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I stumbled across Olivia Oberlin from my daily perusal of various wedding blogs and I fell in love. I think her fans are absolutely gorgeous and I am sure incredibly expensive (no prices on the website). Her fans got me thinking that it could be unique and beautiful for my bridesmaids to carry a fan adorned with fresh flowers instead of a bouquet. I’m thinking a few random flowers sewn onto the fan itself and a long strand of orchids trailing down from the base.
Decorated wood fan from A Cool Breeze:
Or we could go with Sandalwood. Something simple that we could decorate more if we wanted
Imagine a strand of orange orchids (to contrast their plum saris) hanging from these fans.
Orchid pic from flickr
Hanging Orchids (not quite so many though)
If we go with bouquets, I was thinking about having each of them carry a different orange bouquet (again to constrast their plum colored saris). Each bouquet would be made of a single flower (calla lillies, orchids, roses, dahlias) in orange
Orange Calla Lilies from The Knot
I am being completely indecisive about this so I’m reaching out to the hive. Should my bridesmaids carry flower adorned fans or floral bouquets?
I’m a FAN of bouquets. 
Each BM with a different monochromatic type of flower!
The fan is different. Different is good. Besides, you’re mixing flowers in.
I honestly can’t decide! I think I’m slightly leaning towards fan with the string of flowers hanging from them, just b/c its so unique and would really make a statement. But I also love the idea of each bridesmaid holding a different bouquet of flowers, and think that would look really beautiful too…I don’t know! You can’t go wrong with either decision! (I know I’m of no help here) 
Fan! It’s dramatic and probably cost-effective. Plus, it’s a keepsake for your BMs.
I love the idea of the fans with flowers. It’s striking and original. Just a tip, though - if you are integrating green elements into your wedding, be careful of the feathers and of sandalwood. A lot of decorative feathers are not harvested in an animal-friendly way (check with the producers of your fans on this). I’ve read that people should avoid sandalwood products (the wood and the actual oil) because its harvesting helps destroy the rainforests, but I can’t seem to find any info on that now.
Of course, sadly both of those things can be said for almost any product we use. So if you like the fan, get the fan!
fans don’t go with my ‘theme’ but that sounds great for yours!
Love this fan idea! So unique! I think it would make such a statement, and in a great way!
Wow - I have to say FANS! They’re gorgeous, exotic, and will look stunning with the Saris. Bonus: that way, the girls get to keep them as a beautiful favor of their participation.
Great find!
I’ve never liked the fan idea - until you said pairing it with the strings of flowers. THAT sounds absolutely amazing and definitely gets my vote!
how very Art Deco of you! The fan bouquet was popular in the 20s I think, and I like the idea!
If it was me, I would do the bouquets with each bouquet of a different orange flower. Still traditional but just a little bit different and unexpected. While the fans are pretty, a consideration is how the bridesmaids will hold them. Bouquets lend themselves to one type of holding posture, but I can imagine all sorts of different ways fans might get held, which might make for some weird-looking pictures and/or distraction during the ceremony. Are they allowed to use the fans during the ceremony? You would have to talk to your BMs about “fan etiquette,” but otherwise they could be really cute and different. You could consider the fans as a decorating element for your reception, too!
I LOVE the fan idea…it will make for some pretty cute photos!
I was going to 100% say go with the fans until I read chelseamorning’s response. She makes a good point:
“…I can imagine all sorts of different ways fans might get held, which might make for some weird-looking pictures and/or distraction during the ceremony…”
On that note, I vote for the different flowers — it’s still unique and would still look gorgeous.
My BM’s are actually carrying feather fans so I say go for it.
Thanks everyone! I have a feeling now that I’m going to choose fans.
@CarolineG: @chelseamorning: @Blissful Bride:That is definitely not something I had considered until you guys mentioned it. I think if I do end up going with fans, we’ll have to practice poses for pictures and how to hold the fans.
@CarolineG: Sorry CarolineG, I meant to say that I will definitely consider the materials and environmental impact when/if I choose fans. Thanks!
I vote going with the fan idea. I am NOT a big fan (bad pun I know) of flowers, so my girls are going to be carrying lanterns (as I am having a Japanese-inspired wedding). I think the flower fan idea is very unique and lovely.
Yes I love the fan idea. You could even have the bridesmaids and the date of your wedding painted delicately on them… and with flowers attached to them, it would look lovely and unique. Please show us how the end product came to be when you get to that point!
[...] already taken you guys through my dilemma of fans of flowers versus a flower bouquet. The majority voted and gave me the courage to go the fan way. I’ll be [...]
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Mrs. Margarita, Boston/Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 26, Healthcare Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Doctor Engagement Date: March 21, 2007 Wedding Date: August, 2008 Blogging Since: June 18, 2008 Venue: Saddlerock Ranch About Me: I grew up in Southern California, moved to Boston for college, New York for grad school, back to Boston and now I travel the northeast every week for work. When I'm not on the go, I love to read, draw, shop, sleep and spend quality time with my fiancé, family and friends. We're long-distance planning for our "big fat brown wedding" in California and are excited to unite our Sri Lankan and Indian cultures and Buddhist and Hindu religions in a unique and modern way.
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