit extra, you never know if you’re loving your bouquet so much you want to add in just two more flowers, or if your cat runs amok and breaks a stem or two… always better to have a few more on hand!
2. Flower Size
The size of the flowers also affects the quantity:
- Large Blooms: Flowers like peonies, dahlias, or calla lilies can be used sparingly—about 5 to 8 large blooms can create a stunning impact. This bouquet used white gerbera daisies for large blooms and then a mix of a number of small blooms (blue tweedia/chamomile are a couple) to create a lovely summery bouquet full of vibrant color.
- Small Blooms: If you’re using smaller flowers (like spray roses or daisies), you may need 20 to 30 to achieve the desired fullness. This bouquet is very ethereal and whimsical and exclusively has small blooms: chamomile/limonium/eryngium/agonis/and parvifolia eucalyptus
Thematic Considerations
3. Wedding Theme and Season
Your wedding theme and the season can influence flower choices and quantities:
Seasonal Flowers: Spring and summer weddings often feature an abundance of blooms, so you might want to incorporate a wider variety. In contrast, winter weddings may focus on fewer floral pieces, perhaps incorporating winter greenery like cedar or pine and adding in berries like hypericum, ilex, or holly. This bouquet used almost all greenery, with burgundy/purple calla lilies and burgundy ranunculus as a pop of elegance.
- Theme Influence: If you’re having a vintage wedding, you might opt for a bouquet with a nostalgic feel, which could use more greenery and a mix of blooms (or even greenery only!). Conversely, a modern wedding might call for a sleeker design with fewer flowers.
Practical Tips for Flower Selection
4. Consult a Florist
We have professional florists on staff to provide invaluable advice on how many flowers to use based on your vision, the types of flowers available, and your budget. We can also help create a cohesive look that matches your bridal style. If you’d like to book a free consultation, just reach out and book a time with us!
5. Personalization
Consider adding personal touches like family heirlooms or favorite flowers. This could alter the flower count but add meaningful significance to your bouquet. We’ve seen people incorporate garlic scapes into their bouquet (the couple were garlic farmers), ribbon from their mothers old wedding dress, and lockets from grandmothers.
Ultimately, the number of flowers in your bridal bouquet depends on your personal style, the theme of your wedding, and the desired visual impact. Whether you prefer a lush, full bouquet or a simple, elegant arrangement, working closely with a florist like You Floral can help you achieve the perfect balance of saving money while having the flower bouquet of your dreams. Remember, your bouquet should reflect your personality and make you feel beautiful on your special day!
If you have any questions, just reach out – and feel free to book a free design consult!
Happy flower arranging!
Sarah & Kat
