2026 Bridal Guide

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The many ways to incorporate floral arrangements

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Flowers showcase the beauty and pageantry of the natural world. Ralph Waldo Emerson said,“ The earth laughs in flowers,” and Lady Bird Johnson is quoted as saying,“ Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Flowers are inextricably tied to some of the most important events in a person’ s life. Flowers wish people well, console those who are mourning, and symbolize love and affection.
Flowers are an essential component of wedding day celebrations. Flowers symbolize love, fertility and new beginnings. According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of wedding flowers in 2025 was $ 2,723, which serves as a testament to
how important flowers can be on these special days. Flowers are incorporated into many facets of a wedding. Couples planning their weddings can give thought to the many ways flowers can enhance this special day.
BOUQUETS
Wedding bouquets are some of the first arrangements people think of when planning a wedding. Historically, wedding bouquets contained herbs that were designed to ward off evil spirits. Today, one is much more likely to find a gathering of many beautiful flowers tied at the stems with ribbon. Bridesmaids carry bouquets as well, and flower girls toss flower petals along the aisle during the processional. Bouquets

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typically coordinate to the theme of the wedding and the color scheme. A bride’ s bouquet tends to be similar in design to her bridesmaids’ but may feature more muted colored blooms to complement her gown.
BOUTONNIERES AND CORSAGES
Boutonnieres and corsages are customarily bestowed upon wedding party members and the parents of the happy couple. They also may be gifted to additional special people attending the wedding, such as grandparents or other guests of honor.
ALTAR ARRANGEMENTS
Floral decorations also may be placed around or near the altar for the wedding ceremony. Jewish celebrants may place flowers on a chuppah to add beauty and elegance. Flowers also are commonly used in Muslim wedding ceremonies, appearing in floral arches or even as a stunning floral wall
during the Nikah to separate the bride and groom. During religious ceremonies, couples should heed the requirements of the house of worship and ensure that flowers are modest and within the parameters set for the faith. Aisle decorations Flowers may be used on the seatbacks or on the sides of pews. Small flowers, ribbons and greenery are hung to enhance the ambiance of the space.
CENTERPIECES
Flowers are a focal point during wedding
receptions, taking up prime real estate in the center of tables. Knowledgeable florists can create pieces that are beautiful and will not obstruct the view or comfort of guests when seated. Additional floral arrangements may be included to enhance additional areas of the reception space, such as floral arches for photographs, vases placed near the seating chart and even flowers in the restrooms to make these spaces even more inviting.
TOSS BOUQUET
If a couple decides to adhere to traditional wedding customs, the bride will toss a smaller bouquet to eager single women ready to catch it. A tossed bouquet may feature fresh flowers or artificial silk flowers. This decoy bouquet enables the bride to return home with her actual bouquet to preserve it, but still participate in this classic tradition.
Flowers enhance a wedding with their beauty, symbolism and aroma.
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Wedding EXPO

Sunday APRIL 19, 2026 | 1p- 4p

wedding dress trends

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Among the items on a wedding planning checklist, choosing a wedding gown often is a top priority. While certain wedding dress trends withstand the test of time, others have shorter shelf lives. Though no one knows what the future holds for wedding gown trends, these are some that may be notable as brides walk down the aisle in the months ahead.
FLORAL APPLIQUÉS AND 3D ACCENTS
Florals are nothing new on wedding dresses, but they’ re being elevated this year with new interpretations. Floral embellishments give texture and help brides make a statement. Appliqués may be on sheer panels that serve as a top layer of the dress, or grouped together to form rosettes or additional threedimensional floral details. Florals were on display at the Fall 2024 New York Bridal Fashion Week.
COQUETTE IS EVERYWHERE
Flirty and feminine is the name of the wedding dress game, as many gowns showcase feminine details like corseted tops, bows and soft colors, say the experts with Martha Stewart. Hyper-feminine looks may not be for everyone, but this style merits consideration for the bride who wants to appear romantic and approachable.
MINI DRESS
Although one of the first pictures to come to mind when one envisions a wedding dress may be a floorlength gown, mini dresses continue to make bold statements on bridal runways and in magazines. The abbreviated hemlines can be flirty and fun, and are featured on various types of dresses, including fitted, strapless, flowing, and even puffed styles.
JACQUARD AND OTHER OPULENT MATERIALS
Lace long has been a bridal dress staple, but designers are branching out into other fabrics that lend luxury and opulence to dresses. Texture can make a wedding dress a unique visual during ceremonies and the after-party, and may help a bride feel like royalty.
PEARLS AND MORE PEARLS
Pearl necklaces and other jewelry has long gone handin-hand with weddings, but brides-to-be can now find pearls turning up just about anywhere. Pearls are embroidered onto dresses, veils, sleeves, and headpieces, and even can be used on wedding cakes to mirror a pearl aesthetic used elsewhere.
BOWS
Along with pearls, a growing number of designers are opting for bows in their wedding dress designs. They may be subtle, such as stitched onto the bodice of the dress, or more over-the-top, like a huge bow at the waist or near the train bustle, according to One Fab Day.
SHIMMER AND SPARKLE
A little bling( or a lot) never goes out of style. For 2024, many brides plan to embrace even more shimmer and sparkle as silver takes center stage in dress designs. Silver thread embroidery or even mirror-type embellishments will ensure all eyes are on the bride when she makes her entrance.
OVERSKIRTS
Many brides want a dramatically shaped dress for the ceremony, only to pare down a bit for the reception. The style experts at Vogue note an overskirt provides the flexibility to easily remove layers of fabric to unveil a more fitted silhouette.
Wedding dress styles continue to evolve, and this year’ s trends merit modern brides’ attention.
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