How to choose your wedding bouquet...simple tips from The Commons 1854

Your wedding bouquet is your most unique and largest accessory you will wear on your wedding day, so choose wisely!  Here are some tips on how to select your wedding bouquet.

Consider these factors: Dress, Veil, bouquet shape, size, color and cost.  Now you know partly what your fiancé went through when he bought your engagement ring!!!

There are many different types of bouquets to choose from for your wedding ceremony and reception this blog focuses on Round, Hand-tied, Posy and Cascading.

The Round Bridal Bouquet...


This is a very clean look which can incorporate one or many different types of flowers.  This wedding dress had no embellishments, Dupioni silk textured material and a cathedral veil. The satin wrapping of the bouquet covered the entire bouquet and the embellishment was the perfect balance to the look.  The bouquet has the ability to add or in this case soften up the texture in a wedding gown. White hydrangea, white calla lilies and antiques roses were incorporated into this gorgeous brides ensemble.

Crystal embellishments throughout red roses

Rhinestone embellishment at the stem base of multi colored peonies and rose bouquet

The Hand Tied Bouquet...



Organic and natural, the hand tied bouquet is a great fit for many different styles and always incorporates a variety of flowers.  This dress perfectly balanced lace and silk and the hand tied bouquet was the perfect accessory.  The veil was a Butterfly style.  The flowers are different in shape making the look more natural.

Posy Bouquet...


The Posy bouquet is composed of one flower or several of the same flowers bunched together. This look is on the casual side and paired perfectly with a simple Sheath dress and no veil. The simple tennis bracelet was polished off the look.

Simple White Calla Lilies in a Posy style Bouquet 

Posy is a nice look for the bridesmaids even with a round or hand tied bridal bouquet

Cascading Bouquet...



The waterfall or cascading bouquet is a classic and traditional option for brides.  While they are quite heavy, they add dimension and drama to a brides look.  A simple A-line, no veil and a tiara was a great look to pair with this bouquet.  A smile is the best and most important accessory and this bride nailed it!



















Blog Post by Johanna Esposito

“Beauty and Elegance” A Garden Inspired Wedding at The Commons 1854

Our Garden Terrace was the inspiration for this Wedding!  Think whimsical, vivacious and sophisticated. The classic and understated elegance of the outdoor ceremony space lends itself to numerous wedding themes and styles.  The question is always, will it work in your venue?  If not, this theme can be a disaster. Read this blog until the end to help with what to, and what NOT to do when planning a Garden Inspired Wedding.

The "I Do's"

Michelle waits in the calming comfort of the bridal suite as the guests start to arrive.
The sun peaks through the window, its almost time.
Only those of us who have been there, know her indescribable feeling!

Her white lace embroidered Trumpet gown was perfectly accented by a simple angel veil.

The shades of blue were appropriate to the wedding theme and complimented the brides attendants.

The ceremony aisle boasts 75 feet of orange hand-laid brick, she flawlessly glides down the aisle.

          The ceremony is surrounded with calming green and classic white tones.

 The pops of color derive from the wedding party attire and flowers.

The towering maple trees in the ceremony background make the design easy and inexpensive.  Less was perfect within this garden inspired theme. 

In true Classic New England fashion, the wedding party headed across the street to the historic Gould Barn and Parson Capen house and enjoyed the preserved beauty that historic Topsfield has to offer.  

The escort card table boasted a towering floral design which was the perfect transition from the outdoor garden ceremony into the lively cocktail hour.

A tip toe down the stairs to give her new groom a kiss!

The bride and groom head toward the Grand Ballroom to view their Reception space and the impeccable details that helped to create their theme.

Organic flower boxes and whimsically placed candles were the perfect accent to the large farm tables. 

Alternate rounds and Farm tables for an asymmetrical floor plan..

Rod Iron and clear glass cylinders mixed a bit of modern into the garden design.

The cake incorporated the multitude of colors which tied the wedding decor together nicely.

As the base of event design, the up-lighting color is very important to the theme.  The linens are a very understated silk damask embroidered cloth. 

Above are the "I Do's" with your Garden Inspired Wedding Theme at The Commons 1854

Here is what "I Object" to when planning your Garden Inspired Wedding

Mason jars, vintage ivory lace, birdcages and birdcage veils, cathedral veils, paper aisle runners, cascading bouquets, Sheath wedding dress's, chalk boards, tuxedo's and small windows and 

low ceilings. 

Blog by Johanna Esposito

Photo credit Dave Benoit