Non-Traditional Ideas for Bridesmaids to Carry

Bridesmaids carrying single blooms is a departure from the full bouquet tradition.

While bridesmaids do not have to carry something in their hands at a wedding, it is traditional for them to carry flower bouquets. Having something to hold onto reduces the fidgeting that comes from nerves. Due to flower allergies or simply for creative reasons, many brides today choose non-traditional items for their bridesmaids to carry.

Non-Floral Bouquets

Bridesmaids' bouquets can be made from a wide variety of things other than flowers, all of which are a break from tradition. Creative bouquets can be made of feathers, seashells, sparkling beads, Christmas ornaments, origami flowers, candies and even vintage buttons. You can make bouquets out of anything that can be creatively tied together in an eye-pleasing fashion. The trick lies in creating a bouquet to complement the theme of the wedding. The seashell bouquet, for example, is perfect for a beach wedding.

Parasols

Parasols are a fun and non-traditional choice for bridesmaids to carry. Parasols are particularly well suited to an outdoor wedding on a hot sunny day or to an Asian-themed wedding. The bridesmaids can carry the same or different colored parasols, or patterned parasols, to complement the wedding theme. An eco-friendly alternative to the parasol is the biodegradable umbrella.

Dual Purpose

Some brides opt to have their bridesmaids carry something that both looks charming and serves a function at the wedding. Candles, lanterns and sparklers serve this dual purpose by adding to the ambient light. Lanterns come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to complement the wedding theme. Another dual purpose item is the muff. The muff is ideal for a winter wedding, serving the function of keeping the bridesmaids' hands warm.

Other Accessories

Bridesmaids can carry something that complements the wedding theme, such as paper lanterns or oriental fans for an Asian theme. Other ideas include large cardboard cutouts of hearts on sticks, bunches of balloons, pinwheels or clutch purses. The possibilities are endless; it's all up to the imagination and personality of the bride.

References

• Green Wedding Shoes; What are Your Bridesmaids Carrying?; November 2009
• The Knot: Wedding Flowers: Alternatives to Flower Wedding Bouquets?
• Intimate Weddings; Bridesmaid Bouquet Alternatives: Sweet and Stylin’ Ideas for Your Gals; Jenn; 2010
• Offbeat Bride; 17 Wedding Bouquet Alternatives for Fearless Brides; Megan Finley; March 2009