# Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/lifestyle/weddings/alternatives-to-the-bridal-bouquet/
- Published: 2014-08-28T20:00:29+10:00
- Author: The Bowl

The bridal bouquet is just one of the many things involved when planning a wedding
and as a bride just 9 months ago myself, the buzz of choosing the style and flowers
is still very fresh. Did my flowers suit my theme, was the style traditional enough
but still ooze my personality?

The origin of the bridal bouquet tradition is a little hazy, but it was initially
thought that women carried a bouquet for the scent; masking any possible odour so
they smelt beautiful on their special day. Another possible reason was to scare 
off evil spirits, these bouquets made up of strong smelling herbs and sometimes 
even garlic for the vampires!

The custom has evolved over the years with many brides straying from tradition and
creating a more personal, alternate bouquet for their wedding day. Check out some
of these ideas, they’re clever, have character and are simply stunning. Not to mention
they can save you a huge chunk of your wedding budget!

**DIY Paper Flowers**
 Flower bouquets can be costly so what better way to cut costs
then by making your bouquet yourself! Whether you choose newspaper, crepe paper,
plain paper, they can look as good, if not better than the real thing. You don’t
have to wait for flowers to be in season, you won’t risk allergic reactions, and
there are heaps of tutorials online to assist you in getting them matrimonially 
perfect. They look stunning and last, almost, forever.

**Buttons**
 These can be quite time consuming but with a little love and a lot 
of patience, button bouquets look amazingly clever and quirky. So many relatives
have buckets of buttons (my nanna did!) so express your interest early and get collecting.
If you don’t have the time, pre-made bouquets are available online for purchase.

**Brooches**
 Oh. My. Gosh. Talk about stunning! For the vintage beauties out there,
brooch bouquets ooze elegance. They can however be costly unless you’re already 
a brooch collector so get the family involved and search far and wide for beautiful
pieces. This would work perfectly for your something old and something blue”�

**Feathers**
 Always a wedding decoration favourite, feathers are cheap, fluffy 
and come in many colours and sizes. Feathers are a wonderful thrifty alternative
with DIY places like Lincraft and Spotlight carrying a great range of materials.
Adding things like diamantes and ribbon can add a bit of extra elegance if that’s
more your style, otherwise, feather it up for some photo fun!

**Lollipops**
 What a way to make your day sweet and tasty! A bundle of large, swirly
lollipops creates a colourful and quirky feeling for guests. Most distributors can
make these to order so the colours can tie in with your theme or bridesmaids dresses.
Best part about this idea? You can eat your bouquet afterwards!

Honouralbe mentions go to”�

**Shells**
 For the beach babes, bouquets of shells, starfish, coral and raffia 
look absolutely stunning whilst walking down the sand to your groom. A bit fiddly
to make but with a bit of love, turn out _totally rad man._

**Windmills**
 A little further ‘out there’, large paper windmills add a bit of 
fun, especially for bridesmaids and flower girls. They look great on a breezy day
and if you’re feeling crafty, are relatively easy to make yourself.

**Fabric**
 Dressed up with pearls and lace, fabric bouquets give a vintage country
twist to tradition. Another cost saving alternative to flowers, tulle and ribbon
can add soft touches to an already stunning creation. Just make sure you have a 
little patience!

Did you go for the traditional flower bouquet? Or did you have something different?

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 The Bowl

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