What is a sweetheart bouquet and do I need a separate toss bouquet?
The Short Answer
A sweetheart bouquet is a smaller, petite version of the bridal bouquet, sometimes carried instead of a full-size one for a delicate look. A separate toss bouquet is an inexpensive stand-in for the bouquet toss, and it is entirely optional, since you can reuse an attendant's bouquet or skip the toss.
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What a sweetheart bouquet is
A sweetheart bouquet is simply a dainty, scaled-down bridal bouquet, smaller than a standard one but still designed as the bride's centerpiece flower. Petite brides sometimes choose it so the bouquet flatters rather than overwhelms their frame, and it suits a minimalist or understated look. It carries all the same design intent as a full bouquet, just in a more delicate size. Some couples confuse it with a toss bouquet, but the two serve different purposes entirely. At Bentley Florist we size the sweetheart bouquet carefully to the bride and her dress, so small still reads as intentional and elegant rather than skimpy.
The separate toss bouquet question
A toss bouquet is a small, inexpensive bouquet made specifically to throw during the reception so the bride can keep or preserve her real one. It is completely optional. If you plan a bouquet toss and want to save your bridal bouquet, a toss bouquet is a cheap, practical solution, usually built from simple hardy blooms. But you do not need one if you are skipping the toss, reusing a bridesmaid's bouquet for the throw, or choosing a toss alternative like an anniversary dance. Decide whether you are keeping your bouquet first, and the toss-bouquet question answers itself.
Deciding what you actually need
Sort out these pieces during planning so nothing is missed or wasted. If you want to preserve your bridal bouquet and still do a toss, order an inexpensive toss bouquet. If you are not attached to keeping yours, throw the real one and skip the extra. If a smaller bouquet suits your frame, ask about a sweetheart size for your main flower. None of this needs to be complicated, but each choice affects your order and budget, so mention your intentions to your designer early. A quick conversation ensures you carry the bouquet you want and only pay for the pieces you will actually use.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Choose a sweetheart bouquet for a delicate, petite-flattering main flower.
- Order a separate toss bouquet only if you want to preserve your own.
- Skip the toss bouquet by reusing a bridesmaid's or choosing an alternative.
- Decide whether you are keeping your bouquet before ordering a toss piece.
- Tell your designer your plans early so you pay only for what you need.
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