Today’s brides are leaving behind the traditional flower garlands, backdrops, and table arrangement centerpieces (some are even making them themselves!)
Bridesmaids and the bride today are going towards modern and smart economical substitutes that is gaining popularity!
There is no need to splurge on rare blooms to have an elegant wedding.
There are many options that are natural, and wedding flower alternatives that can create a similar or even more beautiful day for you.
Expect? You may feel better knowing that these eco-friendly substitutes are both good for the environment and low-cost, no special transport costs.
Why do brides carry flowers at weddings?
Flowers for brides are a gorgeous accessory.
Flowers communicate, because various kinds of flowers communicate various meanings.
A wedding is a celebration, and communicates positive messages.
The bride’s intentions is to communicate happiness, satisfaction, the feeling of proud, on their wedding day.
Flowers are pretty because they liven up a room, but the tradition of flowers as part of the wedding bouquet goes back for thousands of years.
Ancient Romans instigated this custom. Flowers in weddings signify the following:
- Fertility.
- Loyalty.
- A new beginning.
Flowers represented love, and exuded love, that marks the lasting custom of a loving gift during the wedding ceremony.
However, this was not the only reason to use flowers – today’s bride is modern and environmentally friendly and cost sensitive.
The bride wants their wedding day to be a nontraditional, unique event.
Although flowers are still the popular choice for brides, there have been non-flower alternatives for wedding decor.
Spending money, on flowers for a few hours, is impractical.
Can you do a wedding without flowers?
You can still have a lovely wedding celebration without flowers.
A wedding that is free of flowers is a modern and personal choice.
Although a majority of wedding decoration that is flower-free is unconventional, there might a necessity to consider some of your guests have pollen allergies.
Brides that are not particularly “flower-people” might also find that their wedding celebrations could be decorated in a beautiful way using “friendlier” substitutes for flowers.
Creative guarantees a totally customized experience specific to individual wedding locations and seasons.
In addition, DIY substitutes for flowers can save money, even if you have to purchase items, you will be able to re-use the substitutes in other events in the future.
Also, the beauty of these decorations is that they can be moved quickly to the reception area using the same decorations that were used to adorn the aisle as well. When substituted for flowers, the decorations are less prone to damage.
A Few “Always Good Idea”: Balloons, candles, jars, fruits, place cards, and lamps are a few ideas for wedding aisle setup and reception area decorations.
What can I use instead of a flower bouquet?
For those brides who are not a fan of flowers, or simply looking to save shouldn’t buy fresh flowers, these bouquet alternatives could be the route to take.
Lamps and Lanterns
If you’re thinking of having an outdoor wedding that will be happening in the evening or indoors, bringing a vintage lantern down the aisle is a lovely touch.
Balloons
Balloons in custom colors and personalization/style are now available for all occasions.
Consider custom making a few balloons with a romantic message or design to carry down the aisle.
This is a very clever idea for a crafty bride with a sense of humor.
White Fur Muffs
Whenever winter hits, a wedding can be a cold one, and what better way to heat up the bride and room than a period muff piece.
With this cozy bouquet alternative, you will feel like a queen!
Clutch Purse
Don your bridal clutch purse for a creative and quirky look.
Say farewell to a conventional flower bouquet and grab this cute bag that can be used for storing your lip gloss for a quick touch-up!
Garlands
You can make or purchase an elegant armband for a garden wedding.
An armband lets your hands be free for grabbing the groom’s hand or greeting guests, unlike when you hold a bouquet during the ceremony.
Classic Fans
During hot summer wedding days, brides with simple weddings can use a vintage fan as a bouquet.
Not only does it make for a great and unique accessory, but the best part is that you can use the fan to cool yourself off and get some much-needed air flow around your face.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are not only great for holding flowers for centerpieces and cocktails.
They can also be a classy substitute of the expected bouquet.
Engrave it with a personal message and then add a colorful ribbon to match your dress!
Origami Flowers
Pomanders made from paper in various colors and textures create amazing bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids.
You can fold paper into any flower shape you like.
Fresh fruit and herbs
A garden-fresh bouquet is a representation of the plant’s nutritional components. Flowers, artichokes, berries, rosemary bunches, etc.
Parasols
These basques are perfect to use outside on a hot summer wedding day for the brides and bridesmaids walking down the aisle.
They serve as lovely props for photographs, and if hung indoors, can also be used to decorate venues.
How can you make a bouquet eco-friendly?
You can support the environment and be green by purchasing your flowers locally for your bouquet.
By purchasing your flowers from a nearby farm, you will save time and money.
You will not have to be concerned about the freshness of your flowers on your special day; they can be delivered the same day.
You might remind your florist to consider a vase for delivery because the plastic is not good for the environment.
Works Well – Paper wrappers are great, as they come in beautiful colors. Alternatively, make them recyclable flowers that make a wonderful bouquet.
What flowers should you not use in a wedding bouquet?
Stay away from flowers with strong scents that may cause a reaction to the bride or any guest who has a pollen allergy.
Pods are placed somewhat close to the body/face, so it’s best to keep that in mind.
Be sure to let your florist and wedding decorator know what you like ahead of time.
There are hundreds of varieties of flowers that would be perfect for a bridal bouquet.
However, many of our favorite flowers will have a negative physical impact on people if they are not handled properly!
Here is a short list of flowers to avoid:
- Certain flowers, including hydrangeas, wilting is normal. You don’t want to have a dead bouquet on your wedding day.
- All calla lilies are poisonous if eaten. If there are going to be little ones in your party, keep them away from the flowers, or simply don’t have them as a bouquet.
- Many daffodils will irritate your skin, so if they are in the bouquets and you touch them and rashes develop, you won’t want that on your wedding day. These popular spring flowers do look nice as centerpieces or arrangements at your venue.
- Chrysanthemums, commonly called mums, will release a lot of pollen. For an indoor wedding, avoid mums altogether. Pollen allergies may plague your guests.
- Peonies are pricey, and they don’t hold up well, although brides all over the world still want them. The best use of peonies is for a centerpiece instead of in the bouquets.
- Poppies are colorful, cheerful flowers, but they stain wedding dresses and are toxic when eaten.
- Hemlock is a beautifully clustered white flower in bloom in midsummer. Hemlock is deadly if oil of the flower comes in contact with skin or is eaten as well.
- Belladonna is a dangerously toxic flower that also has a lovely color with a sweet fragrance. Belladonna effects include respiratory failure.
- Sweet pea flowers are butterfly-shaped blooms that are available in white, blue, lavender, red, and pink. They bloom in late spring and early summer and are toxic.
List of alternative organic flower arrangements for wedding display and bouquets
For brides that are conscious about the environment and money, there are tons of alternatives to flowers for wedding displays and bouquets.
Flowers are glamorous and high-end, but also have a high price tag.
Paper flowers
Paper flowers are long-lasting and environmentally friendly. You can use printed or solid colored paper designs to decorate both the aisle and area of the reception.
In addition to being affordable, paper flowers can also be made into adorable environmentally sustainable bouquets.
Wood flowers
Wood blooms may not have the scent and feel of real blooms, but they look beautiful and will not wither.
They also come in every color imaginable, meaning you can save money and fit your desired color.
Fabric flowers
Fabric makes a beautiful biodegradable flower alternative for all seasons.
Fabric flowers come in a variety of shades and textures. You can select a flower made from silk, chiffon, wool, lace, or felt.
Succulents
Choosing succulents as wedding centerpieces is a low-maintenance, eye-catching way to substitute fresh and organic wedding flowers.
Succulents can be a darling plus sleek centerpieces.
Feel free to choose both green varieties for subtle elegance – as well as bright, eye-catching varieties, so guests will be engaged with both the table arrangement and the venue, as a whole.
Green plants
Foliage and lush green plants offer a perfectly modern approach for indoor or beach wedding flower arrangements.
These budget friendly gems are true all season as they bring nature, shade, and life into the space.
Potted plants
To create a vibrant, fragrant, and green appeal at your ceremony, plant lovers can easily incorporate potted plants into the décor for their wedding space.
You are able to save money on décor in the process, and you or guests can bring the plants home after the wedding.
Be sure to include interesting shapes, heights, and types to evoke a comfortable feeling of summer in the space.
Faux flowers
Artificial flowers are affordable, easy to clean and convenient to store.
Choose the best quality faux flowers and get creative with how you arrange them on the reception tables and around the room.
Faux flowers also make fun but stylish bouquets.
Wildflowers
For an easy summer or spring wedding, wildflowers can be easily picked from your garden or even from fields in your vicinity.
The décor team can create a matching bouquet and crown for you and your bridesmaids.
You could also place wildflowers with herbs and shades of green to create centerpieces that are unique!
Dried flowers
Dried bouquets are becoming popular for contemporary brides looking for a minimalist yet sophisticated wedding.
The blooms come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant pinks to deep yellows, that will match just about any wedding outfit.
Choose a color for your wedding theme so you coordinate everything from the little bouquet, centerpieces, aisle, and tables.
Seasonal locally sourced flowers
Instead of shipping in rare and pricey flowers for your wedding, use some of that wedding money to order your flowers from local farms near you.
The flowers will arrive to your wedding venue fresh and green, and you can expect an abundance of pesticide free flowers.
Use flowers that are in season, they should be in the best condition.
Unique craft bouquets
Artistic and free-spirited brides are looking beyond the ordinary for organic wedding flower options.
They are even making them out of edible things like candy and bunches of grapes.
Some are even made from unique items like feathers, brooches, crocheted flowers, and buttons in varying sizes and colors. All of which is perfect for boho-chic style weddings.
Conclusion
Most brides have a vision of their perfect wedding from their childhood.
It includes lots of exotic and specialty flowers imported across the world to make their decorations unique.
And a beautiful, delicate, one-time seasonal bouquet to carry while they walk down the aisle.
The reality is the cost to do so is crazy and it’s taken a toll on our environment.
The good news is that there are just as beautiful alternatives to your organic wedding flowers which are eco-friendly and practical! Sarah Santizo gives you some options to think about for your perfect day!