Floral Alternatives For Wedding Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Skip the traditional wedding florals and do something unique, like incorporating jewelry, fruit, feathers and veggies into your bouquets and boutonnieres.

November 12, 2021

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

Related To:

Shop This Look

©Jeremy Lawson Photography

Photo By: Erin McCall Photography

©Sarah Brobst

©Kat Flower

©Jasmine Star

Photo By: Kelsey Booth

Photo By: Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm

Photo By: Gracie Blue Photography ©Gracie Blue Photography

©Krista Jon

Photo By: Finding Eden Photo

Photo By: Image courtesy of Milou and Olin Photography

Photo By: Image courtesy of Caroline Fontenot Photography

Photo By: Braedon Flynn

Photo By: Lillian Prince Photography

Photo By: Cristina Riches, Bird's Party

Photo By: Green Holly Weddings

Photo By: Danielle Evans

©Paula Luna

Felted Flowers

A hand-crafted felt wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to create flowers that will last a lifetime. You can incorporate your custom color palette, and there's no worry about the flowers wilting before the big day is over.

Get the How-To: Make a Felt Wedding Bouquet

Kumquats and Jasmine

Vibrant orange brings a whimsical burst of color to a traditional pinstripe background. Design by Kelly Marie Thompson of Fleur Inc.

Edibles in the Arrangement

Imagine the oohs and aahs you’ll hear when you walk down the aisle with an unexpected edible bouquet. Even better if the ingredients were grown in your garden. This stunner incorporates spray roses and amaranthus with okra and green onions.

Earthy Look

Against the groom's herringbone jacket, olive branch leaves, waxflower and seeded eucalyptus create an attractive lapel arrangement.

Find More Ideas: 15 Easy Ways to Cut Down on Wedding Costs

Jewels and Baubles

Brooch bouquets can make your special day everlasting because they can be kept for years to come. Incorporate family heirlooms into the arrangement as a reminder of those who are there to support you every step of the way. Design by Sarah Brobst.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Brooch Bridal Bouquet

Pomegranate and Wheat

Sounds like the ingredients for a great craft beer, but they also make for a striking boutonniere.

Find More Ideas: 30 Ways to Thrift Your Dream Wedding

Add Feathers

If you just can't go without a romantic flower arrangement, accentuate with unconventional elements. Here, light and airy feathers complete an ethereal bride's bouquet.

Cotton-Pickin' Handsome

This gorgeous cotton boutonniere includes silver brunia berries and willow branches for homespun chic. Design by Lauryl Lane.

Find More Ideas: 38 Fresh-Cut Wedding Boutonniere Ideas

Berry Pretty

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding, but they aren't the only plant from your garden you can use on your special day. Fruits and vegetables can make stunning bouquets, arrangements and even boutonnieres. They also have the added benefit of being a bit hardier than many flowers, so you can create fruit and vegetable arrangements and expect them to look fresh, even after a few days stored in the fridge.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Wedding Bouquet With Edibles

Wintry Garland

Many brides are skipping the traditional bouquets and are opting instead for handheld statement pieces like this gorgeous, draping greenery garland.

Find More Ideas: 34 Whimsical + Romantic Winter Wedding Ideas

Forest Inspired

This evergreen boutonniere makes a fetching accessory for a winter wedding or a woodsy event.

Fragrant Herbs

Tickle the senses with a bouquet tied with a feathery blend of artemisia, lavender, sage, thyme and rosemary. Design by Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm.

Find More Ideas: 88 DIY Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Love

Groomsmen Grains

Simple but elegant, wheat and feathers are accompanied by tiny white berries and secured with a tiny piece of raffia.

Succulents and Dried Flowers

A succulent, eucalyptus, lavender and a dusty miller leaf are cinched together with twine to make this handsome boutonniere. Design by Lauryl Lane.

Succulent Bouquet

Silvery-white ornamental plants are mixed with dusty miller and round seed pods to make this eye-catching arrangement.

Bouquet Caddies

Dare to be different by choosing an alternative bouquet, like these chic lanterns. The fall-hued flowers designed by Swank Floral really pop against sultry black dresses.

Find More Ideas: HGTV's Ultimate Wedding Guide

Balsa Wood Flower

A clever balsa wood flower, mini lotus pod, dried wheat and dried pussy willow create a handsome design from Lauryl Lane.

A Touch of Autumn

A warm color palette and a single acorn give this darling boutonniere a festive fall vibe.

Find More Ideas: 45 Cozy + Romantic Fall Wedding Ideas

Paper Arrangement

Wedding flowers don’t have to cost a fortune; paper bouquets are a budget-friendly alternative. They’re fun to make and you never have to worry about wilting.

Get the How-To: 3 Ways to Make Paper Flowers For a Wedding Bouquet

Berries and Bows

Hypericum berries, lady’s mantle and salal leaf strike an old-fashioned, sophisticated note. Floral design by Lauryl Lane.

Farmhouse Style

Dual-toned pocket squares and a gorgeous feather boutonniere wrapped in burlap offer a handsome rustic look.

Find More Ideas: 20 "Something Blue" Ideas for Your Wedding

Paper Roses

Perfect for a flower girl, centerpiece or other wedding decoration, pink paper roses lend a sweet and ethereal touch.

Get the How-To: How to Make Paper Flowers for a Wedding Bouquet

Rustic Hunter Style

An upcycled shotgun shell makes for the perfect boutonniere casing. Design by The Sass Shoppe.

Simple Succulents

A single echeveria bloom sits on a bed of seeded eucalyptus for a boutonniere that's stunning in its simplicity. Floral design by LB Floral.

Beetle and Bloom

For a bit of the unusual, a beetle (cast in resin) carries a pretty purple orchid. Design by Isari Flower Studio + Event Design.