Carrying a beautiful bouquet on your wedding day has been a long-standing tradition.
Depending on the season, you will have a wide variety of flowers to choose from, ranging from dahlias to cosmos. As there are almost endless possibilities, identifying the perfect floral aesthetic for your wedding is not too difficult.
However, what if you don’t like traditional bouquets? Well, if this applies to you, you’re in luck; there are alternatives.
Why opt for an alternative bridal bouquet?
Nowadays, weddings are more a reflection of your personality and style. For example, there is no longer any need to follow traditions that don’t have any significant meaning for you.
Although arranging your unique wedding ceremony can take time and a little effort, the experience will only be positive as it will allow you to remember the event with fondness and joy for years to come.
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So, if you don’t fancy a traditional floral bouquet, what alternatives are available? Here are some ideas.
Baby’s breath
Although a baby’s breath is a flower, it has not been used in traditional wedding bouquets. However, if it’s a favourite of yours, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t carry it on your special day. You can paint it in a colour that matches your wedding aesthetic.
Hoop bouquets
Hoop-shaped bouquets allow you to carry your favourite floral arrangement without conforming to the traditional bouquet shape. You have the choice of several materials, such as gold, silver and wood.
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Hanging bouquets
If hoops don’t appeal, why not try a hanging bouquet? As you walk towards the altar, the hanging florals will provide a beautiful trail of light-capturing blooms.
Clutch bouquets
Carrying lush blooms as a bouquet has always been a popular tradition. However, arranging them in a clutch will make a charming and unique alternative.
Ikebana bouquets
If you are a fan of the Japanese art of ikebana, why not apply your skills to create a stunning wedding bouquet? Every branch, leaf and blossom will highlight the beauty of nature.
Floral heart or crown
A floral and heart-shaped arrangement of greenery will help enhance the romantic atmosphere of your big day. However, if you are not interested in carrying a bouquet, you may wish to wear one instead. A crown adorned with pretty blooms can be a lovely alternative to holding something in your hands.
Flower bag
If you are passionate about fashion, why not carry a bag made of flowers? Another option is to fill your favourite bag with flowers and then you will be able to use it again and again.
Cotton
Cotton can be used to make a beautiful bouquet. This material should be given some serious thought, especially if you live in an area where it is grown. You can complete the ensemble with branches and beautiful green leaves.
Paper
Although paper flowers are hardly unique, they will last forever. After the wedding, you will be able to store them in a safe place as a lasting memory of your big day. You can make the bouquet even lovelier by adding real sprigs of greenery.
Silk
Besides paper, silk flowers can also help evoke a lifetime of happy memories. A stunning coral, pink and white silk floral will undoubtedly be a sight worth seeing.
Citrus
Citrus fruits may seem like an unlikely bouquet. However, imagine a lush bundle of greenery with kumquats adding bright spots of orange. This is an image that will stay with your guests forever.
Ferns
If you are a fan of ferns, you will be pleased to know that they also make for an attractive bouquet. A bold bundle of hues will provide lots of texture to your magical day. You can also play with the texture and colours by adding various sprigs of greenery.
Feathers
Anyone with an artistic streak may prefer a bouquet of feathers. This will certainly be a good option that will highlight a combination of vintage and boho styles.
Olive branches
An olive branch is the traditional symbol of peace, and you can create a perfect bouquet by bunching them with an elegant ribbon.
Vegetables
Have you ever considered creating a unique bouquet by combining a variety of vegetables? They will add a playful and colourful touch to the room, especially if you have an autumn wedding. Some of your options include asparagus and purple broccoli.
Succulents
Succulents can also be used to make a stunning bouquet. Add some neutral-coloured stems to give your wedding a romantic boho ambience.
Autumn leaves
According to Crockwell Farm, autumn is a particular time of year when the foliage turns red, orange and yellow. This is the perfect opportunity to use the season to your advantage. Besides the autumn leaves, you can incorporate a few pop-ups in all shapes and beautiful colours.
Winter greens
A winter wedding deserves a bespoke winter bouquet. A mixture of Andromeda vines, ferns and mint leaves will perfectly complement a beautiful white dress.
Tropical leaves
Do you long for a tropical-style wedding? If so, why not transform your bouquet with a monster leaf or palm frond? A single piece is all you need to stand out from the crowd in the most surprising way imaginable.
Lavender and greenery combination
Bright or bold flowers are often inappropriate for a rustic or farm setting. Instead, it may be a good idea to choose a bouquet of fragrant lavender with a few sprigs of wheat and sage.
Dried and textured bouquet
Dried flowers used as a bouquet can elicit a rustic or boho vibe. A mixture of dried blooms, branches and greenery will also be an unforgettable sight. As a bonus, they also last longer than fresh flowers.
Bold colours
Bright flowers always make for a stunning bouquet. For example, you will immediately command the attention of your guests if you walk down the aisle carrying a beautiful celosia plant. Colours such as bright magenta, orange, red and yellow will genuinely make your bouquet stand out from the crowd.
Carry a book
If you are a bookworm, you may wish to walk down the aisle carrying your favourite book. Alternatively, you also have the option of holding a handmade clutch that resembles a book cover to symbolise your love of literature. For those who want to carry a symbol of their faith, you can opt to have the Bible tied amidst a bundle of abundant greenery.
Non-floral wedding bouquets
As well as a traditional feature to carry with you as you walk down the aisle, a bouquet can make a great and lasting keepsake to remember the big day in the years to come.
But not everyone wants flowers. So what non-floral wedding bouquets are there?
From buttons and brooches to feathers and paper, here are 16 of our favourite alternative wedding bouquet ideas to help inspire your own accessory choices.
Image Credits
From Top to Bottom, Left to Right
- Brooch bouquet by Debbie Carlisle
- Ostrich feather fan, by Britten Weddings
- Modern, handmade brooch bouquet, via Rock n Roll Bride
- Jewel & Feather bouquet via Love is Vintage
- Custom Family Heirloom Bouquet by Lionsgate Designs on Etsy
- Dried Flower Bouquet by English Flower Farmer on Etsy
- Button Bouquet by Pumpkin and Pye on Etsy
- Brooch Bouquet by Innocent Chaos on Etsy
- Flower Hoop Bouquet by Lotus Floral Art on Etsy
- Pinecone Bouquet by The Green Bride on Etsy
- Comic Book Bouquet by Diana Sian Crafts on Etsy
- Crepe Paper Bouquet by Becky Meadows on Etsy
- Book Paper Bouquet by Inside My Nest on Etsy
- Vintage brooch bouquet via Love is Vintage
- Shell Bouquet by Pumpkin and Pye on Etsy
- Crochet Bouquet by Mollycat Studios on Etsy
As you can see, there are lots of non-traditional wedding bouquets to choose from. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can develop the ideal solution to match your tastes.
Conclusion
Traditional bouquets are not for everyone. As your wedding day marks such a special event, why not choose a symbolic bouquet that is important to you?
This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your love and individuality. Items such as feathers, vegetables, succulents and books can all be used to make an eye-catching and striking bouquet.
Uniquely arranged flowers can also ensure that your wedding day is a truly memorable occasion.
