Creating A Simple, Stunning Wedding Bouquet

Making your own wedding bouquet is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. It may sound intimidating, but it is not as challenging as it seems and can be done easily and inexpensively with some simple materials and a few steps. Whether you keep it simple with just a few blooms or opt for a decadent arrangement, making your own bouquet is a fun and creative way to express yourself and create something beautiful for your wedding day.

Choosing your flowers

The flowers you choose for your DIY wedding bouquet should reflect your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Traditionally, bridal bouquets feature white flowers with splashes of pink or other pastel colours. However, you can choose any colours and flowers that match your wedding's colour scheme or theme.

If you're going for a modern and simple design, consider using one to three varieties of florals, very little to no greenery, and flowers with a lot of textural interest. For a more whimsical, garden-inspired cascading bouquet, you can use five to seven varieties of florals and greenery with different textures and gestural qualities.

When selecting your flowers, consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. Decide if you want complementary colours for a subtle, balanced look or contrasting colours for a dramatic effect.

To save money, pick flowers that are in season. Daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips are perfect for spring weddings, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are ideal for fall. You can buy flowers from a local grocery store or flower market, or order them in bulk online. If you have access to a garden, you can also use what's in bloom to create your bouquet.

Some popular flower choices for wedding bouquets include:

• Roses
• Israeli Ruscus
• Babies Breath
• White Cremons
• Garden Roses
• Carnations
• Seeded Eucalyptus
• Green trick dianthus
• Peony
• Avalanche rose
• Lisianthus

Selecting your tools

The first step to making your wedding bouquet is to select the right tools. You will need a sharp pair of floral snips or shears, or regular scissors if you don't have shears. You will also need ribbon or floral tape. You can find floral tape in most gardening stores or online. It's usually very affordable and easy to get hold of.

For the ribbon, a length of around 1.5 metres is a good amount to work with, and will give you enough to tie a knot and make a bow. The colour of the ribbon is up to you, but traditionally, bridal bouquets feature the colours white and pastel pink. If you are making a bouquet for a wedding with a specific colour theme, you may want to choose a ribbon that matches this theme.

In addition to the above, you will, of course, need flowers. It's a good idea to decide on the style of your bouquet before selecting your flowers. Are you going for a classic, tight bouquet or something more whimsical, like a cascading arrangement? The style you choose will dictate the types and number of flowers you will need. For a modern and simple design, consider using one to three varieties of florals, very little to no greenery, and flowers with a lot of textural interest. For a garden-style bouquet, choose five to seven varieties of florals and greenery, and flowers with different textural and gestural qualities.

Preparing the flowers

The first step in preparing your flowers is to remove all the leaves from the stems. This will ensure that your bouquet looks neat and professional. You can do this gently by hand, being careful not to damage the stems.

Next, you will need to decide on a focal flower. This is the flower that will be the centrepiece of your bouquet. Hold this flower near the blossom end with your fingers. You can now add your next flower at an angle to the left, ensuring that the bloom remains at the same height as the focal flower. This second flower will add volume to your bouquet.

Now, each time you add a new flower, rotate the bouquet a quarter turn to the right, positioning it ready for the next flower to be added diagonally and angled to the left. You can add a variety of flowers in this way, choosing colours and types to match your wedding theme.

Once you have the bulk of your bouquet ready, you can insert some filler flowers between the larger blooms. These are usually smaller, green flowers that give a natural look to the bouquet. Ensure that you put all the filler flowers in at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Assembling the bouquet

Now that you have your flowers and tools ready, it's time to assemble your DIY wedding bouquet. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful arrangement.

Step 1: Build the Framework

Start by building the shape and framework of your bouquet. Stand in front of a mirror to get a better idea of how it will look from the front. Begin with a base of greenery or filler flowers, and then add in larger, focal flowers.

Step 2: Add Flowers Strategically

Continue adding in your chosen flowers, rotating the bouquet a quarter turn to the right each time. This will help you position the bouquet for the next flower, adding it diagonally and angled to the left. Remember to balance the design as you build, ensuring a symmetrical look.

Step 3: Include Filler Flowers

Once you have the bulk of your bouquet ready, insert some filler flowers or greenery between the larger blooms. These smaller flowers add a natural look to the bouquet. Ensure that you insert all the filler flowers at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Step 4: Secure the Stems

When you're happy with the arrangement, it's time to secure the stems. Use a rubber band to tightly bind the stems together, then wrap floral tape around them to hide the rubber band. This will give a clean, classic look to your bouquet.

Step 5: Wrap with Ribbon

Finish off your bouquet by wrapping a ribbon around the stems. You can either loop it for a classic look or let it cascade down for a more relaxed, garden-style feel. Leave enough ribbon at the end to tie a knot and create a bow.

Step 6: Final Touches

Tie a knot with the remaining ribbon to secure your bouquet. You can also add any final touches, such as pearl floral pins, to enhance the overall appearance. Now you're ready to walk down the aisle with your beautiful DIY wedding bouquet!

Adding the finishing touches

Now that you've assembled your bouquet, it's time to add the final flourishes that will make it truly special. Here are some ideas to elevate your bouquet and ensure it perfectly complements your wedding ensemble:

Ribbons and Wrapping

A ribbon or lace wrap is a classic way to finish your bouquet and adds a romantic, elegant touch. Choose a colour and texture that complements your flowers and wedding theme. You can also use floral tape to secure the stems before wrapping with the ribbon. Start by wrapping the floral tape tightly around the stems, then cover it with your chosen ribbon or lace. Secure the ribbon with a small amount of hot glue at the back of the bouquet.

Pearl Floral Pins

Add a touch of sparkle to your bouquet by inserting pearl floral pins down the front. This will give your bouquet a sophisticated and elegant look. It's best to use three pins for a bridesmaid bouquet and adjust the number according to the size of the bridal bouquet. Inserting the pins at a downward angle will prevent them from poking through.

Charms

For a unique and interesting element, consider adding a charm to your bouquet. This could be a vintage or new trinket, perhaps serving as a way to honour a loved one who can't be with you on your special day.

Birth Flowers

Make your bouquet truly personal by integrating the bloom associated with your birth month. Alternatively, you could include the flower of a loved one's birth month as a thoughtful tribute.

Sentimental Colours

Incorporate a meaningful colour into your bouquet, such as your favourite colour or that of your partner's. This is a lovely way to add a personal and heartfelt touch to your floral arrangement.

Frequently asked questions