Creating A Wedding Bouquet Holder: Diy Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but making your own bouquet holder can be a fun and creative experience. Whether you're looking for a straight or slanted holder, there are a variety of options available to choose from. You can find bouquet holders at various online retailers, such as Amazon and Etsy, or you can even make your own with floral foam and a plastic cage. When creating your own bouquet holder, it's important to consider the type of flowers you'll be using and to properly process and rehydrate them to ensure they stay fresh. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can design a beautiful and unique bouquet for your special day.

Straight vs slanted holders

When it comes to wedding bouquet holders, there are two main types to choose from: straight holders and slanted holders. Both have their own advantages and are suited to different styles of bouquets.

Straight-handled holders are a popular choice, with some favouring the Grande holder due to its larger foam capacity. This type of holder works well for a variety of bouquets and is considered easy to work with. Straight holders are versatile and can be decorated with ribbon or wire to enhance their appearance.

Slanted holders, on the other hand, are specifically designed for cascading bouquets. This style allows the flowers to cascade forward and down in a natural manner, without the holder needing to be held straight out. Slanted holders are ideal for brides who want a ribbon-wrapped handle or a more natural, flowing bouquet design.

The decision between a straight or slanted holder ultimately depends on the desired look of the bouquet and the personal preference of the designer. Slanted holders are perfect for creating a waterfall effect, while straight holders offer more versatility and can be adapted to suit a range of bouquet styles.

When choosing a bouquet holder, it's also important to consider the size and shape of the holder, as well as the type of flowers and arrangement that will be used. The holder should complement the overall theme and personality of the event, while also ensuring the flowers remain fresh and hydrated throughout the day.

Rehydrating flowers

Making your own wedding bouquet is a fun and rewarding project. To get started, you'll need to decide on the style of holder you want to use. Straight-handled holders are a popular choice, as they offer more foam for the flowers to sit in. If you're planning on a cascading bouquet, a slanted holder can be a better option as it allows the flowers to flow forward and down naturally.

Once you've selected your holder, it's important to process your flowers correctly. If your flowers have arrived packed in a box, they are likely to be under stress, so rehydrating them immediately is crucial. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to rehydrate your wedding bouquet flowers:

Use Professional Rehydration Products:

Quick Dip is a fast re-hydrator that can help revive your flowers. Chrystal Clear flower food is another product that adds essential nutrients to the water, promoting flower health. These products are especially useful if you don't have access to a professional florist cooler, which maintains humidity and helps keep flowers fresh.

Mix Liquid Flower Food with Water:

Follow the directions on the label of your chosen flower food product. While using too much won't hurt the flowers, it will be a waste of product. Not using enough won't provide the full benefits to your flowers.

Allow the Holder to "Float Soak":

Instead of forcing the holder below the water to speed up the process, let the foam head draw up water naturally. Forcing it can cause dry patches, which could be detrimental to your flower stems.

Keep the Flowers Cool:

Before the wedding ceremony, store your bouquet in a cooler to maintain its freshness and beauty for a longer period. The ideal temperature range for most flower varieties is between 1°C and 2°C. For tropical flowers, a temperature range of 10°C to 13°C is suitable.

Wrap the Stems in a Cool, Damp Cloth:

This helps maintain hydration and regulate temperature. Ensure that the cloth stays damp throughout the day, especially if your bouquet will be used for several hours.

Avoid Direct Sunlight:

Direct sunlight can cause flowers to fade and wilt quickly. Keep your bouquet indoors before the ceremony and find a shaded area if the ceremony is outdoors. You can also use floral preservation spray to create a protective layer on your flowers, helping them retain moisture and shielding them from the sun's drying effects.

Keep the Bouquet Hydrated:

Use water tubes attached to the base of the stems to provide a continuous water supply. Alternatively, wrap the tubes in ribbon or fabric that matches your bouquet design. You can also add a mixture of sugar and chlorine to the water. Sugar acts as a nutrient, keeping flowers lively, while chlorine prevents bacterial growth.

Lightly Mist the Bouquet:

Spray the bouquet with water every hour or so to keep the petals hydrated, especially in warm and dry conditions. Be careful not to oversaturate the flowers, as too much water can cause petals to droop and rot.

Avoid Ethylene-Producing Foods:

Ethylene gas, produced by ripening fruits, can speed up the wilting process of flowers. Keep your bouquet away from areas where fruits and vegetables are stored or displayed.

Choose Heat-Resistant Flowers:

If you're having a summer wedding, opt for flowers that can withstand the heat, such as sunflowers, succulents, orchids, and proteas. Avoid delicate flowers like peonies and hydrangeas, which wilt quickly in high temperatures.

By following these steps, you can effectively rehydrate and care for your wedding bouquet flowers, ensuring they stay fresh and beautiful throughout your special day.

Float soaking the holder

To float soak the holder, fill a container with water and gently place the holder in the water. Allow the holder to float freely, with the foam head naturally drawing up water. Do not force the holder below the water level, as this may cause dry patches that could be detrimental to your flowers.

For optimal results, ensure that the foam is fully saturated before removing it from the water. This process may take some time, but it is crucial for ensuring your flowers have access to sufficient water.

If you're using fresh flowers, it is recommended to soak the holder for about an hour. However, if you're working with artificial flowers, you can simply moisten the foam with water before use.

By following these steps and allowing the holder to float soak, you'll create a solid foundation for your floral arrangement, ensuring your flowers stay fresh and beautiful throughout your special day.

Using liquid flower food

To make a wedding bouquet holder, you'll need to decide on the style of holder you want to use. Straight-handled holders are best for bouquets, while slanted holders are more designed for cascading bouquets, allowing the bride to hold the flowers in a natural manner.

If you're using liquid flower food to preserve your wedding bouquet, here are some detailed instructions:

Firstly, it's important to choose the right product. You can use a liquid flower food that mixes easily with water. Follow the directions on the label. While using too much won't harm the flowers, it will be a waste of product. Not using enough won't benefit your flowers.

If you're using a Belle holder, allow it to "float soak". This means letting the foam head draw up water naturally. Don't force it below the water to speed up the process, as this could cause dry patches that may damage your flower stems.

To make your own liquid flower food, you'll need a clean container for mixing and storing. The most common recipe is to combine 4 cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of citric acid or lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are dissolved. Sugar acts as a nutrient for the stems, citric acid lowers the water pH to improve the flowers' intake, and vinegar wards off bacteria. You can also use vinegar in place of citric acid and lemon juice, as it serves the same purpose of preventing bacterial growth.

For the best results, cut stems at an angle, 1 to 2 inches from the bottom, to ensure proper water intake. Remove any leaves touching the water, as they promote bacterial growth. Always use a clean vase to prevent bacteria from attacking your bouquet. Change the water every two to three days, adding additional flower food each time. Remove old leaves and dead stems to prevent bacteria from growing in the water. Keep your bouquet away from direct sunlight or heating and cooling vents to prevent the flowers from drying out.

Floral foam bouquet holders

When choosing a floral foam bouquet holder, consider the shape, size, and finish to ensure it can accommodate the type of bouquet you want to create. Straight-handled holders are a popular choice as they offer more foam, which is ideal for larger bouquets. Slanted holders, on the other hand, are designed for cascading bouquets, allowing the bride to hold the flowers in a natural manner.

Before using a floral foam bouquet holder, it is important to fully submerge it in water and let the foam absorb it naturally. Forcing it below the water can cause dry patches that may affect the flowers. Additionally, rehydrating your flowers is crucial, especially if they have been transported in warm conditions. Using a fast re-hydrator and flower food will help extend the life of your flowers.

Frequently asked questions