Bridesmaids' Unique Alternatives To Flowers

Flowers are a traditional part of a wedding, but they can be expensive and high-maintenance. Luckily, there are plenty of creative alternatives for bridesmaids to carry down the aisle. From paper flowers to lanterns, clutches, and even balloons, there are many ways to add a personalised touch to your wedding. Whether you're looking for something whimsical, elegant, rustic, or unique, these alternatives offer endless possibilities to make your wedding day memorable.

Books

Carrying books instead of flowers is a unique and memorable option for bridesmaids. Here are some ideas to consider:

Choose Meaningful Books

Select books that hold a special meaning for the bridesmaids or the bride and groom. For example, you could choose books that are the couple's favourites, or that relate to how they met or their hobbies and interests. Wrapping the books in luxurious ribbons or delicate lace will make them even more elegant and romantic.

Add a Small Floral Accent

While the focus is on books rather than flowers, you can still incorporate a small floral touch. Add a single flower or a sprig of greenery to the book, or wrap it with a ribbon that has a small floral pattern. This can tie the book into the overall wedding theme and colour scheme.

Opt for Beautifully Bound Books

Look for books with beautiful bindings that will enhance the aesthetic of your wedding. Antique or vintage books often have intricate and ornate covers, while some modern books also feature unique and artistic cover designs. The right choice of book can add a touch of elegance, whimsy, or literary romance to your wedding.

Include a Personal Touch

If you want to make the book option even more personal, you could have each bridesmaid carry their favourite book or one that holds a special memory for them. Alternatively, you could choose a book that represents each bridesmaid's personality or interests. This approach will make the day even more meaningful for your bridal party.

Create a Literary-Themed Wedding

If the bride, groom, or their wedding party are avid readers, you could embrace a literary theme throughout the wedding. This could include using books as a central decoration, incorporating book-themed props or stationery, or even holding the wedding in a library or book-themed venue.

Gift the Books to the Bridesmaids

The books carried by the bridesmaids can also double as thoughtful gifts. After the wedding, the bridesmaids will have a lasting memento of the special day. You could even have the bride and groom write a personalised message inside each book to make it extra special.

Lanterns

If you're looking for an alternative to flowers for your bridesmaids to carry, lanterns are a beautiful option that can add a unique touch to your wedding. Here are some reasons why your bridesmaids should carry lanterns:

Versatility and Decor

Creative Freedom

Carrying lanterns instead of flowers allows for more creative freedom in terms of colour, size, and design. You can choose lanterns that match your wedding colour palette or opt for a more neutral shade, such as white or gold. Consider the size of the lanterns as well—smaller, dainty lanterns can be delicate and elegant, while larger lanterns can make a bold statement. You can even personalise the lanterns with decorations, such as ribbons, lace, or small floral arrangements.

Practicality

Memorable Keepsakes

Unlike flowers, which have a limited lifespan, lanterns can be a lasting memento for your bridesmaids. After the wedding, they can be displayed in your home or theirs, serving as a reminder of the special day you shared together. The lanterns can be a thoughtful gift that your bridesmaids will cherish for years to come.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Bridesmaids carrying lanterns can create unique and stunning photo opportunities. The warm glow of the lanterns will add a magical touch to your wedding photos, especially for evening or night-time shots. The lanterns can also be incorporated into creative poses, such as your bridesmaids holding the lanterns up to illuminate their smiles or forming a circle of light around you and your partner.

So, if you're looking for something different than the traditional flower bouquet, consider lanterns for your bridesmaids. They offer versatility, creativity, and a touch of magic that will make your wedding day even more memorable.

Clutch purses

A clutch purse is a great alternative to flowers for bridesmaids to carry down the aisle. It's a practical choice, as it can hold all their wedding day essentials, and it can be used long after the wedding, too.

When choosing a clutch purse for your bridesmaids, consider the material, design, colour, and size. You'll want to select something that complements their gowns and suits their personal style, so they'll be proud to carry it on your wedding day and beyond.

• A personalised acrylic clutch purse with a custom name or message is a unique and stylish option.
• A gold satin clutch purse is an elegant choice, available in two sizes to fit a few small items or a wallet and makeup.
• A navy casual clutch made from quality cotton and polyester mix fabrics is a sturdy and versatile option.
• A floral cotton canvas makeup clutch with a monogram letter is an adorable and functional gift.
• A leather clutch wallet with a vintage-feel wooden box is both classy and functional, with plenty of compartments for cards, coins, and cash.

Paper flowers

PaperandPeony, for example, creates breathtaking paper bridal bouquets that rival real flowers in beauty. With custom colours and sizes available, you can save money on a traditional wedding bouquet while carrying something unique. These paper flowers will never wilt, and you won't need to throw them out like fresh flowers—they will last forever.

For a personal touch, consider a paper flower bouquet made from recycled books. Diddlebug creates bouquets from recycled copies of Pride and Prejudice, and Harry Potter-themed bouquets are also a popular choice for literature lovers. Alternatively, sheet music paper flowers offer a creative nod to your favourite songs, combining musical and romantic notes in your wedding ceremony.

Yarn balls

Choosing the Right Yarn

Select a variety of yarns in different colours, textures, and thicknesses to add visual interest to the bouquet. Consider the wedding colour palette when choosing yarn colours to ensure the bouquets complement the bridesmaids' dresses and the overall wedding theme.

Creating the Yarn Balls

You can create yarn balls in various ways, depending on the desired effect. One method is to wrap yarn around a balloon, securing it with glue or tape. Once the balloon is fully covered, pop the balloon and trim the yarn to create a spherical shape. Another method is to use a Styrofoam ball or a ball of crumpled paper as a base and wrap the yarn around it. You can also try crocheting or knitting the yarn into spherical shapes.

Adding Embellishments

To make the yarn ball bouquets even more unique, consider adding embellishments such as ribbons, beads, or faux flowers. You can also incorporate meaningful charms or mementos that hold a special significance for the bride and her bridesmaids.

Assembling the Bouquet

Once you have created several yarn balls, it's time to assemble them into a bouquet. Use floral wire or hot glue to secure the yarn balls together, creating a cohesive arrangement. You can also add stems to the yarn balls using pipe cleaners or thin wooden dowels for a more natural bouquet-like appearance.

Personalisation

Yarn ball bouquets offer endless possibilities for personalisation. You can incorporate the bride's and bridesmaids' favourite colours, add charms with their initials, or include yarn scraps from a meaningful project. These bouquets are a fun way to showcase the creativity and individuality of the bridal party.

A Keepsake to Treasure

One of the benefits of yarn ball bouquets is that they can be kept as a lasting memento of the wedding day. Unlike fresh flowers, yarn balls will not wilt or fade, allowing the bridesmaids to cherish their unique bouquets for years to come.

Frequently asked questions