The bouquet toss is quickly headed out of style, since most brides don’t want their bridesmaids battling it out on the dance floor after hours of drinking and partying. And brides in strapless dresses don’t want the wardrobe malfunction that can occur when they get a little too into throwing the bouquet. The twist with bouquets is going more sophisticated…

So what’s happening with the bride’s bouquet? Here are some twists for you to consider on your own big day: 

1. Throw it from higher up. If you’re standing on a balcony or at the top of a grand staircase, you don’t have to turn around and arch back, popping out of your dress. You can just gracefully throw it out to your awaiting crowd below earlier in the evening before everyone’s downed bunches of drinks.
2. Present it to your mom, or to your grandmother, or to a very special great aunt…someone who would love your thoughtful present, and the big moment during the reception with the spotlight on them.
3. Place it next to a tribute photo of a departed loved one, as if giving your bouquet to your grandmother or even your dad as a pretty floral accent to that lovely framed picture on the family photos table.
4. Use it as your sweetheart table centerpiece. Lay it flat on the table, or have it placed into a pretty glass vase, and then you take it home at the end of the reception.
5. Let all the ladies share in the good luck of the bride’s bouquet. During the reception, have each of your ladies pose for a photo while holding your charmed bridal bouquet. Your pro photographer can snap the pictures, a friend with a great digital camera can run the brief photo session out on the terrace, or you can even use your rented photo booth for these pretty photos that let solo and friend groups pose for fun pictures with your bouquet. Everyone gets that bridal luck, and a pretty photo keepsake!

Just make sure you’re 100% done with your pro photographer portraits before you give your bouquet away!

Sharon Naylor’s books are available at www.sharonnaylor.net.