Overwhelmed by the choices? Here’s assistance to help you parse the black-eyed Susans from the peonies.

FOR A FORMAL LOOK

Even if you’re dreaming of a black-tie affair, it’s OK to play with flower colors. Stick to a timeless, all-white bouquet for yourself (think lilies of the valley or peonies) and keep the bridesmaid bouquets monochromatic (or at least in the same color family). Opting for lush textured flowers, like hydrangeas, in the same shade as the girls’ dresses will add dimension without overpowering the formality of your event. Get the guys in on color, too, with boutonnieres that match the bridesmaid bouquets.

FOR AN EXOTIC LOOK

If you want exotic, look no further than the orchid — a sexy bloom that’s cultivated worldwide and that comes in several varieties, some rarer than others. Your florist can likely have them flown in year-round, but it’ll cost you. To keep from going over budget, try using them as filler flowers or for the boutonnieres.

FOR A WHIMSICAL LOOK

Paper flowers are a trendy twist on tradition these days. And we’re not talking about elementary-art-class-style flowers. If you’re crafty, pick up some supplies (like kits and paper) from crafts stores. For the less DIY-inclined, some planners, event designers and Etsy sellers are pros at making paper flowers. Here’s how to pull them off: Use a few different shades of paper in the same color family to keep them from all looking identical. Think: blush, ivory and white for you, and multiple shades of a complementary color for your bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres.

FOR A CASUAL LOOK

If you want all of the day’s flowers to feel just-picked, decide on a loose color palette with your florist, and then let their creative genius take it from there. The result? A mix of various flowers in your chosen colors, with a few grassy, green accents consistent throughout. The similar tones, flower types and styling will keep everything cohesive.

FOR A TRADITIONAL LOOK

The most traditional approach to wedding flower pairing is as simple as picking a few flowers (like garden roses and hydrangeas) and colors, and sticking to them. The color your bridesmaids carry might show up in your bouquet and in the boutonnieres as well. But don’t feel limited. Carry an all-white rose bouquet to keep your look elegant and classic, and have your bridesmaids hold flowers in the color of the day.

FOR A VINTAGE LOOK

Bouquets like these with lots of color are beautiful, but they’re complicated. So work with your florist to come up with one or two ways to make your bouquet stand out from the ones the bridesmaids carry. Include a few white flowers in yours and have the stems wrapped in a different color. To complete the trio, your groom’s boutonniere should match the something special in your bouquet.

FOR A CLASSIC LOOK

If you love the idea of a clean, all-white look for you and your wedding party, ask your florist to create a lush white bouquet using a mix of seasonal flowers. Then, have your bridesmaids hold smaller versions of yours. Also think about adding a few accent-color flowers to their bouquets (so they don’t look too much like yours). Blue thistle has a natural look that won’t overwhelm, or small chocolate cosmos will work too.

FOR A MODERN LOOK

Calla lilies are sleek and structured flowers with tall stems, so they naturally give off a modern feel. If you carry them in your bouquet, have your bridesmaids carry them with tulips (another long-stemmed flower) and one or two other seasonal blooms.

FOR A GLAM LOOK

Nothing says glamorous like lush, big-headed flowers, especially when you mix a few together. Our favorites for bouquets include dahlias, garden roses and peonies — ask your florist.

FOR A RUSTIC LOOK

Textured flowers and plants (think dahlias, succulents, hanging amaranthus and leaves) have an organic look and natural colors that work well for a rural or rustic setting. Ask your florist to wrap the bouquet stems in burlap and the boutonnieres in string to emphasize that style.