Creating Wedding Flower Arrangements: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you're trying to stick to a budget. One way to save money is to make your own flower arrangements. This can be a fun project to do with your bridesmaids, and it will give you the flexibility to personalise your bouquets and centrepieces. However, it's important to keep in mind that it will take time and dedication. You'll need to source the flowers, prepare them, and assemble the bouquets and centrepieces. It's also easy to go over budget, as certain blooms cost more than others. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, from choosing your flowers to assembling the final arrangements.

Choosing flowers: Select flowers that complement your wedding dress and colour palette

Choosing flowers that complement your wedding dress and colour palette is an important part of creating a cohesive look for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect flowers:

Consider the Colour Scheme:

When selecting your flowers, choose blooms that complement the colours in your wedding palette. This includes not only the bridesmaids' dresses but also the decor elements and overall theme. Soft, pastel hues can create a romantic, timeless look, while bold, vibrant shades can add a touch of fun and excitement. You can also use flowers to add a pop of colour or to accentuate certain shades in your palette.

Symbolism and Meaning:

Flowers have symbolic meanings that can help express your love story and emotions. For example, roses represent love and romance, while sunflowers symbolise happiness and loyalty. Selecting flowers with personal significance can add a special layer of meaning to your celebration.

Seasonal Sensibility:

Using flowers that are in season for your wedding date will ensure vibrant arrangements and help you stay within your budget. Out-of-season flowers tend to be more expensive and may not be as fresh and abundant. Consult with a florist to discover which blooms will be at their peak for your wedding season.

Work with a Florist:

Working with a professional florist can take the stress out of planning your wedding flowers. They can help you select flowers that match your vision and stay within your budget. Be transparent about your budget constraints, and let their expertise guide you in making wise choices.

Create a Focal Point:

When designing your bouquet or floral arrangements, choose one type of flower as the focal point and build the rest of the arrangement around it. This could be your favourite flower or one that holds special meaning for you. The focal flower will add impact and help tie the whole arrangement together.

Experiment and Have Fun:

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flowers and textures. Remember, your wedding flowers should reflect your unique style and personality. Enjoy the process of exploring different options and bringing your floral vision to life!

Timing: Make the bouquet the day before the wedding, source flowers two days prior, and add ribbon on the day

Wedding flower arrangements are a beautiful way to express your style and personality. When it comes to timing, it's essential to plan ahead to ensure your flowers look their best on the big day. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create stunning floral arrangements with the right timing:

Sourcing Flowers

Start by deciding on the type of flowers you want in your bouquet. Consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. Choose flowers that complement your dress and wedding theme. If you're on a tight budget, opt for seasonal flowers, as they tend to be more affordable. For instance, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips bloom in the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are perfect for autumn weddings. You can source flowers from local farms, grocery stores, or even a friend's garden if they have blooming flowers that fit your vision. Aim to source your flowers two days before the wedding to ensure their freshness.

Making the Bouquet

The day before the wedding, it's time to create your bouquet. Start by preparing your flowers and greenery. Remove any leaves from the floral stems and the bottom halves of the greenery stems. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in a bucket of water to keep them hydrated. When you're ready, begin building the shape of your bouquet, adding larger flowers first and then filling in with smaller blooms and greenery. Remember to stand in front of a mirror as you work, so you can see exactly what your bouquet will look like as you walk down the aisle. Once you're happy with the arrangement, secure the stems with a rubber band and then floral tape to hide the band.

Adding the Finishing Touches

On the day of the wedding, it's time to add those special finishing touches. Choose a ribbon that coordinates with your wedding colours and wrap it around the stems of your bouquet. You can go for a classic look with a simple loop, or let the ribbon cascade down the side for a more relaxed, whimsical feel. Follow a step-by-step tutorial to learn how to wrap your bouquet elegantly without using pins, glue, or knots. This is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your bouquet and make it look truly special.

Creating your own wedding bouquet can be a rewarding experience, and with the right timing, you can ensure your flowers are fresh and beautiful for your big day.

Prepping flowers: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and store at below 60 degrees

When prepping flowers for a wedding arrangement, it's important to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This is because cutting the stems diagonally increases the surface area at the bottom of the stem, allowing for more water to be absorbed by the flower. Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle also prevents the stems from sitting flat in the bottom of the vase, ensuring that the entire stem's surface area is always in contact with the water.

When cutting the stems, it is recommended to use a clean pair of garden snips, especially for woody or thicker stems. You can also use a sharp knife, but it is advised not to use scissors as these can crush the little vessels that carry water from the bottom of the stem up to the bloom. The flowers should be cut about 1-2 inches up from the bottom of the stem, or 3-4 inches if they have been out of water for a while.

After cutting, the flowers should be placed directly into lukewarm water with fresh flower food. Lukewarm water, at a temperature of 100°F to 110°F, is easier for flowers to absorb than cold water. The flower food provides the flowers with the carbohydrates, biocides, and acidifiers they need to survive. You can also make your own flower preservative by mixing 1 teaspoon of household bleach, 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice, and 1 quart of lukewarm water.

To keep the flowers fresh before arranging, store them in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. The ideal temperature for storing cut flowers is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Assembly: Start with a base and add in larger flowers, then smaller blooms and greenery

When assembling your wedding bouquet, it's important to start with a base and then add in the larger flowers, followed by smaller blooms and greenery. This will give your bouquet a well-balanced and full look.

To begin, select a base flower or greenery that will serve as the foundation of your arrangement. This could be a type of greenery such as salal or lemon leaf, or a larger flower like a hydrangea. Adding the base first will create a structure for the rest of the bouquet and make it easier to arrange the other elements.

Next, add in the larger flowers or focal flowers. These are usually the biggest blooms in your arrangement, such as roses, peonies, or sunflowers. Place these at varying heights to create a statement arrangement, and don't be afraid to keep the stems long for a grand look.

Once you have added in the larger flowers, it's time to fill in the gaps with smaller blooms. These could include carnations, scoop scabiosa, or spray roses. Layer these in around the larger flowers to add depth and diversity to the arrangement. Remember to keep the stems long so they don't get lost among the bigger blooms.

Finally, add in some greenery to complete the bouquet. Greenery adds amazing texture and fills out the arrangement. You can use a variety of greenery such as eucalyptus or baby's breath to add interest and volume.

When arranging the flowers, it's a good idea to stand in front of a mirror so you can see exactly what the bouquet looks like from the front. Don't be afraid to take your time and make adjustments as you go. Remember, flowers are resilient, so you can always take a deep breath and start again if you need to.

Finishing touches: Secure with a rubber band, add floral tape, and wrap with ribbon

Once you're happy with your arrangement, it's time to secure your bouquet with a rubber band, floral tape, and ribbon.

First, gather the stems of your bouquet together and bind them with a rubber band. This will hold the stems in place while you add the finishing touches.

Next, take your floral tape and wrap it around the stems, covering the rubber band. Floral tape is slightly stretchy and will stick to itself, so you won't need any adhesive. Start at the top of the bouquet, near the blooms, and work your way down, slightly overlapping the tape as you go. This will give your bouquet a neat, streamlined look.

Finally, add your ribbon of choice. You can use a thin ribbon for a delicate look or a wider ribbon for a bolder statement. Wrap the ribbon around the stems, covering the floral tape, and secure it with a pin or hot glue. Leave a length of ribbon trailing at the end for a romantic, whimsical touch.

Frequently asked questions