Wedaholic.com: Less Is More – Stylish Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Bouquet

The bridal bouquet is probably the most important accessory for the blushing bride (well apart from the little piece of jewellery your husband-to-be is about to slip on your finger, but I’m a florist so I have to go with the flowers!) But what’s a bride to do when she wants an attention grabbing floral accessory, but thinks that traditional bouquets are so last century? Well I happen to like bouquets (and seeing as the overwhelming majority of brides won’t leave home without one I know I’m not alone here), but understandably, today’s bride who believes in the less-is-more philosophy, wants to stand out from the crowd, and that may mean ditching the mammoth bouquet in favour of something not just different, but minimal. This is especially true for those who are petite, and don’t want to be swamped by a huge bouquet, or those who want their gorgeous gown to be the main talking point, and therefore do not want it hidden behind fussy bridal flowers.

Minimal however, does by no means imply insignificant, and brides who are looking for something different are lucky in that there are many floral accessories for them to choose from, and each are as striking as traditional bouquets, and still possess that all important wow factor. (If however, you are like me and are a staunch believer in the more-is-never-enough philosophy, and would never walk down the aisle without something resembling a scaled down version of a local flower show, read on, as many of these ideas are also suitable for bridesmaids)!

SINGLE BLOOM

Ever considered a single long stemmed flower? Roses and lilies seem to be popular choices, but make sure that the flower head is quite large and fully bloomed – or you could end up looking as though you are carrying a long green stick! You could always add a little foliage and ribbon to make it look more substantial.

MINIATURE POSY

A dainty posy seems to be quite a hit in celebville. Jemma Kidd, make up artist and big sister of supermodel Jodie, chose a sweet little miniature posy, which she could clutch neatly in the palm of her hand. Christina Aguilera also had a similar posy consisting of two roses. An excellent choice for beach brides, or those wearing short dresses.

WRIST CORSAGE

A ‘hands free’ accessory so that you’re free to keep hold of you beloved all day! Some brides choose corsages which co-ordinate with their bouquet, if they are having one, but for those who want a less fussy look, a simple wrist corsage is ideal. The wrist corsage has been updated so that it includes an extension, where a smaller flower can be fastened around your finger.

POMANDER

A sphere of flowers suspended from a ribbon loop, a pomander is back in fashion, and not just as a bridesmaid’s accessory, as many brides are now opting for this exquisite accessory. Small or large flower heads can be used, but ideally they should be quite full (e.g. – rosebuds, carnations, peonies). As pomanders date back to Victorian times, they are perfect for Victorian themed weddings.

WIRED FLOWER

A really neat idea I came across, was a large ‘flower’ such as a rose or orchid, which was actually made of many petals of the same kind of flower, carefully wired together to create one large flower head. A work of art!

FLOWER FILLED HANDBAG

Very Sex in the City! A small beaded/sequined/embroidered purse or bag filled with flowers and/or trailing leaves. If you are using fresh flowers, ensure that the bag is strong enough to deal with the weight, and if you intend to use the bag afterwards (what am I talking about, of course you will), inform the florist, so that she (or he) will take extra care in lining the bag.

My absolute favourite - I love this idea for its sheer ingenuity, and because it is so unique. It also combines the two things women love – bags and flowers (maybe that should be shoes and flowers, but either way I can’t see any bride opting for a flower filled stiletto – no matter how different they want to be)!

Posted by Lesley Anne on June 19, 2006 07:11 PM to Wedaholic.com