Bridesmaids' Bouquets: What's Their Post-Ceremony Fate?

Bridesmaids' bouquets are an important part of the wedding ceremony, adding to the overall aesthetic and complementing the bridal bouquet. After the ceremony, there are several options for what to do with the bouquets. They can be used as decorations during the reception, placed in a vase for photographs, or included in a bouquet toss. Alternatively, they can be preserved as a memento or given to a special guest as a token of appreciation.

Use them as a decorative element during the reception

Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used as a decorative element during the reception. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

Placement

Place the bouquets in an area that could benefit from some extra decoration. Ask your florist to bring vases and place the bridesmaids' bouquets next to the bridal bouquet on a table at the reception, or on a mantle. Alternatively, place them on the guest book table, dessert table, or coffee tables in any lounges. If you're having a unity ceremony, you could also put them on the table used for that.

Photography

Remember that you'll want to include the bouquets in your wedding photos. Many couples opt to have portraits taken with their wedding party after the ceremony, so make sure the bouquets are available for these photos.

Bouquet Toss

If you're planning on doing a bouquet toss, consider sending the bouquet home with a glass vase so whoever catches it can enjoy it for a few more days. Alternatively, you could choose a specific person to send the bouquet home with, such as a helpful guest who lives nearby or a creative bridesmaid who loves preserving dried flowers.

Taking Them Home

If you're using the bouquets as decor during the reception, ask one of your attendants to collect all the bouquets at the end of the night to take home. You may also want to bring your bouquet with you when you exit the party, which your maid of honour can remind you to do.

Incorporate them in photos

Bridesmaids' bouquets are an important part of the wedding ceremony and subsequent photos. They complement the bridesmaids' attire and the overall aesthetic of the wedding. The bouquets are usually built to last through the ceremony and photos, but there are ways to incorporate them into photographs after the ceremony as well.

First, it is important to note that the bouquets should complement the bridesmaids' attire and overall wedding aesthetic. The flowers chosen for the bouquets can add a broader range of colours to the photographs and bring in a complementary or contrasting palette. For instance, blush pink dresses with bouquets in soft whites, soft pinks, darker pinks, and greens can create a cohesive look. Alternatively, for a sleek and modern look, consider pairing white flowers with exposed green stems and black dresses.

Second, the bouquets can be used as props during post-ceremony photoshoots. The bridesmaids can pose with their bouquets, adding interest and variety to the photographs. The bouquets can also be used as a decorative element in the background of photos, creating a beautiful setting for the bridal party and guests.

Third, the bouquets can be used to create special moments and interactions during the photoshoot. For example, the bridesmaids can toss their bouquets in the air, showering the bride with flowers, or they can form a flower arch for the bride and groom to walk through. The bouquets can also be used to create a floral backdrop, adding a romantic and whimsical touch to the photos.

Lastly, the bouquets can be incorporated into detail shots, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of the floral arrangements. Close-up photos of the bouquets can highlight the different types of flowers, colours, and textures used, as well as any unique wrapping or ribbons. These photos can be taken during the ceremony and reception, capturing the bouquets in different lighting conditions and settings.

Give them away during the bouquet toss

If you're planning on doing a bouquet toss, you can give away the bridesmaids' bouquets to the lucky catcher. This tradition is believed to have originated from the Ancient Greeks and Romans, where touching the bride or running off with a piece of her wedding dress was considered to bring good luck and an impending proposal. The bouquet toss was a way for the bride to escape the chaos without being harmed.

Today, the bouquet toss is done for fun, and whoever catches the bouquet is believed to be the next person to get married. If you're planning on doing a bouquet toss, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check with your guests to see if they are interested in participating. If most of your guests are coupled up or not interested, you may want to skip the bouquet toss.

You can also choose to give the bouquet to a specific person, such as a helpful guest who lives nearby or a creative bridesmaid who loves preserving dried flowers. This option avoids the risk of the flowers getting damaged during the toss.

Another thing to consider is providing a vase for the bouquet. This way, whoever catches it can enjoy the flowers for a few more days. You can coordinate this in advance with your florist.

Finally, don't forget to take the bouquets with you at the end of the night. Ask one of your attendants to help collect all the arrangements, so you can take them home or give them away as planned.

Take them home at the end of the night

Taking the bouquets home at the end of the night is a great way to preserve the flowers and extend their life beyond the ceremony. Here are some tips and ideas for bridesmaids to consider:

Ask the Florist for Advice

Bridesmaids can consult the florist who arranged the bouquets to get suggestions on how to care for the flowers and extend their lifespan. The florist may also be able to provide vases or other containers to hold the bouquets during the reception, adding to the decor and keeping them fresh.

Use the Bouquets as Decor

During the reception, the bridesmaids' bouquets can be placed in vases and used as part of the decor. The florist may be able to provide vases, or the bouquets can be placed in vases provided by the venue or the bridesmaids themselves. The guest book table, dessert table, coffee tables, and other surfaces are all great spots to display the bouquets.

Preserve the Flowers

If a bridesmaid wants to preserve her bouquet as a memento, there are several options available. She can press individual blooms in a book, dry the flowers and display them in a shadow box, or hire a professional to preserve the bouquet. These methods will allow her to enjoy the beauty of the flowers long after the wedding day.

Give the Bouquet a New Home

If a bridesmaid doesn't want to keep the bouquet herself, she can give it to someone else to enjoy. She might consider gifting it to a helpful guest, a creative friend who loves dried flowers, or even taking it to a hospital or nursing home to brighten someone's day.

Plan for Transportation

Bridesmaids should also remember to plan for transporting the bouquets at the end of the night. They can ask the maid of honour or another attendant to help collect the bouquets and transport them safely, especially if the flowers are delicate or large.

Preserve them after the wedding

There are several ways to preserve bridesmaids' bouquets after the wedding. Here are some methods to consider:

Pressing and Drying

Pressing flowers is a traditional way to preserve their beauty. You can place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press. Another option is to air-dry the flowers. Once dried, you can display them in a shadow box or picture frame. This method will allow you to enjoy your bridesmaids' bouquets for years to come.

Resin Preservation

Resin preservation is a popular choice for many brides. You can find small businesses that create beautiful pieces of art with the flowers. This method involves encasing the flowers in resin, preserving their colour and shape. Resin preservation is a unique way to transform your bouquet into a lasting keepsake.

Professional Preservation

If you want to ensure the best possible preservation, consider hiring a professional. Professional florists have the expertise and techniques to carefully preserve your bridesmaids' bouquets. They can treat the flowers to prevent discolouration and extend their lifespan. This option may be more expensive, but it guarantees the highest quality preservation.

Flower Food

If you want to keep your bouquet alive for as long as possible, you can try using flower food. Ask your local florist for advice on the best flower food to use and how often to add it to the vase. This method will help your flowers stay fresh and vibrant for a longer period.

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