Bridesmaids And Bouquets: To Hold Or Not To Hold?

Bridesmaids' bouquets are a long-standing tradition, but are they necessary? Flowers can be expensive, and large bouquets with many different types of blooms for several bridesmaids to carry can quickly add up. However, if you have a small bridal party and want simple bouquets that complement the colours of your bridesmaid dresses, flowers can be a beautiful and affordable addition to your wedding.

There are also many alternatives to flowers that can be just as visually appealing and are often more cost-effective. From single-stem flowers to wrist corsages, paper bouquets, and even puppies, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and depends on the overall vision and budget for your wedding.

Cost implications of bridesmaids' bouquets

Cost Implications of Bridesmaids Bouquets

Flowers can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, and purchasing bouquets for multiple bridesmaids can quickly become costly. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be expensive, with some sources estimating the cost at almost $100 per bridesmaid. This can be a significant expense, especially for brides on a tight budget.

However, there are ways to reduce the cost of bridesmaids' bouquets without compromising on style or aesthetics. One option is to opt for simpler, smaller bouquets. These can still complement the bridal bouquet and the bridesmaids' dresses but will be more affordable. Requesting cheaper flowers or using fewer types of flowers can also help reduce costs. For example, a single rose or a single stem flower with some greenery can be a more affordable option, costing around $15-$20 each.

Another way to save money is to reuse the bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces or reception decor. This not only saves money but also creates a cohesive look throughout the wedding venue. Alternatively, some brides opt for bouquet alternatives, such as corsages, wrist garlands, or even non-floral options like fans, parasols, or clutches. These alternatives can be more cost-effective while still providing the bridesmaids with something to hold as they walk down the aisle.

The decision to include bridesmaids' bouquets or not ultimately depends on the couple's budget and preferences. While bouquets can be a beautiful addition, they are not necessary, and there are cost-effective alternatives available to create a memorable and stylish wedding.

Bouquet alternatives

Flowers are a key part of the bridal party ensemble, but they can be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional bouquet.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a romantic option for bridesmaids, especially for winter weddings or ceremonies held later in the day. They can also double up as decor after the ceremony.

Wreaths

Wreaths are a gorgeous, inexpensive option, largely made with foliage. They would suit a rustic wedding or a winter affair.

Bags

Bags of flowers are a quirky and cute alternative, perfect for a spring or summer garden wedding. You could also fill a bag with flowers for your bridesmaids to use and keep after the big day.

Books

Beautifully bound books can make a wonderful wedding day gift as well as a romantic alternative to a bouquet. Wrap them in delicate lace or velvet ribbon to make them extra pretty.

Flowers to Wear

• Flower necklaces: Add a touch of boho whimsy to your bridesmaids' look and leave their hands free.
• Flower crowns: These are a fashionable trend for brides and bridesmaids.
• Corsages: An old-school classic, these made a stylish comeback last year. They are a great budget-friendly option if you want to incorporate real flowers and will allow your bridesmaids to have their hands free.
• Floral cuffs: These are made up of dried flowers for a beautiful boho vibe.
• Arm garlands: Ask your florist to arrange stems into a gorgeous garland for your bridesmaids' arms, complete with baby's breath accents.

Other Alternatives

• Balloons: Fun giant balloons are perfect for pictures, although not the most practical.
• Pinwheels: A super inexpensive idea, pinwheels are a great option for a festival or chilled outdoor wedding.
• Parasols: Simple parasols are photogenic and practical for summer wedding festivities. They are a stunning choice for a desert-inspired, boho, or mid-century modern wedding.
• Fabric bouquets: Similar to paper bouquets, these can be DIYed or bought and kept as a memento. Fabric options include silk, felt, or pom-poms.
• Paper bouquets: The standard of paper flowers has vastly improved over the years. If you're crafty, these can be DIYed and kept as a wedding memento.
• Fruit bouquets: A fresh, autumnal idea, but be careful not to use berries, which may stain, and be mindful that your bouquet will get heavy.
• Ribbon wands: Use high-quality ribbon such as hand-dyed silk or rich velvet ribbon to dangle from wands for a cute and festive wedding accessory.
• Dreamcatchers: A traditional element for some cultures, dreamcatchers can add a touch of whimsy to your wedding ceremony.
• Music sheets: An alternative bouquet that will draw attention, a bouquet made of music sheets can be saved as a wedding memento.
• Fans: Stylish for a summer wedding and useful to keep your bridesmaids cool.
• Puppies: If you're a dog person, this could be for you!

Matching bouquets to bridesmaids' dresses

Matching the bridesmaids' bouquets to their dresses is a matter of personal preference. While there are no strict rules, it is generally recommended to consider complementary colours and styles. Coordinating the flowers with the dresses creates a cohesive and visually appealing look. For instance, if the bridesmaids are wearing warm-toned dresses, opt for flowers in soft pastels or rich earthy tones.

If you want a unified look, you can have the bridesmaids' bouquets mirror the bridal bouquet. Alternatively, you can opt for slight variations to distinguish the bride, such as creating smaller versions of the bridal bouquet for the bridesmaids or incorporating a single flower type that is prominent in the bride's bouquet.

When it comes to colour harmony, white or ivory wedding gowns can accommodate any colour palette. For off-white or champagne dresses, choose warm shades like peach, blush, or soft pastels. If your dress has coloured accents, such as embroidery or a sash, incorporate that colour into your bouquet for a cohesive appearance.

The style and silhouette of the dress can also influence the bouquet choice. For a romantic, flowing gown, opt for loose, cascading bouquets with soft flowers. If the dress is sleek and modern, a structured bouquet with clean lines and contemporary flowers may be a better choice.

While it is not necessary for the flowers to match the dresses exactly, achieving a harmonious look is essential. Consider the overall colour scheme of the wedding and choose flowers that complement the bridesmaids' attire. If the dresses are in a single colour, select flowers in a complementary shade. If the dresses feature multiple colours, choose flowers that incorporate those hues.

For a unique twist, you can explore alternatives to traditional floral bouquets. These can include feather bouquets, fans, clutches, parasols, ribbon wands, wreaths, or even dream catchers.

DIY bridesmaids' bouquets

There are many reasons why you may want to make your bridesmaids' bouquets yourself. It can be a fun and creative process, and it can also save you money. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating DIY bridesmaids' bouquets:

Step 1: Choose your flowers and colours

Decide on the types of blooms and colours you want to use in the bouquets. Consider the style of the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding's colour palette. Do you want to use complementary or contrasting colours? If you're not sure where to start, it's traditional to stick to white flowers with some pink or other pastel colours for bridesmaids' bouquets.

Step 2: Gather your supplies

You will need some basic supplies to make the bouquets, including floral snips or scissors, and ribbon or floral tape. You can find floral tape in most gardening stores or online.

Step 3: Prepare the flowers

Remove all the leaves from the stems of your flowers. This step will make it easier to arrange the flowers and create a neat bouquet.

Step 4: Choose a focal flower

Select a flower that you want to be the centrepiece of the bouquet. This could be a flower that matches the bridesmaids' dresses or the wedding's colour scheme. Hold this flower near the blossom end, and add the next flower at an angle to the left, keeping the blooms at the same height.

Step 5: Add more flowers

Continue adding flowers, rotating the bouquet a quarter turn to the right each time. This will help you to create a well-filled and rounded bouquet. Add some smaller, green filler flowers to give a natural look to the bouquet. Ensure that you insert the filler flowers at the same angle to keep the bouquet symmetrical.

Step 6: Secure the flowers

Tie the flowers together tightly at the highest point of the stems. Cut off any excess string, and then cut the stems to a comfortable length for holding. Leave enough room for two hands and a little extra wiggle room.

Step 7: Wrap the stems

Use floral tape to wrap the stems together from the top downwards. This will help to hold the flowers in place and give a professional finish. Wrap the tape just over the size of one hand to balance functionality and a natural look.

Step 8: Add the ribbon

Place the shiny side of the ribbon (if your ribbon has one) facing the stems, and wrap the rest around them. Leave enough ribbon at the end to tie a knot and make a bow.

Step 9: Finish with a knot

Tie a knot with the remaining ribbon to secure the bouquet. You can also add a bow for a more decorative touch.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Congratulations! You have created beautiful DIY bridesmaids' bouquets that will add a special touch to your wedding.

The practicality of bridesmaids' bouquets

Bridesmaids' bouquets are a nice and visually appealing accessory for bridesmaids to walk down the aisle with. However, they can be expensive, especially if you have many bridesmaids and want large bouquets with a variety of flowers. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider alternatives to bouquets for your bridesmaids.

One option is to have your bridesmaids carry single-stem flowers or smaller bouquets, which can be more affordable. You can also reuse the bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces or floral decorations at the reception to get more value out of them. If you are crafty, you can even make your own bouquets or floral arrangements for your bridesmaids.

Another option is to forgo flowers altogether and choose alternative accessories for your bridesmaids to carry, such as lanterns, fans, wreaths, or nothing at all. You can also mix and match, with some bridesmaids carrying bouquets and others carrying alternative accessories. This can add a unique touch to your wedding and save you money.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to have bridesmaids' bouquets is a personal one and will depend on your budget, the style of your wedding, and your own preferences. If you want a more traditional wedding with flowers, there are ways to keep costs down. If you prefer a more modern or unique approach, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.

Frequently asked questions