Bridesmaids' Bouquets: When To Present Them

Bridesmaids' bouquets are an important part of the wedding ceremony. While they don't have to be huge or extravagant, they should complement the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids' dresses, and the overall theme and vibe of the wedding. The bouquets can be used to add a pop of colour or to accentuate the dresses, and they can be reused as centrepieces at the reception. The cost of bridesmaids' bouquets can add up, so some brides opt for smaller bouquets or single flowers, or choose alternatives such as wrist corsages, candles, or even puppies to comfort the bridesmaids as they walk down the aisle.

Bouquet size and cost

The cost of a bridesmaid's bouquet can vary depending on several factors, including the types of flowers used, the size of the bouquet, and the florist's location. According to some sources, bridesmaid bouquets can range anywhere from $65 to $130 or more. The average cost of a bridesmaid bouquet is around $65 to $125, but this can depend on your preference for flowers and how many you want in the bouquet.

When it comes to bouquet size, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The size of the bouquet should complement the overall look of the bridesmaid, including their dress and the wedding's vibe. While the bouquets don't have to be huge, they should be given just as much thought as the bridal bouquet. A good rule of thumb is to keep the bridesmaid bouquets slightly smaller in scale compared to the bride's bouquet. This ensures that the bridal bouquet stands out as the most photographed floral arrangement of the wedding while still allowing the bridesmaids' bouquets to complement the bridal bouquet and their attire.

To save on costs, consider choosing less expensive flowers such as daisies, roses, Baby's breath, or Queen Anne's lace. Local florists may also offer more affordable options, as they know what flowers are in season and may include delivery and setup fees in the final cost. Communicating your budget and preferences clearly with your florist can help ensure you get the best bouquets for your big day without breaking the bank.

Bouquet contents

The contents of your bridesmaids' bouquets are entirely up to you. While flowers are traditional, some brides opt for a bouquet alternative.

If you're sticking with flowers, you could ask your florist to create a smaller version of your own bouquet for your bridesmaids, or choose a variety of blooms for your bouquet and then have each bridesmaid carry a single bloom or a few stems of a single variety. You could also play with colour, either adding an additional tone to your bouquet or having one be quite bright while the other is more muted.

If you're looking for something a little different, here are some bouquet alternative ideas:

• A single flower with a stem of greenery
• A floral cuff
• A feather or a bouquet with feather accents
• Fans
• Matching clutches
• Parasols
• Ribbon wands
• Wreaths
• Flower crowns
• Dreamcatchers
• Music sheets folded into flowers
• Fabric bouquets
• Lanterns
• Leis
• Paper bouquets
• Corsages
• Fur stoles
• Mason jars
• Balloons

Bouquet alternatives

There are many alternatives to bridesmaids' bouquets that can add a unique twist to your wedding. Here are some ideas:

Lanterns

Bridesmaids carrying lanterns can add a romantic touch to your wedding, especially for winter weddings or ceremonies held later in the day. This alternative can also double as decor as the night draws in.

Books

Beautifully bound books that are meaningful to you and your bridesmaids can serve as both a sentimental gift and a unique alternative to bouquets. You can add a small floral spray or wrap the books in delicate lace or velvet ribbons for an extra touch of elegance.

Flowers on the Arm

Instead of carrying flowers, your bridesmaids can wear them on their arms in the form of floral cuffs or chic corsages. This option keeps their hands free and can be a more affordable way to incorporate real flowers into your wedding.

Fans

Fans come in various colours, materials, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile option for your bridesmaids. Whether you choose bright-coloured paper fans for a fun retro feel, painted silk fans for timeless elegance, or feather fans for a deco-inspired look, your bridesmaids are sure to make a stylish statement.

Flower Crowns

Flower crowns have become a fashionable trend for brides and bridesmaids alike. This alternative is perfect for those seeking a bohemian or refined aesthetic. You can also incorporate fresh flowers into an exquisite updo for a unique take on traditional bridal hairstyles.

Natural and Earthy Bouquets

If you want to maintain the traditional bouquet shape but with a twist, consider using natural materials like cotton, herbs (such as eucalyptus or sage), pine cones, or wheat. These alternatives can be a more affordable option while still providing a classic and rustic look.

Bouquet colour and style

The bouquets carried by the bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding, as they will be among the most photographed people of the day. While you don't need to stress too much about the flowers they carry, you should give their arrangements as much thought as your own. Their bouquets should complement your arrangement, their dresses, and the overall vibe of the day.

Bouquet Colour

The bouquets can be an opportunity to bring in a broader range of colours to create an impact. You can use varying shades of your colour palette to complement the dresses. For example, blush pink dresses can be paired with soft whites, soft pinks, darker pinks, and greens. Alternatively, you can opt for a monochromatic palette if the bridesmaids' dresses are different prints and styles, to keep the overall look cohesive.

You can also embrace vibrant hues to add a splash of colour to your crew's attire. For a colourful celebration, pairing blue bridesmaid dresses with yellow and orange blooms will create a sunset illusion, perfect for summer nuptials by the beach. You can also add a subtle accent of colour to set your floral arrangements apart. These bouquets of white orchids and greenery get a splash of sunshine courtesy of yellow craspedia that match the bridesmaids' silk slip dresses.

If you're having an autumn wedding, jewel tones such as ruby, sapphire, citrine yellow, and amethyst purple will bring a richness to the celebration. To go all out, have your bridesmaids wear emerald green dresses for a cohesive look. You can also use a variety of dazzling blue ribbons to pull together fall hues, adding organic texture.

For a sleek and modern look, keep it simple with white flowers, exposed green stems, and black dresses. Neutral blooms with a pop of pink is a classic look, but you can also opt for brighter shades of magenta, bubblegum, and coral. If you want to make a statement, don't be afraid to add a bold splash of colour to wow your guests.

Bouquet Style

When it comes to the style of the bouquet, you can choose from a variety of shapes and sizes. You can opt for the traditional round bouquet or go for something more unique, such as a hoop bouquet or a floral cuff. The size of the bouquet should be proportionate to the bridesmaid, not too large or too small.

You can also play with the types of flowers and greenery used in the bouquet. While classic roses, peonies, and hydrangeas are always a popular choice, you can mix these conventional blooms with unexpected flowers such as king protea, anemones, or succulents. For a unique look, consider spotlighting a single bloom, such as baby's breath, which creates a cloud of textured, frothy florals.

If you're looking for a subtle and sophisticated look, opt for an all-white bouquet with roses and peonies, perfect for a modern or urban event. You can also wrap the bouquet in white ribbon for added grandeur. For a rustic-inspired aesthetic, your bridesmaids can carry a bundle of herbs such as rosemary or sage, or even a basket of petals instead of a traditional bouquet.

Bouquet preservation

There are several ways to preserve your wedding bouquet, from simple DIYs to professional services. Here are some methods to consider:

• Dried Wedding Bouquet: This is the simplest option as it doesn't require any special skills or materials. Remove any ribbons or wrapping from the stems, and cut about half an inch from the ends. Hang the bouquet upside down in a dry, dark place for at least two weeks. Once fully dry, you can display it in a vase or a decorative glass box.
• Pressed Wedding Bouquet: Choose a thick, heavy book to press your flowers. Place the flowers between two sheets of blank paper and put them inside the book. Check after about two weeks and re-press if needed. Once dried, you can frame the flowers or arrange them on a sheet of paper using glue.
• Silica Gel Wedding Bouquet: Silica gel absorbs moisture from the flowers, preserving their shape, colour, and look. Place your flowers in an airtight container with silica gel, ensuring the flowers are completely covered. Let them dry for about a week, then gently dust off any remaining powder. Finish with a protective sealant spray and display your bouquet in a vase or a box.
• Freeze-Dried Wedding Bouquet: This is the priciest option, but it will make your bouquet look remarkably close to how it did on your wedding day. The flowers are sprayed with starch and placed in a freeze-dryer to slowly remove moisture. This process can take up to three months.
• Resin Wedding Bouquet: Clear epoxy resin can be used to create decorative shapes or moulds with your flowers. Fill a mould halfway with resin, arrange the flowers, and then fill it to the top. Let it dry, and you'll have a gorgeous decoration that preserves your bouquet.
• Dip the Flowers in Wax: This method will preserve your flowers for up to six months, maintaining their original integrity and colour. Melt paraffin wax in a saucepan and dip your flowers into the warm wax solution. Hang them upside down to dry, and you'll have beautifully preserved flowers.
• Preserve with Glycerin: Fill a vase or container with two parts lukewarm water and one part glycerin. Place your flower stems into the container and wait about two to three weeks for the absorption process to complete.
• Paint or Hire an Artist: While this doesn't preserve the actual flowers, it's a lovely way to preserve the memory of your bouquet. Commission an artist to paint an interpretation of your bouquet, or create a painting yourself if you're feeling artistic.

Frequently asked questions