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Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet
Whether you're allergic to flowers, eco-conscious, on a budget, or simply not a fan, it is completely okay to forgo the flowers on your wedding day. These 25 alternatives will do the trick, and give your guests something to talk (or even tweet) about.

Elegant pink and silver bridal bouquet with roses and rhinestones for wedding decor.
Photo Credit: Jack Chao

One trend that’s gained enormous popularity over the past few years is the brooch bouquet. And why not? This adorable arrangement, created by Lovetts Bouquets, combines two of our favorite things: vintage glam and sparkle.

White and gold textured wedding bouquet with ruffled paper flowers for bridal accessories.

They’re not just for flower girls. For a modern twist on the traditional flower ball or pomander, try making yours out of metallic paper.

For an elegant nod to classical music, try this sheet music bouquet. Ksusha from FlowerDecoration uses textured paper and recycled scores to create roses as well.

Elegant bridal hair accessory with feathers, crystals, and pearls for wedding day.
Photo: Davina Ward

To up the ante, try one of these beaded creations by Divine Floral Designs. This feather and crystal bouquet gives you the look and overall shape of traditional flowers, but it sparkles a whole lot more.

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Canadian bride Beth commissioned this striking cobalt blue feather bouquet from Parfait Plumes. The simple elegance makes for a dramatic pop of color against a white gown.

A colorful wedding candle holder with yellow and blue ribbons and flowers on a green background.

When it comes to wedding décor, mason jars are perfect for just about everything: favors, signature drinks, centerpieces, and even an alternative to the traditional bouquet. These spring-colored hanging mason jars will make a great accessory for your festive, shabby-chic themed wedding.

A decorative pink birdcage with intricate scrollwork, ideal for wedding or bridal decor.

For an evening wedding, there’s nothing more romantic than carrying a lantern down the aisle. With a lantern purchased at Ikea or Home Goods, you’ll light up the aisle — literally.

Black balloons with gold heart designs and curly ribbons, perfect for wedding decor.
Photo Credit: Hina Khan

Forget everything you’ve ever heard about balloons being “tacky” for a wedding — these certainly are not! This particular black and gold combo, available from Mod Party, is both whimsical and chic: perfect for the fun-loving, offbeat bride.

Elegant vintage-style decorative boxes with illustrated women's portraits, black and white design.
Photo: W. C. Nader

If you love Downton Abbey, look no further than these gorgeous vintage-inspired hatboxes from Petit Chapelier Emporium. Their lightweight design makes them the perfect accessory for your walk down the aisle.

Red and black artificial grape bunches with green leaves for wedding decor.

For a rustic vineyard wedding, consider carrying a bouquet of grapes instead of flowers. Because they come in so many different shades of green and purple, grapes look good with just about any color scheme. Artificial grapes are great, too (and offer even more options in the color — and glitter — departments).

Elegant bride in a white wedding gown with fur shawl and veil, bridal fashion, wedding dress.
Photo: James Loy

Nothing says winter wonderland like a fur muff. You’ll feel like a fairytale princess with one of these vintage-inspired accessories from Sew U Designs and — bonus — you’ll keep your hands warm, too.

Dreamcatcher with pink, brown, and white ribbons for wedding decor and bridal accessories.
Photo Credit: Kara Muller

Who knew an embroidery hoop could be so cute? This design by Simple Devotion uses lace, ribbon, and a trusty old embroidery hoop to create the perfect alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet.

If you see a clutch you love, ditch the bouquet altogether and carry your purse instead. After all, this example, designed by Angee W., is a work of art in and of itself.

For her horror movie-themed wedding, Philadelphia bride Amanda worked with designer Anna Coy of Hold and Have to create this one of a kind boo-quet. It contains red leather roses, strands of actual film reel, and miniature skulls.

A woman’s hand adorned with floral jewelry, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Photo: Lauren Triplett

Channel your inner woodland fairy with these whimsical arm garlands from Stone Twigs and Baubles. The delicate arm bands are perfect for an outdoor wedding or garden party; plus, they leave your hands free for more important things, like holding your cocktail.

Charm your guests with this adorable yarn ball bouquet from Sew Many Petals. Perfect for the arts and crafts enthusiast, this colorful creation is the perfect accent piece for your wedding day.

A woman in a green dress holding a fan next to a man in a suit at an outdoor wedding reception.
Photo Credit: Mike Goren

For her simple Quaker wedding, British bride Harriet chose to carry a handheld fan. Unlike flowers, fans can serve double duty on your wedding day: they look good, and there’s no better way to ward off an accidental bridal meltdown than a good old-fashioned fan.

Elegant elephant-shaped teapot with a floral arrangement for wedding decor or bridal inspiration.
Photo: Jennifer Basden

Add some old world class to your nuptials by carrying a teapot down the aisle instead of a traditional bouquet. While this design, created by Jennifer Basden of Chicago Silk Florist, does include flowers, they’re artificial (read: they’ll provide a lasting reminder of your special day).

Blue and white seashell wind chime hanging on wooden wall, decorative coastal decor.
Photo Credit: Jaclyn Beaverson

For a beach wedding, why not carry a sea glass wind chime instead of a traditional bouquet? This example, designed by Karsen Callahan and Jackie Beaverson, can serve double duty as reception décor once you’ve finished your ceremony.

Blue and white bridal bouquet with lace and ribbon accents, wedding decor accessory.
Photo: Serena Patterson

While ribbon wands are quickly becoming the guest handout of choice, they can offer a great alternative for your walk down the aisle as well. The long ribbons used in this example by Craft Up Your Life are the perfect way to accentuate your height.

A couple with a vintage carriage holding a white parasol outdoors in a garden setting.

You can’t go wrong with a classic parasol. Try a vintage-inspired design if you’re getting married at a historic site or a paper parasol in the color of your choice for a more modern look.

Beautiful floral wedding crown with pink, orange, white, and brown paper flowers and green leaves.
Photo: Rachel Ferguson

If you’re still hung up on the idea of flowers, why not use paper blossoms instead? This adorable wreath from Paper Petal Shoppe gives you the best of both worlds.

Straw sun hats with white orchids and red ribbons, perfect for bridal accessories.
Photo: Jessica Cama

For a laid-back beach ceremony, try a simple woven palm leaf fan. These popular guest favors from Urban Elements Design look great in place of a bouquet, especially if you add some ribbon or a few small sea shells.

Forget about flowers — instead, carry one of these beautiful origami crane mobiles from Spare Bedroom Studio.

Boho brides, look no further than NaativStudios. These modern macramé dream catchers are the perfect combination of tradition and style. Bonus: you can display them in your home after your big day.

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