How to hold your wedding bouquet so it looks great in the photos

Your wedding bouquet is a key player on your big day.  Choosing the right flowers to carry is crucial, as is the way you carry them.  We asked award-winning florist Emma Lappin for the low-down on wedding bouquets - she has over 10 years of experience in the bridal world so what she doesn't know ....

Wedding Bouquet Secrets by Emma Lappin

• When you come for a consultation, remember to bring a picture of your wedding dress. The design of your bridal bouquet is completely dependent on the style, shape and detail of your dress.
• If you are having your dress made or altered, ask the dressmaker if you can have any spare material.  Then your florist can wrap it around the stems of your bouquet, giving you the perfect match.
• If you have a family heirloom - such as an antique brooch, a lace hanky or something else to work into your Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue-  ask your florist to add it into the top of the stems. Brooches in particular look fantastic and are a lovely way to finish off the handle.

• Understandably, many brides are nervous just before their wedding.  As a result, when they are holding their bouquet for the first time, most tend to use both hands and carry their bouquet quite high.  This immediately lifts the shoulders up which tends not to make a great picture, particularly if you are wearing a strapless dress. If you can remember, (get your bridesmaid to remind you) hold your bouquet in one hand and below your hip. This will relax and open your shoulders, improving your posture and creating the best pose for your photographer!
• If you can bear to put your bouquet down, putting it to the side of your wedding cake makes a beautiful picture.
• After-care of your bouquet: If you have a hand tied bouquet, you are likely to be able to refresh it at the end of the day by cutting an inch off the stems and popping it into water. Perhaps a job for your mum or friend. If you would like more information about preserving your bouquet, please e-mail me for more information.