Today we’re talking about wedding bouquet alternatives with the latest Ask Emmaline question: “what to carry down the aisle instead of flowers“? Bride-to-be, Beth, wrote us last week with this question for her upcoming wedding. She wants to know if there are any bouquet alternatives she can use instead of traditional bouquets, and if so, what is acceptable for bridesmaids to carry, too. She asks,

“Hi Emmaline! I’m getting married in the summer… an outdoor wedding in the humid southern heat. I don’t want to carry a bouquet down the aisle because it is one more thing to worry about (wilting and keeping it cool enough). What can I carry down the aisle instead of flowers? I know silk flowers are an option but I want something fun and different. Do you have any wedding bouquet alternatives I can carry instead of flowers? Thanks!

Hi Beth, great question! That is a great point about keeping your flowers from wilting in the hot summer heat. Although you can always keep them refrigerated ahead of time (and they’ll look beautiful), having one thing less to stress over on your wedding day is always a win in my book. And furthermore, mixing things up and choosing alternatives to traditional wedding bouquets sound like a fun way to add a personalized touch to your ceremony. Another win. After some digging, we’ve found what to carry down the aisle instead of flowers with some really creative wedding bouquet alternatives. I think you’re going to love what we’ve found from winter wedding bouquet alternatives to unique flower substitutes; these are the best bouquet alternatives Etsy and beyond. For every season and theme, we’ve found something else to carry besides flowers.

Let’s kick off the list with paper flowers, a creative bridal bouquet alternative you may not have ever seen before — or even considered. Paper flowers are some of the most beautiful creations, particularly with bouquet alternatives Etsy shop owner PaperandPeony is making behind the scenes! She’s incredible at her skill and precision in creating paper bridal bouquets that look absolutely breathtaking. With custom colors and sizes available, you can save money on a traditional wedding bouquet and, as the bride, carry something different down the aisle instead.

Paper Bouquet

This paper bouquet is a great alternative to traditional wedding bouquets. Since these blooms are made from paper, you’ll never have to worry about wilting. And throwing it out like you would fresh flowers a week later? Nope! These blooms will look lovely forever. By Paper and Peony.

This next bouquet is made from hymnal sheet music paper. It is handmade by PapersBloom.

And finally, these last paper flower bouquets are made of paper from a recycled copy of Pride and Prejudice. This type of bridal bouquet alternative can be made from other books, too. Harry Potter is a popular choice. Great for lovers of literature or a book themed wedding. :) By Diddlebug.

If the shop listed above is not available, try LiteraryBouquets as an alternative, shown below. It’s lovely, too!

This dyed paper rose bouquet is the creative twist some brides are looking for, especially with the cool colors added to coordinate with your wedding. By MyCreationsWorkshop.

And who can resist a sola flower and paper bouquet, all-in-one? This non-traditional bridal bouquet design Etsy shop owner PineandPetalWeddings creates is breathtaking!

Clay

This handmade bouquet is made of clay, can you believe it? It looks so real! By ClayBouquetShop.

Pampas Grass

Love pampas grass? So do we! You can get pampas grass to carry down the aisle instead of flowers on this hoop by InnocentChaos.

Another favorite: this pampas grass bouquet with dried flowers. By EmeraldRabbitStore.

Or carry individual stems of pampas grass, like these by BlackSeaEyes.

Winter Wedding Bouquet Alternatives

If you’re planning a winter wedding and you’re not the traditional flower-holding kind of bride, what can you carry down the aisle instead of flowers? That’s easy: this dried forest bouquet with a cinnamon aroma. It is made with pine cones, white reindeer moss that looks like wintry snow, faux red berries, and natural green moss. It is finished with natural rope and fits in perfectly with a boho, woodland, or rustic themed wedding. By RIGHTwayCreations.

This eucalyptus and pine cone arrangement by WhichGoose makes a fantastic bouquet alternative.

Feathers

As another bouquet alternative for winter weddings, try feathers! These feathers make a unique option, especially for Great Gatsby / 1920’s Art Deco weddings! By BlueSkyHorizons.

You can choose feathers in bold colors, too, like these by Darlas Blooms.

Or this one by HappyFeatherAfter.

Hexagon Wreath

Want a flower fill-in that looks incredible at a modern or geometric themed wedding? Look no further than this hoop wreath alternative. By Bramblesky. Photo by Jane Beadnell Photography.

Hoop Wreath

This hoop wreath is a fantastic modern or boho bridal bouquet alternative. These are perfect to carry down the aisle instead of flowers for the bride and bridesmaids. By BeautifullyWildTx.

Also loving these fall wedding bouquet alternatives made with rich burgundy and greenery! By FourGenerationsCo.

Lantern

One of my favorite things for the bride to carry instead of a bouquet is a lantern! Candle-filled lanterns make beautiful bridesmaid bouquet alternatives, too. Everyone can carry them down the aisle — especially lovely for a night wedding! — and place them at the altar, chuppah, or where you’ll be reciting your vows. By OpenVintageShutters.

Brooch Bouquet

Carry sparkly crystals and brooches down the aisle as an alternative to flowers! This bouquet is incredible. By ImportantDay.

Origami

Origami bouquet alternatives are a fresh fill-in for flowers. These are custom-made in your wedding colors. By 3DOrigamiArtStudio.

Dried Wreath

This dried wreath is small and easy to carry down the aisle instead of flowers. It looks lovely; made of grapevine with dried floral accents. By LindenFlowers.

Clutch Purse

Instead of carrying flowers down the aisle, carry a clutch purse instead! Clutch purses are my favorite wedding bouquet alternatives, for the bride and her bridesmaids. In addition to saving money by skipping bouquets, you are also giving a functional gift they can actually use for years to come. Clutches like these make a beautiful bridesmaid gift! In fact, these clutches by ANGEE W. can even have a photo printed on the inside liner!

Here’s another simple, yet elegant, bridal clutch purse to carry as a wedding bouquet alternative. By ANGEE W.

Here’s an example of the bridesmaid clutches with photos inside (also by ANGEE W.) You can get these in any color.

With a clutch purse as gorgeous as any of these, we don’t think you’ll mind using it as a wedding bouquet substitute. These next clutches are by CloeNoel.

Pashminas

Instead of carrying flowers down the aisle, bridesmaids can carry a pashmina instead. In this example, bridesmaids are wearing a pashmina and holding a bouquet; however, you could drape the wrap lower on the shoulders instead and forego the flowers completely. With bright colors like these, no one will notice — and bridesmaids will love the added warmth in fall and winter. There are many colors available to coordinate with your wedding. By YadiMercier.

Where to Buy Alternatives to Wedding Bouquets

Want to buy a bridal bouquet alternative shown here? Simply click on the photo of the item or link underneath it to shop.

In conclusion, we hope you enjoyed these other things to carry down the aisle! And if you’re wondering what bridesmaids carry down the aisle, the answer is this: anything! It really depends on what YOU want them to carry. If you’d rather not spend a large portion of your budget on bouquets, skip them and choose one of these bridesmaid bouquet alternatives instead!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma