Designing a Bridal Party Look with Coordination and Contrast
For a fall wedding at Owl’s Hoot Barn in West Coxsackie, NY, I wanted to feature some of the bride’s favorite flowers and botanicals, while designing a unique look for her individual personality, their bridal party, and this special Hudson Valley venue.
As always, the design begins with the bridal bouquet. This piece is at the heart of the overall look and will be featured in so many photos. While it must complement her dress and entire wedding ensemble, it also has the ability to put the bride in focus. This particular bouquet featured some of the bride’s favorite flowers, including chocolate dahlias and burgundy ranunculus, designed in an oversized, natural shape. The groom’s boutonniere featured a matching flower, representing their connection.
Coordinating the rest of the bridal party with the bride and groom doesn’t always mean using the same flowers or colors. For this event, complimentary colors, reflective elements, and contrasting textures were carefully selected to keep the entire group in sync.
The bride’s bouquet used ribbons that matched the color and texture of the dresses worn by her maid-of-honor and other bridesmaids, while their bouquets feature white flowers that reflected the bride’s gown.
Succulents were also used in the bridesmaid’s bouquets and the gentlemen’s boutonnieres, distinguishing these personal flowers from the special couple, while pulling in another one their favorite floral elements.
The succulents then worked perfectly in the low and lush, custom-built rustic wood boxes that decorated the long reception tables.
All images provided by Turnquist Photography, except where noted. Congratulations to Audrey and Alex!