Brushing up on flower terminology is wise before visiting florists. More knowledge on the topic gives you confidence to talk about the wedding’s floral future. It also enables you to better choose what will suit your day, whether you define details or simply place the task in professional hands. Not the least, it also helps ensure your money is being spent in the best way possible.

Here are florist terms ? some common, others less recognized ? that may be helpful.

BOUQUET  A dense bunch of blooms kept together in a bouquet holder, wired or tied with ribbon. Particularly popular are hand-tied bouquets, showing the natural growth of the flowers, tied with ribbon or fabric.

CASCADE  Flowers that descend below the main portion of a bouquet design.

CRESCENT One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form slender handle for holding in one hand.

GARDEN  A centerpiece featuring wildflowers.

NOSEGAY Small, round bouquet composed of densely packed flowers and fill. A Biedermeier is a nosegay tightly arranged in concentric circles with each flower in a different color.

OASIS  Specialized foam used in bouquet holders and centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh.

POMANDER A flower-covered ball suspended from a ribbon. It is often carried by child attendants or hanging loose from a pole or pew. Sometimes simply called a flower ball. 

PRESENTATION  A bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the bride’s arms. It’s sometimes known as a pageant bouquet.

TOPIARY  Flowers trimmed into geometric shapes.

TOSSING  A smaller copy of the bride’s bouquet to use in the bouquet toss.

TRELLIS  A woven wooden frame used as a screen or support for climbing plants and flowers.

TUSSY MUSSY  A small, metallic holder to carry a posy.