To toss or not to toss: 7 bouquet toss alternatives
It’s a time-honoured wedding tradition, but the bouquet toss is being skipped at more weddings. Many couples are opting for creative alternatives that feel a bit more inclusive and a little bit more personal.
Whether you want to celebrate love uniquely or avoid the awkward moment of putting single ladies in the spotlight, there are other fun and meaningful options, from flower petal cups to gifting the bouquet to a loved one or even more sustainable ways to reuse the wedding flowers, there are whimsical ways to avoid the wedding bouquet toss.
Bouquet toss: a short history
Where did this tradition come from? It actually has a long history, with the wedding bouquet toss dating back to 14th-century England. The origins were, like many wedding traditions, about bringing luck, believing that touching the bride or her dress brought the guests good luck. To escape eager guests trying to grab a piece of her gown, brides began tossing their bouquets as a distraction. Over time, this evolved into a structured tradition where the bride would throw her bouquet to single women, believing that whoever caught it would be the next to marry. While still popular today, many modern couples embrace new alternatives that feel more inclusive and personal.
7 bouquet toss alternatives
Bouquet toss alternatives. Image: Love & Other
Floral station
Sustainable, thoughtful, and part of your wedding favours – a floral station is a great way to reuse the wedding flowers in lieu of the traditional bouquet toss.
How does it work? At the end of the night, set up a space where guests can create their own mini arrangements using the leftover florals from your wedding decor and the bouquets. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also gives everyone a chance to take home a beautiful, personalised keepsake. It’s a relaxed and interactive way to share the beauty of your day with your loved ones — plus, it makes for a lovely final moment before guests head home.
Floral station. Source: Instagram
Champagne spray
For a photo-worthy moment, skip the bouquet toss and replace it with the champagne spray. High-energy, this moment is no longer just reserved for drivers at the end of Formula 1, but is now a popular part of modern weddings. It’s a fun and festive way to gather your guests and pop some bubbly in style.
It’s perfect for couples who want a bold, playful photo op and a memorable way to toast the night. Whether you include your wedding party or invite everyone to join in, a champagne spray brings instant excitement — and the photos are guaranteed to be absolutely iconic.
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Anniversary dance
A heartfelt honour that celebrates lasting love. It skips the traditional bouquet toss, instead, all married couples are invited to the dancefloor. The DJ then gradually eliminates the couples based on how many years they’ve been married. As the numbers dwindle, the longest-married couple remains. It celebrates enduring love and gives the couple a special dance alongside the newlyweds.
This touching moment highlights the beauty of commitment and offers a meaningful reminder of the journey ahead. It’s a sweet, sentimental way to bring generations together and inspire the newly married couple with wisdom and love.
Gifting the bouquet to someone special
Instead of tossing your bouquet, what about gifting it to someone who’s really special to you? Presenting the flowers to a beloved grandmother or other meaningful people in your life.
This gesture not only creates a touching, memorable moment but also allows you to express gratitude in a deeply personal way. Whether it’s a grandmother, a mother, a sister, or a close friend, this alternative ensures the bouquet carries sentimental value, making it a cherished part of your wedding celebration.
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Flower petal cups
Whimsy, interactive, and photo-worthy, these are why some couples choose flower petal couples as opposed to the traditional bouquet toss. Instead of throwing the bouquet, have your bridal party or little ones at the wedding hand out small cups filled with petals to all the guests. Gather everyone on the dancefloor for a joyful petal toss, creating a magical, picture-perfect moment. This alternative brings everyone together in a fun and romantic way while ensuring that no one feels left out.
It’s just an added bonus that the fluttering petals make for stunning wedding photos.
Source: Instagram
Surprise confetti drop
When you include a surprise confetti drop at your wedding, it adds an element of surprise and excitement. It turns an ordinary moment into something unforgettable. Replace your bouquet toss with a cascade of confetti during an upbeat song. Fill the dancefloor with colour and energy, and as the confetti rains down, you’ll be making a magical and unforgettable moment (and photo opportunity). It’s a great replacement for the bouquet toss because it’s all-inclusive.
Source: Instagram
Skip it entirely
Who makes the rules around here when it comes to weddings? Well, you don’t need to follow any of them! Sometimes, the best choice is simply to skip.
If the bouquet toss doesn’t feel meaningful or fun to you, don’t feel obliged to! More and more couples are choosing to forgo this tradition altogether in favour of focusing on the moments that matter most to them. Whether you’d rather spend that time dancing, chatting with guests, or soaking in the joy of the night, skipping the toss allows your celebration to stay true to your style. And no, no explanation is needed.
