Creating A Wedding Bouquet: Using A Holder

If you're looking to make a wedding bouquet, one of the first things to consider is the style of bouquet holder you want to use. Straight-handled holders are great for foam arrangements, while slanted holders are more suitable for cascading bouquets, allowing the flowers to fall forward and down in a natural manner. When it comes to choosing a bouquet holder, it's important to select one that is lightweight, durable, and easy to carry. The size of the holder should also be considered to ensure a proper fit for your hand. To ensure the freshness of your flowers, it's crucial to process and rehydrate them correctly, especially if they arrive under stress. Following these tips will help you create a beautiful and practical wedding bouquet.

Choosing the right bouquet holder

Type of Wedding Celebration

The type of wedding celebration you are having, whether religious or civil, will help determine the style of bouquet holder you choose. For more formal and traditional weddings, a structured bouquet holder, such as a cascade or teardrop-style holder, might be a better fit. For casual or outdoor weddings, a less structured or more natural-looking holder might be preferable.

Dress Style and Shape

The style and shape of your wedding dress are crucial when choosing a bouquet holder. If you have a mermaid or form-fitting dress, a straight and narrow bouquet holder will complement your silhouette without taking attention away from your dress. For ball gowns or princess-style dresses, a slanted or cascade bouquet holder can add to the drama and elegance of your look.

Bouquet Size

You'll want to choose a bouquet holder that is proportionate to your body type and the size of your dress. If you are a petite bride, opt for a smaller bouquet holder to avoid being overwhelmed by the flowers. Conversely, if you are a taller bride, you have more flexibility and can choose a larger or longer bouquet holder.

Flower Type

Consider the types of flowers you want to include in your bouquet when selecting a holder. Some flowers, such as hydrangeas, require constant hydration, so a holder with a water source might be necessary. For flowers that are more delicate, such as lilies of the valley and gardenias, a holder that keeps them upright and secure is essential.

Weight and Length

When choosing a bouquet holder, consider the weight of the flowers and the length of the handle. You don't want the bouquet to be too heavy or cumbersome to carry, and the length of the handle should be comfortable and not too long, so it doesn't become a distraction.

By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right bouquet holder that will enhance the beauty of your wedding bouquet and your overall bridal look.

Rehydrating flowers

First, it is important to use professional products designed for rehydration, such as Quick Dip, a fast-acting re-hydrator, and Crystal Clear flower food. These products will help to add moisture back into your flowers, keeping them fresh and vibrant. Mix a liquid flower food with water, following the instructions on the label. It is better to use too much than too little, as while too much won't hurt your flowers, too little won't be as effective.

If you are using a bouquet holder, such as the Belle holder, allow it to "float soak". This means letting the foam head draw up water naturally. Do not force the holder below the water, as this can cause dry patches that could damage your flower stems.

For flowers that have arrived in a dry state, such as those delivered in a warm truck, it is important to rehydrate them as soon as possible. Remove any packaging and follow the steps outlined above.

If you are working with a florist, they may have access to a professional florist cooler, which adds humidity to the environment and helps to store the flowers effectively.

Once your flowers are properly rehydrated, you can begin the process of assembling your bouquet. Remember to consider the style of your bouquet and the types of flowers you are using. For a modern and simple design, use fewer varieties of florals and very little greenery. For a more whimsical, garden-inspired look, use more floral varieties and add in some greenery.

Using floral foam

Floral foam bouquet holders are a great option for creating wedding bouquets. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes, all filled with floral foam to ensure the flowers stay hydrated. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful wedding bouquet using floral foam:

Step 1: Choose the Right Holder

Select a bouquet holder that suits your desired style and the type of bouquet you want to create. Straight-handled holders work best for most bouquets, while slanted holders are designed for cascading bouquets, allowing the bride to hold the flowers in a natural manner. Consider the size and shape of the holder to ensure it can accommodate your chosen flowers.

Step 2: Prepare the Flowers

Properly processing your flowers is essential. If your flowers have been delivered, they may be under stress due to warmth during transportation. Rehydrate your flowers immediately using professional products like Quick Dip, a fast re-hydrator, or a liquid flower food that mixes with water. Follow the directions on the label for dosage.

Step 3: Soak the Floral Foam

Before using the bouquet holder, it is important to fully saturate the floral foam. Allow the holder to "float soak" by letting the foam head draw up water naturally. Do not force the holder below the water, as this may create dry patches that can affect the life of your flowers.

Step 4: Arrange the Flowers

Once your flowers are prepared and the floral foam is fully soaked, you can start arranging the flowers in the holder. Cut the flower stems diagonally to create a "spear" that can be easily inserted into the foam. This will help you secure the stems in place and create a beautiful, stable bouquet.

Step 5: Embellish and Personalize

You can further personalize your bouquet by embellishing the handle. Consider wrapping the handle with ribbon, lace, pearls, or rhinestones to add a touch of glamour and make it feel comfortable in your hands.

By following these steps and using floral foam bouquet holders, you can create stunning wedding bouquets that will impress and make your special day even more beautiful.

Arranging flowers

Step 1: Prepare the Flowers

Before you begin constructing your bouquet, ensure that the flower stems and greenery are prepared. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the floral stems and the bottom halves of the greenery stems. Cut the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. It is important to note that you should keep the flowers in a bucket of water while you work to keep them hydrated.

Step 2: Choose the Right Bouquet Holder

The type of bouquet holder you choose will depend on the style of bouquet you want to create. Straight-handled holders are ideal for a classic, tight bouquet, as they provide more foam for the flowers to be arranged in a compact form. If you prefer a cascading bouquet, a slanted holder is a better option, as it allows the flowers to flow forward and down naturally. Be sure to select a holder that is comfortable to hold and complements the size and style of your bouquet.

Step 3: Soak the Bouquet Holder

It is important to properly hydrate your bouquet holder, especially if it is made of floral foam. Allow the holder to "float soak" by letting the foam head draw up water naturally. Do not force it below the water, as this can create dry patches that may damage your flower stems. You can also add a professional re-hydrator or flower food to the water to further nourish your flowers.

Step 4: Assemble the Bouquet

Start by building the shape and framework of your bouquet, considering the dimension and overall structure. Stand in front of a mirror during this process to get a clear idea of how the bouquet will look from the front. Begin by creating a base with the flowers, and then add larger, focal flowers. Continue to add smaller flowers and greenery, ensuring the design is balanced.

Step 5: Secure the Bouquet

Once you are happy with the arrangement, use a sharp pair of floral snips to trim the stems. Secure the bouquet tightly with a rubber band, and then add floral tape to conceal the rubber band. Finish the bouquet by wrapping a ribbon around the stems. You can opt for a clean, classic look or a more relaxed, garden-style aesthetic by allowing the ribbon to cascade down the side of the bouquet.

Remember, creating a wedding bouquet is a creative process, so feel free to experiment and enjoy the moment.

Adding ribbons

There are many ways to add ribbons to your bouquet. One way is to use a bouquet holder, which can be straight or slanted, depending on the style of your bouquet. If you opt for a slanted holder, you can wrap the ribbon around the handle instead of using the stems. This works particularly well if you want to add a ribbon to a cascading bouquet.

When adding ribbons, you will first want to gather your favourite blossoms to create a hand-tied bouquet and secure the stems. Then, select a coordinating ribbon and a pair of sharp ribbon shears. Cut a generous length of ribbon and loop it towards the base of the bouquet, leaving a "tail" about the same length as the stems. Determine how far down the stems the ribbon will go and begin there, wrapping upwards towards the base of the bouquet, overlapping the ribbon as you go.

Once you reach the base, feed the ribbon through the loop while maintaining tension. Then, grasp the "tail" and pull firmly until the loop begins to disappear under the wrapping. Cut the ribbon, leaving about 0.5-1 inch extending above the wrapping. Pull on the "tail" again until the cut end is completely concealed, then trim off any excess. Finally, smooth out the ribbon, ensuring the ends are concealed at the top and bottom of the wrapping.

Frequently asked questions