Junior Rasmussen
Wedding flowers can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to make their own bouquets and boutonnieres. While it may seem daunting, creating your own wedding flowers is a fun and easy way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make beautiful bouquets and boutonnieres that will impress your guests and save you money. From choosing the right flowers to assembling and storing your creations, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your DIY wedding flowers a success.
Wedding Bouquets and Boutonnieres
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bouquet | |
| Number of Stems | 3 stems of white roses, 3 stems of pink roses, 3 stems of Israeli Ruscus, 3 small bundles of Babies Breath, 3 stems of White Cremons, 3 stems of pink garden roses, 3 stems of carnations |
| Arrangement | Criss-cross stems, add greenery closer to the centre, work in threes |
| Wrapping | Floral tape, ribbon or lace, pearl floral pins |
| Boutonniere | |
| Flowers | Roses, carnations, orchids, spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, pansies, dried flowers, greenery |
| Preparation | Remove guard petals, trim stems to 2-3 inches, remove leaves, use floral wire for support |
| Arrangement | One large flower, 1-2 small flowers, 3-4 pieces of greenery or dried flowers |
| Wrapping | Floral tape, ribbon, floral adhesive, bind wire, corsage pin |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, shallow cup of water, avoid fridge |
What You'll Learn
Choosing flowers and colours
Choosing the right flowers and colours for your wedding bouquet and boutonnière is a very important step in the wedding planning process. It is a special way to express your unique style and personality on your big day. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect flowers and colours for your DIY wedding bouquet and boutonnière:
Choose Flowers that are in Season:
The first step is to consider what types of flowers are in season for your wedding. Using in-season flowers can help create a sense of place and make your floral arrangements more affordable. For example, if you're having a fall wedding, consider using flowers such as dahlias, which come in a variety of bright and vibrant colours, or ranunculus, which have thin, lustrous petals and can be layered with filler flowers and greenery.
Select Hearty Flowers for the Boutonnière:
When choosing flowers for the boutonnière, it's important to select blooms that are hearty and can hold up without a water source. Flowers such as spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, and pansies are good options. Dried florals with a splash of greenery are also a great choice for boutonnières.
Consider the Colour Scheme:
Think about the colour scheme of your wedding and choose flowers that complement it. You can either match your bouquet and boutonnière to the colour palette of your wedding or use them to add a pop of colour. For example, if you want a neutral hue, white is a safe bet, while a striking shade like hot pink or cherry red will make a statement.
Add Filler Flowers and Greenery:
Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers and greenery in your bouquet and boutonnière. Filler flowers such as baby's breath, wax flowers, and eucalyptus leaves can add texture and visual interest to your arrangements.
Order Flowers in Bulk:
When ordering flowers for your DIY wedding bouquet and boutonnière, consider ordering in bulk to save costs. You can also ask family and friends to help you assemble the bouquets and boutonnières ahead of the wedding. This will ensure that the flowers are fresh and beautiful for your big day.
Remember, choosing flowers and colours for your wedding bouquet and boutonnière is a creative process, so have fun and trust your instincts!
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Selecting materials
Flowers and Greenery:
When selecting flowers, opt for hearty blooms that can hold up well without a water source. This is especially important for boutonnieres, which will be worn throughout the day. Spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, pansies, tulips, carnations, and orchids are all great options. For greenery, consider baby's breath, ivy, eucalyptus, heather, Italian ruscus, or Queen Anne's lace. These additions will give your arrangements a nice touch of colour and texture.
Tools and Accessories:
Floral scissors or stem cutters are essential for trimming and shaping your flowers. You will also need floral tape, which is used to wrap the stems and prevent wilting. Ribbon can be used to cover the floral tape and add a decorative touch. For boutonnieres, you will need pins to affix the arrangements to lapels. Additionally, consider using floral wire to provide extra support to the stems, especially if you are working with delicate flowers.
Amount and Timing:
Before purchasing your materials, decide on the number of bouquets and boutonnieres you will need. It is generally recommended to buy 20% more flowers than you expect to use, as some flowers may not be in perfect condition, and you may need extras for practice. The number of boutonnieres will depend on how many people will be wearing them, which is ultimately up to the couple's preference.
When it comes to timing, it is best to make your bouquets and boutonnieres as close to the wedding as possible to ensure freshness. If you need to make them the night before, leave the stems exposed and place them in a shallow cup of water, stored in a cool, dry place.
With these tips in mind, you can now select the perfect materials to create beautiful and cohesive wedding bouquets and boutonnieres.
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Arranging flowers
Choosing the Right Flowers:
Start by selecting the perfect blooms for your arrangements. Opt for hardy flowers that can hold up without a water source, especially for the boutonnieres. Choose flowers that align with your wedding colour scheme and overall floral design. Some popular options include roses, spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, pansies, tulips, carnations, and orchids. Don't be afraid to add some greenery, such as baby's breath, ivy, eucalyptus, or Italian ruscus, to complement the flowers and add texture.
Preparing the Stems:
Once you've selected your flowers, it's time to prepare the stems. Cut the stems to your desired length, usually around 2-3 inches for boutonnieres and 13 inches for bouquets. Cut the stems at an angle, and make sure to remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. This will help with water absorption and prevent bacteria from entering the stems. If your stems are thin and flimsy, consider using floral wire to give them extra support.
Creating the Arrangement:
Now, it's time to arrange the flowers. For boutonnieres, start with a statement bloom, and add smaller accent blooms and greenery behind it. Play around with the arrangement until you find a composition you like. For bouquets, you can use a variety of blooms and create a full arrangement. Remember to use odd numbers of flowers and strive for balance rather than symmetry. Stand back and observe the height and depth of the bouquet, and make adjustments as needed.
Wrapping and Finishing:
Once you're happy with your arrangement, it's time to secure the stems. Wrap floral tape tightly around the stems, starting at the base of the blooms and working your way down. For boutonnieres, trim the stems to about an inch in length. For bouquets, you may want to leave the stems longer for a more dramatic effect. Finish by wrapping a ribbon around the floral tape, securing it with a touch of glue or a pin.
Storing and Transporting:
To keep your arrangements fresh, store them in a cool, dry place until the wedding. If you need to make them the night before, consider placing the stems in a shallow cup of water and leaving them in a cool room, but avoid putting them in the fridge. For boutonnieres, you can also seal them in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator, but be sure to research the flowers' preservation needs.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and memorable wedding bouquets and boutonnieres. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to get creative and make them your own!
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Finishing touches
The final touches to your bouquet and boutonnière will elevate your creations and ensure they look professional.
Bouquet
The finishing touches to your bouquet will ensure it looks neat and is comfortable to hold. First, wrap the stems of the bouquet with floral tape. This will help to secure the stems in place and is an important step to prevent any flowers from falling out. Stretch the tape tight as you wrap. You can then finish the bouquet by covering the stems with ribbon. Cut the ribbon at an angle and wrap it around the stems, covering about eight inches of the stem. Fold the end of the ribbon under at the bottom to create a neat edge, securing it with corsage pins. Push the pins carefully up among the stems, not through the bouquet.
Boutonnière
To finish your boutonnière, wrap a small piece of ribbon around the floral tape, starting at the base of the flowers and moving downwards. Secure the ribbon with a touch of glue if needed. You can use a bit of hot glue to hold the ribbon, or simply keep it in place with a corsage pin. You can also add a tiny bow just below the blossoms for a touch of couture.
Storage
If you have made your bouquet and boutonnière ahead of time, be sure to store them correctly to keep them fresh. Place the bouquet in a vase or jar with a few inches of water. For the boutonnière, if you need to make it the night before, leave the stems exposed and place it in a shallow cup of water. Leave in a cool, dry place overnight, avoiding the fridge.
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Storing and displaying
Timing and Preparation:
- It is recommended to make the bouquets and boutonnieres one or two days before the wedding. This ensures the flowers are as fresh as possible.
- When preparing the flowers, cut the stems at an angle to promote better water absorption and remove any leaves that will be submerged in water.
- If using hydrangeas, keep the leaves on the stems, but remove foliage from other types of flowers.
- For boutonnieres, choose flowers that can hold up without a water source, such as spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, or pansies.
Storage:
- Store the bouquets and boutonnieres in a cool, dark, and dry place. A room with the window AC running or a cool bathroom can work well.
- Avoid placing them in a standard refrigerator, as the temperature may be too cold, and the gases emitted by produce can cause wilting.
- If possible, keep the arrangements in a floral cooler at a constant temperature, away from food.
- For boutonnieres, a cool temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
- If storing overnight, place the stems in a shallow cup of water.
- Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause them to wilt or deteriorate.
Final Preparations:
- On the morning of the wedding, take the bouquets out of storage and give the stems a fresh cut.
- Place the bouquets in vases or buckets with fresh water to hydrate them before the ceremony.
- For boutonnieres, affix them to the lapels of the jackets, ensuring they are securely pinned in place.
By following these storage and display instructions, your DIY wedding bouquets and boutonnieres will stay fresh and beautiful, adding a personal and elegant touch to your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Making your own wedding bouquets and boutonnieres can save you a lot of money. The cost of wedding flowers can be expensive, and by doing it yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. However, it is important to consider the cost of materials and the time and skill required to create the arrangements.
It is recommended to buy 20% more flowers than you expect to use. This will give you enough flowers to work with and allow for any mistakes or last-minute changes.
You will need sharp and comfortable tools such as pruning shears, floral snips, and sturdy all-purpose shears for cutting different types of stems and ribbon. You will also need floral tape, florist's wire, corsage pins, and ribbon to create the bouquets and boutonnieres.
It is recommended to use three or four different types of blooms to create a simple yet dramatic effect. Fluffy hydrangeas can be used as the base for the bouquets, while roses, carnations, orchids, or other complementary flowers can be added for colour and fragrance. For boutonnieres, choose a single large flower with some greenery.
It is best to make the bouquets and boutonnieres one or two days before the wedding. This will ensure that the flowers are fresh and have time to open and bloom. Store the finished arrangements in a cool, dark place, such as a fridge, until the wedding day.
