Alternatives for Bridal Bouquet
March 5, 2010
Bridal Bouquet
While fresh flowers can be a beautiful part of a wedding ceremony, they’re not for everyone.
According to the history of wedding traditions, “Before the use of flowers in the bridal bouquet, women carried aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs, and grains to drive evil spirits away as they walked down the aisle. Over time, these were replaced with flowers, symbolizing fertility and everlasting love.”
If you aren’t bothered by the scent or cost of fresh floral materials, but want something other than a frilly bouquet of flowers, try a bouquet of herbs or greenery. Ferns, ivy, pussy willows, fall leaves, or winter berries can all make a beautiful bouquet for the right season.
Flower Look-A likes
If you like the look of fresh flowers, but allergies or other concerns keep you from carrying them, here are some alternative floral bouquets:
- Silk flowers – While some faux flowers look like plastic, others are indistinguishable from real flowers at a distance (some even have to be touched). Unlike fresh flowers, you can purchase silk flowers for your wedding well in advance and keep them as long as you want afterwards.
- Porcelain flowers - Look online for beautiful porcelain flower bouquets that will look stunning going down the aisle, and last a lifetime. While not the least expensive bridal bouquet alternative, porcelain flowers will add a touch of class to your celebration.
- Paper flowers - Made from colored tissue paper or origami paper, paper flowers can be a fun, economical, and even elegant alternative. Check out a book on making paper flowers and have fun cutting and folding.
Unique Bouquets
If you’re looking for a bridal bouquet with no flowers at all, consider:
- Candy bouquets – What better way to join your fun-loving sweetheart at the altar than with a handful of candy?
- Crystal bouquets - For a very high-class wedding, look online for bouquets, boutonnières, and corsages made from Swarovski crystals.
- Fabric or ribbon bouquets – You can order bouquets of fabric or ribbon roses online, or, if you’re crafty, make one yourself.
- Seashell bouquets - Perfect for a beach wedding, you can find bouquets made from fabric or silk flowers with seashell accents, or made entirely from seashells.
Books and Bibles
Instead of a bouquet of any kind, consider carrying a Bible or book of your favorite poetry down the aisle. You can use your family Bible, or buy a bride’s Bible just for the occasion. Many bridal Bibles include beautiful covers, and a special place to record your marriage and family history.
Candles
If carefully enclosed to avoid fire hazards, carrying a candle can be a beautiful part of an evening ceremony.
Alternatives for Bridal Bouquet
February 5, 2010
Bridal Wear
While fresh flowers can be a beautiful part of a wedding ceremony, they’re not for everyone.
According to the history of wedding traditions, “Before the use of flowers in the bridal bouquet, women carried aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs, and grains to drive evil spirits away as they walked down the aisle. Over time, these were replaced with flowers, symbolizing fertility and everlasting love.”
If you aren’t bothered by the scent or cost of fresh floral materials, but want something other than a frilly bouquet of flowers, try a bouquet of herbs or greenery. Ferns, ivy, pussy willows, fall leaves, or winter berries can all make a beautiful bouquet for the right season.
Flower Look-A likes
If you like the look of fresh flowers, but allergies or other concerns keep you from carrying them, here are some alternative floral bouquets:
- Silk flowers – While some faux flowers look like plastic, others are indistinguishable from real flowers at a distance (some even have to be touched). Unlike fresh flowers, you can purchase silk flowers for your wedding well in advance and keep them as long as you want afterwards.
- Porcelain flowers - Look online for beautiful porcelain flower bouquets that will look stunning going down the aisle, and last a lifetime. While not the least expensive bridal bouquet alternative, porcelain flowers will add a touch of class to your celebration.
- Paper flowers - Made from colored tissue paper or origami paper, paper flowers can be a fun, economical, and even elegant alternative. Check out a book on making paper flowers and have fun cutting and folding.
Unique Bouquets
If you’re looking for a bridal bouquet with no flowers at all, consider:
- Candy bouquets – What better way to join your fun-loving sweetheart at the altar than with a handful of candy?
- Crystal bouquets - For a very high-class wedding, look online for bouquets, boutonnières, and corsages made from Swarovski crystals.
- Fabric or ribbon bouquets – You can order bouquets of fabric or ribbon roses online, or, if you’re crafty, make one yourself.
- Seashell bouquets - Perfect for a beach wedding, you can find bouquets made from fabric or silk flowers with seashell accents, or made entirely from seashells.
Books and Bibles
Instead of a bouquet of any kind, consider carrying a Bible or book of your favorite poetry down the aisle. You can use your family Bible, or buy a bride’s Bible just for the occasion. Many bridal Bibles include beautiful covers, and a special place to record your marriage and family history.
Candles
If carefully enclosed to avoid fire hazards, carrying a candle can be a beautiful part of an evening ceremony.
