Boots 'n Bangles: Unconventional Bridal Flowers

Planning all the details of a wedding can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are ways to cut back on aspects of the event, but still keeping with the beauty. Flowers play a major part in the decor, and of course add a lovely aroma, but they sure do add up - especially if they're out of season. These days brides are totally going for the eco-chic wedding trend, and what better way to participate than in floral! I've collected some stunningly amazing floral substitutes that can be used throughout a wedding, wherever flowers are needed. And best of all, these arrangements don't perish, so they can be saved forever like a little keepsake from your big day!

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FLOWER: Vintage Brooches

Ok, so this is my absolute favorite of all these ideas. I am in love with the look of anything vintage, and the sparkle that comes from a cluster of beautiful brooches in a bouquet is just stunning. This look is especially perfect for that "blingy"-bride or that over-the-top Cinderella, fairy tale wedding theme.

Check out this white brooch bouquet here

Check out this hot pink brooch bouquet here

Check out this colorful brooch bouquet here

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FLOWER: Baby's Breath

I know what you're probably thinking...baby's breath? Usually this delicate little flower is added to an arrangement of roses, but I found that this inexpensive alternative is actually quite pretty when done tastefully.

Check out this simple Baby's Breath Bouquet here

Check out this Baby's Breath wreath here

Check out this Baby's Breath Bouquet with Leaf detail here

Check out this Baby's Breath fence detail here

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FLOWER: Wheat

I really love the look of this. This idea was brought to me by one of my brides who wanted to incorporate this beautiful grass into her country wedding in a barn. Wheat is the perfect element to add to an elegant twist on farmhouse weddings. Because it's neutral colored, it will work no matter what palatte you choose. It can be dressed up with a pretty silk ribbon, or played down in a classic mason jar.

Check out this wheat napkin here

Check out this wheat chair decor here

Check out this simple wheat mason jar centerpiece here

Check out this wheat bouquet with ribbon here

Check out this wheat boutonniere here

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FLOWER: Fabric

Fabric is probably the easiest to find and has the most choices available. It's simple to work with and you can make it whatever you want. It's washable, dyeable and can be glued, sewn, adorned, twisted, tied, rolled and layered.

Check out this chic white fabric necklace here

Check out this pink chiffon bouquet here

Check out this bejeweled ivory organza bouquet here

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FLOWER: Felt
I wanted to do a felt segment especially for my dear friend, Emily. She loves anything made of felt. I like it because it has that really sweet, homemade look to it. Felt is easy to cut into pretty much all shapes, and can be decorated with jewels, sequins and beads to dress it up for this special occasion.

Check out this sweet pink felt necklace here

Check out this ivory felt pomander here

Check out this fuschia felt bouquet here

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FLOWER: Paper

Paper flowers have been used for weddings and parties for years. You can use all types of paper from kindergarten construction paper, to tissue paper, to a more elegant vellum. It makes me think of being in elementary school and making paper snowflakes. Just by doing some easy-to-follow oragami steps, you can transform a simple sheet of paper into a work of art! And I adore the idea of incorporating flowers made from poetry books or music sheets, for those artsy brides and grooms.

Check out this shiny white paper bouquet here

Check out this bouquet of hand-dyed paper from a book here

Check out this tissue paper pomander here

Check out this daisy paper garland here

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FLOWER: Feathers

When I think of feathers at a wedding, I often think of a roaring 1920's theme, complete with feathers in hair. But right now, feathers are bigger and better than ever. Giant ostrich plume centerpieces, enhanced with the glow of a LED light are all the rage for that old-Hollywood glam look. Even peacock and pheasant feathers are popping up in bouquets and atop wedding cakes, to add a touch of color and elegance.

Check out this ostrich plume centerpiece all lit up here

Check out this royal purple feather bouquet here

Check out this BEAUTIFUL white feather bouquet here

Check out this peacock boutonnier here

Check out this red pheasant boutonniere here

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FLOWER: Buttons

I totally get that buttons may not be the most traditional way to create a floral arrangement, but it sure is creative and you won't see a lot of brides sporting this look. It is fun though. I really like the look of using different sizes, colors and layering buttons to create a very unusual take on traditional arrangements.