Photo: Lauren Carnes Photography, Florals by Studio Aesthete
Just because it isn’t traditional doesn’t mean it has to be tacky! And yes, this applies to your bridesmaid bouquets and your own wedding flowers, for that matter, brides. From fresh fruit and veggie arrangements to small floral wreaths perfect for any season, here are five stylish bridesmaid bouquet alternatives for the offbeat-but-oh-so chic bride.
1. Small floral wreaths
As an alternative to traditional bridesmaid bouquets, wedding planner Marilisa Schachinger of Martel Events suggests a small floral wreath instead! “The unexpected shape is not confined to winter weddings either; we think it makes for a fun, fresh option in any season. To scale back on costs, you can just use greenery as opposed to floral accents too.”
2. Books
Yes, seriously! Chancey Charm Boston wedding planner Jill Deering recently worked on a wedding where the décor theme was literate and books. “So of course the bridesmaids carried their favorite books, bound in a beautiful ribbon.” You could also use rolled up sheets of meaningful song lyrics or a favorite book passage about love that inspires you or speaks to your relationship, says Chancey Charm Denver planner Lauren Groeper.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Calling all organic, green brides…you’ll eat this idea right up (we know we did)! Jesseca Carrol of Events by SB had the honor of coordinating a wedding where the bride and groom wanted everything all natural. So of course, that meant the bouquets too. “They featured purple radishes, beets, peppers and multiple lettuces. Our floral designer had a blast creating beauty out of such color rich vegetables.”
See More: Watch This Groom Totally Surprise His Bride With an Epic Wedding Dance
4. Flower-filled sparkly clutches
Handbags filled with blooms are a fun fashion statement and perfect for the offbeat bride, notes DIY wedding planner Anastasia Stevenson of How to DIY Wedding. “A florist can create a mossy version or bridesmaids can choose their leather, velvet, satin or sparkly versions. Whatever the bride and her maids think suits the wedding style and usually each bridesmaid has her own unique bag.”
5. Lanterns
Ditch the classic floral bouquets and send your bridesmaids down the aisle carrying pretty lanterns decorated with gorgeous greenery and blooms galore. It’s different without being too out there and you have the option to decide how decked out with flowers you want them to be. In our opinion, they look stunning either way, minimalistic or over the top.