Is this tacky?

wallaby4rent · March 2010

I'm on a super tight budget, and I've thought about not getting bouquets for the bridesmaids. Part of my reasoning is that the ceremony will last a max of 15 minutes, so, to me, it doesn't really seem like a big deal whether or not they're holding a bouquet. Two out of three of my bridesmaids said they didn't care if they had them or not. My MoH seemed taken a little aback when I said I was considering not having them, and she seemed to think it would be awkward for them to be standing there holding nothing. However, I'm not sure if she realizes how much they cost.

I'm not bridezilla in any sense of the word, but I'm just wondering if I'd come off as tacky to not have the bouquets. I really didn't think it was that big of a deal: if the roles were reversed, I wouldn't have a problem with her not giving me a bouquet.

AdeleDazeem · March 2010

I don't think it's tacky not to have bouquets, but have you thought of maybe each girl carrying a single flower? They can be the same or different. Anyway, it cuts costs and still gives them something to carry.

trix1223 · March 2010

Substitute something less expensive for full bouquets. I had my BMs carry 3 long stem roses tied with a ribbon. You can do the same with callas if you prefer that flower.

I carried a white Bible with an orchid attached. They could also carry books of poetry or clutch purses. You can get a pretty basket instead of a bouquet. Start thinking outside of bouquet-world and you can come up with alternatives.

Amaryllis619 · March 2010

I put "yes" but i really just meant that they should carry something. like the girls have said, if you're worried about cost, just have them carry a single flower, or something. (clutch, umbrellas, etc)

amagwire · March 2010

They should carry something. I agree with above . They can carry a couple of flowers. Even if you get a bouquet at the grocery store and put it together youselves.

[Deleted User] · March 2010

yes and no, but I agree they should carry something. like the other's said, a single flower or rose would be nice but cheap. you could even get a half dozen at the grocery without having to go thru a florist and divide them up. or you could get cheap fake flowers and make your own small bouquets esp if you are a crafty kinda girl.

CaptiolBride · March 2010

I like the 3 stem flowers! it's simple, cheap , and danti (spelling)

pandasquishy · March 2010

I put yes, but only because I think they should be carrying something, not nothing. PPs had a lot of good suggestions.

khornack · March 2010

I don't think it's tacky, but you can look into inexpensive flowers from someplace like Sam's or Costco and DIY. If you are not having a formal wedding, you can always look into 'filler flowers' as bouquets. Bunches of carnations, baby's breath, or stock and only those make interesting and beautiful bouquets. Talk to a florist and see what is in season, you can authorize him or her to do a market buy and buy something in a color within your budget, you just may not know what it is until at most a couple days before hand. So, while, like I said, I don't think you have to have flowers, if you want to, they can be relatively inexpensive.

Although, I must admit, as an avid reader, l love the idea of carrying books as well!

caseylynne21 · March 2010

it's not tacky but they are going to be figity without something to hold.

tadrian76 · March 2010

Have you concidered handmade feather bouquets? You can make a night of it and have all your girls come over and make them. Get the feathers cheap at a crafting store or on ebay.

jagore08 · March 2010

I know several brides not doing bouquets (or flowers at all). I think the clutch idea is a good option. This way they will have something in their hands.

Micheles60 · March 2010

"Tacky?" No, I don't think so. Uncomfortable? Yes, definitely. I've seen weddings where the bridesmaid/MOH had nothing to hold, and it really looked awkward. Not to mention the first thing that came to my mind was, "Sheesh, was that bride cheap!"

Your girls don't need full bouquets. They don't even need anything from the florist. you can get something from Conroys or Costco or the grocery store the morning of. A single flower in white or similar to one of the colors in your wedding, with a little greenery and tied with a ribbon is all that's needed. Your girls will have something to hold, it won't look as awkward, and the whole event will look more finished and polished. Or, as stated above, have them hold clutches!

microkelly · March 2010

I agree with the others. Tacky is not the right word but awkward is definately fitting. I'd just have them carry a single flower or you can do like my friend. She carried real flowers and the bridesmaids carried silk flowers she found at Hobby Lobby for like $20 total for all of us. No one could tell the difference and it looks better in pics. then if they were holding nothing.

megk8oz · March 2010

I don't think you need bouquets ... I mean, I like the asthetics of them carrying something, but honestly, if you skipped it entirely, I wouldn't judge you for it.

The PPs have a lot of good suggestions. Seriously, if you go to a wholesaler like Costco, you could buy a dozen roses in a wide variety of colors for less than $10, and just give each girl 2 or 3 flowers to hold.

wallaby4rent · March 2010

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions - they've been really helpful!

td08sweetpea · March 2010

I also think it would be akward to be standing up there with nothing. Corsages are an option too. Also not very expensive if silk.

CourtneyBC · April 2010

I was very recently a BM with nothing to hold, and honestly, it was awkward. I couldn't figure out what to do with my hands and neither could any of the other BMs. We were all fidgety as a result. It was probably very distracting to the guests. You might get lilies with pretty long stems. Give one to each BM and a cluster of 3 with a pretty ribbon to the MOH.

kittenbutthead · April 2010

I'm on a tight budget too so I feel your pain. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. In the end it's your wedding and you are the one that's paying for it. Do what you need to do.

Is this tacky?

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