What Do I Do With My Bouquet During the Ceremony? (2024)

Let me paint a picture for you:

You’re walking down the aisle on your wedding day looking gorgeous as ever and you’re slowly placing one foot in front of the other. You don’t trip, you don’t ugly cry, and your partner looks hottttt.

You make it flawlessly all the way to the end of the aisle and your first thought after everyone sits down is, “sh*t, what do I do with this bouquet!?”. Not anymore! I’ve got you covered.

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Hand your bouquet to your Maid/Matron of Honor/Man of Honor.

They can hold any bouquets and be a rock star for you. You’ll be hands-free and able to hold hands with your best friend, wipe away tears, and exchange rings. Perfect.

Well…what if you don’t have a Maid or Matron of Honor?

Hand the bouquet to a Mom or Grandmother! They’ll love holding your bouquet for you and will feel extra important.

What Do I Do With My Bouquet During the Wedding?

At almost every wedding, I get asked how to hold a bouquet when it comes time for the ceremony or any pre-ceremony photos. I am here to provide you with the best tips and tricks photography-wise to get those great shots and look picture-perfect.

Here are my tips on how to walk down the aisle with your bouquet:

Hold the bouquet at your belly button.

So many times I see the bouquet being held up high, even blocking part of a person’s face! This is not photogenic and is not pleasing to the eye. Have it at your belly button with your arms slightly bent and relaxed. Your arms will look slimmed down and you won’t look nervous or awkward.

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Hold the bouquet at an angle so guests see the blooms, not stems

You want to practice holding the flowers in a mirror so you’re comfortable with both the blooms pointing the right way and your arms slightly bent with the bouquet at your belly button. You’ll look like a rock star!

Hand off your bouquet to someone else

Hand off your bouquet to the Maid/Matron or Man of Honor/Mom when either you are standing face to face and will need to hold hands to do your vows and place rings or choose to hand it off right after walking down the aisle and when your future spouse joins you up at the front. Just don’t be like me and forget to take it back at the end of the ceremony (oops!). I was so nervous and happy, I walked to the back of the church without my bouquet and my MOH had to walk with two bouquets…..whoops.

When in doubt, ask your florist!

A good florist will still be there to check on you when they deliver the flowers, so ask them how they recommend holding it. They’ll know better than anyone where the front and back of the design is and how often you need to water it, how easily it’ll bruise, etc.

Hopefully, these tips will make you feel comfortable and confident with your flower-holding skills. Because you got this! *high five*

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As a seasoned wedding photographer with years of experience capturing the most precious moments of couples' special days, I understand the nuances and challenges that come with ensuring that every detail is picture-perfect. My expertise extends beyond just capturing moments; I've actively engaged with brides, grooms, and wedding parties to guide them through the intricacies of handling various elements, including the often overlooked but crucial aspect of bouquet management.

Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:

Bouquet Handling During the Wedding:
- The article emphasizes the importance of planning for the moment after successfully walking down the aisle. It addresses the common dilemma of not knowing what to do with the bouquet once you've reached the end.
Options for Bouquet Management:
- The primary solutions presented are handing the bouquet to the Maid/Matron of Honor, Man of Honor, Mom, or Grandmother. Alternatively, placing the bouquet on a table with a vase as a backup plan is suggested.
Tips for Holding the Bouquet:
- The article provides valuable tips for holding the bouquet gracefully during the walk down the aisle and other pre-ceremony moments.
  - Hold the bouquet at the belly button to ensure a photogenic and visually appealing posture.
  - Maintain a slight angle to showcase the blooms rather than the stems.
  - Practice holding the bouquet in front of a mirror to perfect the posture.
Handing Off the Bouquet:
- A crucial point highlighted is the strategic hand-off of the bouquet. The suggestion is to pass it to the designated person at specific moments, such as during vows or immediately after walking down the aisle.
Consulting Your Florist:
- The article recommends consulting with the florist for personalized advice on bouquet handling. Florists, being experts in their field, can offer insights into the design, care, and handling of the bouquet.
Photography Tips:
- The article briefly touches on the photography aspect, emphasizing the importance of looking picture-perfect and providing tips on holding the bouquet for optimal visual appeal.
Closing and Call to Action:
- The article concludes with a positive and encouraging tone, reinforcing the idea that with the provided tips, individuals can feel comfortable and confident in their flower-holding skills. The call to action invites readers to contact the author for wedding or engagement photography services.

In conclusion, the article seamlessly combines practical advice, personal anecdotes, and professional expertise to guide brides through the often overlooked but significant aspect of bouquet management during weddings.