I’m getting married in September and am thinking about not carrying anything (flowers, etc) when walking down the aisle. I love flowers, but I don’t really feel like having something that I will only hold for about 10 minutes. What are your thoughts? Has anyone else done the same? -Rebecca

I’ve seen plenty of instances where folks replace flowers with something else — like Jesse’s bridesmaids carrying candles. Some brides walk with a book in their hand (usually the bible, but could just as well be the karma sutra), framed photographs, or other family heirlooms. Apple Bride has some great bouquet alternative ideas like a parasol, fan, muff (heh), or sparklers — but that’s not what you’re really asking about, right? You want to walk down the aisle without a prop at all, yes?

I think it would be deeply romantic to walk down the aisle holding only the hand of your beloved. The two of you could enter separately, meet and clasp hands, and then walk toward the officiant together hand-in-hand. Very simple, very romantic, and no bouquet or other props involved.