Corsages Instead Of Bouquets

Love the single flower idea.

As to the lanterns not making sense, I have to say they were just gorgeous in the venue and time I saw them: an evening Christmas-y wedding in a stone church.

Would they look right on a beach? Nope.

Would they look right in a modern church? Probably not.

As with so many things, context makes the difference.

I would either go with small bouquets or nothing at all. I agree with PP, a corsage is too prom-y.

I mean seriously, before you pick 10 people as your closest, nearest dearest, you need to consider the costs; a bouquet (not, i'm sorry, a pinwheel), a gift, them and their SO at the RD if you do one and the sheer chaos of wrangling them.

I think the single flower with the ribbon would be a good alternative. I don't like the corsages. Like pp said, it reminds me of prom

@ pammat: I agree. Kind of cute. But lanterns remind me of Paul Revere's Midnight ride thru Boston.

The single flower is a simple but good look.

Pigs in a blanket sound delicious. Don't you think @Cecila?

Went to a beautiful wedding with one standing up for bride, one for groom plus the grooms 8yo daughter. The maid of honor wore a wrist corsage, the best man wore a boutonnière, and the daughter had a small bouquet. The bride had a large bouquet

@Jessica, Yes, holding the hand with the corsage over the other hand had been what I was thinking!

@Celia, Thank you, I did consider the costs and budget appropriately. However, sometimes circumstances change and you have to cut costs. I am very grateful to have so many wonderful friends in my life, especially when I had few to none early on. All of them would have my back in a life and death situation. I can't imagine not having them by my side at one of the most memorable and important days of my life. I would much rather cut floral costs than have excluded any of them from being a bridesmaid.

@Megan, I love your lantern idea! I've seen candles done as well, I think the lanterns will accent the atmosphere of your wedding beautifully.

I hadn't considered the, "Prom" aspect at all; probably because I never did any of that stuff as a child. Everyone who suggested a single flower, that's a lovely idea! I'll likely go with this option. Everyone, thank you for tossing in your two cents, it gave me some ideas, much obliged! =D

I love the single flower look. If I hadn't found such a reasonably priced florist to make bouquets, I would have definitely done it with a big white lily.

There are so many options that aren't floral! I think that MOH and I might carry beautiful sequin clutches, or fans.

Have you checked amazon.com for ribbon bouquets? That's an option I'm seriously considering for mine. They have beautiful ribbon bouquets as low as $17.

As for an opinion, I think corsages look really weird. I'm not recommending this at all, but I think it would look better if you had them bring a gourd instead of a bouquet before you have them wear corsages. Also, that'll be super awkward for the BMs not having anything to do with their hands.

Not a fan of the single flower. It looks cheap, esp when you (the bride) gets a gorgeous lush bouquet.

Yessss I agree

A single rose is way cuter then a corsage

Too prom like

'I think they should carry hors d'oeuvres. It makes as much sense as a lantern.'

Lol! Here are some more ridiculous Pinterest ideas.

@ Megan; I'm thinking Edible Arrangements, lol! Or maybe crudite bouquets....or bacon roses (yes, they exist.Google them)

@Natalie, you crack me up. Consistently.

You've invited them to your wedding. Does that not count? Why do 10 women have to be standing up with you, having spent money on dresses and parties and gifts? It seems the kindest thing it to let them be guests.

Single flowers scream, "I went cheap".

So do parasols.

Feel like a single flower with a ribbon is the best alternative, like others have said.

I went to a wedding a few weeks ago where the BM's carried a single white tulip with a pale pink ribbon. Elegant and beautiful.

@Celia, You make many assumptions about what I expect my friends to pay for or provide, based on little to no information. However, thank you for your opinions and advice. Honestly, I don't mind the "I went cheap," because it means my husband and I can put that money elsewhere towards investments, housing, children, etc. There is a variety of opinions and what people put their value in is entirely up to them. It's evident that we don't agree with each other or value the same things. That's okay, but what I don't understand is the unnecessary contempt and need to belittle others and their decisions with sarcasm. Do you believe that creating such a caustic environment is beneficial to discussions and the forums as a whole?

OP try going to Whole Foods if they have one in your area. I considered going that route as I could get nice bridesmaid bouquets for $8 each. I ended up deciding to use a professional but I still thought it was beautiful. I think any grocery store florist will make their flowers into a bouquet for you if you ask.

This is the Whole Foods $8 bouquet. (It was actually 2 $4 bunches combined so you could do each bouquet half the size if you wanted) Please ignore the messy countertop

Here is another angle. The lighting wasn't the greatest it was much prettier in person.