The Perfect Timeline For Your Wedding Bouquet

When it comes to wedding planning, the question of how many days before the big event to make the bouquet is an important one. The general consensus is that it's best to make the bouquet one to two days before the wedding, with some sources recommending creating the bouquet the night before or even the morning of the wedding to ensure maximum freshness. However, this depends on the number of bouquets, the complexity of the arrangement, and the size of the floral arrangements. It's also crucial to consider the type of flowers used, as some flowers have a shorter lifespan than others. For example, freshly cut blooms can last for 7 to 10 days, while garden roses may only last a few days. To extend the lifespan of the bouquet, proper storage and transportation methods should be followed, such as keeping the bouquet in a cool place or vase with water.

Florists recommend receiving flowers 2 days before the wedding

Florists recommend receiving flowers two days before the wedding to ensure they look their best for the ceremony. This timing allows for the flowers to be rejuvenated and arranged the day before the wedding and then stored overnight. Receiving the flowers earlier in the week also means they will have time to open up and look their best.

Flowers are fresh, living things with a short lifespan, and they start to die the moment they are cut from the plant. For this reason, florists are keen to ensure that bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages are as fresh as possible for the wedding. However, it is also recognised that couples may want to include their flowers in early photos. This creates a tricky situation, as the flowers will not look as fresh at the end of the night if they are included in photos taken at the beginning of the day.

To balance these factors, it is recommended that couples work with their photographer and florist to organise a timeline that allows them to get their flowers as late as possible on the day of the wedding. This may be around two hours before the ceremony, depending on the types of flowers and the time of year. If the flowers are received any earlier, they will need to be cut again for them to properly rehydrate.

To make a bridal bouquet, it takes between 45 minutes to an hour, so this should also be considered when deciding on a timeline. Smaller bouquets can be made in around 30 minutes.

Bouquets can be made the day before the wedding

If you are making your own bouquet, you will need:

• A sharp pair of floral snips for trimming
• A beautiful ribbon or floral tape
• Rubber bands or green waxed floral tape
• A stem cutter or very sharp knife
• Straight pins or pearl-tipped corsage pins

First, remove all the leaves from your floral stems and the bottom halves of your greenery stems. Then, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in a bucket of water. You can then start to assemble the bouquet. Stand in front of a mirror and build the shape of your bouquet, adding in larger flowers first and then smaller flowers and greenery. Once you are happy with your bouquet, secure it with a rubber band and floral tape. Cut the stems to the same length, dry them off, and wrap them with ribbon.

If you are making your own bouquet, it is important to remember that flowers are fresh, living things with a very short lifespan. They will start to die as soon as they are cut from the plant. If you want your bouquet to last as long as possible, keep the bare stems in water for as long as possible and mist the heads well.

Flowers should be cut at a 45-degree angle to revive them

It is recommended that you make your wedding bouquet the night before or the day of the wedding. This ensures that the bouquet is fresh for the ceremony. However, the timing depends on the number of bouquets, the intricacy of the arrangements, and the size of the floral arrangements. If you are gathering flowers from your garden, freshly cut blooms can last for 7 to 10 days. It is best to receive the flowers a few days before the wedding so you can prepare them for arranging.

To revive fresh-cut flowers, cut each flower stem at a 45-degree angle and clean the lower portion of any leaves that might get soaked in the water. This angled cut, rather than a straight one, increases the surface area, allowing the flowers to absorb more water. It is best to use a sharp, sterile knife, scissors, or pruning shears to avoid crushing the stems, which would affect their ability to draw water. Cutting the stems of the flowers every two to three days, or whenever you change the water, will help keep them fresh.

When cutting the stems, it is recommended to do so underwater. This is because when a stem is cut, the flower immediately loses access to water, and air flows through the stem, creating an embolism that prevents water absorption. Cutting underwater reduces the risk of air pockets and allows the flowers to absorb water immediately. After cutting the stems underwater, cut about 3/4 to 1 inch off the bottom. If there is any discolouration on the stem, cut until all the browning is removed. Additionally, cut off any leaves that will fall below the waterline to prevent rotting and clouding of the water.

To further care for your flowers, keep them in a cool area, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources to slow water loss and evaporation. Add a floral preservative to the water to provide food for the flowers and inhibit bacterial growth. Change the water regularly, especially if it becomes cloudy, and add more preservative.

It takes 30-60 minutes to make a bridal bouquet

Making a bridal bouquet is a labour of love. It is a wonderful way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your wedding. If you are planning to make your own bouquet, it is important to set aside enough time to create a beautiful arrangement.

The time it takes to make a bridal bouquet can vary depending on the size, shape, and complexity of the design. A small to medium-sized bouquet with a simple design can be created in about 30 minutes. However, if you are aiming for a larger bouquet or a more intricate design, it may take up to an hour to assemble.

It is important to consider the time needed for preparing your flowers and gathering the necessary materials. You should also factor in some extra time if you are new to DIY and crafting. To ensure your bouquet is fresh and vibrant, it is recommended to make it the day before your wedding. This will allow you to focus on your special day without worrying about the bouquet wilting.

When creating your bridal bouquet, start by building the shape and framework of the arrangement. Stand in front of a mirror to visualise the final look. Add a base of greenery and then incorporate larger flowers, followed by smaller blooms and additional greenery. Balance the design as you build, trimming the stems as needed. Once you are happy with the bouquet, secure it with a rubber band and add floral tape or a ribbon to enhance the look.

Roses can be forced to bloom by placing stems in hot water

Wedding flowers should be prepared around 24 hours before the wedding, so if your wedding is on a Saturday, you can make the bouquets on Friday afternoon or evening. This is to ensure that they are still fresh for the ceremony the next day. If you have a lot of other duties on the wedding day itself, it is recommended to prepare the bouquets the morning before the ceremony.

If you are gathering flowers from your garden for a DIY bridal bouquet, freshly cut blooms can last for 7 to 10 days with proper care. The flowers should be delivered a few days before the wedding so you can rejuvenate them for arranging the night before.

Regarding roses, while it is possible to encourage roses to bloom by placing their stems in hot water, this is not recommended. Hot water may unclog flower stems, but it also destroys the stem tissue and encourages bacterial growth, causing the flowers to perish faster. Florists often plunge new blooms into water that is around 100-110°F (37-43°C) and then store the flowers in a cool area. This allows the stems to soak up water while keeping the blooms fresh.

Frequently asked questions