Some people love using flower petals at their weddings. They place them on tables, down the aisle, or anywhere else in the venue.
Flowers are undoubtedly beautiful, and petals can add to the magic of a wedding.
Flowers, however, are usually expensive. Petals can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your wedding cost.
If you want to save some money, you can choose alternatives that still look great without the hefty price tag.
Below are some great alternatives to flower petals at your wedding.
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1. Candles
Candles are a fantastic option for lining the wedding aisle. Candles can set the mood much differently than petals.
If you get married at night or inside a venue where you can control the lighting, candles can be a powerful part of your wedding.
You can line candles at intervals along the aisle. Try buying candles in different heights and cluster them together.
Avoid setting them close to seats or in walkways where people will trip over them. If necessary, you can set them in glass casings, like lanterns.
Candles also look lovely as centerpieces on tables. You will likely need larger candles for centerpieces, but they’re a nice alternative if you’re looking for something different.
2. Feathers
Using colored feathers instead of flower petals is a terrific option. Feathers cost much less than flowers, and unlike flowers, you can use them again for other events.
Flower girls can toss pink or white feathers as they walk down the aisle, instead of petals.
3. Pinecones
Soft pinecones are another alternative to expensive flower petals. Depending on where you live, you can collect pinecones outside for free!
Pinecones may not be the best choice to lay down in the middle of the wedding aisle, but you can use them on tables or to line the aisle. This will give your wedding an earthy, natural feel.
4. Glitter Stars
If you’re looking for something fun that’s different and more affordable than traditional flower petals, give glitter stars a try!
You can find these small stars at any local craft store. Buy them in bulk to save money.
You can purchase them in colors that match your wedding theme.
These small stars are perfect for flower girls to throw as they walk down the aisle.
You can toss them around your wedding venue and even throw them in the air for your traditional wedding send-off.
In addition to stars, you can also buy hearts or other shapes.
5. Autumn Leaves
If you’re getting married in the fall, your flower girl can throw beautiful, colorful leaves.
You can go outside on the morning of your wedding or the day before to collect red, yellow, and orange leaves.
You can use these leaves for your flower girls and reception tables or decorate the floor around where you’ll say your vows.
6. Bells
Give your flower girls bells as a fun way to save money.
The flower girls can walk down the aisle chiming in sync to build anticipation for the bride’s arrival.
Using bells depends on how formal you want your wedding to be and how old the flower girls are. They may ring the bells when they shouldn’t, so be prepared for this possibility.
7. Bubbles
Everyone loves bubbles; there’s something about blowing bubbles that brings out the child in almost every adult.
Many wedding couples have their flower girls and guests blow bubbles as they walk down the aisle instead of using flower petals.
Bubbles are also a fantastic party favor for reception tables. Guests can blow bubbles while they wait for the meal or for the couple to make their entrance.
8. Pinwheels
Pinwheels are a good alternative to flower petals because they’re safe, affordable, and easy to arrange. You can line the aisle with them and give them to your flower girls.
Pinwheels are great for outdoor weddings. You can hand them out to guests for entertainment while they wait for the ceremony to start.
9. Balloons
Balloons are another fun and affordable alternative to flower petals. Depending on the venue, you can use normal balloons or pay more for helium balloons.
You’ll want to be careful when giving your flower girls balloons, as you don’t want anything to obstruct guests’ view of the bride.
Final Thoughts
Flower petals are a traditional decoration at weddings. However, you are free to choose whatever you would like. Find something that’s fun and fits with your theme.