The bridal bouquet is a tradition in almost every culture on Earth, and in this exquisite book, floral designer Marsha Heckman creates forty original bouquets to complement the wedding gown, communicate a special meaning, honor a family tradition, and keep shaky hands occupied.<P>Organized seasonally, the book provides three or four bouquets for every month of the year, each one exploiting the amazing variety and diversity of flowers available throughout the year. From daisies with ivy for the August bride to mistletoe and roses for a Christmas Eve bouquet; from hydrangeas with glass beads and tiny seashells for a wedding by the sea to an Asian fan with amaranthus and chrysanthemum for an autumn reception to a bouquet of fragrant herbs for July, these unique designs are gorgeously photographed. Each one is accompanied by step-by-step directions for wiring and taping, choosing flowers, leaves and ribbons, grooming the flowers, and making handles.<P>An integral part of the wedding, flowers provide beauty, perfume, and color. They help define the theme of the event. Bridal bouquets live forever in the wedding photographs and in the memories of all those who share in the day. Bouquets will help every bride-to-be, mother, sister, and friend recreate these bouquets or will inspire the florist to fashion that perfect handful of flowers the bride carries down the aisle. Here is the ideal engagement or shower gift for any prospective bride.

A floral designer presents forty bouquet designs to complement the wedding gown, providing examples for every month of the year.