Wedding Bouquet Alternatives: 15 Unusual Wedding Flower Ideas
Wedding bouquet alternatives are blossoming, so we’ve found 15 unique floral styles that’ll make your big day blooming special
Bold, avant garde wedding bouquet alternatives can be the perfect way of displaying a bit of unique flair on your big day. While we are certainly not denying the timeless beauty of a classic rose or peony bouquet, many nearlyweds are becoming increasingly intrigued by alternatives to wedding flower bouquets.
If you desire to stand out from the crowd, an alternative bouquet instead of flowers from traditional wedding florists could be the perfect way of making your wedding a day to remember. After all, there are no rules when it comes to a wedding! You could even mix-and-match between traditional floral bouquet ideas and some of our alternative ideas.
If you're in a hurry, use the jumplinks below to find the information you need quickly.
- Non-Floral Wedding Bouquet Alternatives
- Quirky Floral Wedding Bouquet Alternatives
- Wedding Bouquet Alternatives: Expert Advice
15 Wedding Bouquet Alternatives
We’re here to end the narrative that wedding bouquets need to look a particular way, once and floral! So, if you’re on the lookout for bridal bouquet alternatives, check out our list of striking swaps for flower bouquets that would be a talking point on your big day.
From non-floral arrangements to bouquets that use non-traditional flowers, you'll be inspired by how creative these florists can be. Avid readers will love the bouquets made from the pages of their favourite book, whilst couples tying the knot in autumn might prefer an arrangement of dried flowers.
Whatever your wedding day style, the perfect bouquet can help to capture the tone and colour palette of the entire celebration - here are some of our favourites.
Non-Floral Wedding Bouquet Alternatives
Can't imagine a bouquet without the flowers? Well, now you can! From brooches to books, our talented designers have proved that there are so many ways to make the perfect wedding bouquet - and flowers aren't an essential!
Whether they're mix-and-matched with other flowers on the big day or styled alone to make a statement, these non-floral wedding bouquet alternatives are true showstoppers.
1. Brooch Bouquets
Wondering how to integrate your ‘something old’ into your special day? Choosing to opt for a brooch bouquet as an alternative to a flower bouquet may just be the perfect way to do so. Glamorous and unique, a brooch bouquet intertwined with treasured family heirlooms is an ideal option for a vintage style ceremony.
This particular brooch bouquet design handcrafted by the team at Saves 9 Crafts is a fine example of the antique yet truly timeless look of these precious pieces. Carrying a brooch bouquet as you grace the aisle is also the perfect opportunity to include lost loved ones in your wedding day.
By incorporating their jewellery or perhaps a special memento, you can be reminded of them during this special moment. Plus, these intricate, handwired creations make beautiful wedding keepsakes that can be cherished by future generations to come. What’s not to love?
2. Button Bouquets
A kitsch and cute way to nail the bouquet alternatives trend is to go for a bold and quirky button bouquet is definitely a style to consider in order to stand out from the crowd. If you love the look of the brooch bouquets but would prefer to have slightly less bling, you can achieve a similar level of impact with a button version.
Button bouquets can also be intertwined with other complementary elements that make them even more alluring. This spectacular piece by I Heart Buttons integrates greenery along with a butterfly shaped brooch placed in the centre to create an enchanting, botanical look.
Individually wired and hand shaped to ensure that they last a lifetime, these handmade creations can be transformed into a spectacular centrepiece for your home, or be passed on to loved ones for their wedding day.
3. Book Paper Bouquet
Calling all of the bookworm couples out there! This unique book paper bouquet crafted by the talented team at Made By Stef is every book lover's dream. After all, who said your wedding bouquet had to include flowers?
A book paper bouquet can also be assembled with pages from your favourite books, so it's a brilliant way of making your arrangements feel more personalised, special and meaningful. An additional benefit of the book paper bouquet is that they make great wedding keepsakes, so you can treasure it forever and always be reminded of your big day.
4. Silk Flowers
One of the best bouquet alternatives is silk flowers, which are a stunning replica of traditional fresh blossoms. This handheld arrangement by The Petal Parlour marries an assortment of pink silk roses and daisies with decorative foliage for a beautifully feminine and timeless look.
With the option of incorporating anything from exotic orchids to classic peonies, silk flowers are versatile and will be a great choice regardless of the type of blooms you desire for your big day.
Plus, opting for silk flowers means that you can enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers without the post wedding hassle of watering or keeping them refrigerated. A real win-win!
5. Paper Flowers
Paper wedding flower bouquets are a popular and creative alternative to traditional floral arrangements, offering a unique, customisable, and often eco-friendly option for nearlyweds.Some paper bouquets incorporate detailed lifelike petals to closely replicate real flowers, whilst other designs are more artistic and experimentative, resulting in a more abstract bridal bouquet look.
This beautiful paper flower bouquet created by Mabel Lowman includes a gorgeous mix of realistic paper daffodils, daisies and lavender, the perfect arrangement for a summer wedding!
To make your paper wedding bouquet feel more unique and personalised, you can choose to include your favourite flowers or perhaps implement the colour scheme of your special day. Paper wedding flower bouquets can also be designed to reflect your style with gorgeous matching buttonholes, corsages and headdresses too!
6. Alternative Style Silk Flower Bouquet
If you’re on the lookout for a standout silk floral arrangement, be inspired by this arrangement by The Quirky Wedding Florist.
This enchanting bouquet created by their talented team incorporates a mesmerising mix of yellow gypsophila, red pampas grass, and erysimums in an amber hue that combine to create a vibrant and truly dreamy alternative-style arrangement.
Quirky Floral Wedding Bouquet Alternatives
As wonderful as those non-floral alternatives are, many nearlyweds find themselves stuck between wanting something original for their bouquet, but not wanting to part with the idea of flowers. Fortunately, we have so many beautiful ideas for quirky wedding bouquets that put a unique twist on using florals in the traditional way.
From dried flowers to lesser-known varieties of fresh blooms, here are some of the most memorable ways to create an alternative floral wedding bouquet.
7. Blush Boho Bouquet
If you adore the idea of a whimsical wedding flower look, this beautiful blush dried flower bouquet by The Parsons Wreath Company is perfect.
Featuring pale pink dahlias elevated by abyssinian sword-lilies, tulips and gypsophila, this foliage-filled dry flower arrangement is a must see. For those envisioning a bouquet with an eye-catching rustic edge, this one ticks all the boxes!
8. Anemone Fresh Flower Bouquet
Even if you’ve got your heart set on fresh flowers, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create an alternative look for your wedding day flowers.
Opting for eye catching colour combinations and rare, unconventional wedding flowers will enable your bouquet to appear equally as striking.This breathtaking pastel arrangement by Jane Packer combines traditional roses with unique anemones and sweetpeas that unite in creating a classic yet alluring alternative bouquet look.
9. Dried Flowers
Rather than worrying about your bouquet wilting, why not opt for dried flowers instead?
Dried flowers have undergone a preservation process to remove moisture, allowing them to maintain their shape and colour for extended periods. They are are ideal for a rustic-chic affair or perhaps a romantic country house wedding.
This bouquet by Dorset Dried Flowers comprises an eclectic mix of roses, bay leaves and rice flowers combined to create the perfect ethereal, eye catching arrangement. Prized for their enduring beauty and unique look, dried flowers are the go-to choice for nearlyweds seeking to infuse their special day with charm and personality.
10. Unique Lily And Tulip Bouquet
If you’re looking for a captivating bouquet that epitomises avant garde, you’ll want to say yes to this bold, vibrant arrangement by The Flower Press Shop.
Integrating an eclectic assortment of foxtail lilies, tulips and craspedia, this alternative flower bouquet is a must-see for the nearlyweds looking for something a little bit different.
11. Autumn Theme Alternative Bouquet
Calling all couples planning an autumn wedding, this one’s for you! Using a mix of marigolds and foxtail lilies decorated with pampas grass and crimson eucalyptus, this alternative-style bouquet expertly crafted by the incredible One Flower team is everything.
12. Alternative Summery Bridal Bouquet
If you’re struggling to decide on just one flower for your wedding bouquet, why not incorporate all of your favourite blooms? This way, your bouquet will feel unique and completely personalised to your individual style.
Honey Bunch London certainly didn’t hold back when creating this unconventional yet picturesque arrangement. Boasting an extensive mix of sweet peas, roses, daisies, dahlias and hydrangeas, it is the ideal bouquet for those who want to showcase individuality through their wedding bouquet.
13. Bohemian Bridal Bouquet
Inspired by beautiful English gardens in their arrangements, the phenomenal team at My Lady Garden are your go-to for all things whimsical and bohemian. Mixing anthuriums, carnations, red daisies, lathyrus and sweet scabious, this alternative bridal bouquet is nothing short of a showstopper.
14. Flower Crowns as a Wedding Bouquet Alternative
Who said you have to have a bouquet on your wedding day? If you’re looking for the perfect wedding bouquet alternatives, there are so many options that can be equally as beautiful as a traditional flower bouquet.
A flower crown is a great example of an alternative to wedding flowers that will make your day feel even more unique. Adorned with daisies, globe amaranth and dried linum, this magnificent handmade floral creation by Horseshoe Flowers will finish your wedding day ensemble off perfectly.
Plus, your hands will be free so you’ll be able to hug your loved ones without having to rely on your wedding party to hold your bouquet throughout the day. What’s not to love?
15. Jewel-Toned Alternative Wedding Bouquet
If you’re planning an autumn/winter wedding and are searching for unique bridal blooms, this alternative jewel-toned bouquet by Femme Petale may just have everything you’ve been looking for.
Despite the traditional nude roses, this handheld arrangement has been further elevated by an intriguing mix of papaver and pincushion plants. It’s a perfect combination for those striving for classic with an unexpected modern twist!
Wedding Bouquet Alternatives: Expert Advice
Still have some questions about wedding bouquet alternatives? We spoke to expert florist Leanne Mullaney at The Quirky Wedding Florist about how you can integrate wedding bouquet alternatives into your big day:
What Can You Use Instead of a Bouquet?
“You can use a wrist corsage or a headpiece such as a flower crown. For example, I had a client who used a walking stick but still wanted flowers, so we agreed to use a flower crown.
“Additionally, same-sex couples might prefer alternatives like lapel flowers, allowing them to incorporate more florals beyond just a buttonhole."
How Can You Make Your Wedding Bouquet Stand Out?
“Using high-quality silk flowers allows you to feature out-of-season blooms, adding a unique touch to your bouquet. Playing with a diverse range of colours can create a striking and memorable look.
“Incorporating unexpected elements like feathers, ribbons, or even non-floral accents can further enhance the bouquet’s distinctiveness.”
Is It Okay To Not Have a Bouquet?
“Absolutely! Flowers are versatile and can be incorporated into weddings in various ways, such as centrepieces, aisle decorations, or wearable pieces like corsages or boutonnieres.
“The key is to choose what feels right for you and reflects your personal style.”
Looking for more wedding flower inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to September wedding flowers that'll help you pick the best blossoms for your early autumn nuptials!
