Guide To Creating Large, Beautiful Wedding Flower Arrangements

Large flower arrangements are a staple of wedding décor. They can be used to create a bold and beautiful first impression for your guests, adding a touch of pizazz to your wedding ceremony and filling in any empty spaces in your venue. While creating large flower arrangements may seem daunting at first, there are several tips and tricks you can follow to make the process easier. Whether you opt for artificial flowers or fresh blooms, choosing the right flowers and following a step-by-step process will help you create stunning arrangements that elevate your wedding décor.

Choosing flowers: select something beefy with thick, strong stalks and good coverage

When choosing flowers for a large wedding arrangement, it's important to select varieties with thick, strong stalks that will provide good coverage. Look for flowers that are described as "beefy" or "leafy", with substantial girth. These will serve as the anchor pieces of your arrangement.

One option that fits this description is hydrangeas, which have thick stems and lush blooms. They come in a variety of colours, including white, blue, and green, making them a versatile choice for your arrangement. Another advantage of hydrangeas is that they are often sold in same-stem bouquets, making it easier to create custom arrangements.

If you're looking for additional options, consider peonies. Peonies are known for their voluminous, cloud-like petals and come in a range of colours, including coral. However, they can be pricey and hard to procure due to their limited growing season.

Another flower that will add depth and dimension to your arrangement is baby's breath. This fluffy white flower is naturally eye-catching and can be used to create dramatic installations. While it is typically used as filler, many florists are now using it as a standout element in arrangements.

For a unique touch, you could also incorporate greenery such as willow leaf branches. These branches add interesting shapes and textures to your arrangement and can be cut to varying sizes. Placing the longest branches on the outermost corners and edges will create a natural, asymmetrical look.

Preparing flowers: cut flowers to the right height, and place in water

Preparing flowers can be a delicate task, but it's important to get it right to ensure your arrangement looks its best. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of cutting flowers to the right height and placing them in water:

Cutting Flowers to the Right Height:

Firstly, you'll want to trim your flower stems to the appropriate height for your arrangement. Consider the size of your vase or receptacle, and trim the stems accordingly. You don't want them to be too short, as this will affect the overall fullness of your arrangement. Similarly, avoid cutting them too long, as this can make your display look uneven. Aim for a mixture of short and long stems to add depth and dimension. If you're working with greenery or cascading flowers, start with those first, trimming the ends at an angle. For very thick stems, use a knife or clippers designed for pruning.

Placing Flowers in Water:

After cutting your flowers to the desired height, it's time to place them in water. Fill your vase or chosen receptacle with cool water and add flower food, if you have it. Start with your flowers that have the widest and strongest stems, arranging them in a crisscross pattern to form a sturdy base. This will ensure your arrangement holds together and allows you to build upwards. Once your anchor flowers are in place, you can begin adding your smaller flowers, trimming their stems to a similar height.

It's important to keep your floral arrangement hydrated, especially if you're working with fresh flowers. Ensure the floral foam or vase is filled with water, and be mindful of water evaporation, especially if the arrangement is placed near an air conditioner. You may need to water it again the next day if it hasn't been stored in a cooler.

Building the base: use four anchor flowers with thick stems, crossing stems to form a base

Building the base for a large flower arrangement is a crucial step in the overall process. Here's a detailed guide on how to build a strong and aesthetically pleasing base using four anchor flowers with thick stems, crossing them to form a stable foundation:

Select four flowers with thick, strong stalks as your anchor flowers. These stems should be sturdy and have some "beef" to them, providing a solid base for the rest of the arrangement. Place the first anchor flower in your chosen receptacle, ensuring the stem stretches to the bottom of the container. This initial stem sets the direction and length for the others.

Take the second "beefy" stem and position it in the opposite direction, crossing it with the first stem. This creates an "X" shape, which provides stability and structure. By crossing the stems, you're forming an interlocking framework that will hold the weight of the additional flowers you'll add later.

Add the third stem, placing it between the first two. This stem should stretch and reach out in a different direction, creating a triangular shape with the other two stems. This triangular formation ensures that your base is well-supported and balanced.

Finally, introduce the fourth stem, arranging it so that there are four distinct points evenly spaced around the receptacle. This step completes the foundational layer, providing a stable platform for the rest of the arrangement. The four anchor flowers should be evenly distributed, creating a symmetrical base that will support the height and volume of the final piece.

Once you have your four anchor flowers in place, you can start building upwards. Choose a fifth stem, cut it to a similar length, and prop it up directly from the centre, using the woven base you've created as support. This step begins the upward growth of your arrangement, and you can continue adding flowers and building upon this sturdy foundation.

Remember, the key to a successful base is to use thick, strong stems that can support the weight of the flowers above. By crossing the stems and creating an interlocking structure, you ensure that your arrangement remains stable and secure, even as you add more flowers and volume to the piece.

Adding height: place a fifth stem in the centre, propping it up using the base as support

Adding height to your arrangement is simple. Place a fifth stem in the centre, propping it up using the base as support. This will be your tallest flower. You can use the flowers already in place to build on this stem and add height to your arrangement.

Before you begin, trim your flower stems to a suitable height. You want to create a mixture of short and long-stemmed flowers to add depth and dimension to your arrangement. Start with your four anchor flowers, which will be your thickest stems. Stretch the stems to the bottom of your receptacle, crossing them to form a base. You can use flowers with strong, thick stalks for this, such as hydrangeas.

Now, take a fifth stem and cut it to a similar length. Prop it up in the centre, using the base you've created as support. If your flowers shift a little, you can adjust them as you add more stems. Repeat the process of evenly distributing your thickest stems, intertwining them at the bottom of the receptacle.

Once your thickest stems are in place, you can start to cut the stems of your smaller flowers. This will add height to your arrangement, as you build upwards from the base.

Final touches: add smaller flowers and any interest in the form of branches, ground cover, etc

Now for the final touches! At this stage, you can add in any final "interest" in the form of branches, smaller flowers, and ground cover. If you have any leftover flowers, greenery, or accent florals, now is the time to spread them throughout your arrangement. Use your full creative control to design the free-standing arrangement of your dreams.

If you have any smaller flowers left, start by placing them in any gaps or sparse areas of the arrangement. You can also add in some of your own backyard nature, such as pinecones or other seasonal decorations. These final touches will help to fill out the arrangement and make it look fuller and more cohesive.

Another idea is to add in some branches or other types of greenery to add texture and interest to the arrangement. If you used flowers with leafy stalks, you can place these sporadically, facing up, to add height and drama to the arrangement.

Don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity shine! You might be surprised by the beautiful arrangements you can create by adding just a few final touches. Remember, the key to a stunning floral arrangement is to have fun and enjoy the process of bringing your vision to life.

Frequently asked questions