On the fence about wedding flowers for bridesmaids? If you’re not sure if bridesmaids have to have bouquets, we’ll help you answer the question! Follow along and subscribe now for the latest to your inbox.
Ah, here’s a good question: do my bridesmaids have to have bouquets? The short answer is: no.
If you are a bride who is planning on a budget, or simply do not want to spend a lot of money on flowers, one option is to cut bridesmaid bouquets from the equation.
Before you do so, though, consider an alternative and still give them something to hold onto down the aisle.
Bridesmaids should still carry something in their hands while they walk down the aisle, or it may be awkward. Surprisingly, the bouquet makes it easy to keep one’s back straight and stand up straight, walking more formally down the aisle and looking great for photos.
Therefore, instead of feeling the need to have bridesmaid bouquets, consider one of the following alternatives.
Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives
Instead of flowers, your bridesmaids can carry:
Bridesmaid Clutch Purse
A nice clutch, purse, or bag is a great thing to carry instead. These are personally the next best thing to a flower — check out how cute these are! By Eclu.
Lantern
A lightweight lantern with an LED candle inside is a nice option, especially for nighttime or evening weddings.
Pashmina
She can drape a pashmina around her shoulders as a nice alternative to carrying a bouquet. This is ideal for fall and winter months and costs substantially less than bouquets (see these cheap pashminas as an example).
Dried Botanicals
This is similar to a bouquet, but more cost-effective (and unique!) Consider an arrangement of dried botanicals, pampas grass, dried lavender, etc. instead of bouquets.
Stack of Books
Get thematic: if you’re planning a literary-themed wedding, consider a book or small stack of books for bridesmaids to carry. A bit unique, sure — but a great way to tie in the theme if you’re not gaga over blooms.
Wear a Corsage
Wearing a corsage is a beautiful thing for bridesmaids to have vs. bouquets of flowers. You can get stunning handmade ones by Serenity:
And there’s your answer!
TL;DR
So, to recap: do bridesmaids have to carry flowers? No! You’ll still get married even if bridesmaids aren’t carrying lush bouquets of fresh flower blooms. ;)
Feel free to get creative and choose your own favorite “thing” for your bridal party attendants to carry instead.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
