If you’ve been to a wedding before you’ve likely seen a very traditional scene when it comes to the bridesmaid bouquets. With so many aspects of a wedding that can be personalized, why not create a look just for your ladies? If you’re interested in some alternatives to conventional bridesmaid bouquets, read on!
1. Single Bloom – If a large bouquet isn’t your style but you’d still like your bridesmaids to hold something floral, try a single large bloom that goes with your wedding motif! Some good choices for this are sunflowers, peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias and proteas. Just add a nice ribbon or piece of fabric around the base to jazz it up a bit and you’re good to go! Pro tip: Bridal bouquets can get pretty pricey, especially if have a lot of bridesmaids. This is a great option that is also a bit cheaper.
2. A “Hoop” Bouquet – This trend is popping up quite a bit lately, and for good reason! Flowers and greenery attached to metal hoops are not only interesting to look at, but they can be made smaller for junior bridesmaid and even flower girls. Considering small flowers that can sit closer to the hoop, or go all out for a cascading style with larger blooms.
3. Feathers – If flowers aren’t your favorite, consider a bouquet made up of feathers! Not only is this idea unique, but it’s allergy-friendly. Pick faux-feathers in some neutral colors paired with ones that highlight the hues of your big day for a two-tone look you ladies are sure to love.
4. Dream Catchers – If your wedding is trending towards a boho or ethereal theme, this trend is for you! Set up a crafting day for your bridesmaids and provide them with all the supplies to make their own dream catchers for the big day. Pro tip: They can save the accessory and hang it up after the wedding for a reminder of your wedding day and friendship.
5. Wreaths – A similar trend to the “hoop” bouquets, wreath bouquets are growing in popularity lately. Use a metal base, and wrap it with greenery and faux-wood to give the appearance of a never-ending circle. This style is especially lovely for an outdoor or wooded setting, picking up the surroundings of the wedding venue.
6. Lanterns – This decor and floral bouquet combination is extra unique, and can actually be used for two different purposes on your wedding day. Fill glass-sided lanterns or terrariums with flowers and succulents that correspond to your theme. When the ceremony is over and all your bridal party photos have been taken, use the lanterns as centerpieces at your reception.
7. Book Pages – Calling all bookworms! A faux-flower trend showing up all over the place is a bouquet made of actual books. The most common and easy flower to emulate is a rose and it requires only pages from books, scissors and hot glue to do. If you aren’t too keen on destroying your current books, check out thrift stores or yard sales for older (and cheaper!) ones.
8. Corsages – For a new take on bridesmaid bouquets, consider using corsages instead of handheld bouquets! Because they are smaller and require only a few flowers they are much less expensive than traditional bouquets and free up your ladies’ hands.
9. Clutches – If you want to steer clear of flora and fauna all together, give your bridesmaids matching clutches to hold! This option does double duty as they won’t have to decide what purse to carry around on the big day, and they will all be coordinated to match each other. Pro tip: Order personalized clutches for your bridal party with their name on it. Not only will this prevent them from being mixed up, but it’s a nice bridesmaid gift!
10. Puppies – Yes, puppies! The photos from a Pennsylvania wedding went viral after she asked her bridesmaids to pose with puppies instead of bouquets in their photos! Being animal-lovers, the bride and groom arranged for a litter of rescued puppies to be in on their big day and they made for some ‘paw’some photos. While puppies might not be in the cards for your bridesmaid bouquets, consider adding a nod to a cause or hobby of yours to further show your personality at the wedding.
From corsages to clutches, the possibilities for non-traditional bridesmaid bouquets are endless. Look at Pinterest and Instagram for some photo inspiration and see if one of these (or another!) alternative bouquet could be for you!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
