One of the first questions brides are asked when they announce that they are planning their wedding is "What kind of flowers are you going to have?" While fresh flower wedding bouquets are beautiful, they can also be expensive, and selection can be limited during certain seasons. As well, some brides have concerns with allergies, or they just don't like real flowers. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available for brides looking for non-floral bouquets.
Artificial Bouquets
If the issue is allergies or the cost of real flowers, many brides choose artificial bouquets. These can be high-quality silk flowers that are extremely realistic looking, or more whimsical representational flowers , such as flowers made of felt and buttons, or origami flowers.Many types of silk bridal flowers are available at craft and hobby stores, as well as online. Fabric and paper flowers can be hand made, either by the bride or an artisan. Flowers may be crocheted, fashioned out of fabric, ribbon, or even wood and clay!
Parasols
Parasols are a sweet and chic bridal party accessory for a summer wedding. They are available in an array of colors that will suit any wedding color scheme, and can offer adorable photo opportunities.
Lanterns
Lanterns can be a beautiful alternative to bouquets, especially at an evening or sunset wedding ceremony. They are quite inexpensive, and often available in several styles at stores with a home decor or garden section. The lanterns can be illuminated with real or battery-operated tea lights. They can also serve double duty as decoration for the head table at the reception.
Wedding Bible
Many brides choose to carry a treasured family bible or a bride's bible down the aisle. A bride's bible often includes several commemorative pages to commemorate the day, and can become a treasured heirloom to be passed down the the couple's children. Many brides who carry a wedding bible also carry a rosary down the aisle.
Book
Brides having a civil ceremony, or who don't wish to carry a religious book down the aisle often choose to carry another meaningful book with them-- perhaps a book of love poems, or a novel that has special meaning to the bride and groom.
Candy
Candy bouquets are a fun and quirky alternative to traditional flowers. A candy bouquet can be assembled as simply as gathering up lollipops in the bride's wedding colours, or it can be more complex, using flowers constructed out of prepackaged candy. Imaginative brides with a sweet tooth will appreciate this alternative!
Although traditionally the bridal party carries flowers down the aisle, there are no rules that say it must be so. Many brides are using their imaginations and getting creative with their bouquets, ensuring that their bridal and wedding party bouquets will reflect who they are, and will have special significance for them.
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