Bridal Bouquets at a Catholic Wedding

Photography and florals from Nikalya and Co

Your bridal bouquet is more than just flowers—it’s an accessory, a keepsake, and a meaningful part of your wedding day story. From walking down the aisle to close-up portraits, it will be by your side for many of the most photographed moments of the day. Here are our tips to keep in mind when selecting the perfect bouquet!

Tip #1: Invest in a Quality Bridal Bouquet

If there’s one floral element worth prioritizing in your budget, it’s your bridal bouquet. It will appear in almost every photo you’re in, from ceremony shots to portraits and detail images. A well-designed, high-quality bouquet elevates the overall look of your wedding and photographs beautifully.

If you’re looking to balance your budget, consider cutting costs elsewhere. Bridesmaids’ bouquets can be simpler or smaller, and groomsmen boutonnieres don’t need to be overly elaborate. Shifting funds toward your bouquet ensures the flowers most visible throughout the day truly shine.

Tip #2: Plan Ahead if You Want a Rosary Wrapped Around the Bouquet

Including a rosary wrapped around your bouquet is a beautiful and meaningful tradition for many Catholic brides. If this is something you’d like, be sure to communicate it with your florist in advance. Florists have the experience and materials to secure it properly so it looks elegant and stays in place throughout the day. You can drop the rosary off with them ahead of time, or ask them to secure it during drop off.

If you plan to wrap it yourself, ask your florist for extra floral pins. You may also want to consider removing the rosary after the ceremony; that way there is no chance that it can be lost during portraits. If its a rosary you bought specifically for your wedding, have your priest bless it while you sign the marriage license, and then entrust the rosary to your maid of honor!

Photos from Colette Lucille Photography

Tip #3: Make the Bouquet Personal to You

Your bouquet should reflect you. This is your chance to add sentimental touches and personal meaning. Choose your favorite flowers, colors, or textures—even if they’re not traditionally “bridal.”

Another lovely way to personalize your bouquet is by attaching charms, lockets, or small keepsakes. Whether it’s a photo of a loved one, a meaningful symbol, or a family heirloom, these details make your bouquet truly one of a kind.

Bridal bouquet inspiration taken from weddings by Simply Sacred Events

Tip #4: Plan to Preserve Your Bouquet After the Wedding

Your bridal bouquet doesn’t have to be something you enjoy for just one day. Preserving your bouquet is a wonderful way to keep a tangible piece of your wedding long after the celebration is over. There are several beautiful preservation options to choose from, depending on your style and how you’d like to remember the day.

Bouquets can be professionally pressed and framed as artwork, allowing you to display your flowers in your home. Some florists and preservation artists also transform flowers into jewelry, such as necklaces or rings, or incorporate petals into rosaries for a meaningful keepsake. Planning ahead ensures your bouquet is handled properly right after the wedding so it can be preserved at its best.