memorial brooch for a bridal bouquet from photome.ie with fast delivery in Ireland.

Wedding Bouquet Charms: The Complete Irish Guide

Our wedding bouquet charms are a small, personalised keepsake attached to the stems of a bridal bouquet just for you. It lets you carry someone you love, or a memory that matters, with you as you walk down the aisle on your big day. In Ireland, bouquet charms have become one of the most meaningful wedding traditions of the last decade, and for good reason: they are personal, visible, and lasting. Thankfully for you, they're our bread and butter, so to speak, so if you're looking for one, keep reading. (Gucci!)

My guide below covers everything you need to know before you buy one, from the different styles available to how to attach a charm without damaging your flowers. A girl's gotta make sure she gets her flowers!

 

A LOVED ONE REMEMBERED ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

 

What Is a Wedding Bouquet Charm?

A wedding bouquet charm is a decorative, personalised piece that attaches to the handle or stems of a bridal bouquet. Most, if not all of them contain a photo, a name, a date, or a combination of all three. They are typically made from metal, resin, or glass, and are designed to be kept long after the wedding as a permanent keepsake.

All of our wedding bouquet charms are used as a memorial tribute, as in, a way to honour a loved one who has passed and could not be there on the day. But bouquet charms are also used to carry photos of living family members, pets, or anyone who holds a special place in your heart. This way, a piece of them is able to be there with you when you walk down the aisle.

What Is the Tradition Behind Carrying a Photo in a Wedding Bouquet?

The tradition of carrying a memento in a bridal bouquet goes back centuries, or so I'm told. Brides have long tucked herbs, coins, and tokens into their flowers for luck and protection. The modern photo charm is a natural evolution of that tradition: a way to make the bouquet deeply personal rather than purely decorative.

In Ireland, this tradition has grown significantly since the early 2010s, driven by a desire for weddings that feel authentic and rooted in family and remembrance. A charm is one of the few wedding details that guests actually notice and ask about. (Apart from the dress itself of course).

 

IT'S NOT JUST FOR HER....THERE ARE MEMORIAL PINS FOR HIM

 

What Can You Put in a Bouquet Charm?

Most bouquet charms are customised with one or more of the following:

  • A photo of a loved one (living or passed)
  • A short verse or quote
  • A combination of two photos (front and back)
  • A rhinestone or crystal border for a more formal look

With Photome, every charm is made to order. You upload your photo, choose your style, and we handle the rest. (Huzzah)

What Are the Different Types of Wedding Bouquet Charms?

Not all of our bouquet charms are the same. Here is a breakdown of the main types:

Flat photo charms print a photo directly onto a metal or resin disc. They are slim, lightweight, and suit modern or minimalist bouquets.

Rhinestone or crystal-bordered charms add a decorative (and shiny!) edge around the photo. They photograph beautifully and suit formal or glamorous weddings. If you're like a magpie like me, you'll like this one.

Memorial brooch pins are a slightly different format: they pin directly to the bouquet stems or ribbon rather than hanging. These are a good option if you want the charm to be more visible or if the bouquet is tightly bound.

His and her sets include a matching charm for the bridal bouquet and a lapel pin or buttonhole charm for the groom. They are a popular choice for couples who want a shared tribute. Like the saying: Twinning is Winning.

Photo locket charms hold one or two photos inside a hinged or sealed frame. They are the most traditional style and suit classic or vintage wedding aesthetics.

Browse the full range of our charms at Photome:

 

A MEMORIAL WEDDING CHARM IS FOR EVERYONE

 

How Do You Attach a Charm to a Wedding Bouquet?

Most bouquet charms come with a ribbon, a pin, or a small hook. Here is how to attach each type:

Ribbon-style charms (with a small safety pin): Wrap the ribbon around the bouquet stems and tie it securely, or use the small safety pin to attach the ribbon to the handle of the bouquet. For extra security, use a combination of both. Leave enough length so the charm hangs just below the flowers when you hold the bouquet naturally.

Pin-style charms (brooches): Open the pin clasp, push it through the ribbon or fabric wrapping the stems, and close it. Position it so it faces outward and is visible in photos.

Tip: Tell your florist you plan to attach a charm before the wedding day. They can wrap the stems in a way that makes attachment easier and more secure.

 

GUYS CAN ATTACH THEIR MEMORIAL PIN INSIDE THEIR JACKET

 

How Much Does a Bouquet Charm Cost in Ireland?

Bouquet charms in Ireland typically range from €20 to €45 for a single charm, depending on the style, materials, and level of personalisation. Sets (such as a bride and groom pair) usually range from €38 to €60.

With us at Photome, all charms are made to order in Ireland, with free Irish shipping on orders over €75. Prices start from €20.

What Is the Difference Between a Bouquet Charm and a Memorial Brooch?

A bouquet charm typically hangs from the stems by a ribbon and pin. A memorial brooch pins directly to the bouquet ribbon or fabric. Both carry a photo and both serve the same purpose: honouring someone on your wedding day. 

The main difference is visibility. A brooch sits flat against the bouquet and tends to be more prominent in photos. A hanging charm moves gently and has a more delicate, traditional feel.

Both styles are available at Photome, and some brides choose one of each: a charm for the bouquet and a brooch for a parent or bridesmaid to wear. That's the beauty of choice, when you shop with us.

 

ALL OUR MEMORIAL CHARMS ARE HAND-MADE IN SLIGO, IRELAND.

 

FAQ: Wedding Bouquet Charms

Can I put a photo of a living person in a bouquet charm?
Yes. While bouquet charms are most commonly used as memorial tributes, there is no rule that says the photo must be of someone who has passed. Many brides include photos of grandparents, parents, or even their pets. It's up to you; whatever you want to pick.

How far in advance should I order a bouquet charm?
Order at least 2 to 3 weeks before your wedding to allow time for production and delivery. For peak wedding season (May to September), 4 to 6 weeks is safer. Remember we also offer an express service: 3-4 days plus express post.

Will the charm damage my bouquet?
No. Ribbon-style charms add no weight to the stems. Pin-style brooches go through the ribbon wrapping, not the flowers themselves. Your florist can advise you on the best attachment method for your specific bouquet.

Can I keep the charm after the wedding?
Yes, and most brides do. Bouquet charms are designed as permanent keepsakes. After the wedding, many brides display them in a memory box, hang them on a photo frame, or keep them with other wedding mementos.

Do you ship bouquet charms to Northern Ireland and the UK?
Yes. Photome ships across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the UK and worldwide.

What photo format do I need to send?
A clear, well-lit digital photo works best. JPG or PNG files are ideal. Avoid heavily filtered or low-resolution images. When you upload your photo, you can use our live viewer and see how it will look in your charm. If you are unsure, send us the photo, and we will advise you.

The Bottom Line

A wedding bouquet charm is one of your most personal details that you can add to your wedding day. It costs less than most wedding flowers, plus it lasts forever. If you are looking for a way to carry a loved one with you as you walk down the aisle, a bouquet charm is the simplest and most beautiful way to do it.

Browse all wedding bouquet charms at Photome.ie - free Irish shipping on orders over €75.

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