7 Alternatives To The Bouquet Toss: How Brides Are Breaking Tradition

 

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of tossing the bouquet actually originated? The reason is not as lovely as one might think. It started hundreds of years ago when touching the bride was believed to bring good luck. Can you imagine how uncomfortable and invasive that must have felt?! Unruly guests would go to such lengths as to rip off pieces of her dress! As a distractive way to appease the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and then make a quick getaway. Over time, the distraction evolved into a gesture in which the bride passes good luck to one single lady.

Fast forward to the present day. We all have witnessed that point during the reception when the emcee stops the party and summons all the single women to the dance floor. With cringing smiles, everyone gathers behind the bride waiting for her to throw the bouquet. Whoever catches it supposedly has love on their horizon. The whole thing is dreadful, outdated, and hard to watch. Firstly, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being single! But no one wants to be called out for being single, or any other reason for that matter, at a wedding in front of a room full of people. Secondly, it’s potentially dangerous. We’ve all seen videos of women eating the dancing floor during the bouquet toss. Alcohol and heels do not make a good marriage here. Additionally, people get excited and even aggressive after a few drinks. The scene can look more like a game of tackle football. With all this in mind, it’s no wonder more and more brides are doing away with the tradition. Here’s what they are doing instead.

 

 

Breakaway bouquet

Some of our brides have two bouquets made – one to keep, one to throw. If you really want to throw a bouquet, but want to put a modern spin on the tradition, consider a breakaway bouquet. It looks just like a real bouquet, but has been assembled to break apart as it flies through the air. Everyone walks away happy and with a flower in hand.

 

 

Split the bouquet
Every bride has a power squad of women who has helped her through life’s major ups and downs. What better time to thank them than at your wedding? Show your heartfelt appreciation by taking a private moment to give them each a part of your bouquet.

 

 

Anniversary dance
Rather than singling out the single ladies, single out the couples (married or all couples – you decide) and have them join you on the dance floor for an anniversary dance. Pick a song that is timeless and has emotional appeal across generations – “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis, “At Last” by Etta James, “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison, “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, and “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones are always winners.

 

 

Girls–only dance
Call ALL the ladies front and center for a girls-only dance. Compared to a bouquet toss, it’s a great way to celebrate all the women who came out to support you at your wedding. Opt for a fun, uplifting song such as “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, “Run the World” by Beyonce, “Love Shack” by the B-52s, or “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.

 

 

Honor loved ones passed
Weddings conjure up a lot of emotions, and you’ll undoubtedly feel sadness for the loved ones passed who can’t be there. Honor their memory by setting up a display that centers around your bouquet and includes their photos, any special heirlooms, and candles. 

 

 

Turn your bouquet into a work of art
You absolutely love your bouquet and are incredibly bummed about having to throw it out. What if we told you it’s possible to enjoy your bridal blooms for years to come? Artists like Lacie Porta of Framed Florals are preserving wedding flowers to create beautiful, one-of-kind works of art.

Donate Your Bouquet
Most flowers have a vase life of a few days or more. Rather than tossing them into the trash at the end of the night, let your wedding flowers brighten the lives of others by donating them. After collecting arrangements from weddings and events, Repeat Roses redesigns them in to petite bouquets, with are then given to patients in hospices, cancer treatment centers, mental health facilities, and homeless shelters.

Times have changed. What seemed like a good idea to brides years ago may not feel right today. Don’t be afraid to break tradition! From sentimental to do-good to full-on fun, there are many alternatives to tossing the bouquet.