The bridal bouquet and boutonniere are timeless traditions, and while nothing says “classic” like a traditional rose or carnation, you may be looking for something far more unique on your wedding day. The options are endless – and sometimes flowers aren’t even involved! Here are some ideas we love:

For our brides, the brooch bouquet is a stunning work of art to carry down the aisle. These bouquets are one-of-a-kind, last forever, and can be in any material or color scheme you can dream up. While many shops like Etsy sell pre-made bouquets, crafty brides can turn this into a DIY project by mixing brooches, pearls, and other jewels with silk flowers. There are no rules to the brooch bouquet, so don’t worry about imperfection! Here’s one New Jersey bride’s shiny, elegant brooch bouquet:

Another crafty route gaining popularity are paper flower bouquets. While more delicate than a brooch bouquet, this can also be made from material that’s a bit more personal – often from the bride and groom’s favorite books or sheet music. Here’s one idea from an Etsy shop.

If you’re simply looking for a bouquet with a little more character, consider adding non-floral pieces to the mix. Feathers, berries, and succulents can transform a bundle of flowers into a bouquet full of vibrance and texture. This spring bouquet mixes up flowers with other textures for a wild, rustic look:

An easy way to make your wedding bouquet truly personal is to add something that represents you. Many of our New Jersey brides pin a small brooch or photo to their bouquet as a quiet but meaningful remembrance of a loved one.

You may be feeling overwhelmed by the choices by now. Rest assured, booking with the Sterling Ballroom at the Doubletree Inn in Eatontown, NJ means you’ll have recommendations for some of Monmouth County’s best florists. Contact us for more information or to schedule a visit.

– Jessica M.