Bouquets For Bridesmaids: Are They Necessary?

Bridesmaids' bouquets are a long-standing tradition, but they are not mandatory. While flowers can be a beautiful accessory for bridesmaids, they can also be a large expense, especially for weddings with many bridesmaids. There are several alternatives to flowers that can be more cost-effective, such as single-stem flowers, wrist corsages, or even non-floral options like lanterns, fans, or paper bouquets. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget.

Do bridesmaids traditionally carry bouquets?

Traditionally, bridesmaids have carried bouquets of flowers during the wedding ceremony. However, this is not a necessity. Bridesmaids could alternatively hold a small clutch purse, a lantern, or a single flower. If you don’t want your bridesmaids to hold anything at all, but still want to incorporate flowers, they could each wear a flower crown.

If you're looking for a unique twist on bridesmaid flowers, you could opt for floral cuffs, arm garlands, or feather bouquets. If you're looking to save money, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives to flowers, such as paper, foam, or faux bouquets. You could also have your bridesmaids carry something different that fits your wedding theme, such as rustic lanterns or mason jars for a rustic wedding, or tropical leaves for a beach or destination wedding.

What are some bouquet alternatives?

There are many bouquet alternatives for bridesmaids, ranging from the quirky to the traditional. Here are some ideas to consider:

Lanterns

A romantic option, especially for winter weddings or ceremonies held later in the day. Lanterns can be used as decor after the ceremony, and candles inside will create a beautiful, intimate atmosphere.

Bags of Flowers

A quirky, cute option, perfect for a spring or summer garden wedding. This idea also allows your bridesmaids to have a keepsake from the day.

Beautifully Bound Books

A unique and budget-friendly option, especially if you choose books with meaningful messages. Wrap them in delicate lace or velvet ribbons for an extra special touch.

Flower Necklaces

Add a touch of boho whimsy to your bridesmaids' look and leave their hands free. Fresh flower necklaces are a gorgeous alternative, but they may not be a cheaper option, depending on the flowers and size.

Retro Fans

Perfect for a summer wedding, especially if you want to add a touch of colour. Fans come in many materials, shapes, and sizes, so you can find something to suit your wedding style.

Brooch Bouquets

A vintage alternative that can be a beautiful keepsake for your bridesmaids. These can be expensive to buy, but if you're feeling crafty, you can make them yourself using vintage brooches and baubles.

Corsages

An old-school classic that made a stylish comeback. Corsages are budget-friendly, especially if you incorporate real flowers, and they'll leave your bridesmaids' hands free.

Parasols

Parasols are a stunning and practical choice for summer weddings, especially if you're going for a desert-inspired, boho, or mid-century modern theme.

Hoop Bouquets

Hoop bouquets can complement any wedding theme. You can find various options, from metallic to wooden hoops and even acrylic.

Single-Stem Flowers

If you want to include flowers but are looking for something simpler, consider having your bridesmaids carry a single stem in a coordinating colour. This can be a lovely way to incorporate a specific type of flower that holds meaning for you.

Dried Flowers

Dried flowers, such as baby's breath, lavender, or grasses, can be a beautiful and budget-friendly alternative to fresh blooms. They also have the added benefit of being less perishable, so you can prepare them in advance.

Arm Garlands

Arm garlands are a creative and unique way to include flowers in your bridesmaids' look without the need for a traditional bouquet.

Mismatched Bouquets

Each bridesmaid can carry a distinct alternative, such as dried grass or greenery, for a natural and personalised look.

Silk Flowers

If you're looking for a more traditional alternative, silk flowers can be a great option. They look like real blooms but are more affordable, and you may even be able to rent them instead of purchasing.

Seasonal Items

Depending on your wedding season, consider using items like pine cones for a winter wedding or colourful autumn leaves for a fall reception.

Nothing at All!

You may decide to break with tradition and have your bridesmaids walk down the aisle without anything in their hands, allowing their dresses and smiles to shine through.

How do you pair bridesmaid flowers with their dresses?

Flowers can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, so purchasing extra bouquets for all of your bridesmaids may be too costly. If you don't have many bridesmaids and want simple bouquets that pair nicely with the colours of their dresses, flowers can make a beautiful and affordable addition to your big day.

Cream bridesmaid dresses

Cream bridesmaid dresses are a bold statement against the tradition of only the bride wearing white or any variation of white. Pretty much any colour will work with cream, but choosing colours that are too bold and bright will pull focus away from the bridesmaids and too much attention will be placed on the flowers. Bridesmaid flowers should complement the dresses without drawing the eye away from them. Light and breezy pastel flower colours such as pink, lilac, or peach interwoven with elegant white flowers would create a gorgeous match for cream bridesmaid dresses.

Sage green bridesmaid dresses

Sage green bridesmaid dresses have a natural, earthy tone that works well for various wedding styles and themes. A popular option for flowers with sage green dresses is to have white roses as the main part of the bouquet, alongside some lovely green leaves and stems to carry on that fresh, natural feel. White ribbon holding the flowers together also pairs well with the sage green shade.

Rust bridesmaid dresses

Rust bridesmaid dresses are perfect for autumn/winter weddings, and you should opt for flower colours that reflect this. You can create a nice balance between light and dark with your bridesmaid flowers using red roses or burgundy flowers along with some lighter orange and even peach tones to truly capture the seasonal palette and match the dresses.

Keep costs lower

If you want to keep costs lower, request that your bridesmaid bouquets are made with cheaper flowers. They will still look amazing and can work with your colour scheme, but with the added benefit of not breaking the bank.

Differentiate your bridal bouquet

If you want to differentiate your bridal bouquet from your bridesmaids' flowers but not too much, ask your wedding florist to use smaller flowers that come in their dress colours. Matching to the bridesmaid dress colours creates a beautiful consistency and running theme.

All the same

If you want all bouquets to look the same, your florist could make smaller versions of your bouquet for your bridesmaids that are still the same.

Bouquet alternatives

If you want a bridesmaid bouquet alternative but still want to include flowers, arm garlands can be a creative and unique way to achieve that. Or your bridesmaids could carry one rose in a colour that pairs with their dress.

Corsages

Bridesmaids' wrist corsages tend to be less expensive than bouquets. They can be pre-arranged on the bridesmaid's wrist for their walk down the aisle.

Do bridesmaids have to carry flowers down the aisle?

The decision on whether bridesmaids should carry flowers down the aisle is entirely up to the couple getting married. While it is a long-held tradition, it is not a requirement, and there are many alternative options to consider.

The role of flowers in weddings

Flowers have long been a staple of weddings, with the bridal bouquet taking centre stage. The bridesmaids' bouquets are usually a variation of the bride's bouquet, with similar flowers and colour schemes, creating a cohesive look for the bridal party. Flowers are said to bring luck and good fortune and add a romantic touch to the ceremony.

The cost of flowers

One of the main considerations for brides and grooms when deciding whether to include flowers is the cost. Flowers can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, and for large bridal parties, the cost can quickly add up. A single bridesmaid's bouquet can cost almost $100, and for some, this may be too expensive.

Alternatives to flowers

There are numerous alternatives to flowers that can be just as beautiful and effective. From single-stem flowers to corsages, hairpieces, and even balloons, there are many ways to include your bridesmaids in the floral theme without a full bouquet. If you are set on a floral theme, you could consider floral crowns, wrist garlands, or arm cuffs, which can be more cost-effective than a traditional bouquet.

If you want to move away from flowers altogether, there are plenty of unique options to choose from. Fans, lanterns, paper bouquets, and even puppies have been used as alternatives to flowers. For a beach wedding, consider a tropical leaf or a shell arrangement, or for a rustic theme, try mason jars or ribbon wands.

Ultimately, the decision on whether bridesmaids carry flowers or not is a personal one. Flowers can add a beautiful touch, but they are not a requirement, and there are many other ways to style your bridesmaids for their walk down the aisle.

How much do bridesmaid bouquets cost?

The cost of bridesmaid bouquets varies depending on the types of flowers used, the size of the bouquet, and the complexity of the arrangement. On average, a bridesmaid's bouquet costs around $75, but this can range from $50 to $3500, depending on the couple's budget and preferences.

To save costs, brides can request cheaper flowers, smaller bouquets, or alternative arrangements such as floral cuffs or single stems. The number of bridesmaids and the type of flowers chosen can also impact the overall expense. Simple bouquets that complement the bridesmaid dresses' colours can be a beautiful and affordable addition to the wedding.

The average cost of wedding flowers in the United States is around $1,500 to $2,200, with most couples spending between $500 and $3,500. Typically, 8% to 10% of the total wedding budget is allocated to flowers.

When planning a wedding, it is essential to consider the overall budget and prioritize the desired floral pieces. Communicating with a wedding florist early on can help determine cost-effective suggestions and ensure the availability of specific flower types.

Frequently asked questions