Creating A Wedding Bouquet Collar: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a wedding bouquet collar is a fun and creative way to express yourself on your big day. It allows you to connect with your design and make your wedding journey more meaningful. You can choose the flowers, colours, and style to match your theme and personal aesthetic. Whether you opt for a classic, tight bouquet or a whimsical, cascading arrangement, here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning collar to complement your wedding bouquet.

Choosing a collar material

When choosing a collar material for your wedding bouquet, there are several options to consider. The most popular materials seem to be cardboard, foam core board, and lace, but you can also get creative and experiment with different fabrics, textures, and colours. Here is a more detailed breakdown of each option:

Cardboard

Cardboard is a versatile and inexpensive option for your wedding bouquet collar. You can easily cut out your own collar shape from any large cardboard box. To create a round collar, use a compass to draw your desired size on the cardboard before cutting it out. If you want to save time, you can also buy pre-cut round cake boards in various sizes. When using cardboard, you can cover it with different materials such as yarn, muslin, or fabric to enhance the overall look of your bouquet.

Foam Core Board

Foam core board is another option for your collar material. It is available in various colours from discount stores or office supply stores. This material allows you to create a sturdy and colourful base for your bouquet. You can finish the edges with decorative elements like coloured pearl-headed pins to hide any cut edges.

Lace

Lace bouquet collars are a popular choice, offering a delicate and elegant look to your wedding bouquet. They are usually made of plastic and soft cloth, providing a lightweight and flexible option. You can find these collars in different colours, such as white or purple, to match your wedding theme. They are designed to hold your flower arrangement securely while adding a decorative touch.

Other Fabrics

If you want to explore more creative options, you can experiment with different fabrics and textures. For a simple and classic look, consider wrapping your collar with white yarn or muslin. Alternatively, you can use coloured yarn or fabric to add a pop of colour to your bouquet. This is a great opportunity to express your creativity and personal style.

Cutting the collar to size

The first step to making a wedding bouquet collar is to cut the collar to the right size. This can be done by measuring the circumference of the bouquet holder and cutting the cardboard or foam core board to size. It is important to ensure that the collar is not too tight, as this will make it difficult to slide the collar onto the bouquet holder.

If you are using cardboard, you can cut out a circle with a diameter that is slightly larger than the circumference of the bouquet holder. This will allow you to slide the collar onto the holder easily. You can also cut tabs into the circle, by cutting lines from the centre outwards, which can be taped over the holder to secure the collar.

If you are using foam core board, you can cut it to the desired size and shape using a sharp knife or craft cutter. It is important to be careful and precise when cutting foam core board, as it can be difficult to correct mistakes.

Once you have cut out the basic shape of the collar, you will need to cut a hole in the centre for the bouquet holder. This hole should be slightly smaller than the circumference of the holder, so that the collar fits snugly. You can use a compass to draw a circle in the centre of the collar and then cut along the line. Alternatively, you can trace around a small glass or other circular object to create a guide for cutting.

If you are using floral wire to create the base of the collar, you will need to measure the circumference of your dog's neck and cut the wire to size. You will then need to twist the ends of the wire together to create a secure base for the collar.

It is important to ensure that the collar is not too tight, as this will make it uncomfortable for your dog. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck.

Covering the collar

Now that you have your collar cut out, it's time to cover it. This is where you can get creative and experiment with different fabrics, textures, and colours.

For a simple, elegant look, cover your cardboard collar with thin white cotton batting, gluing it to the circle with craft glue. You can then start wrapping yarn or Oasis raw muslin around the collar. Fold over several strands at one time and staple the ends on the inside circle. Wrap over the staples to hide them. Wrap around the entire circumference of the cardboard ring.

For a more rustic look, Oasis offers dyed muslin that can be wrapped around the collar. Alternatively, you can use coloured core foam board, which is available at most discount and office supply stores. Finish the edges with coloured pearl-headed pins to hide the cut edges.

If you want to add some glamour to your bouquet collar, cover the board with lace or contrasting decorative wire.

Adding flowers

Firstly, you need to prepare your flowers and greenery. Take your flowers out of the box and straighten their stems. Then, take your greenery spray and separate the branches so that the leaves radiate outwards from the centre.

Now, you can begin to insert the flowers into your greenery. Take each flower and insert them one by one into the greenery spray. Place the flowers in a circular direction to create a globe-like shape. Insert larger flowers towards the centre of the bouquet, with smaller accent flowers around the edges. This will help draw the eye to certain sections of your bouquet. You can always remove and reposition flowers if you don't like where you placed them.

Once you are happy with the main body of your bouquet, you can add depth and dimension by pulling certain flowers forward to make the bouquet look more natural and full. Try to emphasise the focal point flowers by bringing them forward.

Now, you can add any ornamental pieces from your floral box set. Place these near your focal point flowers to take your design to the next level.

Securing the collar

Step 1: Prepare the Collar

Firstly, decide on the material for your collar. You can use cardboard, foam core board, or a pre-cut round cake board. Cut out a circle with a smaller hole in the centre for the bouquet holder to fit through. You can also cut tabs instead of a hole and tape them down to secure the collar to the bouquet holder.

Step 2: Cover the Collar

Now, you can get creative with the covering. You can use fabric, yarn, beaded wire, or dyed muslin for a rustic look. Wrap your chosen material around the collar, stapling or gluing it in place. You can also use coloured pearl-headed pins to finish the edges neatly and hide any cut edges.

Step 3: Secure the Stems

Once your collar is ready, it's time to secure your flower stems. Place the stems through the hole in the collar, ensuring a snug fit. You may need to adjust the hole size or use some floral tape to secure the stems in place.

Step 4: Add Floral Tape

Wrap floral tape around the stems just below the collar. This will help hold the bouquet together and give it a neat appearance. Stretch the tape slightly as you wrap to activate the adhesive. Make sure you cover any exposed wire or tape with the floral tape for a seamless look.

Step 5: Tie a Ribbon

Finally, add a ribbon to your bouquet. Place the ribbon near the top of the stems, just below the collar, and wrap it around. Leave enough ribbon at the end to tie a bow. You can use a sheer or opaque ribbon, depending on your preference. The ribbon adds a polished touch to your bouquet and symbolises the bond between you and your partner.

Your bouquet collar is now secure and ready for your big day! This process may take some time and patience, but it will be worth it when you see your beautiful bouquet as you walk down the aisle.

Frequently asked questions