27 Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives for a Unique Twist

Members of a Wedding Party and Bride With Flower Baskets, a Bridesmaids Bouquet Alternative — Photo by Camera Shi Photography

While your wedding is a celebration of you and your partner's love—and your commitment to one another—it's also a moment to recognize those who have supported you as a couple. Regardless of whether you opt to have two or 12 bridesmaids, having some of your most beloved friends and family members stand beside you as you say "I do" is a sentimental moment. However, while this tradition has endured the test of time, some aspects of it have changed. Nowadays, many brides now opt to have their bridesmaids wear mismatched dresses or even select their own gown, rather than adhere to a uniformed matched look. However, you can also depart from the norm when it comes to your loved ones' flowers, opting for a bridesmaid bouquet alternative.

As your bridesmaids walk down the aisle ahead of you, you may want them to carry something other than a bouquet of flowers. Maybe you ask them to carry a book that played an important part in your friendship or have them hold a bundle of herbs to lean further into your rustic-inspired aesthetic. You may even ask them to forgo the bouquet altogether. However, if you're searching for inspiration on what to have your loved ones hold as they make their way through your ceremony space, we've got you covered.

Below, find 27 bridesmaid bouquet alternatives to inspire your big-day planning.

01 of 27

Opt for Parasols

Bride and Her Bridesmaids Carry Parasols, an Alternative to a Bridesmaid Bouquet — Photo by 515 Photo Co

At this bride’s Caribbean nuptials, she and her bridesmaids held delicate parasols, lending a Victorian-inspired look to her "black-tie and sneakers" tropical wedding. We love how the white umbrellas paired perfectly with the group’s sleek dresses—and the simple bouquets.

02 of 27

Select a Multicolored Array of Ribbons

Bride and Bridesmaids With Untraditional Multicolored Bouquets — Photo by Nirav Patel Photography

Even if you do want to integrate some florals into your bridesmaid bouquets, we love how this bride tied a unique ribbon to each bundle. The nature-inspired colors helped accentuate the out-of-the-box florals from Ampersand—and transformed each bouquet into its own work of art.

03 of 27

Grab a Basket—or Two

Bridesmaids Holding Flower Baskets Next to Bride — Photo by Camera Shi Photography

Flower girls aren’t the only ones who can walk down the aisle with baskets in hand. We love how this bride opted to have each of her loved ones carry their petals by a straw handle instead of by the stem. This bridesmaid bouquet alternative is the perfect way to integrate a rustic and storybook-inspired touch into any big day.

04 of 27

Pay Homage to Your Destination

Bridesmaid Holding Bouquets Next to Bride — Photo by Keani Bakula

At this bride’s big day in Hawaii, she steered clear of the traditional bridesmaid bouquet, opting instead to have her chosen members of the wedding party carry dried palm leaves. The tropical touch created by Mei Day added an interesting—and stunning—design to their walk down the aisle.

05 of 27

Slip on Some Sunglasses

Bridesmaids Wear Sunglasses Next to Bride — Photo by Sacia Matthews

Lean into the cool girl aesthetic with some glamorous sunglasses. We love how this bride handed each of her bridesmaids a pair for her nuptials in the Berkshires. Even in the indoor environment, the accessory gives each woman a movie-star glow.

06 of 27

Add a Touch of Your Culture

Bridesmaids Hold Paper Fans With Bride — Photo by Oliver Fly

During this bride’s nuptials in Lake Como, she paid homage to her Chinese heritage with touches of red throughout her welcome party, ceremony, and reception. Her untraditional bridesmaid bouquets was no exception: She handed each woman in her wedding party a traditional Chinese fan, creating a stunning photo—and a cultural moment.

07 of 27

Weave Floral Crowns

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

Skip the traditional bouquets and opt for floral crowns instead, leaning into a garden-inspired aesthetic.Include both flower crowns and dainty bouquets, like this group did by featuring plenty of charming baby’s breath, for a flower-forward look.

08 of 27

Flaunt Filler Flowers

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

Oftentimes, filler flowers don't get the credit they deserve. We love the whimsical look of a bouquet exclusively comprised of baby's breath, like this bride did for her . ethereal wedding in Philadelphia.

09 of 27

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 romantic decadence at this couple's rooftop wedding in San Francisco.

10 of 27

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. In addition to being beautiful, they're also a symbol of good luck—like they were at this magical Virginia farm wedding.

11 of 27

Honor Herbs

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

Humble florals will always have our hearts. Whether it's bursts of rosemary or sections of sage, an herb-filled bouquet always makes a stunning statement, While the rose and olive branch bouquets are enchanting, the little chamomile cameos truly stole the show at the moody garden wedding in Connecticut.

12 of 27

Go for Greenery

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

Love the 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.

13 of 27

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.

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

14 of 27

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.

15 of 27

Trade for Tropical Leaves

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

Whether you're hosting a formal reception or a casual beachside bash, look to plants native to your 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.

16 of 27

Take On Texture

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

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

17 of 27

Look to Long Stems

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

Rethink the traditional 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 also be great options.

18 of 27

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? This gorgeous floral cuff made by Amy Nicole Floral is comprised of dried flowers for a beautiful bohemian-inspired vibe. Consider incorporating fresh blooms or dried grasses and dainty flowers for plenty of texture to match your wedding's aesthetic.

19 of 27

Make Them Mismatched

Bridesmaids with mismatched bouquets — PHOTO BY CHARLA STOREY

Nix the notion of coordinated bouquets and truly switch it up with mismatched bouquets. Curate a mix-and-match option with each bridal party member carrying their own personalized bundle.

20 of 27

Hold a Hoop

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

Finding the right fit for your bridal party comes down to the aesthetic of your wedding. However, a hoop bouquet can be the perfect complement to any theme. Consider metallic options, wooden hoops, or even acrylic.

21 of 27

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 intense–beautiful–contrast.

22 of 27

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.

23 of 27

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 still be able save on floral expenses. You can also consider renting the bouquets instead of purchasing them.

24 of 27

Play With Veggies

Bridesmaid holding vegetable bouquet — PHOTO BY TAMMY HORTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Planning a farm wedding or a rustic, fall reception? Consider turning to local vegetables as a fun choice for a bridesmaid bouquet alternative. Colorful options, such as purple asparagus, carrots, and radish, make a statement that's bound to leave a lasting impression.

25 of 27

Opt for Minimalism

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

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

26 of 27

Bundle Lavender

brides holding lavender bouquets — PHOTO BY MACKENZIE NEVILLE

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

27 of 27

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