Bridesmaids And Flowers: Who Should Hold The Bouquets?

Flowers are a traditional accessory for bridesmaids to carry down the aisle, but they are not a requirement. While flowers can be a beautiful and affordable addition to a wedding, they can also be expensive, especially for larger bridal parties. If you're on a budget, there are several ways to keep flower costs down, such as opting for cheaper blooms or having your bridesmaids carry a single flower instead of a full bouquet. Ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide whether or not their bridesmaids should have flowers, and there are plenty of alternative options available if you want to forgo flowers altogether.

Single flowers

Additionally, single flowers can be a great way to incorporate a specific type of flower that may be special to you or your bridesmaids. For example, if you have a favourite flower that holds sentimental value, you can include it in your bridal bouquet and have your bridesmaids carry a single stem of the same flower.

Overall, single flowers for bridesmaids are a stylish, practical, and budget-friendly choice that can add a unique touch to your wedding.

Corsages

When choosing flowers for a corsage, it's important to select varieties that sit flat and can be manipulated easily. Some flowers will also wilt quickly without water, so this should be considered when making your selection. Multiple pins should be used to secure the corsage in place to avoid it falling off.

For a cohesive look, corsages can be given to other members of the wedding party, such as flower girls or ring bearers. Accent accessories can also be added to complement the floral choices, such as jewels, accent leaves, silk bows, sparkles, or feathers.

There are many options available for purchase online, with some popular choices including pearl wrist corsages, floral wristbands, and elastic pearl wristbands.

Flowers in hair

Flowers in the hair are a great alternative to bouquets for bridesmaids. There are endless options for this, from a single oversized flower to a statement floral crown.

One option is to choose a single, oversized flower that complements the wedding's colour palette and theme. This can be tucked into a chignon or high bun for a classic look, or pinned into loose hair for a romantic vibe.

For a more bohemian look, a floral headband or crown can be paired with a wavy hairstyle and a flowy dress. For a more formal take on this style, smaller, muted blooms can be used.

If you're looking for something more dramatic, a floral headdress is a great option. Floral headdresses are usually larger and more eye-catching than a floral crown and are a fun way to add a unique touch to your bridesmaids' look.

Flowers can also be woven into braids, which is a practical option for a night of dancing as the braids will hold the flowers in place.

No flowers at all

Firstly, flowers can be expensive. If you have multiple bridesmaids, the cost of bouquets can quickly add up. By forgoing flowers, you can save money and allocate your budget to other areas of your wedding.

Secondly, flowers can be cumbersome for bridesmaids. Without a bouquet to hold, your bridesmaids will have their hands free, making it easier to walk down the aisle, especially if they are also holding a candle or another item.

Thirdly, flowers may not always align with your wedding theme or colour scheme. If you are having a non-traditional wedding or want to reduce the number of items your bridesmaids need to carry, skipping the flowers can streamline the overall look and feel of your wedding party.

If you decide to forgo flowers, there are still plenty of options for your bridesmaids to carry. Here are some ideas:

• Single-stem flowers: A single rose or another flower can be a simple and elegant alternative to a full bouquet. This option can also be more cost-effective, especially if you choose a flower that is in season or easily accessible.
• Wrist corsages: Corsages are a graceful and stylish alternative that allows your bridesmaids to have a floral element without the hassle of carrying a bouquet. They can be pre-arranged on the wrist and paired with greenery or ribbons for added detail.
• Hairpieces: Your bridesmaids can wear flowers or other decorations, such as feathers or headdresses, in their hair instead of carrying bouquets. This option adds a unique and creative touch to their overall look.
• Lanterns: Lanterns are a practical and photogenic option, especially for outdoor weddings or those with a boho or mid-century modern theme. They can also be easily repurposed as lighting for the reception.
• Books: For a distinctive touch, your bridesmaids could carry beautifully bound books or their favourite books down the aisle.
• Parasols: Parasols are a great choice for summer weddings, providing shade and style. They can also add a unique element to your wedding photos.
• Fans: Wedding fans are a simple and elegant accessory that can complement any theme. From woven fans for a beach ceremony to lace fans for a glam wedding, fans are a versatile and often budget-friendly option.

Remember, the decision to include flowers or not is entirely up to you and what you envision for your wedding. You can also mix and match alternatives or incorporate other decorative elements to create a unique look for your bridesmaids.

Flowers to match bridesmaids' dresses

Flowers that complement the bridesmaids' dresses can enhance the overall aesthetics of the wedding. While there are no strict rules, it is generally recommended to consider complementary colours and styles.

If the bridesmaids' dresses are in warm tones, opt for flowers that complement those hues, such as soft pastels or rich earthy tones. For example, cream bridesmaid dresses can be paired with pastel colours such as pink, lilac, or peach, interwoven with elegant white flowers. Sage green bridesmaid dresses can be matched with white roses and green leaves, while rust bridesmaid dresses can be paired with red roses or burgundy flowers, along with lighter orange and peach tones.

If you want to keep costs low, you can request that your bridesmaid bouquets be made with cheaper flowers or opt for alternatives such as wrist corsages, hairpieces, or a single flower for each bridesmaid.

Frequently asked questions