Who Chooses and Picks Up the Bridal Bouquet?

The bridal bouquet is an important part of the wedding day. You walk down the aisle holding the bouquet in your hands, and that’s the moment when your guests see you for the first time. Everyone can admire your dress and the beautiful bouquet you’re carrying. That’s why it’s important to have a bouquet that suits you perfectly. But who actually chooses and picks it up?

How is the bouquet chosen?

Traditionally, it’s the groom who chooses the bridal bouquet. He’s also the one who pays for it and picks it up. To make sure the bouquet matches your dress, you can give him a small piece of fabric from your wedding dress in a sealed envelope. He can take this to the florist, who will then create a bouquet that doesn’t clash with your dress. The groom gives the bouquet to the bride when he comes to pick her up.

If you want your groom to choose the bouquet, it’s a good idea to discuss your preferences with him beforehand. You can talk about the size, types of flowers, colors, or overall style that you’d like. Sharing some photos can also help him understand your taste. This way, the bouquet will still be a surprise, but you’ll know it’s something you’ll love.

How to carry the bouquet

You can carry the bouquet in either your right or left hand—it’s completely up to you. Traditionally, brides carry it in their right hand while walking down the aisle. This is because the person walking you down the aisle is usually on your left side, so the bouquet won’t get in the way. After the walk, the bride usually switches the bouquet to the left hand. During the vows and signing of the marriage certificate, a bridesmaid will often hold the bouquet for you.

Throwing the bouquet

Throwing the bouquet is a fun tradition. In the past, it was believed that the bride brought good luck, so unmarried women would try to touch her—or even tear off a piece of her dress—to bring luck to themselves. To avoid being swarmed, brides started throwing their bouquet into the crowd. The women believed that catching it meant they would be the next to marry.

Today, this tradition is still popular, though it’s a bit more relaxed. The bouquet is usually thrown at the end of the party, just before the bride leaves. It’s thrown to all the unmarried women still present. Make sure not to wait too long, or the single guests may have already left!