11 Unique Wedding Bouquet Ideas for the Alternative Bride

Some people hear 'alternative bride' and immediately think of unconventional wedding gowns.
But a non-traditional wedding isn't all about the dress. There are many ways to skip, replace or upgrade wedding traditions.

These include choosing a venue that goes beyond the ballroom (e.g. a gym, stadium, bowling alley, etc.), toasting with a signature drink instead of champagne, having a friend or family member officiate the wedding, and so on.

Of course, if you're looking for an easy way to add a creative twist to your wedding, you can't go wrong with a unique wedding bouquet. That said, here are 11 ideas for a one-of-a-kind bouquet you'll love to carry all day.

1. Apple Bouquet

Are you considering a fall wedding? Awesome! There are many things to love about an autumn wedding including the fact that its apple season.

And speaking of apples, why not go for an apple bouquet? With red gala apples plus some filler flowers, you'll have a unique bouquet that's sure to be a conversation starter.

Tip: If you're DIYing your bouquet, use small apples and skip the berries as embellishment. You don't want a too heavy bouquet or one that will stain your dress.

2. Brooch Bouquet

If your something old is your bouquet, you'll love this idea. Plus, there are brooch bouquet sellers online, so finding one shouldn't be hard.

But if you prefer to make it yourself, make sure you have a lot of old jewelry on hand. You'll need around 60 pieces depending on the size of your bouquet.

Also, try to choose brooches or earrings or rings that aren't too delicate. Remember, you'll be wrapping your creation with stub wires. If some of the pieces break, it's going to be hard to glue them back together.

3. Feather Bouquet

Here's another non-floral inspiration you can add to your list of unique wedding bouquets. Not only are feathers eye-catching, but they're also very versatile depending on which looks you're going for.
For example, large quill feathers go well with rustic wedding themes. Fluffy feathers, on the other hand, match weddings with a 1920s vibe.

Or if you still prefer a floral arrangement, you can add feathers as an accent to your bouquet. It's a great way to give your bouquet a totally different shape and texture.

4. Succulent Bouquet

One advantage succulents have over traditional flowers is they are much more durable. In fact, they're so hardy you can replant them after the wedding.

Now, if color is a concern for you, don't worry. Succulents come in different varieties - from dark green types to purple ones. And of course, you can always pair them with your favorite blooms.

5. Air Plant Bouquet

Tillandsia or air plants seem to be the perfect wedding plant. You can use them as wedding favors, tablescapes, boutonnieres, etc.

And yes, they also look great as a bouquet, especially if your goal is to carry something that feels modern and whimsical at the same time. For brides who aren't afraid to go big, an air plant paired with protea makes for a fantastic splashy bouquet.

6. Pomander Bouquet

Unique bridal bouquets are exactly that because rules don't have to apply to them. As an example, pomander bouquets are traditionally used by flower girls.

But since you're a non-traditional bride, you can go ahead and have your wedding bouquet in that style. And by that style, we mean a round ball of flowers held by a ribbon or string of pearls or twine.

As for what flowers to use, roses are the usual option. But if you feel roses are too conventional, you can opt for sunflowers or carnations. Daisies are a good choice, too, as well as fabric flowers.

7. Single Stem

Can a single stem be considered as a bouquet? Well, no, not in the traditional sense. Which is why it's perfect for alternative brides.

Now, since you'll be holding only one flower, you'll want to go for a bigger variety. Consider a peony, king protea, large dahlia, or open magnolia for your single stem "bouquet."

8. Monochromatic Bouquet

There's a way to do a monochromatic bouquet without it looking one-note. The trick is to pick a color then gradate it.

Let's say you've chosen blue. Bright blue orchids aren't your only option. There's muscari, blue roses, blue hydrangea, and so on.

Don't be afraid to experiment or ask an expert florist to help.

9. Baby's Breath Bouquet

Think baby's breaths are just filler flowers? For a farmhouse style wedding, they might be the only thing you need for a uniquely rustic bouquet. Wrap with some floral tape, and you're good to go.

10. Wildflower Bouquet

There's something magical about a floral arrangement that looks not quite structured. And it's easy to achieve that effect if your bouquet is made up of flowers you've picked yourself.

Of course, it's one thing to pick flowers and another thing to actually have the talent to arrange them in an artful manner. If you're lacking in this area, get a friend to help or talk to a florist who can bring your idea to life.

11. Candy Bouquet

From cotton candy bouquets to pizza bouquets, there are all sorts of edible wedding bouquets these days.

A candy bouquet is something you might want to consider if you love sweets. Just remember not to leave them unattended or ants might get to them before the ceremony.

The Best Unique Wedding Bouquet Is the One That Makes You Happy

Are you worried about your bouquet looking too traditional for a non-traditional wedding? Don't stress too much about that. Choosing a wedding bouquet should be a pleasurable experience. If you're not quite happy about your choice of blooms (or non-blooms), it's okay to start over and look for other ideas like the ones listed here.

Need a Florist Who Can Help?

If you're looking for an Atlanta-based florist, we can discuss your wedding flower needs including the perfect unique wedding bouquet for an alternative bride.

Give us a call at 678.336.1195 or 800.337.1755 and let's make your wedding floral dreams come to life.

Style Down the Aisle: 8 Gorgeous Bridal Bouquet Trends

Over 5.5 million Americans get married each year. If you're one of these lucky people and a bride-to-be, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your bridal bouquet choices. Or maybe you honestly don't have the slightest idea of what you want or where to begin.

Not to worry; we're taking a look at seven gorgeous bridal bouquet trends that are expected to be hot through 2019. Here are some ideas on what to carry as you make your way down the aisle that will perfectly compliment your gown and the beauty of your big day.

1. Go Singular With One Big Bloom

It doesn't get any simpler than holding one grand flower in one of your favorite colors. Some larger-than-life options to consider include peonies, dahlias, chrysanthemums, and day lilies.

Exactly which flower is right for you depends upon the time of year your wedding is taking place and your personal preference. If you're having a rustic wedding late in the summer, you can even try a sunflower.

There is, however, a key to pulling this off, because something this simple can also look rather skimpy. Your flower should be surrounded by plenty of greenery so that it looks like an actual wedding bouquet. This will also help the lone bloom stand out.

2. Pretty in Pink and Other Pastel Shades

Pastel petals are poised to be a big 2019 wedding trend. Their softness is just right for setting a romantic and gentle feel to the big day. They can also particularly compliment outdoor weddings, including those overlooking the ocean.

Roses are available in several pastel tones, but other blooms to consider include delphinium, hydrangea, clematis, and even tulips. A pastel bouquet is a great alternative for the bride who wants something a little more exciting than white but doesn't want to draw too much attention with stronger colors.

3. Go With the Year's Official Pantone Color

Color consulting company Pantone has been guiding graphic designers, fashion designers, interior decorators and more to help them create vibrant clothing and home decor. They also choose a color of the year and as it turns out, 2019's official hue-Living Coral-is just perfect for summer bridal bouquets.

Described as "animating" and "life-affirming", this sunny color can be found in natural roses, peonies, peach gladiolus, and Gerbera daisies. You may want an arrangement that uses it as the central focus of the bouquet, surrounded by more muted tones and greenery.

4. Get Herbal

Herbs have traditionally been a part of wedding ceremonies for hundreds of years due to the belief they bring good luck and fertility to couples. They're certainly not out of place when added to a bridal bouquet or if they're the star of the arrangement.

Fragrant lavender, rosemary sprigs, soft-hued sage, and other herbs can really put the finishing touches on a rustic wedding. They're not just for the bouquet; herbs can be used to adorn tables, entryways, and your wedding cake. They can also be a detail of your wedding centerpiece.

A bonus is they also smell wonderful and certain varieties may even help keep mosquitoes and other insects away.

5. The Cascading Bouquet

There's a reason why the classic cascading bridal bouquet never goes out of style. It's romantic and tends to look more natural than a compact gathering of flowers. It can also be adorned with a ribbon or greenery.

When Princess Diana married in the 1980s, she carried a shower bouquet (the nickname for a cascading arrangement) and the trend really took off. When executed properly, your cascading bouquet will not look like it's about to fall apart. A professional florist knows how to secure each stem so they'll stay in place.

Flower choices for this type of bouquet are pretty much limitless. Gladiolas, gardenias, garden roses, dahlias, and even succulents are fair game for the shower bouquet.

6. Bohemian Rhapsody

For the bohemian (boho) bridal bouquet, expect a bit of the unexpected. Boho bouquets may contain feathers, seed pods, ornamental grass, bright yellow sunflowers, greenery, and more. Anything goes is the name of the game when creating a boho bouquet.

These arrangements tend to be a little more rustic and ideal for outdoor wedding settings and barn receptions. Succulents are also making their these bouquets as they come in several muted tones and many varieties resemble flowers.

The bouquet may include long flowing ribbons or eucalyptus leaves. A trademark of these bouquets is that they usually contain a lot of texture and color.

7. Go Bold With Saturated Colors

According to the Flower Trends Forecast, bright flower colors are trending. For the bride that likes to go big and bold, now's the time to make a big splash.

As mentioned, Living Coral is 2019's official Pantone color, but you can also try hot pink, ultramarine, yellow, and even classic romantic red for your bouquet.

8. Keep It Local

We hear a lot these days about sourcing ingredients from local farmers and food suppliers for meals, so it's no surprise that this trend is finding its way into the bridal bouquet. The bouquet may be made up of seasonal flowers from a local farm with hand-picked greenery from the reception venue added for the finishing touch.

It's a fun and creative way of giving back in a small way to a local business on your big day.

We Can Help With Your Bridal Bouquet

There are lots of options when it comes to choosing the ideal bridal bouquet for your wedding. Whether you need help with creating your bouquet or know exactly what you have in mind, our staff at Peachtree Petals is more than happy to help you create your dream wedding.

Our in-house wedding flower consultants have more than a decade of experience creating the perfect floral arrangements for brides. If your wedding is taking place in the Atlanta or Los Angeles area, contact us to arrange a floral consultation.

Sweet Petals: 8 Beautiful Ideas for Using Flowers on Your Atlanta Wedding Cake

Your big day is coming up and you want your cake to be perfect. The problem is, you hate those fake flowers made of tons of frosting.

Have no fear! You can still have the cake of your dreams! It's possible to have a stunning wedding cake without all those fake flowers. Instead, you can use the real thing.

Real flowers on a wedding cake? Aren't those reserved for decorations? Why not decorate your cake with real flowers? It's your wedding! If you need some inspirations, here are eight ways to use real flowers on your Atlanta wedding cake.

1. The Waterfall Look

If you like the look of something flowy, consider using real flowers in a waterfall down your cake. This works best with a multi-tiered cake. Three or four will look better than one or two.

Start with a solid cake. If you're going for traditional, choose a white frosted or fondant-covered cake.
Then, start your flower waterfall on the top. Bring it down one side, then curve it over to flow down the corners if you have square layers. If they're round, move the flower flow to one side a little bit.

You can use a lot of flowers this way, so it's perfect if you have several types or colors of flowers or if you want to use a lot. While you can decorate the rest of your cake with other things, we like it best when the rest of the cake is clean.

2. The Party Hat

Do you love large flowers? If so, you may love this cake topper idea. Instead of using figurines of your spouse-to-be and yourself, top that cake with a giant flower.

Don't just stick the flower on the top, though. Instead, put it at an angle, like a gentleman wearing his hat a little at a slant. The angle will add interest, and make it look like the cake is tipping its hat to you.

Want to tie in the color of the petals? Create a color fade on the bottom layer of the cake. If your base color is white, start with a dark shade similar to the flower, then fade up the layer until it disappears into the white.

3. The Topper Combo

Want a cake topper and live flowers? No problem! Simply combine the two. Place your cake topper, or a topper made of flowers, on the top of the cake. If you'd like to use flowers, create a topper out of some of the flowers used in the decorations, but make it stand out.

For example, if there are white flowers in the mix, use only the white flowers on the top of the cake. Supplement it with initials and a heart, or any other cake topper you'd like. This works without flowers on the top, too.

From there, create the waterfall effect. Take it down the cake however you'd like. Make it flow down one side, or turn it to go around the cake a little.

4. Add Beads

If you're going for something sleek, use a combination of flowers and beads (these can be edible). Place a few simple flowers to one side of the very top of the cake. Then place a bigger bunch of flowers in front of the second layer.

Outline the bottom of each cake layer with beads. You can do these in all the same color or alternate them from layer to layer.

5. Tie in Some Ribbon

You can achieve a simple but beautiful look with real flowers and ribbon. First, place ribbons around the bottom of each layer of the cake.

From there, add a bunch of flowers on top of the cake, and only a few in a couple other places, at the corners of different layers on the cake. Finish it off by surrounding the bottom layer with loose petals

6. The All-Out Floral Look

If you really want to let your attendees know you love flowers, feel free to cover your cake in them (just make sure the groom is cool with this!). Create a cake topper from your chosen flowers, and place the flowers around the bottom of each individual layer as well.

This will make for a very busy cake. But if that's your thing, that's okay!

7. Mix Large and Small

Using a variety of sizes of flowers can make your cake shine. Start with a large flower or plant on the top, accented with some smaller ones.

Use medium-sized flowers to create accent bunches in various places on the cake. Then surround the bottom of each layer with smaller flowers. These circles will look something like a halo. Strands of little flowers connected with vibrant green stems work well here.

8. Pair Them with Berries

For a more unique look, pair your flowers with berries when you decorate your cake. Start with some vibrant, large flowers on the cake's top. Accent these with some greenery if you'd like.

Then, use various berries to add bunches of color at the bottom of the different layers. Tie the colors together for the best results. For example, use large red flowers on top, then accent them using red berries on the layers.

Mixing in berries of others colors works well too. Pair blackberries with red berries for a beautiful contrasted look.

Make sure you stay away from holly berries, even though they look festive.

Make Your Atlanta Wedding Cake Shine

Your Atlanta wedding cake should be exactly what you want it to be. If you want to be different, then go for it! That means you can say no to all those frosting flowers.

Real flowers go a long way in dressing up your wedding cake. From graceful to fiery, flowers can show off your personality and love of natural foliage.

When it comes to wedding flowers, we've got you covered. Contact us today to get started!

Preserving the Memories: 4 Things You Can Do with Your Wedding Flowers After the Big Day

With some weddings spending upwards of $10,000 just on their floral arrangements, you want to get some extra mileage out of them. You might think that cut flowers only have a short lifespan but with the right amount of care, wedding flowers can last a while.

They're usually such high-quality flowers that you'll be able to keep them around for weeks easily.
Here are four things to do with your wedding flowers after the big day has come and gone.

1. Cheer Up Strangers, Friends, or Loved Ones

With the joy that your flowers brought you on your wedding day, it's hard to imagine having to just throw them in the trash. However, there's a lot of joy that they can bring to others just a day later.
Flowers last for weeks when they're treated well and a beautiful arrangement looks great for at least a week with very little maintenance.

If you live near a nursing home, a hospital, or a shelter of any kind, bringing in some fairly fresh flowers brings a ray of light into a dark place. While most of these places work hard to make visitors feel good, they often have limited budgets for spending on decor.

By bringing in thousands of dollars in flowers, you bring a needed brightness to the place. If you have a friend who came to your wedding despite going through a rough time personally, make a special trip out to meet them with these flowers.  Bringing your friend or loved one some flowers when they're feeling low brings needed life into their home.

Some people become withdrawn when they're sad and adding living flowers turns those feelings around to something more positive.

There are even charities who make it their job to take care of this exact type of project. Contact a charity and they'll even arrange to pick up the flowers after your wedding or your reception. They'll take these cheery centerpieces who need to be lifted up and will ensure those people see your flowers while they're fresh and perky.

2. Treat Your Guests

When people come to a wedding, they might pay hundreds of dollars on drinks, travel, or rental of what they wore. On top of that, they'll spend another hundred dollars or more on a gift from the registry.

While that's expected at a wedding, it's always nice to give people something to take away with them.
They'll remember your wedding fondly for a while after if you give them some of your flowers. Have your flowers arranged in a way that allows people to take them away easily.

A large number of smaller arrangements put together by your florist allows everyone the ability to get in on the action.

Make them centerpieces at every table and offer them to the people sitting there. To avoid fights, you can make it a game where someone at every table has the chance to win the arrangement.

Instead of making a bunch of cheap items for people to take home from your wedding, have nice vessels created. A nice pitcher with a small engraving or a small vase at each table makes it easy for you to give away each one of your flower arrangements.

3. Make Something

When it comes time to part with your flowers, you don't need to throw them in the trash. If you're into gardening or saving the earth, be sure to put them into the compost rather than putting them into a landfill.

If you're an artist or like to craft, you'll be able to create interesting things with your flowers. Start by taking your bouquet and hanging it upside down for a couple of weeks while you're on your honeymoon. when you get back, your flowers should be completely dried out and ready to be played with. In this state, you can do a lot more with your flowers.

If you've never made a shadow box, now is the time. Take some mementos from your wedding and arrange them in a deep framed box. Sprinkle petals on the bottom or line the interior with flowers.
Think about pressing flowers from each wedding bouquet. Create bookmarks or wall arrangements that last for years after your wedding. Leave them as a reminder for your spouse on what flowers they should probably get you for your anniversary.

Whatever you make is sure to have loads of sentimental value, so be sure to handle your flowers with care. Think carefully as you construct your final product but with bouquet after bouquet of flowers, you have some room for mistakes.

4. Have Another Event

The modern wedding is more complicated than the wedding of the past. Typical weddings twenty or thirty years ago may have involved a rehearsal dinner but were often in and out affairs.

Now, people stretch out their weddings over multiple days and several locations. If this is how your wedding is going to run, take advantage of your flowers on the days afterward. It's hard to make another venue seem like a wedding venue, but with flowers, it's much easier.

Take your flowers to your next-day breakfast event or to your gift opening party. You'll get another day to enjoy your beautiful bouquets and feel like you got the most out of them.

Offer them to guests at the end and let other people enjoy that lovely feeling you had at your wedding for weeks to come.

Wedding Flowers Are Still Just Flowers

At the end of the day, wedding flowers don't have to be thought of only in that context. Do whatever you would normally do with flowers after your wedding day has passed. Give them to people who you care about and spread the love.

If you want to give some flowers to someone who needs cheering up, check out our guide for more details.

These 6 Plant Gifts Are Way Better Than Sending Flowers

It's the gift that keeps on living! Think of a potted flower as a living bouquet which will grow and grow. A bunch of flowers though is unlikely to last more than a few days, as the stems have all been cut from the plant.

A plant breathes life into a room and it's a gift that's a lasting reminder of warm thoughts towards your loved ones.

Plant gifts are ideal to give when there's no special occasion at all. Flowers that are growing and potted add an extra dimension to the thought and kindness which have gone into your gift.
Plants are easy maintenance too, usually just needing some water and a bit of light.

The benefits of tending to a living flower include stress relief and a connection to nature that is healing. Even if you know nothing about gardening, you'll get enjoyment from a potted flower, especially if you select the right bloom.

We're the plant gift experts and we're going to tell you about the top six plants that'll show you care about the health, and happiness of the person you're giving to.

Orchids Are the Perfect Plant Gifts

Orchids have fast become one of the most popular indoor plants. Their flowers are delicate, exotic and vibrant. This makes these gorgeous plants an obvious gift idea.

They have a stand-out but elegant appearance, and they require minimal maintenance.
Sitting in their own ceramic pot, they just need watering once a week and can be displayed in any window.

In flower language, they stand for delicate beauty. They'll help to achieve feelings of balance and happiness, making them a winning choice as a plant gift.

Give an Azalea, Give a Smile

The flowers of these plants symbolize femininity and delicacy. Azaleas are the perfect plant gifts for your wife, mother, daughter, or friend.

Azaleas represent brightness and cheeriness and so are ideal gifts for any occasion, or even no occasion at all.

Great for the holidays, baby showers or as a welcome gift for someone moving into a new home, azaleas will bring a smile to all great occasions.

Azaleas like bright but indirect sunlight and may need to be watered every few days.

The Peace Lily

The peace lily has been around for centuries. It oozes symbolism and represents peace, virtue, cleanliness, and rebirth.

Giving a peace lily as a plant gift, means you're wishing calm, tranquility, and harmony. Because of what the peace lily has come to mean to so many, it can often be given as a sympathy gift. It's, therefore, a wonderful and lasting tribute to a loved one who's been lost.

The presence of the peace lily can bring about harmonious thoughts. Their petals are beautiful and their stems are lengthy.

They have a healing quality by absorbing the bad things in the air we breathe while expelling oxygen to improve our circulatory systems.

This plant is thought to have taken its name from its white flowers, which many think look like small, white flags of peace.

Roses are Not Only Red

A bunch of red roses can feel a little bit stereotypical and so an actual rose plant is a great alternative to this traditional floral gift.

Roses come in so many colors, from reds to yellows and pinks to whites. Anyone who receives a planted rose will love the thought that's gone into this gift.

Red roses are famed for representing love and passion. They're a great alternative gift to take to a wedding. They're also an ideal gift for a ruby wedding anniversary of forty years.

Clusters of these blooms in pots will brighten up any room. They can even be planted outdoors at a later date, meaning they'll last and last.

Soothing Lavender

Calming Lavender is a perfect plant gift because it's renowned for its relaxing and calming scent.
Lavender plants look impressive. These stress relievers will freshen up the home with their wonderful fragrance.

Perhaps you have a sick friend or a relative who's having a hard time at work. Lavender plants make for the perfect soothing gift. What's more, they won't add to the workload as they don't require lots of water to stay healthy.

Lucky Bamboo

Bamboo plants have a reputation as being bringers of peace, love and good fortune to any space they are placed in.

Their roots in Feng Shui are thought to give off good luck to their owner. They're therefore an ideal gift for someone you know who just needs a bit of extra help.

Three stalks of lucky bamboo are said to bring happiness, wealth and a long life.
They're sturdy plants and very low maintenance. They can be placed in a window but can adapt to small amounts of light.

They're great gifts for Dads as they have a modern and masculine look. They're also ideal for bathrooms where they can profit from the moisture of showers and baths.

Plants Are the Perfect Gifts

Living plants are just like us: they grow, eat, and breathe. Those that bloom bestow beauty and charm, acting as a reminder of your thoughtfulness in giving them as a gift.

Our selection is easy to maintain needing just a little water and light. Remember too you're also doing your bit to save the planet by giving live plant gifts instead of cut flowers. A huge percentage of flowers sold are flown in by jet to florists from far and wide.

Think of the energy and fuel you're saving by selecting a more eco-friendly living plant instead.
We'd love to hear from you whether you're looking to give something for a wedding, funeral or even a hospital visit. Check out the wide variety of plant gifts we offer. Our selections are available all year round and are there to meet your every need.