There's something utterly captivating about watching dried wedding bouquets hanging in heritage homes, each one a testament to a moment of joy preserved in time. As a florist who's witnessed countless bouquet tosses—some graceful, others going hilariously astray—I've often wondered if we could bring more finesse to this beloved tradition.
That's when inspiration struck while watching our brilliant AFLW players execute perfect banana kicks from the boundary. The precision, the intention, the perfect arc through the air—it's not so different from what a bride might want to achieve with her bouquet toss.
So, dear brides-to-be, let's borrow some wisdom from our footballing sisters to ensure your bouquet lands exactly where you'd like it to (while maintaining the appearance of delightful chance, of course).
Reading the Wind Like a Garden Sage
Any seasoned gardener knows the importance of reading the breeze before planting delicate seedlings, and the same wisdom applies to your bouquet toss. For outdoor weddings, take a moment during your venue visit to observe how the wind moves through the space. Is there a natural corridor between buildings? Does the breeze typically pick up in the afternoon? This knowledge becomes your secret advantage.
The Art of the Perfect Position
Our AFLW players know that stance is everything when preparing for a boundary kick. For your bouquet toss:
Position yourself with your back to your gathered guests, but angle your body slightly (about 45 degrees) towards your intended target
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance—remember, you're likely in heels
Hold your bouquet at a slight angle, much like how players grip the football for a banana kick
Visualisation: Your Secret Weapon
In the same way that AFLW players visualise the perfect arc of their kick before executing, take a moment to centre yourself. Feel the weight of your bouquet, picture its journey through the air, and imagine it landing gently in the hands of your chosen recipient. This mental preparation is as crucial as any physical technique.
The Perfect Release
Here's where we truly channel our inner AFLW star. Instead of the traditional straight-overhead toss:
Draw the bouquet back slightly to your dominant side
Create a gentle spinning motion as you release—think of how a football curves through the air
Release with intention, but make it look effortless (this is where practice with a dummy bouquet comes in handy)
A Word on Practice
Just as our AFLW players spend countless hours perfecting their technique, I recommend having a practice session with a mock bouquet. Use something with similar weight and size to your wedding flowers—a bunch of garden foliage wrapped in ribbon works beautifully. Practice in your garden or local park, getting a feel for how different throwing techniques affect the bouquet's flight path.
The Final Touch
Remember, like any art form, the perfect bouquet toss combines technique with heart. Yes, you might have a preferred recipient in mind, but the joy of the moment comes from the shared anticipation, the laughter, and the celebration of love's next chapter.
Sometimes flowers seem to know exactly where they need to land. But there's nothing wrong with giving them a gentle nudge in the right direction, especially when you've got the precision of an AFLW player in your arsenal.
Whether you're planning your own wedding or helping a bride prepare for her big day, remember that every tradition can be enhanced with a touch of thoughtful intention and a dash of sporting prowess. Who knew our AFLW stars could teach us so much about wedding traditions?