11 Bouquet Alternatives for Bridesmaids | Trendy to Classic

You would be correct if you assumed we love floral arrangements and décor! But bridesmaid bouquets aren't the only option; most aren't even novel.

There have been many different types of bouquets for brides and bridesmaids throughout history, ranging from wedding hoops filled with greenery to traditional Chinese fans that have been around for generations. Bouquets have fallen out of style in favor of DIY projects like lanterns and Mason jars.

Check out these inventive alternatives to the traditional bridesmaid bouquets:

Traditional vs. Alternative Bridesmaid Bouquets

Before we get into more suggestions, let's quickly review the distinctions between classic and contemporary bridesmaid bouquet designs.

A bridesmaid bouquet is customarily a bunch of flowers the bridesmaids hold throughout the wedding. These arrangements complement the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids' attire, and the wedding's theme and colors.

Although the custom of bridesmaids carrying flowers is unknown, it is thought to have started to provide luck and good fortune, decorate, and convey a general romantic feeling, much like a bridal bouquet.

These days, customs are frequently modified—or abandoned entirely—to accommodate the couple's unique needs. This leads us to our following query:

Is it okay for bridesmaids not to have bouquets?

Despite being a lovely adornment, bouquets can get expensive, as many couples soon discover. Spending a significant budget on bridesmaid flowers for couples with enormous wedding parties might be better.

Do not worry if you are under pressure—it is acceptable for bridesmaids to go without bouquets! The only expectations you have for yourself on this big day are your own. It should not be one of the most stressful days of your life, but rather one of the happiest, and it should be your wedding. Every pair should ultimately act based on their feelings.

What is an alternative to a bouquet of flowers?

Now that you're persuaded that flowers are not required, you may wonder what your bridesmaids should carry instead of bouquets. Fortunately, bridesmaid bouquet choices abound, making it simple to select something that complements your taste and price range. Here are a few well-liked substitute suggestions for bridesmaid bouquets:

#1 Single Stem: Can bridesmaids carry a single flower?

You can assign your bridesmaids to carry a single flower rather than a whole bouquet!

A single flower is a stylish but modest substitute for the customary bouquet for bridesmaids. While several methods exist to use a single stem, the most popular option is to select a single flower from the wedding bouquet. Alternatively, you may go neutral with black, white, or beige, or utilize one of the same flowers from the bridal bouquet in softer tones.

We also enjoy giving each bridesmaid a different flower species from the wedding bouquet or having them carry a few single stems of one particular type of flower. Accessorize your single flowers with beaded strings or ribbons, a little balloon, or other wedding-related items such as shells for a tropical feel.

#2 Can bridesmaids have corsages instead of bouquets

Corsages are great substitutes for bridesmaid bouquets like the single-stem option because they typically still include buds. Beautiful and elegant, corsages also have the added benefit of not requiring hands, so the bridesmaids can wear them on their wrists as they walk down the aisle.

Here are some quick pointers to remember when substituting corsages for bridesmaid bouquets:

• Choose your florals wisely. Certain organic flowers are easier to work with and sit flatter than others. There is a limit to how long certain organic flower species can go without water before they start to wilt severely. These are some of the main benefits of fake flowers.
• Make sure the corsage doesn't move. To secure the item in place, use numerous pins at all times. Falling while walking down the aisle is the last thing you want.
• Make sure to match. Selecting flowers from the bride's bouquet is acceptable, but you can also choose comparable flowers in muted, neutral, or striking hues.
• Location, location, location. Encourage your bridesmaids to go beyond the traditional wrist corsage and instead have them secure their corsages to their shoulders or chest. If you go this route, choose bigger, bolder, and more tastefully integrated flowers to achieve scale—that is, unless you intentionally want your corsages to resemble boutonnieres.
• Share the love (of corsages). If you decide to go with corsages, think about getting some for the ring bearers, flower girls, and other members of the bridal party.
• Match with boutonnieres. Make sure the boutonnieres on your guys and bridesmaids match. Just use the same hues, accents, or flowers to achieve this.
• Add small details. Use accent pieces to balance out your floral and greenery corsage choices. Select a few whimsical embellishments, such as gems, accent leaves, silk, bows, sparkles, or feathers, to draw attention to the pieces.

#3 Hair Pieces: Can bridesmaids wear flowers in their hair?

Bridesmaids don't have to carry bouquets—they can sport flowers in their hair! Choosing the ideal substitute for a bridesmaid bouquet can be as easy as placing one strategically placed hair flower. If you're not good at hair design, you may be curious about the precise location of "strategically placed" on the head. Good news: There are no restrictions—just many options—regarding bridesmaids' hairstyles with flowers! To help you get inspired, consider these few suggestions:

• One oversized flower as a statement piece. Make sure you choose the ideal bloom for your wedding theme and color scheme, following the same style and color recommendations as for the corsage or single stem alternatives above.
• Floral bands or crowns. A floral headband instantly creates a bohemian vibe when paired with a flowing dress and wavy hair. Little, subdued flowers can be refined and understated for a more formal appearance.
• He addresses for drama. Like a flowery crown, headdresses are typically more prominent and more striking. How often will you get to strut around in a flowery headgear for an excellent reason? Take into consideration giving each bridesmaid a somewhat different design!

What else can bridesmaids carry down the aisle?

No worries if you don't feel like going with a single stem, corsage, or hair item. There are countless options for bridesmaid bouquets that you can customize to fit your preferences.

Consider these creative substitutes for bridesmaid bouquets:

#4 What bridesmaids can carry instead of flowers: going green

Going green is always a wise choice when it comes to floral alternatives. Due to its lovely shade and romantic, circular leaves, eucalyptus is one of the most popular foliage choices for wedding flower arrangements.

Additionally, an excellent substitute for bridesmaid bouquets is single stems. For instance, an evergreen branch for a winter event or a big Monstera leaf or palm fan for a tropical wedding would be ideal.

#5 Most trendy alternative: hoop bouquets

The wedding hoop is one of the most fashionable substitutes for bridesmaids' bouquets.

A hoop bouquet, or a bridal hoop, is a wreath-like arrangement typically formed of metal or wood and embellished with buds or leaves. Because they're easy to DIY and have many applications, vines like English ivy and Silver Dollar eucalyptus are also excellent options. You may accessorize your hoop bouquets with feathers, fringe, bows, ribbons, berries, branches, and shells, among other things.

#6 Feminine bridesmaid bouquet alternatives: feathers

Couples who want to substitute feathers for bridesmaid bouquets usually go for one of two styles: either a bouquet full of plumage or a few statement feathers.

Feathers from quills will give a touch of rusticism, while ostrich feathers—or anything fluffy—will give an air of femininity and grace. Due to their inherent glamour, peacock feathers look great against neutral hues or go well with shades of blue, green, or teal. Feathers can also be artistically hung from a hoop arrangement or used as decorations for a few unique flowers.

#7 Rustically romantic with Mason Jars

Mason jars can be used for DIY projects or wedding décor in various ways, including candle holders, centerpieces, cocktail glasses, hanging vases, and substitutes for bridesmaid bouquets.

Consider painting your Mason jars to complement your color scheme, decorating them with ribbon, adding an electric candle, or packing them full of lavender or baby breath to get your aisle set. Sand or shells can be layered inside jars for beach or tropical weddings.

#8 Lovely lighting: lanterns as bridesmaid bouquet alternatives

In most Asian nations and cultures, lanterns have historically been associated with luck, health, and prosperity. Lanterns are a charming substitute for bridesmaid bouquets if your wedding occurs at night or in winter. Picture your bridesmaids as fireflies at dusk, shimmering as they enter the aisle. Add some flowers or feathers in clusters to add some personality to the lanterns.

Moreover, lanterns may be quickly and easily converted to reception lights.

#9 Floating elegance: Balloons as bridesmaid alternatives

No one purchases balloons for ordinary days.

Balloons, whether filled with nitrogen or helium, have long been welcomed guests at festivities and important occasions like weddings. Balloons can be used in various ways as an alternative to bridesmaid bouquets, such as paired with floral arrangements or as singles. Letter, number, flower, or heart-shaped balloons can be an imaginative and enjoyable way to add a personal touch. Additionally, you can match the balloons to the colors of your wedding or embellish them with silk or ribbon.

#10 Wedding fans as alternative ideas for bridesmaid bouquets

First things first: we at Flowersarch are vast lovers of fans.

Fans of weddings have existed for ages. Traditionally, Chinese brides have symbolized unity and happiness with exquisite oval-shaped silk fans known as Tuanshan. Throughout the eighteenth century, handheld fans were a fashionable fashion accessory in England, particularly at royal weddings.

These days, wedding fans are tasteful and sophisticated ornaments that go well with any theme and can be substituted for bridesmaid bouquets. For a casual beach ceremony, choose a woven fan; for a glitzy wedding, go all lace. Alternatively, for a less expensive approach to repeat your color scheme, use hand fans made of colored paper. You're guaranteed to discover a fan that suits your needs and has various sizes, colors, forms, and personalized possibilities.

#11 Modern alternatives to bridesmaid bouquets: paper flowers

Not origami, though that would be awesome, too; I'm talking about the more contemporary kind you've undoubtedly seen all over Pinterest.

Countless options are available for paper bridesmaid bouquets, offering ample opportunity for personalization. As with fabric selection, picking the appropriate paper texture is essential. For instance, diverse looks can be achieved with cardstock, parchment, crepe, and tissue paper. You can personalize the paper with words or images of your choice, such as the initials of your wedding vows. Paper bouquets could be more affordable for the frugal bride than other frequently used do-it-yourself textiles.

Keep the inspiration going.

Now that you know several excellent substitutes for bridesmaid bouquets, you are undoubtedly motivated!