bouquet

A bouquet is a collection of flowers arranged together, typically bound with a ribbon or string, and displayed as decoration or given as a gift.

The word comes from French, bouquet meaning a bunch of flowers; in English it has been used since the early modern period to describe any assembled floral arrangement.

Common forms include hand-tied bouquets, which are gathered and bound without a vase; nosegays, small scented posies; bridal or wedding bouquets, often tailored to a color scheme; and cascading or waterfall bouquets that spill over the arm.

Construction involves conditioning stems, trimming ends at an angle, removing leaves below the water line, and arranging with foliage and complementary blooms. The bouquet is bound with ribbon or fabric and kept in water until use; after assembly, tips to preserve: recut stems, place in clean water, and change water daily.

Bouquets are used for gifts, ceremonies, and funerals. Colors and flower choices carry meanings in many cultures, and in weddings a bouquet is part of tradition and symbolism, with practices such as a bouquet toss for unmarried guests.