Crafting Paper Flower Bouquets For Your Wedding Day

Paper flowers are a beautiful, long-lasting, and inexpensive alternative to fresh flowers for your wedding. They can be made to suit any colour scheme and are the perfect memento for your bridesmaids and flower girls. You can make paper flowers using a variety of materials, including crepe paper, cardstock, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, and even sticks from your backyard! You can also make your own paper vase to display your bouquet.

Choosing your paper

Choosing the right paper for your paper flower wedding bouquet is a crucial step in the process. The type of paper you select will determine the overall look and feel of your bouquet, so it's important to consider your options carefully. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing your paper:

Type of Paper

The most common types of paper used for paper flower bouquets include construction paper, cardstock, crepe paper, and rice paper. Each type of paper has its own unique characteristics and benefits:

• Construction paper is a versatile and inexpensive option that comes in a variety of colours. It is easy to work with and can be found at most craft stores.
• Cardstock is a medium-weight paper that is slightly thicker and more durable than construction paper. It is a good choice if you want to create more intricate designs or need to cut out complex shapes.
• Crepe paper is thin and flexible, making it ideal for creating delicate petals and leaves. It is often used for making realistic-looking flowers and comes in a range of colours and textures.
• Rice paper is a traditional option for origami and paper folding crafts. It is strong and flexible, making it easy to fold and shape without tearing. Rice paper also has a beautiful, delicate appearance that can add elegance to your bouquet.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your paper will play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your bouquet. You can choose to use solid colours, or mix and match different shades to create a more vibrant arrangement. Consider the theme or colour scheme of your wedding and select papers that complement it. You can also opt for patterned papers, such as floral prints or geometric designs, to add interest and texture to your flowers.

Thickness and Weight

The thickness and weight of the paper you choose will impact the ease of crafting and the final look of your flowers. Thicker papers, such as cardstock, are more durable and can hold their shape well, making them a good choice for complex designs. Lighter papers, like tissue paper or rice paper, are easier to fold and manipulate but may require more careful handling to avoid tearing.

Quantity

Finally, consider the quantity of paper you will need. The size of your bouquet and the number of flowers you plan to make will determine how much paper you should purchase. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra to account for any mistakes or last-minute additions.

When choosing your paper, take the time to feel and examine the different options available. Consider the overall style of your wedding and select papers that align with your vision. With the right paper choices, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning paper flower wedding bouquet that will impress and delight!

Cutting and shaping petals

Step 1: Choosing the Right Paper

The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look and durability of your flowers. Opt for paper that is firm and holds its shape well, such as crepe paper or cardstock. You can also use construction paper or printer paper if you prefer.

Step 2: Cutting the Petals

Before cutting, decide on the size and shape of your petals. For a more delicate and elegant look, consider making teardrop-shaped petals. Cut several teardrop shapes out of your chosen paper. You can do this by folding a square of paper in half to form a triangle and then cutting multiple triangles at once. Unfold the paper, and you'll have several teardrop shapes.

Step 3: Shaping the Petals

To give your petals a three-dimensional shape, you can curl the edges using a rounded tool, such as a wooden spoon handle or the end of a cosmetic brush. Press the tool firmly along the edges of the petals to create a curled effect. The harder you press (without breaking the paper), the more defined the curl will be.

Step 4: Hole Punching

Once your petals are cut and shaped, use a hole punch to create a small hole in the centre of each petal. This hole will be used to attach the petals together and to the flower's stem.

Step 5: Attaching the Petals

Gather your petals in piles according to their sizes. You will need two petals of each size for each flower. Use beads, brads, or a small amount of glue to attach the petals together. Start with the smallest petals, applying glue around the hole, and work your way up to the larger petals, ensuring they overlap slightly to create a natural flower shape.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once your flowers are assembled, you can attach them to long wires or floral wire stems to create your bouquet. You can also add leaves made from green paper to give your flowers a more realistic look. Curl the leaves and attach them to the stems using hot glue or floral tape. Now, you're ready to arrange your paper flowers into a beautiful wedding bouquet!

Attaching petals and stems

• Gather your petals: Before you begin, ensure you have prepared all your petals by cutting them out from the chosen paper. You will need multiple petals for each flower, usually ranging from 3 to 5 petals per flower.
• Prepare the flower stem: Cut a small piece of floral wire to serve as the stem. You can use green floral wire or cover the wire with green floral tape to give it a more natural appearance.
• Glue the petals: Apply a small amount of hot glue or regular glue to the base of each petal. Carefully attach the petals to the stem, allowing each petal to overlap slightly, creating a natural flower shape. Hold each petal in place for a few seconds until the glue sets.
• Create the flower centre: To add dimension and secure the petals, you can create a centre for your flower. This can be done by gluing beads or brads (small wire nails with curved heads) to the centre of the flower.
• Assemble the flowers: Repeat the above steps to create multiple flowers for your bouquet. Play around with different colours and sizes of petals to add variety to your bouquet. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the flowers further.
• Attach the flowers to wires: Once your flowers are ready, it's time to give them a longer stem. Attach the flowers to long wires, which will serve as the main bouquet stem. You can use floral wire or any other suitable material.
• Wrap the stems: To enhance the appearance and provide a finishing touch, wrap the stems with ribbon, lace, or any other decorative material of your choice. This will also help to cover any visible wires or glue.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful paper flower wedding bouquet!

Adding ribbon and lace

Selecting Your Materials

Choose ribbons and lace that complement your paper flowers and the overall theme of your wedding. Consider the colour, texture, and width of the ribbon. Satin, velvet, and silk ribbons are popular choices, but you can also use materials like twine, yarn, or jute for a more rustic look. If you want to incorporate lace, perhaps choose a piece that matches your wedding dress or veil. You can also add other embellishments like brooches, pearls, or a locket for a more personalised touch.

Wrapping Techniques

There are several ways to wrap your bouquet. You can go for a simple wrap by spooling out a generous length of ribbon, leaving a "tail" about the same length as the stems, and wrapping it upwards towards the base of the bouquet. Overlap the ribbon as you go, maintaining tension, and then conceal the ends of the ribbon neatly. For a more intricate design, try creating a bow, braiding the ribbon, or using multiple ribbons of different widths, colours, and fabrics. You can also add interest by leaving extra-long ribbon tails or incorporating lace.

Adding Sentimental Touches

Your bouquet wrap is a great place to incorporate something sentimental. Consider using a piece of fabric from your grandmother's handkerchief, adding a locket with a secret message or photo, or attaching a family heirloom like a watch. You can also personalise your ribbon by having a custom printed message or your wedding vows written on it.

Combining with Fresh Flowers

If you're combining paper flowers with fresh flowers, you'll need to consider how to keep the stems fresh. Usually, the lower part of the stems is left unwrapped so they can be placed in water. However, if you're using artificial or dried flowers, or if you prefer the look of completely covered stems, ask your florist about options for keeping the fresh flowers hydrated.

Arranging flowers in the vase

Now that you have made your paper flowers, it's time to arrange them in a vase. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

First, decide on the vase you want to use. You can either make a paper vase using the steps outlined above or use a store-bought vase. If you opt for the latter, choose a vase that complements the colour and style of your paper flowers.

Next, prepare your vase by cleaning it and filling it with water or another liquid of your choice. If you are using a paper vase, you may want to place a small glass or jar inside to hold the water.

Now, it's time to start arranging the flowers. Begin by trimming the stems of your paper flowers to the desired length. You want them to be long enough to reach the bottom of the vase but not so long that they look awkward or crowded.

Start by placing the largest or most prominent flowers in the vase first. These will be the focal point of your arrangement. Place them at different heights to create a sense of depth and vary the spacing between them to add visual interest.

Once you are happy with the placement of the larger flowers, start filling in the gaps with smaller flowers and greenery. You can use real or paper leaves and foliage to add texture and colour to your arrangement. Play around with different combinations until you find something you like.

Finally, take a step back and assess your arrangement. Make any necessary adjustments, ensuring that the flowers are evenly distributed and that the overall shape is balanced and pleasing to the eye.

Your paper flower wedding bouquet is now complete! You can add extra embellishments to the vase or flowers if desired, such as ribbons, bows, or other decorative touches.

Frequently asked questions