Bridesmaids' Bouquets: Rehearsal Must-Have Or Unnecessary Accessory?

Flowers are an important part of any wedding, but they can also be one of the most expensive. If you're a bride on a budget, you might be wondering if you need to buy bouquets for your bridesmaids. The short answer is no – there are plenty of alternatives to flowers that can help cut costs. From single-stem flowers to paper bouquets, there are many options to choose from. So, if you're trying to save money, don't worry – you can still have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.

Cost-saving alternatives to bouquets

If you're looking for cost-saving alternatives to bridesmaid bouquets, you're in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from that will still make your bridesmaids look and feel fabulous as they walk down the aisle. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Single Stem: Instead of a full bouquet, your bridesmaids can carry a single flower. This could be a flower that matches the bridal bouquet or one that complements the wedding colour palette.
• Corsages: Corsages are a graceful and stylish option that also offers the convenience of being hands-free. They can be pre-arranged on the bridesmaid's wrist, adding a delicate touch to their walk down the aisle.
• Hair Pieces: A single, strategically placed flower or a floral headband can be a beautiful alternative to a bouquet. For a bolder statement, consider a floral headdress, especially if it fits your wedding theme.
• Hoop Bouquets: A hoop bouquet, also known as a bridal hoop, is a wreath-like arrangement usually made from wood or metal and decorated with foliage, vines, or flowers. It's a trendy and unique option that your bridesmaids will surely love.
• Feathers: Feathers can be used as a bouquet alternative in two ways. You can either showcase a few eye-catching feathers or go for an entire bouquet of plumage, depending on the look you want to achieve.
• Mason Jars: Repurpose Mason jars by painting them to match your colour palette, adding ribbons, or filling them with baby's breath or lavender. They add a unique touch to the occasion, especially for weddings with rustic themes.
• Lanterns: Lanterns are a versatile option that can be used as bouquet alternatives and later repurposed as lighting for the reception. They symbolise good luck, health, and prosperity and are perfect for winter or evening weddings.
• Balloons: Balloons are a festive and playful alternative to bouquets. You can use them singly or combine them with flower arrangements, and they can be matched to your wedding colour palette.
• Fans: Wedding fans are a classy and elegant accessory that can be matched to any wedding theme. They are also functional, especially for outdoor weddings, as they can help keep your bridesmaids cool.
• Paper Flowers: Paper bouquets are a budget-friendly option that allows for customisation. You can choose different types of paper, add personal touches like wedding vows or initials, and even include paper flowers in your wedding colours.
• Books: For a literary-themed wedding, books can be a unique alternative to bouquets. Your bridesmaids can carry a special book or a stack of books that tie into the theme.
• Clutch Purses: A clutch, purse, or bag is a stylish and practical alternative for your bridesmaids to carry down the aisle. It can also hold emergency essentials, ensuring your bridal party is prepared for any last-minute needs.

What bridesmaids can carry instead

Bridesmaids traditionally carry bouquets of flowers, but this is not a requirement. If you are looking for alternatives to the classic floral bouquet, there are plenty of options to choose from.

One option is to give your bridesmaids something else to hold, such as a clutch purse, a lightweight lantern, a pashmina, or a book. These alternatives can add a unique twist to your wedding and can be more cost-effective than floral bouquets. For example, if you are having a literary-themed wedding, your bridesmaids could carry a book that played an important part in your friendship or a stack of books wrapped in lace.

If you want to stick with the idea of flowers but are looking for something a little different, you could consider arm garlands, wrist corsages, or flower crowns. These options can be more cost-effective than traditional bouquets and can add a whimsical touch to your wedding.

For a more unique statement, your bridesmaids could carry something other than flowers or books. Some options include:

• Parasols
• Fans
• Silk flowers
• Greenery
• Brooch bouquets
• Pinwheels
• Balloons
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Wind chimes
• Ribbon wands

Remember, the choice is yours, and you can get creative to make your wedding uniquely yours!

The history of bridal bouquets

The bridal bouquet is an iconic part of the wedding ceremony, and its history dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, brides carried fragrant herbs and spices to ward off bad luck during weddings. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, brides carried herbs and spices to bring hopes of fertility, happiness, and fidelity. Dill was considered an aphrodisiac, rosemary represented loyalty, wheat symbolised fertility, and ivy symbolised an unbreakable bond.

During the Middle Ages, brides began tossing their bouquets to distract frenzied mobs of young ladies who wanted to touch the bride or rip off a piece of her dress, which was considered good luck. Pungent additions like garlic were also added to ward off evil spirits and keep away bad luck or curses.

In the Elizabethan era, small bouquets became a must-have for brides, and posies were created as favours for guests. Fashionable brides wore flowers in their hair, and some wore floral circlets, the predecessor of modern flower crowns.

It wasn't until the Victorian era that the wedding bouquet as we know it today came into existence. Flower symbolism was hugely popular, and brides chose specific flowers to communicate their romantic sentiments. While flower symbolism has faded today, certain flowers are still chosen for their symbolism and meaning.

Today, the bridal bouquet is primarily chosen for its beauty and how it complements the wedding decor and the bride's dress. However, the tradition of carrying flowers down the aisle remains an important part of wedding ceremonies worldwide.

The role of flowers in a wedding

Flowers have long been a central part of wedding ceremonies, with their beauty and symbolism contributing to the storytelling of the day. They can signify fertility, love, and new beginnings for the newlyweds. While bridesmaids traditionally carry bouquets, it is not a requirement, and there are cheaper alternatives such as wrist corsages or arm garlands.

Flowers play an essential role in a wedding's aesthetics and symbolism. They are often chosen to match the bridal party's attire and decor, with floral designers crafting customised arrangements. The bridal bouquet is typically the star piece, historically a mix of flowers, herbs, and spices to protect the bride and symbolise new beginnings. Today, flowers are chosen for their beauty, but the symbolism remains, with couples selecting blooms that hold personal significance. For instance, red roses for love or white tulips for purity.

The language of flowers, or floriography, dates back to Victorian times, when specific blooms and colours were used to express emotions and send coded messages. This tradition has been adapted by couples today to personalise their floral choices. For example, pink roses symbolise sweetness and loveliness, peonies bring good fortune, gardenias convey joy, and yellow roses signify friendship.

In addition to the bridal bouquet, other wedding party members often have personal flowers. Bridesmaids may carry bouquets or wear corsages, while groomsmen and the ring bearer typically sport boutonnieres. Flowers are also used decoratively, from centrepieces to flower girls' petals, adding to the aesthetic and symbolic value of the celebration.

Flowers are an integral part of weddings worldwide, with varying symbolism across cultures. In Chinese weddings, the lotus flower signifies purity and longevity. Greek couples wear "stefana," flower crowns that symbolise their unity as king and queen of their home. Indian weddings include the exchange of "mala" or garlands, representing acceptance of marriage.

DIY bouquet options

While bridesmaids' bouquets are not a requirement, they are a nice touch and can be made at home with a few simple steps. Here are some DIY bouquet options for bridesmaids:

Trader Joe's Flowers

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using flowers from Trader Joe's. You can create a beautiful and unique bridal bouquet that reflects your style and personality. The flowers you choose will depend on the season, but Trader Joe's typically has a great selection of blooms to choose from. You can follow these simple steps:

• Purchase your flowers and design the bouquet one day before your wedding. Keep the flowers in a cool place with water, such as your bathroom or fridge.
• Gather your floral tools: greenery, focal flowers, filler flowers, statement flowers, floral tape, floral scissors, ribbon, and a glass vase or bucket.
• Start with a base of greenery for stability, texture, and dimension. Add up to two pieces first, then add your filler flower, focal flower, and repeat.
• Keep adding flowers and don't be afraid to let it look messy or unstructured. Let your flowers rest naturally at an angle to frame your greenery.
• Finish the arrangement by adding dramatic statement flowers that add height and dimension.
• Cut down the stems to about 3-4 inches, wrap the base with floral tape, and secure it with pins.
• Tie your ribbon around the floral tape, using thicker or thinner ribbon depending on your preference.

Ling's Moment Flowers

Another option is to use Ling's Moment flowers and greenery to create your bridal bouquet. This option allows you to customize your bouquet according to your wedding theme and personal aesthetic. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Prepare your flowers and greenery by removing the flowers from the box and straightening their stems. Separate the branches of the greenery spray so that the leaves radiate outwards for a realistic effect.
• Insert the flowers into the greenery one by one in a circular direction to create a globe-like shape. Place larger flowers towards the center and smaller accent flowers around the edges.
• Pull certain flowers forward to create depth and dimension, emphasizing the focal point flowers.
• Add any ornamental pieces from your floral box set near the focal point flowers to enhance the design.
• Tie and trim the stems. Use wire to secure the stems, then trim off the excess with wire cutters. Trim the stems to a uniform length, leaving them long enough to hold comfortably during the wedding.
• Bundle the stems with green tubing to protect your hands and create a professional finish. Encase the stems about 3/4 of the way up, leaving the base uncovered.
• Secure the stems with floral tape to conceal any remaining exposed stems and protect your hands.
• Hot glue a satin ribbon in your chosen color around the base of the bouquet to create a handle and add a polished touch.
• Tie two ribbons around the bouquet and create a bow near the handle, leaving excess ribbon for a flowing, elegant effect. You can experiment with different colors, accents, or additional finishing touches.

Alternative Options

If you want to skip the bouquets altogether, there are alternative options for your bridesmaids to carry:

• A clutch purse or bag
• A lightweight lantern with an LED candle for evening weddings
• A pashmina draped around the shoulders for fall and winter weddings
• An arrangement of dried botanicals, pampas grass, or dried lavender
• A book or small stack of books for a literary-themed wedding
• A corsage

Frequently asked questions