Bridesmaids' Creative Alternatives To Carrying Bouquets

There are many creative alternatives to the traditional bridesmaid bouquet. From paper flowers to lanterns, there are plenty of options to choose from. Carrying a clutch purse or a pashmina is a simple yet elegant choice, while a flower crown or corsage adds a touch of whimsy. For a more natural look, bridesmaids can carry a bouquet of herbs or greenery, or even fruit or vegetables. Unique options like books, fans, or parasols can add a touch of personality and creativity to the wedding.

Carry lanterns, clutch purses, or parasols

If you're looking for something different for your bridesmaids to carry on your big day, lanterns, clutch purses, and parasols are three excellent options that will add a unique touch to your wedding.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a beautiful and practical choice for your bridesmaids to carry, especially for an evening or outdoor wedding. They will create a soft, romantic glow as your bridesmaids walk down the aisle and can double as decor later in the evening. You can find lanterns at many home goods stores, or even try a vintage-style lantern for a unique twist.

Clutch Purses

Clutch purses are a stylish and functional option for your bridesmaids. Not only will they add a fashionable flair to your bridal party's look, but they can also be used to store essentials like lip gloss or tissues. Plus, your bridesmaids will love having a gift they can use long after the wedding. You can find clutches in a variety of colours and styles to match your wedding theme.

Parasols

Parasols are a classic and elegant choice, especially for a summer or outdoor wedding. They will add a touch of old-world charm to your bridal party's attire and provide a practical way to shade your bridesmaids from the sun. Lace or fabric parasols are a lovely choice, and you can even find parasols with intricate embroidery or other details to match your wedding theme.

Wear flowers on the arm, like floral cuffs or corsages

Floral cuffs and corsages are a beautiful alternative to the traditional bouquet, offering a unique and modern twist to the bridal party's attire. They are an elegant and subtle way to include flowers in the wedding without the hassle of carrying a bouquet. Here are some ways to incorporate floral cuffs and corsages into your bridesmaids' look:

Floral Cuffs

Floral cuffs are a creative and whimsical option for bridesmaids. These cuffs are usually made from dried flowers, grasses, and other botanical elements, carefully arranged and secured on a base that can be worn on the wrist or forearm. The dried flowers offer a boho vibe and can be customised to match the wedding's aesthetic. For instance, fresh blooms can be incorporated for a pop of colour, or dried grasses can be added for added texture. Floral cuffs are a unique statement piece that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Corsages

Corsages are a classic and elegant choice for bridesmaids, offering a floral accent without the bulk of a bouquet. They can be designed in various ways, such as affixing them to a pearl or diamante bracelet, or creating a floral cuff-style corsage. Corsages are a more affordable option than a full bouquet while still providing a floral element to the bridesmaids' attire. They can also be designed with a mix of flowers and greenery, or even include other elements like ribbons or lace for a more rustic or whimsical look.

Wearable Flowers

Another idea is to have your bridesmaids wear their flowers. Fresh flower necklaces or floral crowns are a beautiful option, especially for outdoor weddings. Flower necklaces offer a boho-chic look and leave your bridesmaids' hands free, while floral crowns add a whimsical and romantic touch. These wearable flower arrangements can be customised to match the colour scheme and theme of your wedding, creating a cohesive and stylish look for your bridal party.

Mix and Match

You can also mix and match floral cuffs, corsages, and wearable flowers to create a unique and personalised look for each bridesmaid. Curate a mix-and-match ensemble, with each bridesmaid wearing a different floral accessory, such as a floral cuff on one and a flower crown on another. This approach adds interest and variety to the bridal party's attire while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Creative Freedom

Floral cuffs and corsages offer a blank canvas for creativity. You can choose the types of flowers, colours, and additional elements to incorporate, allowing you to personalise the accessories to match your wedding's theme and your bridesmaids' attire. Whether you opt for a sleek and modern look or a rustic and whimsical style, floral cuffs and corsages can be designed to complement and enhance the overall aesthetic of your special day.

Wear flower crowns or fresh flower necklaces

Wearing flower crowns or fresh flower necklaces is a beautiful way to accessorise your bridesmaids while adding a touch of whimsy and creativity to your wedding. This option is perfect for a summer wedding, as it gives a boho-chic look to your bridal party and keeps their hands free.

Flower crowns have become an increasingly popular choice for bridesmaids, adorning their heads with fresh blooms or even dried flowers for a unique twist. They can be customised to match your wedding colour scheme and are a fun way to incorporate more flowers into your special day. Flower crowns also make for beautiful photos, with your bridesmaids looking like fairies or flower goddesses.

Fresh flower necklaces are another option that will leave your bridesmaids' hands free for more important things, like holding their cocktail or helping with your train. These necklaces can be designed with various flowers and greens to create a gorgeous statement piece that complements the bridal party's attire.

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider combining flower crowns and necklaces for a garden party-themed wedding. This combination will surely be a memorable and enchanting look for your bridesmaids.

When choosing flowers for crowns or necklaces, consider flowers that are in season for your wedding date, as they will be more readily available and cost-effective. You can also mix and match fresh and dried flowers for an interesting and intense contrast.

Don't forget to take into account the comfort of your bridesmaids when creating these floral accessories. Ensure that the crowns and necklaces are not too heavy or cumbersome, so your bridal party can fully enjoy the celebration.

Carry books, fans, or umbrellas

Carrying books, fans, or umbrellas is a great way to add a unique and creative touch to your wedding while also being practical and budget-friendly.

Books

Beautifully bound books are a romantic and budget-friendly alternative to traditional bouquets. Choose books with special meaning to the couple or opt for literary classics like Pride and Prejudice or Harry Potter. Wrap the books in luxurious ribbons, add small floral accents, or even include a meaningful quote or inscription. This option not only serves as a memorable prop but also doubles as a thoughtful gift for your bridesmaids.

Fans

Vintage fans, especially in the summer, are both practical and elegant. They can be made from various materials, such as bright-coloured paper for a retro feel, painted silk for timeless elegance, or feathers for a deco-inspired look. Fans allow your bridesmaids to keep cool while adding a touch of charm and sophistication to their attire.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are a creative and stylish alternative, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding. Opt for lace or fabric parasols that match your wedding theme for a touch of old-world charm. Alternatively, clear umbrellas with colourful trims can add a playful and modern twist to your bridal party's look while also being functional.

These options provide a unique twist to the traditional floral bouquet, allowing you to showcase your personality and creativity while also being practical and budget-friendly. Whether it's carrying a favourite novel, fanning yourself with vintage elegance, or staying dry under a stylish umbrella, your bridesmaids are sure to make a memorable statement as they walk down the aisle.

Carry a teapot, sheet music, or a sea glass wind chime

Carrying a teapot down the aisle instead of flowers is a unique and quirky option for bridesmaids. It adds a touch of vintage charm to the wedding, especially if the wedding has a tea-themed or vintage-inspired aesthetic. This option is also perfect for brides who want to incorporate a sense of nostalgia into their special day. The teapot can be a standalone accessory or adorned with artificial flowers for a more traditional look.

Sheet music bouquets are a creative and personal alternative for bridesmaids who want to showcase their love for music. The sheet music can be chosen to represent the couple's favourite songs or compositions, making it an incredibly meaningful choice. The sheet music is crafted into flowers, usually roses, and can be made from textured paper and recycled scores for an elegant and eco-friendly option. This alternative is perfect for musically-inclined brides who want to express their passion on their wedding day.

Sea glass wind chimes are a beautiful and unique option for beach weddings. The soothing sound of the chimes complements the natural beauty of the seaside ceremony, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. The wind chimes can also serve a dual purpose, becoming a decorative piece at the reception after the ceremony. This option is perfect for brides who want to incorporate the beauty of the sea into their wedding day and create a memorable, seaside-inspired aesthetic.

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