Do I HAVE to have a bouquet?

I've seen a few pictures of the bride just carrying a flower. off the top of my head i can't think of something to carry other than flowers but it's your wedding carry whatever you want! :p

Hi I purchasd this book on how to money while planning your wedding. This is a great tip. I am not sure how much you have to spend on flowers but for the price of $390 you can get 400 roses, greenery and fillers delivered Fed Ex overnight to you, to insure freshness. Shipping included in price. With that much roses you can do Bridal Bouquet, 11 table arrangements 5 bridesmaids bouquet, 10 boutonnieres, 6 corsages and and head table. The only thing is you have to put everything together and store it for the day of. The companys name 2G at www.freshroses.com. This is what I plan on doing for my flower arrangements but there is also different prices for different packages. Big or small. Hope this helps.

A single flower is very popular now. A rose or a lily. You could even use silk flowers. If you are looking to save money, you can purchase flowers from a Safeway and make your own. I spent $50 in flowers and was able to make 5 bridesmaids bouquets and 25 boutonnieres. Here are some helpful links to doing your own flowers:

http://www.wikihow.com/Arrange-a-Ball-of-Flowers-with-an-Oasis

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Boutonniere

Have you considered carrying nothing at all? I know, it's a radical idea! But think about it: Why do brides carry bouquets? Does anyone know? I don't know, and I've done some research on the subject. You probably want to have flowers somewhere in your ceremony. I can't imagine a wedding without some flowers. But you don't have to carry them. I say, spend your money where it is really important to you and not on things that don't have special meaning for you. '

Good luck with your decisions. I hope you'll post what you decided.

If you belong to costco or know someone that does, check out their fresh flowers. I was shopping the other day and it totally struck me that I could get away with spending $20 on a bouquet and just wrap a ribbon around the stems myself. Or, they do sell bulk wedding flowers online too and from what I can tell, the reviews are good. You could do this at any grocery store too. I think it would also be lovely if you held a single flower. But, are you compromising because of budget and really want a bouquet? If so, then I think you should have one, but just make it so it's affordable.

You could carry a candle, the bible(if your religious), or you could opt for fake flowers. I went to old time pottery and for 50$ got enough flowers for 7 bouquets and 15 center pieces....

Of Course you don't have to carry a bouquet. One alternative is to carry a lantern, there are many styles, you can even have your bridesmaids carry lanterns and later use them as centerpieces.

You can carry a umbrella, you can have your initials added, there are companies who will make you a custom monogram and can place it on the paper umbrellas.

As many of the ladies stated you can carry a single flower or a fan.

Its your wedding, set the trend.

I like the idea of a parasol - if it matches your wedding style. My dress is going to be a very ornate Chinese empress gown that traditionally I would carry a lantern, but I think I will have to hold up the dress with two hands in order to even walk down the isle, so no bouquet for me! But don't skip flowers for the tables! it's something you will regret after looking back.

I love the idea of carrying a white or ivory feather pomander - perhaps with pearls and or crystals scattered throughout - around your wrist instead of flowers! Still girly...but modern!

Some chic ideas...a long, plumed feather, or a grouping of a few (like white peacock or ostrich) would be very contemporary, yet romantic. Also, a single stem of phaleanopsis orchids is stunning, and really doesn't need much embellishment (you can check out an orchid grower to get an idea of what might be available). Single blooms like cattleya orchids, gardenia or a giant summer dahlia would be unexpected and yet lovely also.

In truth, you do not need to carry anything. You are bringing yourself to this relationship; no need for trappings. It is being done more and more.

I LOVE the umbrella/parasol idea! I'll have to keep it in mind for myself someday!

IF ITS YOUR BUDGET LIKE MINE IM BUYING MINE AT WALMART THEY IN THE ARTS AND CRAFT DEPT. ALL KINDS OF WEDDING STUFF FOR A GRAET PRICE GO CHECK IT OUT YOU WILL BE SUPRISED

Ha ha, I would carry a ball and chain down the aisle and hand it to the groom instead of your bridesmad. That would start it all out with a laugh.

Yes i have and i bought it when i got married!!!

mineeds.com

If I had my way I'd have my parrots on my shoulders and walk my dog down to the alter - but can't since its a non-pet friendly venue (that and I really do not care for my parrots to make their donation to the dress .. lol).

I'm not having the tradition flowers deal - I'm going for ivy with heather for mine

How about a round crystal sphere (think crystal ball, but prettier and not as cheesy)

Ive also seen clear glass balls filled with water and an exotic flower floating at the bottom.

But if you dont need anything in you hands, just buck the system. Gently hold your hands draped relaxed in front of you and glide down the aisle stareing into your mans eyes. There will be tears and oohs from your guests. You may even have your minister say something to the affect that "Mylah comes with open arms to this union as does >Groom<.." or something to that affect.

If your father or some other gentlman is walking you down the aisle it may not be necessary to carry anything at all. I notice most brides hold their dads arm with one hand and instinctivly hold their bouquet with their other hand up near their chest or neck. Which is so very unflattering.

Good idea Soon2bMrsD! Thanks everyone for your replies. You have given me some good ideas.

I am a wedding planner and opted for no flower bouquet at all, not due to budget but because I didn't want one. My husband and I walked down our "aisle" together hand-in-hand. We had flowers at our reception...centerpiece, on the back of the chairs, etc.

If you really do want to carry flowers, have you set a budget for how much you want to spend? I work with some great florists who will work in any budget and you should be able to find someone where ever you live that will do the same.

Remember that weddings today are not governed by the "rules" that were absolute even 10 years ago. You can do or not do anything you want!

As alternatives, I've had some of my past brides carry a parasole for outdoor weddings, a beautiful fan with sweetheart roses, a single flower of their choice, several flowers that were given to mothers and grandmothers as she walked down the aisle, a gift to her husband that was given before the ceremony began... make it personal.

I hope it worked out well for you.

http://www.workforbooks.com