What flowers did Princess Diana have in her wedding bouquet?

Short answer

Princess Diana's 1981 wedding bouquet was a large cascade of gardenias, lilies of the valley, freesias, white orchids, myrtle and stephanotis, with a touch of golden ivy. It was a dramatic, trailing design that was very much of its era. You can recreate a similar look today.

Princess Diana carried a famously large, cascading bouquet that trailed almost to her knees. It included gardenias, lily of the valley, freesias, white orchids, myrtle and stephanotis, all in white and cream tones, with golden ivy woven through. The myrtle came from a sprig of the plant that was grown from Queen Victoria's original myrtle, a tradition in royal weddings. The bouquet was heavy and required careful handling, and it was designed to match her voluminous dress. If you love that romantic, trailing style, you can ask your florist for a modern cascade using similar flowers, but be aware that some of those blooms are delicate or seasonal. Lily of the valley, for example, is lovely but can be expensive and short-lived. Your florist can suggest alternatives that give the same soft, white, fragrant feel. A smaller cascade or a hand-tied posy with trailing ribbons can capture the spirit without the weight. Remember that your bouquet should suit your dress, your height and your comfort. You will hold it for photos and during the ceremony, so make sure it feels good in your hands. Your florist can show you how to hold it correctly and can trim the stems on the day.