What Type of Bouquet Is Appropriate for the Mother of the Bride?

Mother of the bride flowers should be simple and understated and can take a variety of forms

By Linda Ray

Photo by Kristel Wyman

The type of bouquet that is appropriate for the mother of the bride varies with the wishes of the bride and her mother. Some mothers prefer not to be burdened with flowers; others enjoy receiving a surprise bouquet at the reception.

Coordinating Flowers

Brides who like to coordinate all aspects of the wedding décor can prepare nosegays of flowers for their mothers to carry during the ceremony. Nosegays should coordinate with the bride's bouquet.

Size Matters

Whatever bouquet the mother of the bride carries during the ceremony, it should be smaller and simpler than the bride's bouquet.

Flower Options

Some brides and their mothers decide on a corsage instead of a bouquet. Mothers also can wear small floral arrangements in their hair.

Surprise Mom

A bouquet makes a nice surprise gift for a mother at the reception. The gift bouquet does not have to match the bride's flowers.

Other Female Relatives

Some brides provide their stepmothers, grandmothers and other important female relatives with bouquets or flowers. The size and kind of bouquet, nosegay or corsage may be the same or smaller, depending on the status of the relative.