Alternatives to Fresh Flower Bridal Bouquets Part 3

In Part One of Alternatives to Fresh Flower Bridal Bouquets, reasons why some brides may want an alternative to a fresh flower bridal bouquet was discussed and edible bridal bouquet options were discussed as alternatives to fresh flowers. In Part Two of Alternatives to Fresh Flower Bridal Bouquets, crystal bouquets, feather bouquets, and porcelain flower bouquets were discussed as alternatives to fresh flower bridal bouquets. Part Three of Alternatives to Fresh Flower Bridal Bouquets discusses fabric and ribbon bridal bouquets, balloon bouquets, and seashell bouquets as options for brides who would prefer not to carry a fresh flower bridal bouquet.

Fabric Bouquets and Ribbon Bouquets
For a truly tailored approach to a no-fresh-flowers alternative for the bride's bouquet, brides can try talking to their tailor, seamstress, or alterations shop for a unique bouquet of fabric and ribbon. Fabric and ribbon bouquets are still fairly uncommon on the Western wedding scene, but have long been staples of the fashion industry (fabric or ribbon brooches and accessories).

Bouquets using fabric and ribbon flowers can be literal translations sewn to resemble flowers or more abstract artistic pieces. Enlist the help of a crafty friend who knows her way around a sewing machine or talk to a fiber-arts artist for a true work of art. Other possible vendors can include the bride's seamstress, alterations shop, dress shop, or her tailor. She can even try a local specialty quilting shop.

Fabric and ribbon materials can be coordinated to match the bride's wedding gown or to stand out and make a bolder statement. Bouquets can be designed in any color because fabric and ribbon can be dyed to match whatever color the bride chooses. Go with coordinating shades of fabric and ribbon for a more reserved look for the bride's flowers or try mixing it up with a patchwork or quilted bouquet of fabric and ribbon flowers.

For a spot-on match for the fabric or ribbon bouquet talk to the dress shop or alterations place to see if there is extra fabric from having the bride's dress altered or if it is being custom-made. Use pieces of the mother-of-the-bride's wedding gown for added sentiment or incorporate vintage fabric or ribbon for the bride's something old item in her fabric and ribbon flowers. Textures and materials are abundant in fabric and ribbon for the bride to consider for her bouquet. Popular material options include taffeta, satin, silk, organza, velvet, suede, and lace. Other options include crocheted and knitted flowers.

If the bride wants to add a little something extra, try embellishing fabric and ribbon flower bouquets with buttons. The buttons can be used for the center of fabric and ribbon flowers for an arts and crafts look or the bride can stud the wrapped stems of a bouquet with buttons for a more traditional look. Buttons can be found in a variety of materials and can match or coordinate selected fabric and ribbon or add some sparkle if pearl, rhinestone, or mother-of-pearl buttons are used. Some brides choose to incorporate buttons from their father's or grandfather's suitcoat. Other sewing notions brides can opt to use in their bouquets are snaps (used either in part or whole), zippers, hook-and-eye closures, and frogs.

Balloon Bouquets
Balloons have traditionally been associated with celebrations, fun, and parties. Many brides and grooms choose to incorporate balloons into their wedding décor. One more way of doing so that lends a light-hearted approach to the wedding day is in the bridal bouquet.

Whimsical brides can enlist the help of a professional balloon artist to design a balloon flower bouquet for her wedding day. Just as other vendors differ in terms of range of talent, product offerings, and price so do balloon artists. Brides should ask to see some examples ahead of time so she can be specific about what she would like the finished balloon bouquet to look like. More elaborate balloon bouquets will obviously be more expensive than simple, single-stem balloon arrangements.

Brides can experiment with different sized balloons and different shaped balloons to achieve the bride's desired effect. Make sure the bride stays away from corsage pins and that the bouquet is not created too soon in advance to avoid shrinkage on the wedding day. It might be advisable to have a back-up balloon bouquet created if it is possible and the budget allows just in case there is an accident. For a fun twist, stuff little messages on slips of paper or confetti into the balloons before they are inflated for the bride, groom, or bouquet catcher to discover and read later. This can be a fun honeymoon game for the bride and groom!

Seashell Bouquets
Seashell bouquets are perfect for beach-themed and tropical destination weddings and for brides who love the romance of the sea. These excellent alternatives to fresh flower bridal bouquets are long-lasting and durable, but seashell bouquets can be heavy when they are larger-sized. Keep the size in mind when the bride is deciding what she will be carrying around with her all day and taking photographs with and also if she wants to toss a bouquet. If the bride will be tossing a bouquet, an alternate bouquet is recommended because of the weight the seashell bouquet and the potential for damage if it is dropped or banged to hard on the ground.

Brides who want a seashell bouquet should think outside of the box and consider using coral, rock, and starfish in addition to seashells in her bouquet. All of these materials can provide an interesting texture to the bridal bouquet. Depending upon the type of materials the bride selects for her bouquet, the seashell bouquet can have a matte finish, shiny finish, or a mother-of-pearl gleam. If a desired seashell isn't shiny enough or is too shiny try shellacking the seashell with varnish (shiny or matte) for the desired style. Seashell bouquets can vary in color. Bleaching is often used for ultra-white seashell flowers. Seashells and coral can also be dyed with colored dye if the bride desires a pop of color for her seashell bouquet.

Group seashells or coral together for a more uniform-looking bouquet and enjoy the natural beauty of seashells. Brides can also assemble seashells together with wire or hot glue to resemble intricate flowers for her bouquet. Online vendors for seashell enthusiasts also offer pre-made bouquets for the immediate needs of all brides. It is worth noting that if the bride is doing her own seashell collecting for her bouquet to make sure the seashells are fully rinsed of sand and cleaned of all sea creatures to avoid a stinky bouquet.

Resources for Fresh Flower Bouquet Alternatives for Brides:
- Floral Alternatives - fabric and ribbon bouquet and wedding accessories vendor and photographs accompanying article: www.floralalternatives.com/fnwed.htm
- Emma Herian: Textile Art and Jewellery - fabric and crocheted flowers, corsages, brooches, other textile crafts, and photographs accompanying article:
www.emmaherian.com/
- Nancy (fangles) Brown - balloon artist who designs and makes balloon bouquets and photograph accompanying article: www.nancyfangles.com/balloons.htm
- Sherry Sells Sea Shells - seashell bouquets vendor who also sells other seashell wedding accessories and photographs accompanying article: http://sherrysellsseashells.com/weddings.html

Part 4 in this article series will discuss silk flower bouquets as alternatives to fresh flower bouquets.