We all know what a bride looks like: veil, white dress, bouquet. But have you ever wondered why brides always have to carry flowers as a bouquet?

History shows us that brides have carried flowers for different reasons. Long ago, brides carried herbs in their veils as a symbol of their faithfulness. Brides in Greece once carried ivy in their bouquets as a symbol of ‘never-ending love.’ But perhaps our favorite historical tid bit is this: in primitive times brides carried stinky strings of herbs and spices to scare off any evil spirits lurking about.

But today, we have more options. From crystals embedded in roses to fruit intermixed with blooms; beaded buttons to engraved, silver stem holders, bouquets have gone big time in a big way.

Go a bit birdy
We love feather hair clips for brides, so why not incorporate flowers into your bouquet?  Tucked in around the base of the flowers, feathers will add an unusual texture and element to make your bouquet truly unique.

And in some cases, brides are ditching the flowers all together and just carrying a bouquet made entirely out of feathers. But before you go all Big Bird on us, take a look at how truly gorgeous it is (picture, above). It’s not for every bride, but for the risk taker, fashion forward type, a feather bouquet is absolutely fabulous.

It’s in the bag
If you’re a purse junkie, stay true to your self by carrying a beautiful beaded hand bag instead of flowers. Delicately hanging from a wrist chain, you can incorporate your wedding colors by using a bag with a splash of color or keep it neutral by carrying a white or soft pink bag.

 

Whether it’s a family heirloom or an antique store find, a beaded wrist bag is practical, (there’s where you can carry a hankie!) feminine and pretty.

And while you may have seen balls covered with flowers hanging from the reception room ceilings, consider hanging a circular bouquet of flowers hanging from your wrist. Called a 'pomander bouquet' (some refer to it as a 'kissing ball') it works with fresh or silk flowers and is an 'easy to carry' option for the bride and bridal party. And at the reception, your bouquet—along with your bridesmaids’—will double nicely as centerpieces at the ‘common’ tables (gift table, guest book station, etc.)

By the book
One of the keys to distinctive (and successful) wedding planning is personalization. And if you’ve never been the flowers type, ditch tradition and carry what you want.

 

A small, silver-framed photo of a family member who has passed; your treasured first edition of Catcher in The Rye or a vintage umbrella—out-of-the-box options that will make your wedding as distinctive as your love, your wedding and…you.