The music plays, the guests stand, and all eyes are on you as you walk down the aisle, bouquet in hand. But once you reach the front and all the attention turns to the vows and the ceremony… what exactly do you do with those beautiful flowers?
It’s a question I get asked more often than you might think — and the answer is refreshingly simple: there’s no right or wrong. As a Registrar, I’m here to guide you, but when it comes to your bouquet, you’re free to do whatever feels most natural to you in the moment.
Let’s look at a few options that many choose — and how I make sure your flowers stay a lovely part of your ceremony and photos.
Why the Bouquet Moment Matters in Your Ceremony
Your bouquet is more than just a bunch of flowers — it’s part of your outfit, your colour scheme, and often has sentimental value. Whether it’s filled with favourite blooms, seasonal touches, or a nod to a loved one, it deserves a little thought when planning your ceremony.
Do You Have to Hand Over Your Flowers?
Not at all! You are welcome to keep holding your bouquet for as long as you like. Some brides feel more comfortable keeping it in their hands until the vows begin, while others are ready to hand it over the moment they arrive at the front. Either choice is absolutely fine.
***Top Top: if you have real flowers in your / your bridesmaids bouquet, ask someone to take them out of the water 30 mins or so ahead of the ceremony to avoid drips on your dresses!!***
Option 1: Keep Holding Your Bouquet Until the Vows
Many brides choose to hold onto their bouquet until the moment the vows begin. There’s something reassuring about having something in your hands while all eyes are on you — and it looks beautiful in those early ceremony photos.
When we’re ready to begin the legal part of the ceremony, I’ll gently ask for your flowers so you can focus on the words (and your partner!). I’ll look after them and make sure they are carefully placed on the Registrars Desk.
Option 2: Pass It to the Registrar When You Arrive
If you’d rather be hands-free from the moment you arrive at the front, that’s completely fine too. You can hand your bouquet straight to me, and again I will make sure again that it is placed lovingly on the Registrars Desk for those post ceremony photographs.
Some brides prefer this option so they can hold hands, take a breath, and be fully present — especially if nerves are kicking in.
Option 3: Hand It to a Bridesmaid or Loved One
If you’d like to keep things within your wedding party or family, you might hand your bouquet to a bridesmaid, a sibling, or even Mum or Dad on the front row. It’s a lovely, informal gesture, and again — completely your choice.
If the bouquet ends up with a bridesmaid, I’ll give them a discreet nod when it’s time to bring it up for the signing table photos later on.
What Happens to the Bouquet During the Ceremony?
No matter who’s looking after it, I always make sure the bouquet finds its way onto the Registrar’s table for the signing of the schedule. It’s a lovely pop of colour and adds a personal touch to those all-important signing photos.
And don’t worry — once everything’s signed and sealed, I’ll hand your bouquet back to you before you’re announced and walk back down the aisle together as newlyweds.
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The Walk Back Down the Aisle: Hold That Bouquet High!
This is your moment! As you take those joyful steps back down the aisle, bouquet in hand, hold it high and proud. It’s part of your outfit, part of your celebration, and makes for stunning photos — full of movement, joy, and colour.
Final Thoughts: It’s Your Day, Your Way
At the end of the day, there’s no “correct” way to handle your bouquet. Whether you keep it close, hand it to someone special, or pass it to me the moment you arrive, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident.
As your Registrar, I’m here to support you — bouquet included! So do whatever feels right in the moment, and trust that it will all come together beautifully.
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