5 Beautiful and Unique Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Bouquets
Consider floral sashes, wands and even tattoos, instead.
A floral sash and headband by Amaranth Florist are among the alternatives to wedding bouquets. / Photograph by Cory Foote / Styling by Emilie Fosnocht
Bouquets are beautiful and can be created in so many stunning ways — from bold and vibrant to streamlined and minimal — thanks to all of our talented florists here in Philly. But what if you don’t really want to carry a traditional bouquet or want one-of-a-kind alternatives for your wedding party? There are options for you, too! Here, Melissa Parker of Amaranth Florist, Cara Stefchak of South Stems, and Christina Cavagnaro of Walter Pine have a fresh crop of ideas to help your personal style bloom.
If you’re looking for more planning advice, check out our guides to stocking an N/A wedding bar, managing wedding stress, budgeting, size-inclusive wedding attire, and more.
Don floral fashions
Express your style with a sash draped over your shoulder, like the one pictured above by Amaranth Florist, or a floral purse. Says Parker: “We use smaller, textural flowers and accent them with seasonal foliage.”
Tip: To keep your floral accessories fresh, mist lightly with water and place in a cool area that doesn’t fall below 40 degrees.
Try jewelry that blooms
Trade in that wrist corsage for a floral cuff, says Stefchak. While she typically works with brass-cuff bracelets, Stefchak suggests using a slap bracelet for some ’80s nostalgia. For more bling? Try statement floral necklaces or rings, suggest Parker and Cavagnaro.
Sport a flower tattoo
Don’t fear the needle — try a temporary tattoo built on kinesiology tape. “It can be cut to any size and shape and worn anywhere on the body,” says Stefchak.
Carry a picnic bouquet
If you’re not ready to commit to wearables, consider a petite arrangement of five flowers wrapped in kraft paper. “They’re perfectly proportioned samplings of seasonal stems,” says Cavagnaro. Hellebore, unique daffodils, mimosa and tulips are her picks for late winter.
Wave a flower wand
Great for the littlest members of your wedding party, these feature stems outfitted with floral “ribbons.” Adds Stefchak: “We definitely love doing a round of testing on these before they get handed over.”
Published as “Expert Advice: I’m So Over the Standard Wedding-Party Bouquet. Are There Any Alternatives?” in the winter/spring 2023 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
