No bridesmaid bouquets

I’ve never been to a wedding where the bridesmaids did not carry anything. I have been to multiple that had them carry alternatives to bouquets though.
If they are walking down the aisle paired with groomsmen, I don’t think anyone would notice they weren’t carrying something. Speaking as somebody who’s been a BM in a lot of weddings, I would feel kinda awkward standing at the alter on display not knowing what to do with my hands. Like, do clasp my hands in the front? In the back? Cross my arms? Vogue pose? 😆 i’m not sure what would look best in pictures either- A line of girls standing there with their arms awkwardly at their sides? Everyone clasping their hands? (which could look militant), or everyone doing their own thing? (which could be distracting from the couple). I think bouquets are just a pretty way of giving the girls something to do with their hands. If you really don’t like the idea of flowers, you could always substitute with an alternative (feather bouquets, metal ring bouquets, brooch bouquets, lanterns… the possibilities are endless).

View Quoted Comment I definitely see how it could feel odd. I was kind of thinking they would just stand like the groomsman who won’t have bouquets. I’ll keep thinking on it 👍🏼 thanks for the thoughts!!

View Quoted Comment Groomsmen tend to put their hands in their jacket pockets, so maybe if the bridesmaid dresses have pockets they could do the same.

View Quoted Comment Ahh. I see.
I think with tuxedos I think that may look too informal. I have seen them cross hands in front or back.

Definitely no big deal and completely up to you. The "requirement" that female attendants must carry something is also sexist because no one ever worries about what the male attendants will do without something to hold for procession, ceremony, and photos.

I don't think it's necessary for photos, but your bridesmaids will appreciate having something to do with their hands while standing at the altar. There are also alternatives like handbags, fans, pinwheels, and lanterns if you're trying to save $$ on florals.

I personally never seen without carrying something but i think it looks fine without based on those inspo pics you posted

I’ve never seen it in person where bridesmaids didn’t carry anything. But unless the ceremony is 10 minutes total including them walking down the aisle ahead of you, they won’t have anything to keep their hands busy.


If you are worried about money, order fresh flowers from the local grocery store, Costco or fiftyflowers.com. In a major city, there are wholesale flower districts where you can order bundles at cost.

I like that idea. Also if you don’t like flowers and you are looking for alternatives if you do a quick Google search it will bring up some ideas. But I think your day is unique to you you don’t have to follow all the traditional rules.

I agree with the others - never seen it before, but think those pictures look fine! That said, as the others have mentioned, the downside is not being sure what to do with your hands. I feel like even though it's unfair, there are a number of standard poses for men not carrying anything, but much less for women.

My favorite photos honestly wouldn’t have really made a difference with or without bouquets. (Not including
mine lol) It’s your wedding so do whatever you want

One idea that have seen have been bridesmaids holding adoptable puppies, or puppies from their pet's litter.

ADORABLE, and bonus points if you are a dog person!
(Just be careful if the puppies have have to go to the bathroom)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPEjDSHvypA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQv4m9tgsNc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEx8Hc4UnLI

I think it’s fine to do whatever you want! There’s no rules, it’s only tradition.