Faux Fleurs- 5 Unexpected Bouquet Alternatives

I are seeing more and more brides carry faux flowers down the aisle.  As I think about my own wedding, I wonder if I'd be willing to replace the magic, fragrance and texture of of fresh flowers with a more creative, eco friendly bouquet?

Why would brides and bridesmaids carry fake flowers in the first place?

Quality fresh flowers can be fickle, pricey, and have a big environmental cost.

If you are getting married outdoors, especially in hot seasons or climates, fresh flower alternatives may be a great way to prevent your bouquets from instantly wilting in humidity.   I've created custom eco wedding dresses for many brides whose weddings involving backpacking, canoeing, marathons, and bonfires who opted for alternatives to fresh flowers.

Blooms ending up in your wedding bouquet are most likely grown with tons of pesticides and chemicals, picked by workers in who-knows-what conditions, and shipped thousands of miles.  I don't have to spell it out--- it's not good.  There are really great local, eco resources for fresh flowers springing up, too, if fake just doesn't cut it.

If you are on a tight budget, instead of sacrificing stylish for cheap with flower replicas ("silk" is just a fancy way of saying "polyester from hobby lobby"), a creative flower alternative may be just for you.

Any wedding blog or Pinterest fan with half an eye open has seen bouquets made from buttons and brooches... these pretty but hard and heavy creations lack the delicateness that rivals flowers in my eyes.  What ELSE makes can fun, eco friendly bouquets be comprised of?

Here are my top 5 fresh-stemless Picks:

1. Bouquet with Balsa Wood Flowers by A Special Day.

2. These fabric flower dome bouquets by Ellarye Boutique on Etsy are a fun spin on the traditional rose (and the photo styling is delightful)

3. Carrying clay-creations is great idea for the more adventurous (but not too clumsy) bride.  I love these from OOAK Bridal on Etsy.

4. DIY Paper flowers are economical, whimsical, and have the right amount of delicate.  These giant flowers in This DIY from Ruche will make you like like a teensy pixie when standing in a mock-forest of them.

5. Bird's Nest Style Bouquet.  The texture of twigs in contrast with flowers is enchanting.