Whimsical Wedding Beauty: Alternatives To Veils And Traditional Flowers
“You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald
Rather than a traditional bouquet, wear flowers in your hair! So, what does the bride hold in her hands? How about a non-traditional bouquet that doesn’t draw attention away from the floral headdress, such as a “nosegay.” A nosegay is a small, fragrant bouquet that can be held, clutched to the breast, or pinned to a bodice. Popular, tight little bunches of flowers (usually held together with string or even a doily) were usually given as gifts from suitors during courtship and have been popular since medieval times. Also popular during the Victorian and Elizabethan eras (as illustrated above), the nosegay, “posy,” or “tussie mussie” is due for a comeback in a big way!
A garden “shall contain the herbs and flowers used to make nosegays and garlands.”
The Country Farme, 1600
Boho Bride
(Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor at her wedding to Richard Burton)
- A bohemian take on bridal beauty can be stated with a flower crown or simply by placing flowers throughout hair worn long and loose. Try traditional daisies or fragrant hyacinth florets threaded through a thick braid.
“She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes.”
-Arundhati Roy
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue
(Audrey Hepburn)
- There’s nothing that screams “Spring has sprung!” like a classic Easter bonnet, complete with a cornflower blue bow. This look may seem slightly drastic in comparison to a white lace veil, but a modern spin may just be the fashion-forward statement a wedding needs. With tiny white daisies, a tulip or two, and other small filler flowers (such as baby’s breath or waxflowers), a bride-to-be will look like the epitome of spring: fresh and blossoming.
High Fashion
(Jean Shrimpton photographed by Irving Penn for Vogue, 1965)
- Take a cue from Jean Shrimpton and feel like a 1960s glamour goddess on your big day! “Billy buttons” or “woollyheads” are the perfect addition to any bouquet or headdress: the bright yellow really pops and pairs beautifully with blue violets, pale pink cherry blossoms, and fuchsias.
Pure Art
(Frida Kahlo)
- There’s nothing more artistic than a blooming flower formed in nature. Lantana blossoms and wild fuchsias are the most beautiful combination—for a small bouquet, corsage, or flower crown. Don’t forget to match your lipstick to your chosen flowers.
Don’t forget to consult Chelsea Flowers for all your floral needs!
For more information on nosegays, visit the link below:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nosegay
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