17 wedding bouquet alternatives for fearless brides
I opted to not carry a bouquet; put something, anything, in my hands and watch me awkwardly bend, fold and fondle it into oblivion. Plus, for some strange reason, I didn't feel like spending a load of money for flowers that I was just going throw away at the end of the day. But if I wasn't so fidgety I would have definitely been one of those brides that opted for a bouquet alternative to flowers.
Since Offbeat Bride Kerry started a discussion called "Bouquet Alternatives" on the Offbeat Bride Tribe a wealth of amazing offbeat bouquet porn has been popping up. I thought I'd share a few of the unique and inspiring ideas.
OBT member Zan suggested making this bouquet out of "beautiful, cheap, fashionable feathers" that she'd seen at Hobby Lobby.

Another take on a Hobby Lobby feather creation by OBT member Christina with peacock feathers and paper dollars "that just jumped out at [her]." Well it's a good thing they did because they look awesome together!

OBT member Jennifer opted for a clutch bag. "…a silky/satin one in a pink to match the underskirt of my dress."

Candy bouquets are an incredibly delicious option.

I can't help but notice the "button trend" that's been sweeping the offbeat wedding scene and I also can't help but love it. This awesome bouquet made of vintage buttons and a few leaves of reclaimed leather was made by Etsy seller Lil Fish.

And of course there's always Princess Lasertron's felt-and-button wedding bouquets!

Fans… the ultimate alternative?

I'm a big fan of the origami options, there are just so many cool options.

What about leather flowers for the rocker or S&M bride? Be sure to check out their Fetish Collection "for a different kind of love."

Super-fun sparkly and festive beaded bouquets are like fireworks that you can hold! Or as OBT member Reba Radey said, "Crystally clear glassy vintagey chandeliery glittery BLINGYNESS."

A seashell bouquet found by OBT member Akaisha! "For all your beach wedding needs."

An idea that came from OBT member Rebekah were to use these "Modern Victorian" bags filled with branches and feathers.

How about an eco-friendly alternative to parasols? I love the idea that OBB Kate presented of using these see-through biodegradable umbrellas.

Looking back in the Offbeat Bride archives I found the step by step instructions on How to make a light-up Christmas ornament wedding bouquet, by Naomi & her mom.

I also ran across this post featuring these lovely bouquet alternatives.

Having a winter wedding? Why not carry a muff instead of a bouquet? It's warm and fuzzy and totally practical, plus think about how much fun it would be to toss! [Editor's note from Ariel: plus, you get to make muff jokes non-stop. And who doesn't like muff jokes at a wedding!?]

In my research I've also noted a lot of talk of lantern carrying. I haven't seen this in practice yet, but OBT member Book_Thief provided a picture of a pretty one.

Then there's always the option to not carry anything! There's no rule that a bride has to be holding something, and we are a community of rule breakers, are we not?
And if this post isn't enough for you, make sure to check out the rest of the Offbeat Bride posts that deal with wedding bouquet alternatives for even more ideas.












Margarita said
Gorgeous, gorgeous!! I love the crystal vintage one, I love the feathers and the fan! Anything with a touch a glam is gorgeous!
Lani said
Mmm I like the candy bouquet, and I actually thought of it for my candylicious wedding, but I really love fresh flowers so I went with candy-inspired colours instead.
Plus there was no guarantee that the bouquet would remain intact by the time I made it to the end of the aisle.
De said
I'm not going to be holding anything, no flowers, no nothin'. Apparently this makes me QUITE the rebel and my mother was a bit confused and I think disappointed we wouldn't be arguing over bouquets…lol.
Nikki said
Gorgeous!!!!
Keylimegirl said
Oh man, i love the feather bouquet, but me and my vegetarian ways won't let me have 'em. But, as a result of a Google search for synthetic feathers, here is one source suggested on DeviantArt that I hadn't thought of:
"Pluck a synthetic bird."
alison said
great post with fantastic options!
jx said
really REALLY LOVE the crystals, seashells, buttons and muffs, but I keep thinking that lantern would be awesome with incense in it……
just think, you walk in and the room is filled with your favorite scent!
courtney said
You missed Kara's map bouquet! We were all gushing about it yesterday. http://offbeatbride.ning.com/p…ap-bouquet
I suppose it could fall under origami, but I see it as something separate and unique! She did an amazing job!
Great post!
Arroxane said
Instead of an all-flower bouquet, mine had glittery roses and greenery with lots of silver, gold, and iridescent stars. Went well with our celestial theme.
Amanda Barr said
We're carrying lanterns filled and overflowing with orchids and red roses (I don't trust myself with a candle)
I'll post pictures once I get there (June 6)
amber said
aww, i feel so *sniff* special, haha.
and i think i need a lantern for my dinner party…hmmm *off to think of a way to work lantern carrying into a party that doesn't involve an actual wedding…*
Kelli Ann said
I'm carrying a bouquet of beaded roses. I think that although traditional flowers look pretty, alternative bouquets are so much cooler!
@~>~~
Courtney Lear said
I LOVE the leather roses but those bad boys run about $50 a piece! NOT gonna work with my budget. Time to put my DIY thinking cap on…
Danielle said
Here's a pic of lanterns in use for anyone interested
http://i44.photobucket.com/alb…nterns.jpg
Offbeat Intern said
Hey everyone! I'm so glad you enjoyed my first "big girl intern" post. I loved finding all of your creative ideas.
@De good luck with that. I got SO MUCH crap from all angles bc I wasn't holding a bouquet. meh.
@Courtney damn! I was traveling all day yesterday. I had been checking that discussion religiously until yesterday. Oh well, thanks for posting a link.
@Courtney Lear make sure to post your DIY solution once you come up with it!
@Danielle Thanks for the link! It looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
-Megan
MauryLorraine said
I plan to carry a bouquet of dried wheat, like so: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lZZ7…12_29a.jpg
courtney said
Random story…when my aunt got married in the 70's, her florist never showed up. My grandma improvised and handed my aunt her Bible to carry and saved the day. I'm not religious, but I think it's awesome that my grandma thought of something off the cuff and took away the panic factor for my aunt. That's just how she was. If she were still around, she would think all of our weddings rock. She was offbeat in her time too.
Kara said
Great post! And thanks for the shout-out, courtney!
)
Kara said
Ahhh! I have no eyes! Trying again…
)
Sarah said
Oooooo I like the lanterns idea – the last time I was at Ikea they had adorable metal lanterns in the perfect carrying size with etched glass panels for like… $5! Yay how perfect for a winter wedding! They're totally spray-paintable too.
Here! I Found it…
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/cata…s/26472200
Cat Rocketship said
Feeling that flowers are a waste of money, we decided on crepe paper flowers. They're amazing, and will work as the bouquets, boutineers, and table decor. Hooray!
Alli said
we didn't want flowers or bouquets. i kinda sorta wanted a parisol — but nixed that idea because i just wanted it for photos, vain as i am; and kinda sorta wanted to carry an antique hard-bound book – but didn't want anyone thinking it might be a bible! so we ended up doing the hold-nothing option we liked all along. bonus: holding both your partner's hands in yours and looking her right in the eye at the moment you say your vows.
Kelly said
I love the shells, so clever/creative and what a lovely keepsake after all is said and done (same for the buttons)!
Sandy said
Woo! I guess I'm officially "fearless" now!
I looooove the light-up/tulle, the seashells, and the candy! Oh hell, they're all awesome! Even though I've been married almost a year, I still hang out here because of all the beauty and creativity. Great job, alternative bouquet-ers!
Brandi said
This is a great post. I love all these alternative, they make such fun details!