23 Unique Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives

bride in white and bridesmaids in colorful dresses carrying white parasols in the desert — photo by Michelle Scott

On your wedding day, your bridesmaids will be there every step of the way. This group of friends and family members are truly thrilled to be by your side throughout your celebration. But with choosing your bridesmaids also comes the choice of what each member of your wedding party will wear, as well as what each bridesmaid will carry as they make their journey down the aisle.

Traditionally, bouquets of mixture of colorful blooms have been key to completing the bridal party ensemble. And while coordinated floral bouquets are absolutely stunning, you may be looking for something a little different. Luckily, there are plenty of other options. From choosing a different shape to including a variety of materials, or even forgoing a bouquet altogether, an alternative may be the perfect fit to complete your aesthetic.

Below, find 23 bridesmaid bouquet alternatives to inspire your big-day planning.

01 of 23

Weave Floral Crowns

bride with bridesmaids in mismatched dresses wearing floral crowns of baby's breath — Photo by Karen Hill

Skip bouquets and go with floral crowns instead. Talk about the perfect fit for a garden party! Another option? Include both flower crowns and dainty bouquets, like this group did by featuring plenty of charming baby’s breath.

02 of 23

Flaunt Filler Flowers

Bride laughing with bridesmaids holding dramatic bouquets of baby's breath — Photo by Magi Fisher

Speaking of baby's breath, why not go all out with the charming buds? While these flowers were once only considered suitable as bouquet fillers, we love the whimsical look of an all baby's breath bouquet. Don't take our word for it, check out the darling results at this dreamy wedding in Philadelphia.

03 of 23

Wax Poetic

Bride laughing with bridesmaids in black dresses each holding a single rose — Photo by Christina McNeill

Drama isn't always all about going big. If the black dresses weren't cinematic enough, the single roses wrapped in ribbon certainly brought out all sorts of romantic decadence at this rooftop wedding in San Francisco.

04 of 23

Feature Feathers

Bridesmaid in sequin dress holding posy of roses and peacock feathers — Photo by Kate Headley

Birds of a feather certainly do flock together. Tuck a few poignant feathers into posies for your own flock to carry down the aisle. Not only are they beautiful, they're a symbol of good luck as was the case at this magical Virginia farm wedding.

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Honor Herbs

Bride holding bouquet of chamomile, roses, and olive leaves — Photo by BelathÃ©e Photography

Humble florals will forever have our hearts. Whether it's bursts of rosemary or sections of sage, an herbacious bouquet is like the lovable wild child of the wedding flower space. These rose and olive branch bouquets are enchanting, but it's those sweet little chamomile cameos that really sealed the deal at the moody garden wedding in Connecticut.

06 of 23

Go for Greenery

Bridesmaids in black dresses with all greenery bouquets — Photo by Catherine Guidry

Love the lush look of a bouquet but don’t want to feature flowers? An arrangement of greenery will create the same feel. Work with your florist to put together bundles of gorgeous greenery including eucalyptus, olive branches, ferns, and more for a natural, textured option.

07 of 23

Add Anthurium

Bridesmaids in orange dresses with anthurium bouquets — Photo by A Heart String

Skip flowers altogether and play with plants. Anthurium is a flowering plant that gives off a tropical-meets-modern feel. Plan for your bridesmaids to carry a single stem in a coordinating color for a lovely look.

08 of 23

Bring a Book

Bridesmaids in black dresses carrying books instead of traditional bouquets — Photo by Treebird Photography

If you love a great read, honor that passion by introducing it into your big day. One bride and her bridal party carried beautifully bound books down the aisle as a truly distinctive option.

Consider opting for the same novel for each bridesmaid, or have them select their favorite book to make it more personal.

09 of 23

Parade With Parasols

bridesmaids in mismatched dresses carrying parasols instead of traditional bouquets — Photo by Michelle Scott

No flowers, no problem. Simple parasols are not only incredibly photogenic, they're also quite practical for those sunny, summer wedding festivities. This is a stunning choice if you’re planning a desert-inspired, boho, or even mid-century modern wedding.

10 of 23

Consider Corsages

bride and bridesmaids in white jumpsuits wearing corsages instead of traditional bouquets — Photo by Love is Rad

While these may bring back memories of high school dances, they're certainly not the same. We love the sophisticated look of a chic corsage with plenty of greenery on each bridesmaid’s arm.

11 of 23

Trade for Tropical Leaves

bridesmaids in white dresses holding tropical single stem bouquets with large leaves — Photo by Jana Williams

Whether it's a formal reception or a casual beachside bash, look to plants native to the locale. Large palm or monstera leaves can serve as a stunning alternative to a traditional bouquet. These particular posies featured king protea for added interest.

12 of 23

Take On Texture

bride and bridesmaids in pink dresses holding textured pink bouquets — Photo by Aaron Delesie

Texture, texture, and more texture! Astilbe is a flowering plant that can be found in beautiful hues such as white, pink, red, and lavender. Opt for bunches of this plant instead of a bouquet for a romantic-meets-whimsical choice.

13 of 23

Look to Long Stems

Bride with bridesmaids in rust-hued dresses with long stem calla lillies — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

Rethink the traditional fluffy bouquet structure and go for sleek, long-stemmed options instead. These bridesmaids carried small sets of calla lilies for a dramatic alternative. Long-stemmed delphinium, roses, snapdragons, and lupine would be a stunning option as well.

14 of 23

Wear a Floral Cuff

Dried floral cuff on arm — Photo by Elizabeth Wells; Floral Design by Amy Nicole Floral

Who said bridesmaids had to carry their bouquets, anyway? This gorgeous floral cuff is made up of dried flowers for a beautiful boho vibe. Consider incorporating fresh blooms or include dried grasses and dainty flowers for plenty of texture to match your wedding's aesthetic.

15 of 23

Make Them Mismatched

Bridesmaids with mismatched bouquets — PHOTO BY CHARLA STOREY

What if each bridesmaid has their own distinct ensemble? Nix the notion of coordinated bouquets and truly switch it up. Curate a mix-and-match option with each bridal party member carrying an alternative like dried grass or greenery for a natural look.

16 of 23

Hold a Hoop

bridesmaids with henna holding a hoop bouquet — PHOTO BY FLORA & FAUNA

Finding the right fit for your bridal party all comes down to the overall theme of the wedding. A hoop bouquet can be the perfect complement to any theme. Better yet? You can find metallic options, wooden hoops, or even acrylic.

17 of 23

Pair Fresh and Dried Blooms

Bride with Bridesmaids in black dresses with fresh and dried bouquets — PHOTO BY IVASH STUDIO

Can't decide between a traditional fresh flower bouquet and dried blooms? You don't have to. Mix the two together for an interesting alternative to the norm. Play with matching colors or go for opposite hues for an intensely beautiful contrast.

18 of 23

Switch Up Structure

Woman in white dress holding a Hanging floral bouquet — PHOTO BY NICOLE LEV; Floral DESIGN BY TUMBLEWEED FLORAL DESIGN

Build a hanging bouquet for a different visual effect. Choose a base at the top, such as driftwood for a boho beach wedding or even a gold bar for a modern party. Incorporate dangling dried or fresh flowers along with grasses for a flowing feel.

19 of 23

Select Silk

Bridesmaid in blue dress holding silk flower bouquet — Courtesy of Something Borrowed Blooms

If you're reluctant to stray too far from tradition, silk flowers may offer just the right amount of deviation from what's expected. These silk blooms look just like the real thing, but you’ll be able to save on floral expenses at the same time. Plus, you can even consider renting the bouquets instead of purchasing them.

20 of 23

Play With Veggies

Bridesmaid holding vegetable bouquet — PHOTO BY TAMMY HORTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Planning a farm wedding? A rustic, fall reception? Explore the possibility of using local vegetables as a fun choice. Colorful options such as purple asparagus, carrots, and radish make a statement that's bound to leave a lasting impression.

21 of 23

Opt for Minimalism

bride with bridesmaids in champagne dresses — Photo by Danilo and Sharon

If you want to break tradition altogether, skip bouquets or any other alternative entirely. Your bridesmaids might even be thrilled to walk down the aisle without having to worry about anything in their hands.

22 of 23

Bundle Lavender

brides holding lavender bouquets — PHOTO BY MACKENZIE NEVILLE

For a more aromatic approach, dried lavender is not only stunning, but provides the most incredible, calming fragrance to enjoy. Assemble a simple bunch of lavender and other textured pieces for an effortless wildflower look.

23 of 23

Create a Drape

Bridesmaids in white holding bouquets of roses, thistles, and cascading amaranthus flowers — Photo by Courtney Simpson Photography

While most floral bouquets are arranged in a neat, somewhat rounded shape, we love the rich effect of a draped display. Cascading bouquets offer a completely different look and feel than the usual creation. This enchanted garden wedding in New Jersey totally transformed the rose-and-thistle mixes with the addition of a noteworthy drama queen: hanging amaranthus.

Everything You Need To Know About the Bridal Bouquet