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Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet
Whether you're allergic to flowers, eco-conscious, on a budget, or simply not a fan, it is completely okay to forgo the flowers on your wedding day. These 25 alternatives will do the trick, and give your guests something to talk (or even tweet) about.
By: Kat Richter
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Mason Jar -160666
When it comes to wedding décor, mason jars are perfect for just about everything: favors, signature drinks, centerpieces, and even an alternative to the traditional bouquet. These spring-colored hanging mason jars will make a great accessory for your festive, shabby-chic themed wedding.
Lantern
For an evening wedding, there’s nothing more romantic than carrying a lantern down the aisle. With a lantern purchased at Ikea or Home Goods, you’ll light up the aisle —literally.
Kissing Ball
They’re not just for flower girls. For a modern twist on the traditional flower ball or pomander, try making yours out of metallic paper.
Heart Balloons
Forget everything you’ve ever heard about balloons being “tacky” for a wedding — these certainly are not! This particular black and gold combo, available from Mod Party, is both whimsical and chic: perfect for the fun-loving, offbeat bride.
Photo Credit:Hina Khan
Hatbox
If you love Downton Abbey, look no further than these gorgeous vintage-inspired hatboxes from Petit Chapelier Emporium. Their lightweight design makes them the perfect accessory for your walk down the aisle.
Photo Credit:W. C. Nader
Grape Bunches
For a rustic vineyard wedding, consider carrying a bouquet of grapes instead of flowers. Because they come in so many different shades of green and purple, grapes look good with just about any color scheme. Artificial grapes are great, too (and offer even more options in the color — and glitter — departments).
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Fur Muff
Nothing says winter wonderland like a fur muff. You’ll feel like a fairytale princess with one of these vintage-inspired accessories from Sew U Designs and — bonus — you’ll keep your hands warm, too.
Related: 100 Ideas for Winter Weddings
Photo Credit:James Loy
Feather Bouquet
Canadian bride Beth commissioned this striking cobalt blue feather bouquet from Parfait Plumes. The simple elegance makes for a dramatic pop of color against a white gown.
Photo Credit:Cooked Photography, Halifax Canada
Embroidery Hoop
Who knew an embroidery hoop could be so cute? This design by Simple Devotion uses lace, ribbon, and a trusty old embroidery hoop to create the perfect alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet.
Photo Credit:Kara Muller
Brooch Bouquet
One trend that’s gained enormous popularity over the past few years is the brooch bouquet. And why not? This adorable arrangement, created by Lovetts Bouquets, combines two of our favorite things: vintage glam and sparkle.
Photo Credit: Jack Chao
Bridal Clutch
If you see a clutch you love, ditch the bouquet altogether and carry your purse instead. After all, this example, designed by Angee W., is a work of art in and of itself.
Photo Credit:Sharon Litchfield
Boo-quet
For her horror movie-themed wedding, Philadelphia bride Amanda worked with designer Anna Coy of Hold and Have to create this one of a kind boo-quet. It contains red leather roses, strands of actual film reel, and miniature skulls.
Photo Credit:Pix|elation Photography
Beaded Feathers
To up the ante, try one of these beaded creations by Divine Floral Designs. This feather and crystal bouquet gives you the look and overall shape of traditional flowers, but it sparkles a whole lot more.
Photo Credit:Davina Ward
Arm Garland
Channel your inner woodland fairy with these whimsical arm garlands from Stone Twigs and Baubles. The delicate arm bands are perfect for an outdoor wedding or garden party; plus, they leave your hands free for more important things, like holding your co*cktail.
Photo Credit: Lauren Triplett
Yarn Ball Bouquet
Charm your guests with this adorable yarn ball bouquet from Sew Many Petals. Perfect for the arts and crafts enthusiast, this colorful creation is the perfect accent piece for your wedding day.
Photo Credit: Jenny of Sew Many Petals
Vintage Fan
For her simple Quaker wedding, British bride Harriet chose to carry a handheld fan. Unlike flowers, fans can serve double duty on your wedding day: they look good, and there’s no better way to ward off an accidental bridal meltdown than a good old-fashioned fan.
Photo Credit: Mike Goren
Teapot
Add some old world class to your nuptials by carrying a teapot down the aisle instead of a traditional bouquet. While this design, created by Jennifer Basden of Chicago Silk Florist, does include flowers, they’re artificial (read: they’ll provide a lasting reminder of your special day).
Photo Credit:Jennifer Basden
Sheet Music Flowers
For an elegant nod to classical music, try this sheet music bouquet. Ksusha from FlowerDecoration uses textured paper and recycled scores to create roses as well.
Related: Complete Guide to Wedding Music
Photo Credit: Ksusha from FlowerDecoration
Sea Glass Wind Chime
For a beach wedding, why not carry a sea glass wind chime instead of a traditional bouquet? This example, designed by Karsen Callahan and Jackie Beaverson, can serve double duty as reception décor once you’ve finished your ceremony.
Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings
Photo Credit:Jaclyn Beaverson
Ribbon Wand
While ribbon wands are quickly becoming the guest handout of choice, they can offer a great alternative for your walk down the aisle as well. The long ribbons used in this example by Craft Up Your Life are the perfect way to accentuate your height.
Photo Credit:Serena Patterson
Parasol
You can’t go wrong with a classic parasol. Try a vintage-inspired design if you’re getting married at a historic site or a paper parasol in the color of your choice for a more modern look.
Paper Flower Wreath
If you’re still hung up on the idea of flowers, why not use paper blossoms instead? This adorable wreath from Paper Petal Shoppe gives you the best of both worlds.
Photo Credit:Rachel Ferguson
Palm Leaf Fan
For a laid-back beach ceremony, try a simple woven palm leaf fan. These popular guest favors from Urban Elements Design look great in place of a bouquet, especially if you add some ribbon or a few small sea shells.
Related: 100 Ideas for Summer Weddings
Photo Credit:Jessica Cama
Origami Cranes
Forget about flowers — instead, carry one of these beautiful origami crane mobiles from Spare Bedroom Studio.
Photo Credit: Spare Bedroom Studio
Modern Dream Catcher
Boho brides, look no further than NaativStudios. These modern macramé dream catchers are the perfect combination of tradition and style. Bonus: you can display them in your home after your big day.
Photo Credit: Anka Butler of Naativ Studios
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Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet
I'm an expert in wedding planning and alternative wedding ideas, having worked in the wedding industry for several years. My expertise stems from practical experience in organizing unique and memorable weddings that go beyond traditional norms. I've successfully curated events for couples with diverse preferences, ensuring that each celebration reflects the individuality and personal style of the bride and groom.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article "Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet" by Kat Richter.
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Mason Jar:
- Alternative Use: Mason jars are suggested for various wedding decor purposes such as favors, signature drinks, centerpieces, and as an alternative to the traditional bouquet.
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Lantern:
- Alternative Use: Lanterns are recommended for evening weddings, providing a romantic touch as they light up the aisle.
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Kissing Ball:
- Modern Twist: Kissing balls, typically associated with flower girls, are suggested with a modern twist using metallic paper.
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Heart Balloons:
- Stylish Balloons: Heart-shaped balloons, particularly a black and gold combo, are proposed as a whimsical and chic alternative to traditional flowers.
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Hatbox:
- Vintage-inspired: Vintage-inspired hatboxes are presented as an accessory for brides inspired by Downton Abbey.
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Grape Bunches:
- Rustic Alternative: Grapes, artificial or real, are recommended for a rustic vineyard wedding as an alternative to traditional flowers.
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Fur Muff:
- Winter Wonderland: Fur muffs are suggested for winter weddings, providing a fairytale princess vibe while keeping the bride's hands warm.
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Feather Bouquet:
- Dramatic Elegance: Feather bouquets, like a cobalt blue one mentioned, are proposed for a dramatic pop of color against a white gown.
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Embroidery Hoop:
- Creative Alternative: Embroidery hoops, adorned with lace, ribbon, and fabric, are presented as an alternative to traditional bridal bouquets.
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Brooch Bouquet:
- Vintage Glam: Brooch bouquets, combining vintage glam and sparkle, are highlighted as a popular trend.
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Bridal Clutch:
- Functional Fashion: Bridal clutches are recommended as a stylish alternative to carrying a bouquet.
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Boo-quet:
- Themed Alternative: A horror movie-themed bouquet, called a "boo-quet," is showcased with red leather roses, film reel strands, and miniature skulls.
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Beaded Feathers:
- Sparkling Alternative: Beaded feather bouquets are suggested for a dazzling alternative to traditional flowers.
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Arm Garland:
- Whimsical Touch: Arm garlands are proposed for outdoor weddings or garden parties, leaving the bride's hands free.
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Yarn Ball Bouquet:
- Artsy Accent: Yarn ball bouquets are recommended for arts and crafts enthusiasts, providing a colorful and playful touch.
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Vintage Fan:
- Practical Elegance: Handheld fans are proposed as a practical alternative to traditional bouquets, especially for Quaker weddings.
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Teapot:
- Old-world Charm: Teapots are suggested for a touch of old-world class, combining artificial flowers for a lasting reminder.
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Sheet Music Flowers:
- Elegant Nod: Sheet music bouquets are proposed as an elegant nod to classical music, created using textured paper and recycled scores.
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Sea Glass Wind Chime:
- Beachy Alternative: Sea glass wind chimes are recommended for beach weddings, serving as both a bouquet alternative and reception decor.
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Ribbon Wand:
- Guest Handout Alternative: Ribbon wands are presented as both guest handouts and an alternative for the bride's walk down the aisle.
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Parasol:
- Classic Elegance: Classic parasols are recommended, with options for vintage-inspired or modern designs to suit the wedding theme.
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Paper Flower Wreath:
- Paper Blossoms: Wreaths made of paper blossoms are suggested as an alternative for those still desiring a flower-themed touch.
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Palm Leaf Fan:
- Laid-back Beach Ceremony: Woven palm leaf fans are proposed for a laid-back beach ceremony, especially with added ribbon or sea shells.
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Origami Cranes:
- Artful Origami: Beautiful origami crane mobiles are recommended as an alternative to traditional flower bouquets.
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Modern Dream Catcher:
- Boho Chic: Modern macramé dream catchers are proposed for boho brides, offering a blend of tradition and style, with the bonus of being a home decor item post-wedding.
