Floral Design by Nancy Dawson
 
Glossery of Flower Terms

Common Bridal Bouquets Made by Special Event Florals

Biedermeier - A tightly arranged rounded bouquet consisting of concentric circles of a variety of differently colored flowers

Cascade - Flowers arranged together to spill downward, typically with flowers and greenery of varying length, anchored into a hand-held post of oasis.  The cascade is an ideal choice for formal dress styles, and medium to tall brides.

Classic bouquet - The basic wedding bouquet, average in size, typically composed of a loosely arranged- or rounded dense clusters of blooms that are hand-held and tied with ribbon.  Using a dense cluster of a single type of flower, or a mixture of similarly colored flowers imparts a more formal look, whereas a loosely arranged mix of flowers imparts a more informal feel. Many choices are available for securing the bouquet with ribbon, pins, brooches, jewelry wraps, wire, etc.

Composite – A handmade creation whereby individual petals from several flowers are wired together onto a single stem to create the illusion of a very large single flower.

Oasis - A special type of ‘wet foam’ developed especially for the floral industry and used in flower arrangements and bouquet holders. The oasis acts in a sponge-like manner to retain water thereby hydrating the flowers for extended periods of time.

Kissing Ball (or pomander) - A blossom-covered ball suspended from a ribbon, that can be carried or hung from the wrist.  Kissing balls can be used on shepherd’s hooks to line an aisle, or to decorate chairs, doors or pews.  It is an ideal choice for a flower girl.

Posy - A diminutive bouquet of tightly arranged flowers, generally featuring compact blooms rather than loose or spiky ones.  The posy is ideal for small hands or a vintage look.

Presentation (or pageant) – A cluster of long-stemmed flowers which is cradled in the arm.  Choices include flowers such as callas, sunflowers or orchids, dried botanicals, such as sheaves of wheat, grasses, or cattails, flowering branches of cherry or apple blossoms, or even feathers.  This bouquet type is ideal for contemporary weddings. 

Toss bouquet – Typically a smaller version of the bridal bouquet used for the bouquet toss ritual; ideal for display at a sign-in table.

Other Flowers and Arrangements

Boutonniére – A single bloom or bud, or several small buds, attached to the left lapel of the jacket.  Boutonniéres can be worn by the groom, groomsmen, ushers, fathers and grandfathers, or ring bearers.

Candelabra – A floral centerpiece that is created around the base, or the top of a multi-armed candelabra, typically incorporating flowing greenery and elongated flowers, or ribbons, depending on the style of the wedding.

Corsage – A single large bloom or small cluster of blooms, typically accented with ribbon, which are made to be pinned on, or worn on the wrist.

Dais – The flower arrangement that is placed at the head table where the bride and groom are seated, often draped to the front of the table for visual effect.

Fish bowl:  A relatively low centerpiece style ideal for reception tables that consists of a single unique flower or a cluster of flowers and greenery in a glass bowl.

Garland – A strand of similar flowers, or overlapping clusters of flowers and greenery, either wired together or onto a rope, which can be used to adorn the backs of chairs, rows of pews, banisters or doorways.  A garland can also be paraded down the aisle by young attendants.

Huppah – A wedding canopy decorated with flowers and/or greenery that is an integral part of the traditional Jewish ceremony.

Topiary – Flowers or foliage trimmed into geometric shapes, often resembling miniature trees.  Ideal in urn bases.

Trellis or arbor– A metal or woven wooden frame used as a screen or support to hold  climbing plants, flowers, or votive candles, often used for an outdoor ceremony.

Wreath – A ring of flowers or other decorative materials that can function as a headpiece for young attendants, or a larger centerpiece or door hanger.

 
Click HERE for a pdf file (43KB) of our flower glossary.
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Special Event Florals - bouquets and flower arrangements for weddings, corporate events and holidays
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