Seasonal and One-of-a-Kind Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives
A bride posing with her bridesmaids holding greenery bouquets. Image by Katelyn Macmillan.
Traditionally, flowers are a big part of wedding decor, especially in the form of bouquets. These beautiful accents are carried by the bride and her attendants and add a beautiful, natural element to the procession.
But flower bouquets can be costly, and they require refrigeration so they don’t wilt. Fortunately, there are many amazing bridesmaid bouquet alternatives that will take your breath away!
Do My Bridesmaids Need a Bouquet?
While bridesmaids typically carry a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet, there’s no rules when it comes to planning your wedding ceremony. You can decide to forego the bridesmaids’ bouquets if you are trying to shrink your budget or prefer the look of your bridal party without them.
However, many bridesmaids may struggle with what to do with their hands as they walk down the aisle and stand with the bride at the altar. So you may want to provide something for them to hold to avoid those awkward moments.
So if flowers aren’t your thing or you want to add a creative spin to your special day, here are some amazing bridesmaid bouquet alternatives for your special group.
Eco-Friendly Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives
Succulent Arrangements
A bouquet of succulents tied together by twine. Image by Succulent Artworks.
If you like the look of floral bouquets, but don’t want the fuss of keeping them from wilting, consider using succulents instead. These hearty plants don’t need frequent watering and stand up to normal wear and tear, unlike flowers.
There are hundreds of varieties and hues to choose from, so you can layer different types for a really amazing bouquet. Plus, your bridal party can replant these beauties, making it super eco friendly!
2. Chili Peppers
A bouquet of red, green, and yellow chili peppers in a green wrapping. Image via Pinterest.
Want to add a little spice to your wedding? Then craft gorgeous bouquets out of bundles of chili peppers! Traditionally, they symbolize fertility and luck, making them the perfect natural element to use for your alternative bouquets!
Chili peppers come in a variety of shades, so you can choose the type that best matches your wedding theme. You can use fresh or dried ones, depending on the fullness and shape you are trying to achieve.
3. Herb Bouquets
A bride holding a mixed herb bouquet. Image by My Hotel Wedding.
Herbs aren’t just for flavoring your food! Use them to create an alternative bridesmaid bouquet. Not only will it be visually stunning, but they will smell divine.
Choose leafy green herbs in a variety of textures to add depth and interest to your bouquets. Add in berry stems or veggies that tie in your wedding colors.
Use natural elements like twine or burlap to wrap the stems. You’ll want to keep them in water before they are carried, otherwise they are likely to wilt!
Creative Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives
Lego Flowers
A close-up photo of a bridesmaid holding a bouquet made of Lego flowers. Image by Sam Rhymes with Ham.
Bring an element of whimsy to your bridesmaids’ bouquets by building them out of Legos! Not only can you easily customize the color and flower type, but your bridal party can keep them forever as mementos of your special days!
Consider having each bridesmaid build her own custom bouquet at a gathering from a choice of flower patterns. You can use spray adhesive to ensure each creation stays together. Accent each piece with ribbons to keep the Lego stems in place.
2. Crystal Wands
A crystal wand with a Styrofoam ball on the end. Image by ForeverBlooms1 on Etsy.
Crystals are beautiful, symbolic, and a great idea for a unique bridesmaid bouquet! Not only will they catch the light to create a stunning glow, but you can choose from an endless array of colors and textures.
Do a deep dive on what each crystal represents and build a custom bouquet for each member of your bridal squad. Or you can design uniform pieces that symbolize everything you want for your marriage.
3. Puppies
A bride and her bridesmaids in a group holding puppies. Image by Brianna Wilbur Photography.
If you’re an animal lover, wow your guests by having bridesmaids carry puppies or kittens from your local shelter! These little critters will steal the show and maybe even find a home by the end of your event!
Work with your local animal shelter to arrange these VIP guests to accompany your girls down the aisle. Many shelters will accept a donation of funds or supplies in exchange for letting the animals make a special appearance on your big day!
Budget-Friendly Bouquet Alternatives
Fans
A bride and her bridesmaids posing in a group holding fans. Image by Bridal Musings.
From paper to lace, hand fans are an elegant alternative to a traditional bridesmaid bouquet. Not only are they gorgeous, but they can be functional! Your brides can use them to cool off during a summer wedding, keep insects away during an outdoor wedding, and display in their home.
You can purchase inexpensive hand fans in bulk and then customize them to fit your wedding theme. Add silk flowers, pearls, and other accepts that will tie everything together.
2. Lanterns
A group of bridesmaids holding black lanterns. Image via WeddingWire.
If you’re hosting a rustic wedding, lanterns are a great addition. They offer a soft glow, so your bridesmaids will look ethereal walking down the aisle. Plus, they can be made wood or metal, meaning it’s easy to find the right look for your wedding theme.
To make the lanterns glow, you can use candles or LED fairy lights. Both are inexpensive but make a huge impact, especially if you are exchanging vows in the evening!
3. Books
A bride and her bridesmaids holding various Harry Potter books. Image by Philadelphia Magazine.
Bookworms rejoice! You don’t have to leave your beloved books at home during your wedding. Have your bridesmaids carry beautiful hardcovers down the aisle. This will infuse your personality into your wedding procession.
If you’ve taken up a book-themed bridal shower, you can incorporate some of those elements into your bridesmaid’s bouquets. You can also easily thrift books to match the aesthetic you’re going for.
Many second hand stores have piles of gorgeous leather bound books that cost a fraction of what they did new. Or you can ask the bridesmaids to carry a copy of each of your favorites! Gather your top titles and have them use your personal copies!
Seasonal Bouquet Alternatives
Faux Fur Muffs for Winter
A bride and her bridesmaids holding black hand muffs instead of flowers. Image by Arianna Freelen.
If you’re hosting a winter wedding, you’ll need to keep your wedding party warm. Instead of having bridesmaids carry flowers, give them warm, cozy faux fur muffs. These tubular garments will keep their hands and arms warm while looking chic and elegant.
Using faux fur not only avoids animal cruelty, but allows you to choose from an endless array of colors. Add an accent, like these crystal snowflakes, to make the muffs look even more impressive!
2. Harvest Veggies for Fall
A bride holding a bouquet of harvest veggies. Image by Say Yes.
Fall weddings entail a time of abundance, so incorporate seasonal produce into your bouquet alternatives. Radishes, cabbage leaves, and even pumpkin flowers combine to make a bright, stunning display.
Visit your local farmers market to choose the vegetables that match your wedding colors. Mix textures and add accents like corn silks to really elevate this special bouquet.
3. Parasols for Summer
A bride and her bridesmaids holding parasols. Image by Halifax Florist.
Summer weddings are classic, but the summer sun can wreak havoc on your bridesmaids’ skin. Keep them cool by having them carry parasols instead of traditional bouquets.
Paper parasols can be painted with unique scenes and designs. Lace parasols are elegant and classy. They can be as simple or embellished as you’d like. Plus, the bridesmaids can keep the parasols for future use!
How to Choose a Bouquet Alternative for Your Bridesmaids
Once you’ve decided to forego traditional bridesmaid bouquets, you’ll need to formulate a game plan. There are lots of factors to consider, so here’s what you need to know before you make the final decision.
Consider Your Budget: Consider how much you want to spend on these bouquets. Some elements can get pricey, especially if you have a lot of bridesmaids.
Assess Your Bridal Party’s Interests: Think about your bridesmaid group’s interests and brainstorm how you can incorporate them into your special day. For instance, if they all enjoy music, you can use sheet music pages to craft paper flowers.
Use Seasonal Elements: You’ll save a lot of money if you choose elements that are in season. The items will be at their prime and fit well with whatever theme you choose.
Incorporate Items from Your Theme: You spent a lot of time choosing the right wedding colors and theme. So make life easier by using elements that connect to it. For instance, if you’re planning a destination wedding, have your bridesmaids carry items that represent the location. They will be easy to purchase once you arrive and will tie in perfectly!
Work Together: Make crafting alternative bouquets a bonding experience. Purchase the components and have your bridesmaids customize their own bouquets. This is a great way to allow their individuality to shine through while creating stunning pieces for your wedding.