Creating A Pinecone Wedding Bouquet: A Diy Guide

Pine cones are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations, especially for winter weddings. They are often associated with nature, rustic vibes, and the winter season. In this guide, we will teach you how to make a beautiful pine cone wedding bouquet that will impress your guests and create a magical atmosphere.

Choosing a vase or container

Variety of Options

When it comes to choosing a vase or container for your pinecone bouquet, the possibilities are endless. You can use traditional options such as an actual vase, a jar, a bottle, or a bowl. Alternatively, you can get creative and opt for something unique like a teacup, a teapot, a tin can, or even a glass. The container you choose will depend on the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences.

Size and Proportion

Consider the size and proportion of the container in relation to the pinecone bouquet. If you plan on creating a large and lush bouquet, choose a vase or container that is sturdy and has a wide opening to accommodate the arrangement. On the other hand, if you prefer a more minimal or understated bouquet, a smaller container or a narrow-necked vase can be a great choice.

Colour and Style

The colour and style of the vase or container can enhance the overall aesthetic of your pinecone bouquet. For a rustic or natural-themed wedding, consider using a wooden box, a glass jar, or a simple white vase. If your wedding has a more glamorous or elegant theme, you might opt for a vase with a metallic finish, such as gold or silver, or a colourful container that complements your wedding colour palette.

Decorating the Container

Don't be afraid to decorate your chosen container to make it more personalised and unique. You can paint the container, add ribbons or lace, or even glue on some extra pinecones or other decorative elements. Decorating the container can be a fun DIY project and will add a special touch to your pinecone bouquet.

Practical Considerations

While the style and design of the container are important, it's also crucial to consider practical factors. Ensure that the vase or container you choose is stable and won't easily tip over, especially if you plan on placing it on a table or surface where it might be accidentally knocked. Additionally, consider the weight of the container, especially if you'll be transporting the bouquet to different locations during your wedding.

Floral Frogs

Don't forget about the functionality of the container. You'll need something to hold the pinecones in place, such as a floral frog. Floral frogs can be purchased or homemade, and they help to keep your bouquet securely arranged. When choosing a vase or container, think about the type of floral frog you'll use and ensure they are compatible.

Preparing the pinecones

Firstly, gather your pinecones. It is important to ensure they are clean and free of any bugs. You can brush them off and keep them in a plastic bag overnight to catch any insects. If you want to be more thorough, you can also wet clean and bake the pinecones. This step will ensure your bouquet is not only aesthetically pleasing but also hygienic.

Once your pinecones are clean, you can start preparing them for the bouquet. Using a screwdriver or a drill with a small drill bit, bore a hole in the bottom of each pinecone. The hole should be deep enough to securely fit a skewer, approximately 1/4" deep. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the skewer in place for added stability.

If you want to add some colour to your bouquet, you can paint the pinecones before attaching the skewers. Choose a paint colour that complements your wedding theme and use a small, flat tip paintbrush to apply it evenly. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.

For a more natural look, you can opt to leave the pinecones unpainted and instead wrap the skewers with green floral tape. Starting at one end of the skewer, carefully wrap the tape around it until you reach the other end. This will give the illusion of stems and add a delicate touch to your bouquet.

Finally, if you want to add some sparkle, you can apply clear-drying craft glue to the tips of the pinecones and then sprinkle fine translucent glitter over them. Shake off any excess glitter and allow the glue to dry completely.

By following these steps, you will have a collection of beautifully prepared pinecones ready to be arranged into a stunning wedding bouquet.

Drilling holes in the pinecones

Tools and Materials:

Before you begin, make sure you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials. For this step, you will need a drill and a drill bit. It is recommended to use a drill bit that is the same diameter as your wooden skewers to ensure a perfect fit. You will also need 6 to 10 small pinecones, depending on the size and fullness you desire for your bouquet.

Preparing the Pinecones:

Before drilling, it is important to clean and prepare your pinecones. Brush off any dirt or debris and consider keeping them in a plastic bag overnight to catch any bugs. If you want to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, you can also try wet cleaning and baking them. This step will help you avoid any unwanted surprises later on!

Drilling the Holes:

Now, it's time to start drilling! Using your drill and selected drill bit, carefully bore a hole into the bottom of each pinecone. The hole should be deep enough to securely hold the skewer, approximately 1/4" deep. Take your time and work slowly to avoid damaging the pinecone or drilling too deeply.

Securing the Skewers:

Once the holes are drilled, you can start inserting the wooden skewers. You may need to add a small amount of glue to the end of the skewer before insertion for a more secure fit. Make sure the skewer is firmly in place and able to support the weight of the pinecone.

Finalising the Bouquet:

With the holes drilled and the skewers in place, your pinecones are almost ready for your bouquet! You can further decorate your pinecones by painting them, adding glitter, or attaching other embellishments. Get creative and personalise your bouquet to match your wedding theme and colours. Finally, arrange the pinecones in a vase or container of your choice, and you will have a beautiful, handmade pinecone wedding bouquet!

Adding decorations to the pinecones

Painting

Bring your pinecones to life with a splash of colour! You can use acrylic paint in various shades, such as light pink, dark pink, white, or even gold. Get creative and mix and match colours to create a unique look. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different colour combinations to see what works best.

Glitter

Add some sparkle to your pinecones with fine translucent glitter. Simply apply clear-drying craft glue to the tips of the pinecone and then pour the glitter over it. Shake off the excess, and you're left with a dazzling touch to your bouquet.

Essential Oils

For a fragrant touch, add a few drops of essential oils to your pinecones. Scents like cinnamon can enhance the natural aroma of the pinecones and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ribbons and Bows

Wrapping a ribbon around your pinecone bouquet or adding a bow can be a lovely decorative touch. Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme or the colour of the pinecones themselves. You could also try a natural-coloured twine for a rustic look.

Greenery and Flowers

Combine the beauty of pinecones with fresh or dried greenery and flowers. Evergreens, such as eucalyptus or lamb's ear, can add a touch of elegance, while baby's breath or small flowers can create a delicate and whimsical look.

Other Natural Elements

Incorporate other natural elements such as berries, dried citrus fruits, nuts, or wood slices to create a rustic and organic feel. You can place these elements in a glass jar or vase along with the pinecones for a stunning tablescape or centrepiece.

Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative. You can mix and match different decorative elements to create a unique pinecone wedding bouquet that reflects your style and personality.

Arranging the bouquet

Firstly, gather your pine cones. You can brush them off a little to clean them and keep them in a plastic bag overnight to catch any bugs. If you want to clean them more thoroughly, you can wet clean and bake them.

Next, using a screwdriver or a drill, bore a hole into the bottom of each pine cone. The hole should be big enough for you to secure a skewer inside. You can use a glue gun to fasten the skewer for a more secure fit.

Now, choose your vase or container. This can be anything from an actual vase to a jar, bottle, bowl, pitcher, teacup, or tin can.

Then, you need to choose your floral frog. Floral frogs are used to hold up your pine cones and keep them in place. You can purchase these from craft stores and antique stores, or make your own using floral or Scotch tape.

Once you have your container and floral frog in place, begin inserting your pine cone stems.

You can decorate your bouquet with seasonal accents such as paint, ribbon, greenery, flowers, and essential oils. You can also add some fine translucent glitter to your pinecones by applying clear-drying craft glue to the tips and then pouring glitter over the top.

Frequently asked questions