One of the most prominent reasons for a bride to investigate alternatives to the traditional floral bouquet is because of allergies. Even if she is not allergic to flowers herself, a considerate bride will choose a different option if her groom, close attendants, or family members may be allergic to pollen. Sneezes, itchy eyes, and sniffles can turn what should be a joyous day into a histamine nightmare, but there are many gorgeous alternatives to choose from that are just as lovely as a cascading bouquet of blooms.
Other reasons to choose an alternative to a floral bouquet include:
* Cost: The bride’s bouquet alone can cost more than $100 depending on the size, flowers, and design. Opting for an alternative can be a much more cost effective choice for a budget-conscious bride. 
* Use: Many brides are reluctant to spend a significant amount on a floral arrangement that will only be used for a few minutes during the wedding ceremony. Even if the bouquet can easily be converted into an arrangement for the wedding reception decorations, it still has a very limited lifespan. Alternatives, however, may be cherished and reused for years.
* Personal Preference: Not all brides are into frilly dresses and delicate flowers. Some brides who choose alternatives to their bouquet simply prefer not to use flowers as a decorative focus for their wedding.
* Uniqueness: The vast majority of weddings use flowers for bouquets, centerpieces, accents, and other decorations, and choosing an alternative to a floral bouquet can make the celebration more unique.
Whatever the reason for choosing an alternative to a classic bouquet of flowers, brides today have many choices for beautiful accents as they walk down the aisle.