Throughout the wedding-planning process, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to your florals. In addition to deciding on your centerpieces, you’ll also need to determine whether or not you want to incorporate blooms into your ceremony space, bar area, and even your getaway car. While each of these elements can be transformed into a showstopping focal point with the help of some flowers, smaller bundles can also have a moment on your big day, particularly when it comes to a bouquet. Yet instead of selecting a traditional arrangement for the members of their wedding party, many modern brides are electing to have their loved ones hold bouquet purses as they walk down the aisle—or are even opting into the trend themselves.

“The purse bouquet is such a great way to add a unique and unexpected touch to your wedding,” says John Beran, a senior event designer for Kehoe Designs. “It offers a less formal feel compared to some traditional bouquet types.” In addition to selecting the best blooms for your big day, with this contemporary option, you'll need to choose a bag that complements the rest of your wedding aesthetic. For example, if you’re hosting a cottagecore-inspired fête, you may opt for a wicker basket to hold your florals. However, if you're looking to channel a retro feeling, you may incorporate a vintage bag into your look. “The purse itself should complement the floral bouquet without overpowering the bride,” Beran says. 

Below, the experts break down everything you need to know about bouquet purses—and offer seven examples for inspiration.

Why Bouquet Purses Are Currently Trending

“In the luxury bridal space, we’re seeing a shift toward statement-making accessories that blend fashion and florals in an artful, unexpected way,” says Lauren Carey, the director of sales for Kehoe Designs. “The bouquet purse is an evolution of this movement, offering brides an opportunity to express their individuality through a couture-inspired floral piece. This trend speaks to the modern bride’s desire for something distinctive, editorial-worthy, and deeply personal.” For couples looking to fuse traditional elements with contemporary touches, bouquet purses offer them just that; you're able to continue the custom of carrying an arrangement down the aisle—with a unique, personalized twist. 

The Benefits of a Bouquet Purse

Curious about some of the potential perks associated with opting for this modern variation on a traditional bouquet? Below, the experts explain some of the benefits of this trending arrangmeent.

They’re Easy to Carry

Carrying a bouquet isn’t exactly something you do every day, so finding the right technique can feel awkward. Holding a purse is something you may be a bit more familiar (and comfortable) with. “I love the ease of carrying this style of bouquet,” Beran says. Plus, in pictures, bridesmaids holding bouquet purses often appeared more relaxed and natural.

They Make a Statement

“Bouquet purses may not be for everyone, but for the bride who goes this route, it indicates a sense of self and an intent to showcase their own personal style,” Beran says. “A wedding should be filled with personal touches and one-of-a-kind details whenever possible, and this is a great way to add that unique, unexpected touch.” 

They Can Add—or Hold—a Personal Touch 

If you’re looking to incorporate other elements into your floral arrangement, such as a photo or pin, a purse may make it easier to do just that, Beran says. “The purse itself could be a personal gift or family heirloom handed down from a loved one, or even symbolize a loved one like a grandmother,” he adds. 

They Can Be Repurposed

Such an arrangement can be repurposed on the day of your nuptials, serving not just as your bouquet, but also as décor. Consider placing your wedding party’s bouquet purses in the center of your reception tables—or on either side of your bar. Your loved ones can also reuse their pieces in the weeks (and years!) following your big day. Depending on the size of the bag, your bridesmaids may opt to use them as a beach baskets or as a statement piece for a night out. 

The Potential Drawbacks of a Bouquet Purse

While this type of arrangement can help bring a unique and modern touch to your wedding ceremony, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here, the experts break down some potential drawbacks to consider before committing to a bouquet purse.

They Can Be More Expensive

With traditional bouquets, you’re paying for the flowers, the ribbon holding them together, and the vendor’s labor. However, by placing your florals in a purse, you’ll need to account for the cost of the basket. While you don’t need to splurge on such a piece, the fees associated with such a choice may be noticeably higher if you decide to select particularly unique or vintage purses. 

They Can Be Difficult to Coordinate

If you want your bridesmaids to hold bouquet purses instead of traditional floral arrangements, you’ll need to ensure they don't look out of place with the rest of their look. To guarantee that everything appears cohesive, share the bridesmaids’ dress designs with your florist ahead of time to allow them to recommend the most complementary blooms.

7 Bouquet Purses for Inspiration

Looking for some inspiration for bouquet purses for your own big day? Below, we've compiled seven of our favorites from real weddings to give you just that.

Wicker Baskets Full of Springtime Florals

At this couple’s coastal wedding, they opted for a cottagecore-inspired aesthetic, taking inspiration from a backyard garden when designing their big day. By carrying wicker baskets full of florals, the bridesmaids played into the bride and groom’s vision for the celebration. Sweet peas, garden roses, daises, and mint filled the purses, which were arranged by Valley & Company Events.

Florals Inside a Designer Bag

This bride’s entire look revolved around a beloved designer bag. Wanting it to be featured on her big day, she opted to have it hold her bouquet. “We adorned the Schiaparelli purse with cascading orchids and ferns, transforming a classic bridal detail into a wearable work of art,” Carey says. “The key to a striking bouquet purse is selecting florals that bring both texture and movement while complementing the handbag’s structure. Cascading orchids created an effortless drape, exuding a sense of luxury and fluidity, while the ferns and trailing greenery added a sculptural element. The goal is to achieve a balance—where florals don’t overpower the purse but instead integrate seamlessly.”

Parasols Paired With Bouquet Purses

For this couple’s vineyard celebration, Willow Branch Flowers filled the bridesmaids’ baskets with yellow and pink roses, as well as white florals and green leaves. Adding a romantic and whimsical touch to their looks, some of the members of the bridal party also carried parasols. By pairing these fairy-tale-inspired pieces with modern neutral-hued silk dresses, they fused traditional and contemporary elements together into a photo-worthy ensemble. 

Summertime Baskets With White Ribbons

“The bride really wanted to do something other than the traditional bouquets, so basket purses it was,” says Miranti McGraw of Petal Plug Florals, who created this chic look using peach ranunculus, quicksand roses, explosion grass, chamomile, yellow lisianthus, lavender scabiosa, pink butterfly ranunculus, and peach carnations. “This was an August wedding, so the flowers felt very light and airy, perfect for the summer.” Following the ceremony, the baskets also served as the centerpieces for the reception.

Bouquet Purses With Pearl Handles

By filling their wicker baskets with all-white blooms that matched their pearl handles, Marigold + Moss created the perfect arrangement for these bridesmaids. “The flowers should effortlessly cascade from the purse,” Beran recommends. “Garden roses are a favorite of mine for the purse bouquets. I like them loosely arranged as if they were freshly picked from the garden.” 

Wicker Baskets With White Wildflowers

Don’t shy away from long-stemmed florals when selecting the blooms for a bouquet purse. At this couple’s wedding, the organic nature of these white florals created a wildflower effect. The baskets, which were arranged by Kaleidoscope Floral, felt reminiscent of a storybook garden, lending a meadow-like feeling to the outdoor nuptials.

Calla Lilies With a Gold Handle

Mallorca-based floral and event designer Otra Cantar secured a bouquet of calla lilies with a sleek gold handle for this bride’s intimate elopement in Spain. Such an arrangement is the perfect option if you’re looking to put a small—but unique—twist on the traditional bouquet. The delicate oversized ring matched the rest of the bride’s accessories on her big day, creating a stunning (and cohesive) look.