But why flowers?

Weddings and floral bouquets are actually not as timeless as you may expect. The first floral bouquets began showing up during the Victorian era. Prior to that time period, brides carried herbs like dill to – get this! – increase sexual desire.

Here’s a photo of an early, Victorian-era bouquet:

Floral bouquets came to be seen as a sign of fertility and life. These days they seem to be used more for tradition and beauty than for any greater symbolism.

But just because millions of brides have gotten hitched carrying floral bouquets doesn’t mean you have to! There are many fun alternatives to choose from. Here are a few ideas:

• THE FABULOUS FAN – Looks great and feels great, too! You can even use it as your “something blue”!



• THE CRAFTY BOUQUET – Shells, buttons, felt, origami – if you can make it, you can use it.

• THE FANTASTIC FEATHER BOUQUET – Like birds? Don’t have to! This is cute no matter what.



Don’t limit yourself in the search for a perfect bouquet. Choose one that matches your great personality!

The weather has been so gorgeous lately! I was walking outside the other night and squealed in glee when I saw them: daffodils smiling in the evening light. One of my favorite things about spring is the daffodils – and mostly because I love yellow! If you are planning a springtime wedding, consider choosing a bit of yellow to add some character to your special day.

Check out the yellow flair of this fun couple:

Not only is the yellow adorable and unique, but the heels are versatile enough that this bride can rock them again and again!

Fall Wedding Inspiration Board

A beautiful combination of fall wedding themes. If you’re tying the knot in October, consider incorporating shades of marigold, blue and brown. Antique hydrangeas and stalks of wheat look decidedly country yet elegant, the way a wedding should be. Also consider some non-traditional wedding bouquets like pine cones or leaves.

Inspiration came from this stunning bouquet on TheKnot:

Fall wedding bouquet

The wedding bouquets below may be off the beaten path, but that path is still beautiful. Wheat stalks, wire and old vintage bridal bouquets are just some objects that can be converted into an elegant and surprising wedding touch.

Feather Bouquet

Pine Cone Bouquet

Feather Bouquet

Feather bouquets are absolutely ethereal. Those above are from Emplume. Believe it or not some people are actually allergic to flowers, so these bouquets are a great alternative. Still feminine and stunning. We could see these as great additions to a green wedding with peacock feathers throughout!

Pine Cone Bouquet

Are you having an outdoor and rustic affair? Those pine cones lying out back are ready to be added to your decor. Pine cones give a great woodsy feel to your wedding. Add them in with flowers or carry them alone. The hues of the pine cone include taupe, chocolate brown and even green.

Vintage Jewelry Bouquet

I love the vintage jewelry bridal bouquet. This would be an incredibly cheap option, as you could comb through your local Salvation Army and thrift stores, for fun costume jewelry. You could also incorporate your mother and grandmother’s jewelry that you didn’t want to necessarily wear around your neck. A vintage  jewelry bouquet would be great for a winter wedding in a traditional church. It’s very regal and stately. It’s also a style that indie brides and unconventional brides will love, for its off the cuff nature.

Wheat Stalks Bouquet

The wheat stalks bouquet tugs at my heart strings since I grew up in rural North Dakota. I find the simple wheat stalks with the lavender stalks mixed in absolutely breathtaking. For a hometown, small town wedding this would be beautiful. A wheat wedding bouquet would also be a nice touch for a Summer or Fall wedding which has golds, greens and earth tones incorporated. But as you can see the wheat presentation is so pretty it could really work for any wedding theme.

Wire Bouquet

And the really wild and unconventional bouquet is the wire bouquet. I found this at Etsy.com as part of Refinerii’s collection, so check all the bouquet’s out. This is for an edgy bride definitely. You can really push the limits with this bouquet. I envision this as a winter bouquet, with some crystals attached. An excellent bouquet choice for the bride who doesn’t like girliness or frill.

Pinwheel Wedding Bouquet

This bouquet is the ultimate whimsical touch. If you want bright colors and a refreshing change from the traditional flower bouquet, a pinwheel could be a cute touch. Incorporate this into a Summer or Spring wedding when pastels, yellows and bold pinks are in your palette.

Paper Bouquets

Etsy has revolutionized the wedding scene. Now you can find sellers with the most unique ideas and handmade wedding items. Paper bouquets and cute wedding poms are all over Etsy now, as  a great alternative bouquet idea. Plus, they are usually more affordable and come in a wide variety of colors.

Fabric Bouquet

I adore this bouquet, as I’m a devoted shabby chic fan. Anything that’s a little bit country makes me swoon. This fabric wedding bouquet is a little off beat but still pretty and bridal. And, it can be saved as an heirloom for years.

Well, enjoy these ideas. Post others if you have them! I’m always looking for great bouquets to showcase.

Herb and Dried Flower Bouquets

The last two bouqets are from Etsy Seller NHWoodscreations. They combine dried flowers and herbs and even birch wood baskets. Again, these have the shabby chic feel and country vibe. Great for an outdoor affair on a hot summer day.

Are you a vintage bridal bouquet girl? Do you love the youthful pinwheel bouquet? Which bouquet suits you?