Crafting Large Wedding Bouquets: Tips And Tricks

Making your own wedding bouquet is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can create a stunning arrangement that will wow your guests as you walk down the aisle. In this guide, we will take you through the process of crafting a large wedding bouquet, from choosing the right flowers to assembling and securing your bouquet. We will also offer tips on how to make your bouquet unique and special. So, get ready to flex your creative muscles and let's dive into the world of DIY wedding bouquets!

Choosing your flowers

If you have a coloured theme for your wedding, you may want to choose flowers that match this theme to ensure your bouquet is coherent with the rest of the day. Traditionally, most flowers in a bridal bouquet are white, with some pastel colours. However, you should choose colours and flowers that match your preferences.

When selecting flowers, it's also important to consider the style of the bouquet. If you're going for a classic, tight bouquet, you may want to use fewer varieties of flowers and very little greenery. In contrast, if you prefer a whimsical, garden-inspired cascading bouquet, you can use more varieties of flowers and greenery to create a natural look.

To make your bouquet stand out, you can incorporate contrasting colours or add unique elements such as your birth flower or a sentimental colour.

When choosing your flowers, it's also essential to consider the availability and cost of the blooms. Certain flowers, like peonies, have sporadic growing seasons, making them expensive at certain times of the year. On the other hand, flowers grown in greenhouses year-round, like hydrangeas, are usually more affordable. To save money, you can pick flowers that are in season when you're getting married. For example, daffodils, peonies, and tulips are in bloom in the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in the fall.

You can source your flowers from various places, including online wholesalers, grocery stores, local farms, or flower markets. By choosing flowers that are in season and easily accessible, you can create a beautiful and cost-effective large wedding bouquet.

Prepping your flowers

Before you start constructing your bouquet, ensure that the flower stems and greenery are prepped and ready. Remove all the leaves from your floral stems and the bottom halves of your greenery stems. You can use your hands or a stem stripper to do this. The goal is to make sure there is no foliage on the parts of the stems that will be wrapped or tied together.

Next, cut the stems at a diagonal angle. This can be done at a 45-degree angle. This will help to keep the flowers fresh and ensure they can absorb water. Place the flowers in a bucket of water as you assemble your bouquet. Keep in mind the current climate and the flowers' natural habitats, and research the best way to keep them vibrant if temperatures are high or you're using tropical blooms during a dry spell.

If you are using wholesale roses, carefully remove any brown or discoloured guard petals from each rose. You can also trim the stems as you go, but make sure that all stem lengths are approximately the same.

Arranging your bouquet

Choose a Focal Flower:

Start by selecting a flower that will be the centrepiece of your bouquet. This flower will be the focal point and the one that draws attention. Hold the flower near the blossom end, and this will be your starting point.

Add Complementary Flowers:

Choose 2-4 flowers that complement your focal flower. These flowers will be the "base" of your bouquet and will help anchor the arrangement. You can add these flowers at an angle, facing towards the left, ensuring that the blooms are at the same height as the focal flower. Rotate the bouquet a quarter turn to the right each time you add a new flower to create a well-filled and rounded shape.

Add Filler Flowers and Greenery:

Once you have the bulk of your bouquet ready, it's time to add some filler flowers and greenery. Filler flowers are usually smaller and add a natural look to the bouquet. Greenery, such as ruscus, eucalyptus, or leather leaf, can also be added to create a foundation for your arrangement. Ensure that you place the greenery and filler flowers at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Build Dimension:

As you add flowers, consider the dimension and depth of your bouquet. Pull certain flowers forward to create a more natural and full look, emphasising the focal point flowers. You can also add ornamental pieces or smaller accent flowers around the edges to draw attention to specific sections of your bouquet.

Finalise the Arrangement:

Continue adding flowers and greenery until you are satisfied with the size and arrangement. Stand in front of a mirror while assembling the bouquet to get a better idea of how it will look from the front. Remember to consider the overall shape, colour palette, and texture of the bouquet as you build it.

Secure the Stems:

Once you are happy with your bouquet, it's time to secure the stems. Use floral tape or wire to tie the stems together tightly, creating a neat and cohesive look. Trim the stems to uniform lengths, leaving enough length to hold the bouquet comfortably during the wedding.

Adding depth and dimension

To add depth and dimension, you can also use greenery to fill in potential gaps and to achieve your desired bouquet shape and size. Greenery can be used to hide the stems, and to fill in any holes or gaps in your bouquet.

Finalising your bouquet

Now that you have selected your flowers and arranged them to your liking, it is time to finalise your bouquet. This is when you add the finishing touches to your bouquet to make it look neat, professional, and secure.

Firstly, you will need to tie your bouquet together with wire or floral tape. This will ensure that the flowers are held together tightly and looking beautiful and symmetrical. Cut off any excess string or tape so that it cannot be seen. You can also use a rubber band to secure the stems before covering them with tape.

Next, cut the stems to a comfortable length. You want to make sure there is enough room for the bouquet to be held comfortably. Measure about two hand lengths from the string, and add an additional 3 centimetres of wiggle room.

Then, wrap the stems together with floral tape. Start at the top of the stems and wrap downwards, covering just over the size of one hand. This will ensure that the bouquet stays natural-looking while also keeping everything firmly in place.

Now, add a ribbon to your bouquet. Place the ribbon with the shiny side facing the stems, so that the matte side is visible. Leave approximately 40 centimetres spare at the end to tie a knot and add a bow. You can also use two ribbons and tie a bow near the handle, leaving a fair amount of excess to create a flowing, elegant effect.

Finally, you can add any other finishing touches to make your bouquet truly your own. This could include adding a charm, using a sentimental colour, or incorporating your birth flower.

Frequently asked questions