Creating A Ribbon Bouquet For Your Wedding

A ribbon bouquet is a fun, simple, and quick DIY project for a bridal shower or wedding rehearsal. The tradition is for the maid of honour to keep the ribbons from gifts opened at each gathering and then create a ribbon bouquet for the bride to use at the rehearsal. This can be done by cutting holes in a paper plate and threading the ribbons through, or by wrapping the ribbons around the stems of the flowers. The bouquet can be customised with different textures and colours of ribbon, or even a custom-printed ribbon with a sweet message.

Choosing your ribbon

The ribbon you choose for your wedding bouquet can be a small detail that makes a big impact. It's a chance to add a personal touch and get creative. Here are some things to consider when choosing your ribbon:

Colour

The colour of the ribbon you choose can complement or contrast the colours of your bouquet and even your wedding dress. You could opt for a neutral or subtle hue to tone down a bold bouquet, or go with a bright and bold colour to make a statement. Play around with different shades and tones to see what works best with your flowers.

Texture

Ribbons come in various textures, from smooth and silky to textured and frayed. A silk ribbon can add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while a hand-dyed loose ribbon can give your bouquet a romantic, Old-World feel. Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding when choosing the texture of your ribbon.

Length

A long ribbon cascading from your bouquet can create a romantic and elegant look. Consider the length of your ribbon and how it will drape when you walk down the aisle. You don't want it to be too long and get in your way, but you also don't want it to be too short and lose the desired effect.

Width

Ribbons come in various widths, and the one you choose will impact the overall look of your bouquet. A thin ribbon can add a delicate touch, while a wider ribbon can make a bolder statement. Consider the size of your bouquet and the flowers you've chosen when deciding on the width of your ribbon.

Personalisation

Adding a personalised touch to your ribbon is a unique way to make your bouquet extra special. You could have a custom printed ribbon with a meaningful note, your wedding date, or even your names. It's a lovely way to incorporate something sentimental into your wedding day attire.

Type of Ribbon

There are many different types of ribbon to choose from, including satin, silk, jute, twine, and yarn. The type of ribbon you choose will depend on the overall look you're going for and how well it complements your bouquet and wedding theme. Consider the colour, texture, and style of your ribbon when making your decision.

Preparing the plate

To prepare the plate for your bridal ribbon bouquet, you will need a paper plate and scissors. It is recommended to use two plates, one on top of the other, for added strength, especially if you have a lot of ribbons.

Using your scissors, stab two holes on opposite sides of the plate(s). These holes will be used to thread the ribbons through, creating a steady base for your bouquet. You can also cut several holes in the plate, with the largest in the centre, and thread the ribbons through these.

Next, take your ribbon and insert it through the holes. You can use scissors to gently push the ribbon through if needed. Leave a "tail" of ribbon about the same length as the stems of your bouquet. Repeat this step to create an "X" with a second piece of ribbon, which will provide extra stability.

Now, tie a knot with each ribbon on the backside of the plate. Then, tie a large knot with all the ribbons together. This will form the base of your bouquet, which the bride will hold onto.

Attaching the ribbons

Prepare the Ribbons:

Firstly, decide on the type and colour of the ribbons. You can choose anything from satin, jute, twine, or yarn. The colour can be matched to the wedding dress, complement the flowers, or add a pop of contrasting colour. Cut the ribbons to the desired length, ensuring they are long enough to work with and create the desired effect.

Create the Base:

You will need something to attach the ribbons to, creating a base for your bouquet. A paper plate is a good option, but you can also use a piece of cardboard or thick paper. Cut a few holes in the plate, with the largest in the centre. This will be used to thread the ribbons and create a secure base.

Begin by threading the ribbons through the holes in the plate. You can use scissors or a knife to make a small hole, and then push the ribbon through. Leave enough ribbon at the top to create a large knot, which will be the base of your bouquet. You can also tape the ribbons to the plate if they are too thin to thread through the holes.

Adding Bows and Extras:

Now, it's time to add some volume and interest to your bouquet. Add bows by tying them securely to the ribbons. You can also add extra details like feathers, beads, or other decorative items by taping or gluing them to the ribbons. Play with the spacing and arrangement to create a balanced and attractive design.

Braiding and Finishing:

Once you have added all the ribbons and extras, it's time to finish the handle. Braid the ribbons together to create a secure and neat handle for the bouquet. You can also wrap the ribbons around the plate to conceal it and create a thicker handle. Finally, tie a knot at the end of the braid to secure it.

Your ribbon bouquet is now ready for the rehearsal or the big day! This is a fun and simple project that adds a unique and personal touch to any wedding.

Braiding the ends

Once you've gathered all the bows and ribbons on your plate, it's time to start braiding! This step will bring everything together and create a handle for the bride to hold the bouquet.

Start by selecting three ribbons of similar length—these will form the basis of your braid. Divide the ribbons into three sections, one in each hand, and begin to braid them together. You can choose to braid tightly or loosely, depending on the desired look. Just remember to leave a little length at the top for the handle.

As you braid, you can add in more ribbons to create a fuller, more varied look. Simply incorporate them into one of the three sections and continue braiding as normal. This is a great way to use up any shorter ribbon lengths you may have.

If you want to add extra detail, try curling the ribbons with a pair of scissors before braiding. This will give the ends a pretty, wavy finish. Just run the blade of the scissors along the ribbon to create soft curls.

Once you've braided to the desired length, tie a knot at the end to secure it all in place. Now you have a beautiful, braided ribbon handle for the bride to hold on to during her rehearsal walk down the aisle!

Final touches

Now that you've gathered your blossoms and wrapped your stems in ribbon, it's time to put the finishing touches on your wedding ribbon bouquet. Here are some ideas and tips to make your bouquet look absolutely stunning:

Add some extra ribbons

Play with different textures and colours of ribbons to add volume and interest to your bouquet. You can even order a custom-printed ribbon with a sweet message or your wedding date on it. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your bouquet.

Coordinate with your wedding dress

Choose a ribbon that complements your wedding gown. For example, you could opt for a silk ribbon in the same hue as your dress, or go for a contrasting colour to make a bold statement.

Create a colourful and whimsical look

If you have a bright and bold bouquet, consider wrapping the stems with a subtle ribbon to tie the look together without overwhelming the flowers. A soft, light pink ribbon can look beautiful with wildflowers, for instance.

Make it dimensional

A unique, tie-dye-inspired ribbon can add depth and interest to your bouquet, helping to pull together all the different hues of your flowers. This is a great way to make a statement and modernise your bouquet.

Keep it simple

If your bouquet is already busy with lots of greenery and dark flowers, consider a simple, neutral wrap. A thin, white ribbon can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bouquet.

Take a loose approach

For a more organic, natural look, try loosely arranging the stems of your flowers and tying them together with a ribbon. This style is perfect for creating movement and a relaxed feel.

Ground your greenery

If you're going for an all-green bouquet, use a sleek silk ribbon to bring definition and elegance to your arrangement. A sage-coloured ribbon is a beautiful choice to keep everything looking fresh and natural.

Add some final flourishes

Once you're happy with the overall look of your bouquet, take a step back and see if there are any areas that need touching up. You can trim any extra-long pieces of ribbon, fluff your bows, or add some extra flowers or greenery to fill out the bouquet.

Your wedding ribbon bouquet is now complete! Enjoy this special creation on your big day, and don't forget to take lots of pictures to cherish the memories.

Frequently asked questions