Rhiannon Hendricks
Whether or not to have a bouquet at your wedding is entirely up to you. Carrying flowers has been a part of Western weddings for centuries, with the traditional bridal bouquet coming into popularity during the Victorian Era. Bouquets of the time would feature seasonal blooms with specific meanings, known as floriography. Today, brides often consider the flowers' symbolism and appearance when choosing their bouquets. If you're interested in having flowers at your wedding, it's important to set a budget and find floral inspiration before contacting a florist. However, if you're planning a non-traditional wedding or simply don't like flowers, there are many alternative options to choose from, such as carrying a single flower, a lantern, a purse, or even something that fits the theme of your wedding, like a guitar for a rock and roll wedding.
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What You'll Learn
- Bouquet alternatives: From purses to feathers, there are many non-floral options
- History of the bouquet: Carrying flowers dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome
- Symbolism: Flowers are chosen for their looks and meaning, like love and joy
- Budgeting: Couples typically spend 7%-15% of their wedding budget on flowers
- DIY vs. florist: You can save money by assembling bouquets yourself, but it's extra work
Bouquet alternatives: From purses to feathers, there are many non-floral options
There is no need to carry a bouquet at your wedding. You can choose to carry something else or simply walk down the aisle with your hands draped in front of you.
If you do want to carry something, there are many non-floral options to choose from. One option is to carry a purse or clutch, perhaps with a floral or personalised design. For a beach wedding, you could carry a conch shell, or for a nature wedding, a small tree. If you're a musician, you could carry your instrument, such as a guitar or triangle.
For an edgy look, you could decorate black brass knuckles with foliage or carry a sphere-shaped pomander made of paper flowers or feathers. If you're crafty, you could make your own bouquet from colourful cabinet knobs, vintage lanterns, or paper origami. Oversized balloons are another playful option.
If you're looking for something more petite, a single stem flower or orchid is a simple and elegant choice. You could also carry a candle, a bible, or a vintage fan.
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History of the bouquet: Carrying flowers dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome
Carrying flowers or a bouquet at a wedding is a personal choice. Some brides choose to carry a bouquet as something to do with their hands while walking down the aisle, while others opt for alternatives like a single flower, a clutch, or nothing at all.
The history of flower arrangement dates back to ancient Egyptian times, with the earliest known flower arrangements found in ancient Egypt as early as 2,500 BCE. However, the Ancient Greeks and Romans also played a significant role in the development of floral design.
Ancient Greeks used flowers and herbs for adornment and decoration, including them in artwork and scattering petals at ceremonies and festivals. They also created floral arrangements as gifts or offerings, placing them in wicker baskets or cornucopias with fruit and grains to symbolize abundance and wealth. Fragrance and symbolism were paramount in Greek floral design, with arrangements featuring aromatic flowers such as honeysuckle, lilies, tulips, and roses, as well as leaves of ivy, laurel, oak, and olive branches.
The Romans, influenced by Greek gardening, also incorporated flowers and plants into their gardens and ornamental horticulture. Roman gardens, which thrived from 150 BC to 350 AD, featured a variety of flowering plants, herbs, vegetables, and trees for culinary, medicinal, and aesthetic purposes. Flowers were cultivated for use in perfume or ceremonial garlands, and they were also worn as wreaths to symbolize military victory.
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Symbolism: Flowers are chosen for their looks and meaning, like love and joy
Flowers have been a part of Western weddings for centuries, with the traditional bridal bouquet coming into popularity during the Victorian Era. Brides today consider the flowers' looks and symbolism when choosing their bouquets. Flowers are chosen for their meanings, such as love, joy, and hope, as well as for their visual appeal.
The bridal bouquet is believed to have originated from the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and it carried two purposes: to bring good luck and to mask body odour with pleasant fragrances before modern bathing routines. The most popular flower symbols in ancient times were fertility and fidelity. In addition, bouquets included certain medicinal herbs for their healing powers.
Today, brides may opt for a single large bloom, such as hydrangeas, peonies, or magnolias, instead of a traditional bouquet. This option offers a unique look at a lower price point. Some brides choose to carry a single flower or a small bouquet of their favourite blooms, while others opt for alternative items like a purse, a parasol, or a lantern.
Ultimately, the decision to carry a bouquet or not is a personal choice, and there are many creative options to consider when planning a wedding.
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Budgeting: Couples typically spend 7%-15% of their wedding budget on flowers
Flowers are one of the central elements that make your wedding feel like a wedding. However, they are not mandatory, and you can choose to skip them if you prefer. If you do want flowers, there are many options for how to incorporate them into your wedding. Some couples choose to have a bridal bouquet, while others may opt for a single flower or a non-floral alternative.
When it comes to budgeting for flowers, the average couple typically spends 7%-15% of their wedding budget on this aspect. The cost of flowers for a wedding can vary depending on several factors, including the type of flowers, the number of flowers needed, the location of the wedding, and the time of year. For example, couples who wed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US spent the most on their wedding flowers, with an average cost of $3,457, while those in the West had the lowest average price at $2,402.
The size of your wedding party and the types of floral arrangements you choose will also impact the cost. A bridal bouquet can range from $70 to $450 or more, depending on the flowers used and the complexity of the arrangement. If you have bridesmaids, their bouquets may cost slightly less, ranging from $45 to $100 each. Other floral elements to consider in your budget are boutonnieres, corsages, ceremony decor, and centerpieces. Boutonnieres can range from $12 to $130, while corsages can cost around $24 each.
Ceremony decor can vary widely in price, depending on the size and complexity of the arrangement. For example, a 12-foot garland for a ceremony arch can cost around $140, while a floral installation for the ceremony or reception can be several thousand dollars. Centerpieces can also vary in price, with potted flowers or simple bud vases being more affordable options, while tall centerpieces or floral arrangements can cost upwards of $140 each.
It's important to note that these prices are averages and may not reflect the exact cost for your specific needs. The best way to determine the cost of flowers for your wedding is to contact local florists and request quotes based on your desired flower types, quantities, and arrangements.
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DIY vs. florist: You can save money by assembling bouquets yourself, but it's extra work
Whether you're planning a traditional or non-traditional wedding, you might want to consider carrying something down the aisle. While some brides opt to walk down the aisle empty-handed, most brides choose to carry a bouquet. If you're on a tight budget, you can save money by assembling the bouquets yourself, but it's important to consider the extra work involved.
DIY bouquets can be a fun and creative project, especially if you're already crafty or have some experience with flowers. You can source flowers from various places, including Costco, Trader Joe's, local farmers' markets, and online retailers like Amazon and Etsy. By buying flowers in bulk and doing the arrangements yourself, you can significantly reduce costs. However, it's important to remember that creating bouquets can be time-consuming and may add unnecessary stress to your wedding preparations.
On the other hand, hiring a professional florist ensures that you'll have one less thing to worry about on your big day. Florists have the expertise to create beautiful, long-lasting bouquets and can guide you in selecting flowers that fit your budget. They can also provide suggestions for in-season flowers, which tend to be more affordable and of better quality. If you're set on a particular type of flower that's out of season, florists can advise on alternatives to achieve a similar look without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the decision to DIY or hire a florist depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preference. If you have the time and creativity to assemble bouquets yourself, it can be a cost-effective option. However, if you're looking for a stress-free experience and want to ensure high-quality, professionally arranged bouquets, hiring a florist may be the better choice.
Remember, whether you carry a bouquet, a single flower, or choose to go without, the most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a bouquet for your wedding. You could carry something else, like a purse or a candle, or simply hold your hands draped in front of you as you walk down the aisle.
Wedding bouquets are beautiful and full of symbolism and tradition. They also give you something to do with your hands as you walk down the aisle.
Alternatives to a bouquet include a single flower, a lantern, a parasol, a clutch, a tambourine, a candle, or a bible.
