The bouquet toss is one of the most recognisable wedding traditions, dating back to medieval times. It originated as a way for brides to pass on their good fortune to unmarried women, symbolising luck in love.

Over the years, it’s evolved into a fun and playful part of many receptions, with single guests eagerly vying to catch the bouquet.

But times have changed, and many modern brides are choosing to skip the bouquet toss altogether.

Whether for personal preference, inclusivity, or to preserve their bouquet as a keepsake, there are plenty of reasons to forgo this tradition.

The good news? There are countless creative and meaningful alternatives that can add a personal touch to your big day.

don't want to damage your bouquet? here are 10 aternatives to a bouquet toss

Why Skip the Bouquet Toss?

While the bouquet toss is a beloved tradition for some, it doesn’t suit every couple or wedding style. Here are a few reasons why brides might decide to skip it:

1. Preserving the Bouquet as a Keepsake

For brides who want to treasure their bouquet as a lasting memento of their wedding day, throwing it into a crowd may not feel right. Preservation options, such as pressing and framing your flowers, allow you to turn your bouquet into a timeless piece of art.

2. Avoiding Potential Awkwardness for Single Guests

Let’s face it: not every single guest enjoys being singled out during the bouquet toss. For some, it can feel a little awkward or outdated. Skipping the toss ensures your celebration feels inclusive and comfortable for everyone.

3. Aligning with a Modern Wedding Style

Weddings today are all about personalisation and breaking away from traditions that don’t resonate with the couple. If the bouquet toss doesn’t fit your vibe or feels out of step with your vision for the day, it’s perfectly fine to opt for something different.

the main reason you shouldn't throw your bouquet? It will get damaged and won't preserve well

10 Modern Alternatives to the Bouquet Toss

If you’ve decided to skip the bouquet toss, here are 10 creative alternatives that honour the sentiment behind the tradition while adding a unique twist to your celebration.

1. Give the Bouquet to Someone Special

Instead of tossing your bouquet, take a moment to present it to someone meaningful in your life. Whether it’s your mum, grandmother, or a friend who has been there for you throughout wedding planning, this heartfelt gesture will create a truly memorable moment.

2. Divide the Bouquet

Ask your florist to create a smaller bouquet specifically for tossing or design your main bouquet to break into smaller clusters. You can then share the love by gifting mini bouquets to several guests.

3. A Couples’ Dance Giveaway

Invite all married couples to the dance floor for a slow dance. Gradually, ask couples to leave the floor based on how long they’ve been married. The last couple standing—usually celebrating decades of love—receives your bouquet as a symbol of enduring commitment.

4. The Ribbon Pull Tradition

Attach multiple ribbons to your bouquet, with only one secretly tied to it. Guests take turns pulling a ribbon, and the one connected to the bouquet “wins.” It’s an interactive and entertaining way to share your flowers.

there are many ways to modernise the traditional bouquet toss

5. A Bouquet Dedication

Dedicate your bouquet to someone in the room during your speeches. Whether it’s a relative who couldn’t attend, a couple whose love inspires you, or a friend who supported you, this gesture adds a personal and sentimental touch.

6. Create a “Wish Bouquet”

Invite guests to write short messages or wishes for you on cards and place them in a basket. Later, attach the notes to flowers to create a keepsake bouquet filled with love and well-wishes.

7. A Charity Donation

Spread joy beyond your wedding by donating your bouquet to a local hospital, care home, or hospice. This meaningful act of kindness will brighten someone else’s day and reflect the spirit of your celebration.

8. Pass Along the Posy

Create a smaller posy bouquet and play a game of pass-the-parcel. When the music stops, the person holding the posy keeps it. This light-hearted game guarantees plenty of laughter.

a preserved wedding bouquet - why you shouldn't do a bouquet toss

9. Preserve Your Bouquet

Instead of tossing your bouquet, keep it as a cherished keepsake. At Lancaster Flower Press, I specialise in preserving wedding flowers by pressing and framing them, turning your bouquet into a piece of art you can treasure forever.

10. Replace It with Another Fun Activity

If none of these options resonate, replace the bouquet toss with something entirely different—like cutting a second cake, playing a group game, or hosting a special toast with your guests.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of modern weddings is that you can pick and choose which traditions to keep, adapt, or skip entirely. Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects you and your love story.

want to preserve your wedding bouquet? Don't do a bouquet toss. here are 10 alternatives

If preserving your bouquet sounds like the perfect way to cherish your wedding flowers, I’d love to help. At LancasterFlower Press, I transform bouquets into timeless framed art. If you’d like to see examples of bouquets I have preserved then head here.

What are your thoughts on the bouquet toss? Are you planning a creative alternative? Let me know in the comments!

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10 Modern Alternatives to the Bouquet Toss Tradition