Creating Dreamy Feather Bouquets For Weddings

A feather bouquet is a unique and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional flower bouquet for your wedding. Ostrich feathers are a popular choice as they are available in a variety of colours and sizes, making it easy to match your wedding decor and create a personalised look. You can buy ready-made feather bouquets or, if you're feeling creative, you can make your own. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the process, and you can even involve your bridesmaids in the crafting process.

Choosing the right feathers

• Colour: Feathers come in a variety of colours, ranging from natural shades to vibrant hues. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding and choose feathers that complement it. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, opt for feathers in neutral or earthy tones. If you want a pop of colour, peacock feathers are a stunning choice.
• Type of Feather: Different types of feathers will create different looks. Ostrich feathers are large and fluffy, perfect for a voluminous bouquet. Peacock feathers add colour and an eye-catching pattern. Pheasant feathers, with their natural spots, can provide an interesting texture. Turkey feathers are also an option for a natural, rustic look.
• Size: Feathers come in various sizes, from small and delicate to large and dramatic. Choose feathers that fit the scale of your bouquet and wedding theme. For example, a small, dainty bouquet might suit shorter, more delicate feathers, while a statement bouquet could feature large ostrich or peacock feathers.
• Availability and Cost: Some feathers are more readily available than others, which can impact cost and accessibility. Natural feathers, such as those from ostriches, peacocks, and pheasants, are popular choices and can often be found at craft stores or online. They may be more affordable than rare or exotic feathers.
• DIY or Pre-made: If you're crafty, you might want to create your own feather bouquet from individual feathers. This gives you complete control over the design. However, if you prefer convenience, you can also purchase pre-made feather bouquets or arrangements, which can save time and ensure a professional finish.
• Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of feathers to create a unique and textured look. Combining feathers of varying sizes, shapes, and colours can result in a stunning, one-of-a-kind bouquet.

Remember to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding when choosing feathers. Whether you're going for a vintage, rustic, elegant, or whimsical vibe, feathers can be a beautiful and budget-friendly alternative to traditional flower bouquets.

DIY vs buying

Creating a feather bouquet for a wedding requires some DIY skills and knowledge of where to source materials. It can be a fun and creative project, but it also takes time and effort. So, is it worth it to DIY or should you just buy one? Let's explore the pros and cons of each option.

DIY Feather Bouquet

Creating your own feather bouquet for your wedding can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to add a personal touch to your special day and ensure that your bouquet is truly unique. With some creativity and a bit of time, you can design a beautiful arrangement that reflects your style and theme.

One of the biggest advantages of DIY-ing your feather bouquet is the cost savings. Feathers are a budget-friendly alternative to fresh flowers, and you can often find affordable options at craft stores or online. Additionally, you can reuse the feathers for other decorative elements of your wedding, such as centrepieces or hair accessories.

However, DIY-ing a feather bouquet also comes with its challenges. It can be time-consuming, especially if you're not particularly crafty. You'll need to source the feathers and other materials, and then assemble them into a beautiful arrangement. This process can take several hours, or even days, depending on the complexity of your design.

Buying a Feather Bouquet

If you're short on time or don't consider yourself a DIY enthusiast, buying a feather bouquet may be the better option. There are many online stores, such as Etsy, that offer a wide variety of feather bouquet options. You can find simple and elegant designs, as well as more elaborate and colourful creations.

Purchasing a feather bouquet can save you time and stress, especially if you're already dealing with a long list of wedding tasks. You can simply place your order and have a beautiful bouquet delivered to your doorstep. Additionally, if you're not confident in your crafting skills, buying a bouquet ensures a professional-looking result.

However, buying a feather bouquet will likely be more expensive than DIY-ing it. The cost of materials and labour is built into the price, and you may also incur shipping fees. Additionally, you may have less flexibility in terms of customisation. While some sellers offer personalised options, you may not be able to create a bouquet that exactly matches your vision.

Both DIY-ing and buying a feather bouquet have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're crafty, on a budget, and enjoy the creative process, DIY-ing your feather bouquet can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, if you're short on time or prefer the convenience of a ready-made option, purchasing a feather bouquet from a reputable seller is a great choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints.

How to arrange the feathers

Ostrich feathers are available in a variety of colours and sizes, so you can create a bouquet that matches your wedding's colour scheme and your desired level of opulence.

To create a feather bouquet, you will need a tall vase, some ostrich feathers, and a bouquet holder. The number of feathers you require will depend on the fullness you desire, but typically, a vase necessitates between 27 and 30 feathers. If you want a particularly lush bouquet, consider adding a few extra feathers. However, if you're aiming for a more understated arrangement, you can reduce the count by a few.

The process of arranging the feathers in the bouquet holder is straightforward. Start by inserting the holder's stem into the vase. Then, working row by row, add the feathers. For the first row, place a feather in every other section, with the feathers pointing downwards. For the second row, if you're using feathers that are 20 inches or longer, place a feather in every other section, alternating with the first row. If you have shorter feathers, put one feather in each section for the next two rows, pointing them outwards and slightly downwards.

For the third row, add a feather to each section, angling them upwards and ensuring they don't sit directly over the feathers in the last row. Finally, for the top row, add a feather to each section, pointing them upwards and filling in any gaps. Don't worry if your bouquet doesn't look perfect at first—you can always adjust and fill in any sparse areas by repositioning existing feathers or adding new ones.

Complementing decor

Feathers can be used in a variety of ways to complement your wedding decor. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Centrepieces: Ostrich feathers are a popular choice for centrepieces due to their elegance and versatility. They can be easily matched to your colour scheme and are available in various sizes. You can create stunning ostrich feather centrepieces by following the step-by-step instructions provided by DIY websites. These centrepieces can be made in advance, saving you time and hassle on your big day.
• Bouquet: A feather bouquet is a unique and budget-friendly alternative to traditional flower bouquets. You can choose from a variety of feathers, such as natural turkey feathers or ostrich feathers, to create a classy and elegant arrangement.
• Arch Arrangement: A wedding arch arrangement adorned with feathers, pampas grass, and flowers can serve as a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony.
• Photo Ops: Feathers can be used to create a stunning photo backdrop, such as a 3D pink feather wall or an ostrich feather boa shawl, providing your guests with fun and memorable photo opportunities.
• Guest Book: A feather pen, adorned with ribbons, can be provided for guests to sign the guest book, keeping with the feather theme.
• Hand Fans: Bejewelled hand fans embellished with ostrich feathers are a thoughtful touch, especially for outdoor weddings during the hotter months.
• Vase Decor: Ostrich feather lace trim can be attached to any wedding decorative piece, adding a subtle touch of feathers to your tables.
• Aisle Decor: Simple and classy feather decorations, such as pampas grass, eucalyptus, and feathers, can be placed along the aisle pews, creating a beautiful setting for your ceremony and photographs.

Cost-saving tips

• Feathers are a cost-effective alternative to fresh flowers, which can be expensive and unpredictable. Opting for feathers allows you to allocate your budget more efficiently, freeing up funds for other important aspects of your wedding.
• If you're looking for a budget-friendly DIY option, The DIY Lighthouse offers a tutorial to create a beautiful bouquet for less than $10.
• Baby's breath is an inexpensive and whimsical alternative to pricier petals. The Budget Savvy Bride offers a tutorial on how to create a bouquet using baby's breath, helping you to achieve a romantic look without breaking the bank.
• For a unique and affordable option, consider using paper and origami instead of fresh flowers. Adventures of a Bookworm features a design made from book sheets, providing a creative and cost-effective solution.
• If you're open to non-floral alternatives, feathers can add a touch of unique charm to your bouquet. Websites like Etsy offer a range of feather alternatives, allowing you to create a gorgeous and affordable arrangement.
• To save money, consider using ethically sourced feathers from various sources, such as pheasant, guinea, ostrich, or wild turkey feathers. You can purchase these feathers in packs of 3 to 100 and create personalised bouquets or centrepieces, adding texture and elegance to your wedding décor.

Frequently asked questions