Creating the perfect bridesmaid bouquet requires balancing aesthetics, comfort, and proportion. Here’s everything you need to know about sizing these important floral accessories.

Understanding Standard Sizes

Small Bouquets (6-8 inches in diameter) These petite arrangements work beautifully for more intimate weddings or when you want the focus to remain on the bride’s bouquet. They’re ideal for petite bridesmaids or younger attendants, and they’re lighter to carry throughout a long day.

Medium Bouquets (8-10 inches in diameter) This is the most popular size for bridesmaid bouquets. Medium arrangements provide visual impact in photos without overwhelming the person carrying them. They strike an excellent balance between presence and practicality.

Large Bouquets (10-12 inches in diameter) Larger bouquets make bold statements and work well for formal weddings or outdoor ceremonies where you need more visual weight. Consider these for taller bridesmaids or when you want a lush, garden-style aesthetic.

Key Factors to Consider

Bridesmaid Height and Build The bouquet should be proportional to the person carrying it. A petite bridesmaid (under 5’3″) typically looks best with a 6-8 inch bouquet, while taller bridesmaids (5’8″ and above) can easily carry 9-11 inch arrangements. Consider body frame as well—delicate builds pair better with smaller bouquets, while athletic or fuller frames can handle more substantial arrangements.

The Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaid bouquets should be noticeably smaller than the bridal bouquet to maintain hierarchy. As a general rule, make bridesmaid bouquets about 25-30% smaller in diameter. If the bride carries a 12-inch cascading bouquet, bridesmaids should carry 8-9 inch round bouquets.

Flower Types and Density Different flowers create different visual weights. A bouquet of tightly packed roses appears smaller and denser than a loose arrangement of peonies and garden roses at the same diameter. Flowers with larger blooms (like dahlias, peonies, or hydrangeas) naturally create fuller-looking bouquets with fewer stems. Delicate flowers (like ranunculus, spray roses, or cosmos) require more stems to achieve the same visual impact.

Wedding Venue and Formality Formal ballroom weddings typically call for more structured, medium-to-large bouquets (9-11 inches). Casual outdoor or beach weddings suit smaller, looser arrangements (7-9 inches). Garden weddings can accommodate the full range, depending on your overall aesthetic.

Practical Sizing Guidelines

Stem Count Rather than measuring diameter alone, florists often work with stem counts:

• Small bouquet: 12-18 stems
• Medium bouquet: 18-24 stems
• Large bouquet: 24-36 stems

These numbers vary based on bloom size and greenery used.

Weight Considerations Remember that bridesmaids will carry these bouquets for hours during photos, ceremony, and potentially reception. A well-sized bouquet should weigh no more than 1-2 pounds. Hydrangeas and succulents are particularly heavy, so keep these bouquets on the smaller side if using these materials.

Handle Length The handle should be 6-8 inches long for most bouquets, allowing comfortable grip without excessive ribbon showing below the hands. Shorter handles (5-6 inches) work for smaller bouquets, while dramatic presentation bouquets might have 8-10 inch handles.

The Comparison Test

When finalizing your decision, consider these visual relationships:

Bride to Bridesmaids: The bride’s bouquet should be the clear focal point, approximately 25-35% larger than bridesmaid bouquets.

Bridesmaids to Each Other: All bridesmaid bouquets should be identical in size for visual harmony in photos and down the aisle.

Bouquet to Dress: Hold a mock-up against the bridesmaid dress. The bouquet should rest comfortably at waist level without overwhelming the dress details or looking lost against the fabric.

Testing Before the Wedding

Schedule a consultation where bridesmaids can hold sample bouquets. Have them practice the carrying position (natural waist level, elbows slightly bent) and walk around. The right size will feel comfortable, look proportional in mirrors and test photos, and not tire their arms after a few minutes.

Ask your florist to create a sample bouquet in your chosen size about a month before the wedding. Take photos from various angles and distances to ensure it photographs well.

Final Measurements

For precise ordering, provide your florist with:

• Desired diameter (measured across the widest point)
• Preferred stem count or fullness level
• Height of each bridesmaid
• Photos of inspiration bouquets with notes about what you like about the size
• Your bride’s bouquet dimensions for comparison

The perfect bridesmaid bouquet enhances rather than overwhelms, complements without competing, and feels as good in hand as it looks in photos. When sized correctly, your bridesmaids will carry their flowers confidently and comfortably throughout your special day.