Create Beautiful Arrangements with 25 Types of Bouquet Flowers - Happy DIY Home (2024)

Fresh flowers make the perfect gifts, and the world has acclaimed giving flowers for centuries as a simple love language. No matter if it’s a birthday party, wedding ceremony, funeral service, or an anniversary, presenting different types of bouquet flowers is a way to bring a smile to their face. They can uplift the mood of the recipient, and there are so many to choose from.

Retailers, garden centers, distributors, and importers of flowers are extremely busy, and they’re going to get more and more busy as people start to look for the freshest, finest, and most beautiful types of bouquet flowers for their special occasions and their loved ones. However, when it comes to picking out the perfect types of bouquet flowers and putting them into a beautiful arrangement, you’re spoiled for choice due to the sheer volume of options available.

Designing a bouquet should be exciting and fun. If you have some types of bouquet flowers growing in your backyard, you can make one in your home. We’re going to outline a range of types of bouquet flowers you can use and we’ll go over how you can put them together to make them memorable.

Creating a bouquet depends heavily on which flowers you choose to use. Some suit some bouquet styles much better than others, so it’s important to match your types of bouquet flowers to your specific bouquet type when you put it together. Bouquets by julie / CC BY 2.0

How Different Flowers Can Fill Out Your Bouquet

The anatomy of types of bouquet flowers and arrangements starts with deciding what flowers you have to have. When it comes to flower bouquets, it’s usually a combination of flowers that make it stunning. Some people choose their types of bouquet flowers based on what they bring to the overall arrangement, and mixing different shapes is ideal. Knowing what flowers fill out what part of the arrangement is key, and the following will outline them for you.

Filler Flowers

Filler flowers are blooms that have smaller head sizes that complement the main focus flowers. One great example is a carnation and rose bouquet. However, both types of bouquet flowers are lovely on their own, even if you add them to enhance the overall look. Some filler flowers are also capable of standing on their own, but a few common filler flowers are:

• Alstroemeria
• Baby’s breath
• Carnations
• Queen Anne’s lace
• Status

Focus Flowers

Your focus flowers are the belle of the ball in the bouquet. They’re designed to be statement flowers, and they’re the ones that you see when you look at an arrangement. Some are colorful and bright while others are more stately. These types of bouquet flowers are the main reason someone would pick the bouquet in the first place. Some bouquets can be purely these flowers, like a sunflower or rose bouquet. A few common focus flowers are:

• Calla lilies
• Hydrangea
• Peonies
• Roses (both traditional and English)
• Sunflowers

Greenery

A lot of stems, leaves, and buds are gorgeous by themselves, but this is what is the greenery in a bouquet due to the coloring. You could debate that greener is either filler or a focus piece by itself, but both options work well. A few examples of pretty greenery that can liven up a bouquet or stand on their own are:

• Eucalyptus
• Fern
• Israeli ruscus
• Ivy
• Myrtle

Line Flowers

You won’t find this type of bouquet flower in every arrangement because they’re very noticeable, tall blooms that can add a little texture. They get the name line flowers because one stem features several blossoms in a neat row. You could also get line flowers to stand by themselves in their own bouquet, and a few popular types include:

• Bells of Ireland
• Delphinium
• Larkspur
• Liatris
• Snapdragons

25 Types of Bouquets with Flower Choices

When it comes time to get your bouquet together, you should know what popular flowers and styles are available to get a gorgeous arrangement. There are hundreds of options, but we’ve narrowed down the 25 most popular for you below.

1. Basket Bouquets

Just like the name suggests, a basket bouquet is a bunch of flowers that you tastefully arrange in a basket or a similar container. They’re a very popular choice for garden weddings, and you can easily use them to decorate open-sky venues. They give off a very nice rustic charm, and they’re something you’ll want your flower girls to have.

2. Biedermeier Bouquets

If you’re someone who is after perfection on your big day, a Biedermeier bouquet is a bunch of flowers that you arrange in concentric circles. This bouquet type gets the name from the German-style of interior design, and it has a huge range of types of bouquet flowers arranged in a way that forms different colored rings. Depending on your colors and tastes, your florist can customize this bouquet to virtually any size. You can create a dual layered bouquet or go for 8 to 10 floral rings to create a stunning centerpiece.

The types of bouquet flowers that work best in this type of bouquet include dahlias, orchids, tulips, and roses all surrounded by textured ferns and leaves or lively green foliage.

3. Cascade or Waterfall Bouquets

Waterfall or cascade bouquets are a stunning type that are best described by the name. You’ll get a mix of gorgeous types of bouquet flowers in each arrangement, including draping leaves and longer trailing vines. When you put it all together, you’ll get a very grand arrangement that is a waterfall of flowers.

It’s a perfect way to create a strong statement on your wedding day, and having the inverted teardrop shape looks fabulous with your wedding dress as a backdrop. They’re great for more luxurious and high-end ceremonies, and you can also use them easily in themed or casual wedding parties. They usually feature a hand-tied style with wires, floral foams, and ribbons to hold a bunch of blooms together. However, you can also place them in a decorative holder to maximize their elegance and make it easier to grasp everything.

All types of bouquet flowers work wonderfully for this arrangement. You should make sure that you include a host of vibrant and bold types of bouquet flowers like lilies, garden roses, hyacinths, and dahlias.

Cascade bouquets create a statement piece simply due to their size and how they tend to hang way down from your waist level. Cascade Bridal Bouquet by Flower Factor / CC BY-NC 2.0

4. Composite Bouquets

A glamelia or composite bouquet is what you want if you’re trying to make the whole look more glam. This is a very unique flower arrangement that is great for a host of special occasions because it makes a lasting impression on whoever gets it, regardless of why you’re giving it.

One of the biggest things that makes this arrangement stand out is that it is made using individual petals instead of whole flowerheads. You can collect the petals from virtually any type of bouquet flower, but ones that have thicker, bigger petals are preferred. You arrange these petals in a radial manner so that the bouquet looks like a very large, circular bloom when they finish.

5. Contemporary Bouquets

Very unique, this bouquet is as far from traditional as you can get. They’re a very common sight at wedding ceremonies though. These bouquets usually incorporate a host of distinctive plants that the florist arranges in a very impressive and distinct style. It’s popular to have more exotic flowers in this contemporary flower bouquet.

It’s very common to see hyacinth, hydrangea, calla lily, anthuriums, stephanotis, delphiniums, and sweet peas in this arrangement, and you use flowers that complement one another while adding texture. It’s a very pretty eccentric style that offers a very intriguing charm.

6. Crescent Bouquets

Just like the name suggests, this bouquet has a moon shape. It’s common to use a range of types of bouquet flowers to make it and give it a more prominent shape. Compact and bold flowers get placed in the center with tapered ferns, greenery, and vines get put around them to form a very narrow edge.

It’s common to incorporate some naturally draping greens like ivy or star asparagus because they make a great addition to help shape the bouquet. It’s also nice to add flower combinations that include baby’s breath, ranunculus, and hanging amaranthus to help fill it out.

7. Fan Bouquets

Great for vintage weddings, weddings with an Asian theme, or tropical weddings, this bouquet is a very attractive option. You can choose from two different types. Usually, a fan bouquet refers to flowers that you arrange to spread outward. However, it’s also common to put the flowers and leaves in a container so they look like dual Japanese fans when you place them side by side.

8. Garden Style Bouquets

As the name suggests, your types of bouquet flowers in this option can be anything you get out of your garden. They give you the appearance of freshly picked flowers. The blooms will take on a natural, deconstructed sape that adds visual interest to any container. This is why you’ll usually see them used as centerpieces on your dining table.

9. Hand-Tied Bouquets

Excellent for bohemian or rustic weddings, this bouquet is exactly what the name suggests. It’s a bundle of flowers that you manually tie using the correct material like wire, string, ribbon, or a piece of fabric. They have a very casual look and feel to them, and it’s a slightly messy and loose arrangement. It’s a popular choice with people who want to DIY a bouquet because all you have to do is pick up a range of flowers and tie them together to finish the look.

10. Horizontal Flower Arrangements

As the name suggests, a horizontal flower arrangement is supposed to lie flat on whatever surface you place it on. This is the type of arrangement you see on caskets to honor a deceased loved one, so it’s common to incorporate greenery like ferns, baby’s breath, roses, and lilies. You can also use it as a stunning centerpiece on your table.

11. Market Bouquets

Just like hand-tied bouquets, this arrangement gets named due to the presentation. They come wrapped in paper so it looks like you just picked them up from the local market. Even though you may not have gone to a farmer’s market and bought your flowers directly from a vendor, this bouquet will mirror the look perfectly.

When you think of this bouquet, you typically picture hardy flowers like carnations or daisies that can survive for longer periods while looking nice. Market bouquet by Gayle Esterly / CC BY-ND 2.0

12. Nosegay Bouquets

A nosegay bouquet is one of the most popular wedding bouquet types available. They’re usually very round in appearance, and they come in compact and small sizes. They typically have different types of bouquet flowers in a tidy and neat arrangement. Each flower gets cut to a uniform length and wrapped tightly in a bunch with a piece of silken ribbon or fancy fabric. You may also use a simple wire to wrap them too.

This type of bouquet usually features a big focal flower that will draw your attention directly to the whole arrangement. They look best when your florist adds a range of different flower species with complementing tones. This is very similar in style to a posy bouquet except that you place a lot more emphasis on the greenery in this style.

13. Oriental Flower Arrangements

Oriental-style flower bouquets are very structured by design and very well thought-out when it comes to the flowers. The main purpose of this bouquet is to showcase how beautiful the flowers are by arranging your chosen types of bouquet flowers in a harmonious way. They use the principles of form, line, and meaning to bring out each flower and showcase it.

14. Oval Flower Arrangements

As the name suggests, flowers in this arrangement get organized as a container or basket with an oval shape. This is achieved by putting your bright and tall flowers in the center of the bouquet and enveloping them with short-stemmed and compact blooms around the sides.

15. Pomander Bouquets

This bouquet is unlike any other on the list. They have a ribbon handle or string that you use to carry them like you would a handbag. You can also easily display them around your venue or hang them in a tree for your outdoor wedding. The bridesmaids can wear a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet on their wrists, as can the flower girl.

It’s common to accentuate this bouquet with jewels or gems that you use as embellishments around or on the flowers. You can add gerbera daisies, anemones, roses, carnations, or sunflowers for this bouquet.

16. Posy Bouquets

This bouquet falls in the classic bouquet category. They have rounded and plump flowerheads on very short stalks that you wrap tightly with fabric spools. The ribbon will hide the wire that holds all of the flower stalks together. They have a compact and rounded form to them coupled with an orderly and neat look that makes them a timeless option.

This bouquet is a great option for any bride that wants a very minimalist look and feel. They’re also very well-suited for brides who want to wear heavier jewelry and fancy accessories that they want to stand out over the bouquet itself. It’s a very versatile arrangement that you can use to decorate a venue too by hanging them around the aisle or allowing the flower girl to hold them. They have very little greenery or none at all. It’s common to use round blooms like roses, gerbera daisies, peonies, ranunculus, and dahlias.

17. Presentation Bouquets

Better known as pageant bouquets, these are the arrangements that you see in pageant competitions. If you’ve ever watched Miss America or Miss Universe, you’ve most likely seen this bouquet. It’s a bigger floral arrangement, and you’ll have elegant and crisp blooms that create a luxurious and lavish look and feel.

The final size can vary without impacting how extravagant they are. Orchids, calla lilies, roses, delphiniums, sweet peas, and a range of tropical flowers are all popular types of bouquet flowers that you see in these bouquets.

18. Round Bouquets

The round type of bouquet refers to any floral arrangement that has an overall rounded shape to it. Posy bouquets actually fall into this category. This is also one of the most commonly used flower arrangement styles, and they work with a whole host of occasions. You can also choose from a range of color combinations, flower forms, and sizes. Additionally, it’s common to use greenery sparingly in this bouquet as you want to let the flowers take center stage.

You can easily use any type of bouquet flowers in this arrangement and have it look nice as long as you keep the rounded shape. Dahlias, garden roses, ranunculus, chrysanthemums, and anemones are very common when you want to make this type of bouquet.

When a lot of people picture bouquets, the rounded style comes to mind. It’s very tasteful, simple, but it’s a great way to make a statement. Bouquets by James Jones / CC BY-NC 2.0

19. S-Shaped Flower Arrangements

This is a very artistic arrangement that will enhance whatever you want to use it with. It typically ends up in very sturdy and large pots, and the S-shaped displays always feature fresh or artificial flowers. You find them near the stairways or entrances of grand homes, and they go very well alongside the altar to frame it in.

20. Single Stem Bouquets

This bouquet style runs on the notion that simpler is better. It’s common to use asserting, oversized blooms like hydrangea, garden roses, and peonies in this type of bouquet. Your bridesmaids can hold them to ensure that the bride is the center of attention. The bride can also carry them to give an elegant and graceful look.

21. Shower Bouquets

The shower-style bouquet was made very popular by Princess Diana who had a cascading and long bouquet on her wedding day. Her teardrop-shaped, upside-down bouquet reportedly weighed in at 4.4 pounds, and it had sprays of lilies, orchids, gardenias, hydrangeas, stephanotis, and roses.

22. Tussy Mussy Bouquets

This is another fun term for a nosegay bouquet that you put into a special container. The holder generally features a smaller vase made up of porcelain or glass, or you can find metal ones. The vase has a cone shape to it. It makes it suitable for putting it on flower stands while giving the bride a better area to grip. You can add a chain to get a more rustic look and feel.

23. Traditional or Western Flower Arrangements

Unlike oriental arrangements that put a huge emphasis on the flower’s meaning, this one focuses more on the use of the flowers themselves. They usually incorporate a huge type of bouquet flowers in each design to help create a captivating display.

24. Vertical Flower Arrangements

You’ll see this bouquet is baskets or pots, and they’re usually very intense displays that stick up high in the air. It’s common to have a host of leaves and ferns used as a backdrop for the more brightly colored types of bouquet flowers.

25. Wrist Corsage

The final type of bouquet on the list is the wrist corsage, and it’s considered a viable alternative to a more traditional bouquet. It’s a popular item for proms, and it’s a great way to accessorize your wedding dress. They’re a great option for any brides that want to keep their hands free instead of holding a bouquet throughout the ceremony.

Although corsages are popular at proms, they’re making a splash at weddings as a fun traditional bouquet alternative. Corsage. By Holly Williams / CC BY 2.0

Repurposing a Bouquet to a Centerpiece

Once you finish with your bouquet, you can easily repurpose it into a centerpiece. It doesn’t matter what types of bouquet flowers you originally used either as they will all look nice in your centerpiece.

Supplies:

• Floral tape
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Vase – Ideally it should be 5-inches in diameter or smaller when you measure across the opening of the vase. Also, try to keep it between 5 and 6-inches tall at a maximum.
• Water

Greenery:

• 1/4 bunch of Ralphi Greenery or Eucalyptus
• 1/5 bunch of Grivellia
• 4 to 6 stems of accent plants

Floral:

• 4 to 5 Helleborus
• 4 to 6 Blue Tweedia
• 4to 6 Roseanne Brown Lisianthus
• 5 Burgundy Carnations
• 5 Cappuccino Roses
• 5 Golden Mustard Roses
• Calcynia as needed
  • Naturally, you’ll use whatever flowers you have on-hand. This is what we’re using for the example.

How to Repurpose Your Bouquet in Six Steps

Now that you have everything you need to repurpose your bouquet, we’re going to go through the steps to help ensure that all of yoru types of bouquet flowers look nice in the centerpiece.

Step 1 – Choose the Vase

Find a vase that you like first. You want to pick one that can pull double duty at your reception as a centerpiece and a bouquet at the same time. You’ll walk down the aisle with your chosen types of bouquet flowers before using them to make a statement at the reception following the ceremony.

Step 2 – Get Your Work Area Ready

Gather all of your supplies and set up your work area. You’ll want to have your vase scissors, floral tape, and water on-hand. It’s also a good idea to have a rag close by to help clean up small spills.

Step 3 – Prep Your Flowers and Greenery

It is possible to use faux flowers, but we’re going to use fresh ones for this tutorial. Pick out your favorite types of bouquet flowers and clean off any unwanted petals and leaves that don’t look amazing. Carefully snip at the greenery to create a more manageable, smaller stem. Don’t cut them too short though. But, if you’re working with something like a longer rose or carnation stemp, shorten them significantly.

You can deconstruct your bouquet and turn it into a gorgeous centerpiece with a little time and the right tools. IMG_1812 by Jessica Liam / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Step 4 – Start Building the Centerpiece with Greenery

The first step is to fill the vase halfway with water and get all of your greenery out. Start with the greenery as it’ll tell you where to fill in your various types of bouquet flowers. Put your greenery in a criss-cross fashion to create an upside down teepee in the vase. This will form a firmer base to hold your flowers up. Keep layering the greenery in until you feel like there’s enough to move to flowers or you don’t want anymore.

Step 5 – Add the Flowers

Once you have all of your greenery in place, you can start adding the flowers. It’s a good idea to start with the linear blooms like snapdragons, stock, or larkspur. When you get them in, you can move to the focal point flowers like peonies, roses, or any eye-catching blooms you have. Fill in any open space with spray blooms like mini carnations or spray roses. Finally, use all of the filler flowers you have to take dead space away like baby’s breath, waxflower, or statice.

Step Six – Finishing Touches

Finally, you can start adding your finishing touches in. If you need more detail, add in greenery or filler flowers to create more composition and depth. If you have leftover flowers, you can use them or save them. If you have dried bits, now is the time to fit them into your bouquets. Dried dyed material is very popular right now, or you can keep it simple.

Bottom Line

We’ve outlined 25 types of bouquet flowers and arrangements that you can try for your next big event. You can create them yourself or enlist a florist to help you showcase your favorite flowers is a stunning and lasting arrangement.