There’s no denying fresh flowers are a perfect match for weddings – full of romance and the perfect way to pretty up your ceremony and reception space, but not everyone will dig a fresh floral bouquet for their walk down the aisle. Perhaps, you’re looking for something a little more practical (hankie or clutch anyone?) or something to suit your personality (Gatsby inspired feathers, a host of gorgeous brooches, a book filled to the brim of the prettiest love poems) or if you don’t want to forgo you fresh flowers, you may want to to get your interests and personality across through your maids. Here’s 13 fun alternatives to fresh flower bouquets…
Brooch Bouquets [Photo by Tina Sargeant]
They may be more expensive than a traditional floral bouquet but brooch bouquets are a beautiful keepsake you can admire long after the day has been and gone. The great thing about this style of bouquet is that you can really make it that bit more personal from including brooches that mean something to you to family heirloom’s passed down to you from your mam or granny. It’s also something you can cherish and pass down to your own kids, family or friends down the line. For suppliers, check out our list of Brooch bouquet makers in Ireland in the weddingsonline directory.
Pinwheels
We love pinwheels and paper fans here in weddingsonline. These whimsical wheels bring the fun to any party so can you imagine the glee on your guests faces if you or your bridesmaids walked down the aisle with one. You can pick these up on the likes of BHLDN (they have a swoon worthy array of colours and finishes perfect for the eclectic bride that still wants something a little on the chic side) or if you’re after something quirky and eccentric, you can make you own with whatever card you choose. Find out how to make your own pinwheel here or a paper fan here.
Fans
Image via Ruffled – Photography by Gideon Photography
If you’re getting married overseas (unfortunately, you might not be able to rely on guaranteed sunshine in these parts) and are sure to battling with glorious heat, it could be an idea to trade your bridal bouquet in for a pretty fan like this elegant cream version. Another alternative is a pretty parasol (an umbrella might be a cute alternative for Irish outdoor weddings if the weatherman gets it wrong). This particular fan is available from the weddingsonline shop and you can pick up a pretty parasol in the same style too!
Books
Photo bt Ryan Ray via greenweddingshoes
Okay, so this bride herself isn’t carrying her favourite book but for those that love a good read, there are plenty of ways to incorporate books in to your wedding décor. We think it would be uber romantic for a bride that loves a particular set of poems or has a favourite book that resonates with her relationship to walk down the aisle with it in hand. Or for those that simply adore books, you could do what this bride did and collect vintage books and make them in to a quirky clutch.
Bridal Clutch
Image via Etsy
For the cosmopolitan bride who likes to have her bits and bobs to hand, a clutch (this particular clutch is available from Etsy) is the obvious choice to carry up the aisle – after all what do we rely on every single day. The great thing about sporting a clutch is that you won’t be chasing your maids about all day for touch ups; you can have your lippy, spritz of choice and even the likes of a disposable camera in there if you want to capture some personal snaps of your new partner and friends.
Balloons
Images via Style Me Pretty – Jeffrey & Julie Photography by & BHLDN
If you’re having an al fresco wedding ceremony this is one quirky way to make your entrance. But if you feel a little bit too grown up to be walking a balloon up the aisle, a good compromise is having your flower girl wander up the aisle with one in hand. It doesn’t have to be anything flash or too large but for those that want something fun and daring – there are so many varieties available from hearts to confetti filled delights. Another sweet idea is getting your maids to carry signs or heart shaped cut outs like these ladies over on Our Blog of Love. If you feel signs are more suited to the little ones, be sure to check out our article on Here Comes The Bride signage.
Lanterns
Image via Sincerely Liz Photography
You can’t deny there’s something gorgeously romantic about candlelight so if you want to set this romantic tone for that big entrance, you might like to swap your maids flowers for lanterns. We love this photograph of maids carrying cute lanterns with flickering candles and think it would be just gorgeous for a cosy, winter wedding or the other extreme – a laid back outdoorsy bash on the beach!
Hankies
Image via Emily Riggs Bridal
This will be one of the happiest days of your life but it will also be a very emotional one from walking down the aisle with your mam or dad to seeing your best friend and partner waiting for you at the top, you’ll be hard pushed not to feel the tears during this momentous journey. Which is why some brides opt to carry a hanky down the aisle – we love this sweet touch and think it can make for a great alternative to a bouquet – and it is said to be a token of good luck too.
Paper Flowers
Image via Smile Mercantile – Etsy
Paper flowers are the perfect choice for eco brides and grooms who want something they can cherish and use after the big day. And it’s a fun project you can enjoy and have ready months in advance unlike the fresh variety. Paper flowers also allow you to get personal – whether you use old love letters the OH penned, your favourite books or music sheets of ‘your song’, there are plenty of ways to make it meaningful. Of course you can just opt for patterns or beautifully coloured paper to tie in with your theme and palette too if you want bright and fun. For more inspiration, check out our article on paper flowers here.
Crafty Bouquets
Image by LillyBuds | Image by Somer Anne Photography
We’ve seen everything from badges, buttons and even dinosaurs lurking in crafty bridal bouquets – anything goes when it comes to putting your own stamp on alternative bouquets. You can incorporate pretty much anything in to your posy – we love this elegant feather bouquet perfect for a vintage bash or Gatsby inspired glamorous wedding or if you’re off to the beach for your big day and are sticking to a nautical theme why not opt for pretty seashells? Christmas weddings could even include the odd ornament or if you’re a bonafide DIYer, why not make or buy your own creative version with felt or buttons.
Pine Cones
Image via Grey Likes Weddings, Photography by Danielle Fletcher
Whether it’s the gorgeous moody light, the rustic décor or that crisp feeling in the air, there is something enchanting about winter weddings. Winter brides are inundated with beautiful and original floral choices (see our article on winter flowers here) with berries, rustic foliage and pine cones just vying for your attention. We love the idea of making your journey down the aisle with a pine cone bouquet in hand (if you want a little extra glamour – spray them gold), and if you have the time, you can even whip up your own – just pay the local parks a visit.
Faux Fur Muffs
Image by Lydia Photography via Heart Love Always
Another alternative for winter weddings is a simple faux fur muff. It will add an elegant and cosy feel to your wedding look – and it’s practical too!
