Bridal Bouquets - Here's 5 Alternatives

Bridal bouquets are the most popular accessories for brides to walk down the aisle.  But what if you want to be a bit different?  Here are 5 alternative ideas that will work for both brides and bridesmaids:

1)  Wrist Corsage

This is a small arrangement of flowers that is secured to the wrist.  Roses, orchids and other small-headed flowers work best.

The great thing about a wrist corsage is that both of your hands are free - ideal if you're going to be hugging lots of guests.

Bianca Jagger looked very chic having chosen a wrist corsage instead of a bouquet when she married Mick Jagger.

2)  Pomander

A pomander (also called a kissing ball) is a round ball shape of flowers that has a delicate ribbon handle.  This is easy to carry as the ribbon just slips over the wrist.  Roses are the most popular choice for pomanders but you could also use gerberas or carnations.

Pomanders are often carried by bridesmaids and flowergirls, but can look spectacular for the bride herself.

3)  Hair Decoration

Hair decorations can be both elegant and stylish.  You can choose one large flower such as a lily to form the focal point of your arrangement.  This type of arrangement is worn on the side of the head.

Alternatively you could go for a circular 'halo' arrangement, such as Audrey Hepburn wore at her wedding.  She had a halo arrangement of white roses that was worn on top of the head.

In addition to flowers, you can incorporate beads, jewels and feathers into your hair decoration.  Have a quick chat with your florist and you could come up with a unique design that suits your personality and complements your bridegroom's boutonniere.

4)  Prayer Book

Another choice instead of holding a bridal bouquet is to hold a prayer book or bible.  Some brides like to decorate the prayer book with a small arrangement of flowers and/or ribbons.

You could use a cherished bible that was given to you as gift, or you could buy a new one as a symbol of your new life and how you plan to lead it.

5)  Lantern or Candle Holder

These are great for church weddings, especially if it is an evening ceremony.  Candles are very romantic and will add to the ceremony.  Use non-drip candles and a lantern design that fully encloses the naked flame to reduce the risk of an accident.

The base of the lantern or candleholder can be decorated with a small arrangement of flowers to match the colors of your wedding theme.

A Wedding Flower Guide

When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, many brides may know the wedding flower they want in their own bouquet, but are a little mystified about the rest of the wedding flowers needed to fill out the ceremony and reception.

While you can leave all your wedding flower selections in the hands of a capable professional florist and get great results, you may want to take a more hands on approach. We hope this wedding flower guide will help making planning your most special day just a little easier.

Your first decision should be whether you plan to use a professional florist to create a wedding flower arrangement and bouquets, or if you'd rather visit a wholesale wedding flower retailer and order flowers to make your own bridal bouquets, boutonnieres and so forth.

If you are the creative type, a simple floral craft book will give you all the tips and tool lists necessary to create your own custom wedding flowers that reflect your personal style. It's a good idea to purchase some flowers to practice with ahead of time to make sure you'll be happy with your results. Whatever you decide, there are some standard traditions and suggestions to help make sure you've covered all your wedding flower needs.

Wedding Flower Guide

Wedding flowers for the church would include:

• Altar wedding flower arrangements
• Pew markers/decorations

Wedding flowers for the reception would include:

• Wedding flower arrangement for the bridal table.
• Table centerpieces
• Buffet table decorations

Wedding flowers for the bridal party would include:

• Bridal bouquet
• Small Bridal bouquet to toss
• Groom's boutonniere
• Maid/Matron of Honor bouquet
• Bridesmaid bouquets
• Best Man boutonniere
• Groomsman boutonnieres
• Flower Girl bouquet or petal basket
• Mother of the Bride/Groom corsages
• Father of the Bride/Groom boutonnieres
• Step-parent corsages/boutonnieres
• Grandparent corsages/boutonnieres

A Few Extra Wedding Flower Tips

• Maid/Matron of Honor wedding bouquets should be  slightly more elaborate or in a different color  shade than the rest of the bridesmaid wedding bouquets.

• The Best Man boutonniere should be slightly more  elaborate than the rest of the groomsmen  boutonnieres.

• The corsages/boutonnieres for the parents should  differ slightly from the step-parents, and all  grandparent corsages/boutonnieres should be different as well. It makes it easier for guests   to keep track of who's who.

• Wedding flower arrangements from the church can be transferred to the reception hall for double  duty.

• Bridesmaid wedding bouquets could be set in  waiting vases and used as decoration for the bridal table.

Remember, these are just wedding flower guidelines. When it comes to your special day, your wedding flower selections and arrangements should reflect your personal taste and style. You can keep things simple or get as elaborate as you like, as long as your wedding flowers help you create the perfectly romantic wedding day you've always dreamed of.