Bridesmaids' Handheld Bouquets And Their Significance

Bridesmaids have a lot of responsibilities, from planning pre-wedding events to providing emotional support for the bride. One of the most common questions bridesmaids have is what to do with their hands during the ceremony. Traditionally, the bride holds her bouquet during the processional and hands it to the maid of honour or one of the bridesmaids once she reaches the altar. This can be a bit awkward, especially if the bridesmaid is not used to holding such an arrangement. Some bridesmaids may also hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony, in addition to making sure her train is fluffed and her veil is smoothed down.

Bouquets

Bridesmaids traditionally hold bouquets during the wedding ceremony. Bouquets are usually made of flowers, but they can also be made of other materials, such as baby's breath, ferns, or even balloons.

Placement of the Bouquet

When holding a bouquet in front of you, place your hands slightly below your navel. This will give you a natural stance and ensure the bouquet is not held too high. Holding the bouquet higher can make you look overwhelmed by it and can also cover the details at the top of your gown. By holding it lower, you will look more confident, and your photos will turn out better.

Elbow and Wrist Positioning

Hold your hands naturally in front of you, with your elbows slightly bent, to ensure comfort and a relaxed stance. Avoid keeping your elbows straight, as this may make you look stiff.

Tilting the Bouquet

Once you have positioned the bouquet at the right height, tilt it slightly forward so that more flowers are visible. This is especially important for cascading bouquets, where the stems should be almost parallel to the floor, and the bouquet is tilted downward toward your body.

Holding the Bouquet to the Side

Another elegant option is to hold the bouquet to your side. This creates a beautiful focal point, drawing attention to both your gown and the floral arrangement. Hold the stems almost parallel to the floor, tilting your wrist upward to showcase more flowers. This option is perfect for photos and videos, giving a relaxed and effortless appearance.

Direction of the Bouquet

Ensure you know the front and back of the bouquet to avoid holding it in the wrong direction. Some florists place a pearl pin at the back of the bouquet as a guide for the bride. If your bouquet has trailing ribbons, ensure they hang down the front.

Walking with Parents

If your parents are walking you down the aisle, they should hold onto your arms instead of linking arms with you. This will allow you to hold the bouquet at the proper level while walking gracefully with your parents.

Remember, the key to holding a bouquet is to ensure it complements your gown and doesn't cover any intricate details. Holding it at the right height and tilting it slightly will make your photos look stunning and ensure you exude confidence.

Books

If you're looking for an alternative to flowers for your bridesmaids to hold, books are a great option. Not only do they add a touch of literary romance, but they can also be a cost-effective and deeply personal choice. Here are some ideas to consider:

Choosing the Right Books

Select books that are meaningful to you and your partner. Perhaps choose books that reflect your literary tastes, or opt for titles that hold special significance in your relationship. If you're having a book-themed wedding, books can be an excellent way to tie the theme together. You can even supply your favourite hardback copies for a classic and elegant look.

Adding a Touch of Elegance

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the books, consider wrapping them in luxurious ribbons. A simple ribbon wrapped around a book's cover can instantly elevate its appearance. You can also add small floral accents, such as a single flower or a sprig of greenery, to provide a subtle hint of colour and freshness.

Personalisation Options

If you want to make the books even more special, consider personalising them. You can emboss or engrave the books with the bridesmaids' initials, your wedding date, or a meaningful quote. Alternatively, you could write a heartfelt message inside each book, expressing your gratitude and explaining why you chose that particular book for each bridesmaid.

Practical Considerations

When selecting books, consider their size and weight. You don't want your bridesmaids struggling with heavy or bulky books during the ceremony. Opt for books that are comfortable to hold and won't be a burden. Additionally, ensure that the books complement the overall style and colour scheme of your wedding. Choose colours that harmonise with the bridesmaids' dresses and the surrounding décor.

A Memorable Keepsake

Finally, the books can serve as a lasting memento of your special day. After the wedding, your bridesmaids can treasure the books as a reminder of their role in your celebration. They can display the books on their bookshelves or use them as decorative pieces, forever associating them with the joy and love of your wedding.

Fans

When choosing fans for the bridesmaids to hold, consider the overall style and colour scheme of the wedding. Fans can be found in various materials, such as paper, silk, or bamboo, and can be decorated with intricate designs, lace, or ribbons. For a cohesive look, select fans that complement the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding colour palette. If you're crafty, you can even personalise the fans with the bridesmaids' names or a special message.

The size of the fans is also important. Opt for fans that are comfortable to hold and not too bulky. You want the fans to be noticeable but not overwhelm the bridesmaids' outfits. Consider the handle design as well, ensuring it's comfortable to hold and doesn't distract from the overall aesthetic.

Lanterns

Bridesmaids can hold lanterns instead of, or in addition to, the traditional bouquet. This can be especially useful if the bridesmaids are walking down the aisle at night, providing light and guidance. Lanterns can also be a unique and memorable prop for photos, adding a whimsical or rustic touch.

There are many types of lanterns to choose from, including traditional paper lanterns, modern glass lanterns, or rustic wooden lanterns. Lanterns can be personalised with the couple's names, the date of the wedding, or other decorations that match the wedding theme.

When using lanterns, it's important to consider the size and weight, especially if the bridesmaids will be holding them for an extended period. Smaller, lightweight lanterns may be more comfortable and easier to manage. Additionally, consider the type of light source used, such as candles or LED lights, to ensure the lanterns are safe and won't cause any fire hazards.

Single flowers

A single flower can be a statement piece, especially if it is a large bloom such as a peony or dahlia. You can add a ribbon to the stem to give it a more romantic feel. This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colours into the bridesmaids' look.

If you want to add a bit more detail, you could give each bridesmaid a single flower with a long stem and a lush green leaf or two. This creates a more whimsical and natural look.

Another option is to give each bridesmaid a single flower with a baby's breath bouquet. This adds a bit more volume to the arrangement without taking away from the simplicity of a single flower.

When holding a single flower, the bridesmaids can place their hands slightly below their navel, with their elbows slightly bent, to create a natural stance. This will ensure that the flower is not too high and that the bridesmaids look relaxed and confident.

Frequently asked questions