Creating Wedding Rehearsal Bouquets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a wedding rehearsal bouquet is a fun and inexpensive way to prepare for your big day. Traditionally, the bridal party makes a bouquet out of the ribbons and bows from the gifts the bride received at her bridal shower. This bow-quet is then used by the bride during the wedding rehearsal. Making your own bouquet is also a great way to save money on your wedding. You can make a professional-looking bouquet yourself using simple materials and a few steps.

Collecting ribbons and bows from gifts

One way to prepare for this is to cut several holes in a paper plate, with the biggest hole in the centre, and bring this to the bridal shower. As the bride opens her gifts, hand over any ribbons or bows to the designated crafter. For ribbons without a bow, make a bow and then thread the loose ends through the holes in the plate. Use tape to attach any premade bows. Continue to fill the bouquet with collected bows as the bride opens her gifts. It might look messy at first, but it will take shape as you add more ribbons.

Once all the gifts have been opened and you have a good collection of ribbons and bows, you can start to braid the loose ends hanging through the holes. This braid will become the handle for the bouquet. Tie a knot at the end to secure it.

Creating the base for the bouquet

To start, you will need two paper plates (coated or regular), a knife or sharp scissors, and ribbons. Stab the plates with the scissors or knife at two points across from each other. Then, insert a ribbon, and tie a knot on the backside. Repeat this step, creating an 'x' with the ribbons. Tie a large knot with all the ribbons, and you will have the base of your bouquet.

If you have a lot of ribbons, you can use two plates on top of each other for added strength.

Adding ribbons and bows

Preparing the Ribbons and Bows:

Firstly, collect all the ribbons and bows from the bridal shower gifts. It is important to keep these intact, so ensure the bride-to-be carefully opens her presents without "breaking" the bows. According to superstition, the number of "broken" bows equals the number of children the couple will have!

Creating the Base:

You will need a paper plate as the base for your bouquet. Start by cutting several holes in the plate, with the largest one in the centre. You can use scissors or a knife to create these holes. This step can be done in advance, so the plate is ready when you start building your bouquet.

Attaching the Ribbons:

Take the loose ends of the ribbons and thread them through the holes in the paper plate. You can use scissors to gently push the ribbons through if needed. Leave some space between the plate and the ribbons, and ensure you don't pull them too tightly. Tie a knot at the back of the plate to secure each ribbon. For ribbons without bows, create your own bows, and then thread them through the holes.

Securing the Bows:

Most bows will not have a sticky back, so you will need to use tape to attach them to the top of the plate. If the bows have ribbons attached, thread the ribbons through the holes, just like you did with the plain ribbons. If there are no ribbons, simply tape the bows onto the plate.

Filling the Bouquet:

Continue adding ribbons and bows as you collect them. Think about form and spacing—add a little here and there to create a balanced and full bouquet. Don't worry if it looks a little messy at first; it will come together as you keep adding more ribbons and bows.

Adding Extra Touches:

You can include fun extras, such as feathers or other gift package tie-ons. Simply tape these onto the bouquet to give it a unique and whimsical touch.

By following these steps, you will create a gorgeous and colourful wedding rehearsal bouquet, filled with ribbons and bows from the bridal shower gifts. It is a simple and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to the wedding rehearsal and will surely be a fun activity for the bridal party to enjoy!

Trimming and fluffing the bouquet

Trimming and fluffing your bouquet is an important step in creating a beautiful arrangement. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Trimming the Bouquet:

• Using a sharp pair of floral snips, remove all the leaves from the floral stems. You can also remove the leaves from the bottom halves of the greenery stems if you prefer a cleaner look.
• Snip the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This helps the stems absorb water more easily and promotes longevity.
• Keep the trimmed stems in a bucket of water as you assemble the bouquet. This will ensure that your flowers stay hydrated and fresh.
• Consider the length of the stems. They should be long enough for you to hold the bouquet comfortably during your wedding, but not so long that they interfere with your wedding dress.

Fluffing the Bouquet:

• After you have assembled your bouquet and added all the flowers and greenery, it's time to fluff and adjust the arrangement.
• Pull certain flowers forward to create depth and dimension. This will make your bouquet look fuller and more natural. Emphasize your focal point flowers by bringing them closer to the front.
• Adjust the placement of flowers as needed. If you feel like something is not quite right, don't be afraid to experiment. You can always remove a flower and try placing it in a different spot.
• Use floral tape to secure any loose stems and to hide the rubber band that holds the bouquet together. This will give your bouquet a neat and polished look.
• Finally, add any finishing touches, such as ribbons or ornamental pieces, to elevate the design.

Remember, creating a DIY wedding bouquet is meant to be enjoyable, so don't stress too much over the small details. Flowers are resilient, and you can always adjust and experiment until you achieve your desired look.

Using flowers and greenery

Flowers and greenery are essential elements of a wedding bouquet. Here are some tips on how to make a wedding bouquet using flowers and greenery:

Choose Your Flowers and Greenery:

Select flowers that are in season to save costs. For spring, choose from daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are ideal for autumn. Consider the colour scheme and style of your wedding when selecting flowers. For a classic, tight bouquet, use fewer varieties of florals and greenery, while a whimsical, cascading arrangement calls for more varieties and greenery. Popular flower choices include roses, carnations, peonies, and lisianthus.

For greenery, popular options include eucalyptus, bay leaves, dusty miller, ferns, ivy, magnolia leaves, and monstera leaves. These add texture and depth to your bouquet. You can also use succulents or air plants for a unique touch.

Prepare Your Flowers and Greenery:

Remove all leaves from the floral stems and the bottom halves of the greenery stems. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, and keep them in a bucket of water as you work. This preparation ensures the flowers and greenery are ready for arrangement and will stay fresh.

Create the Bouquet:

Start by choosing a focal flower, such as a peony or rose, and hold it near the blossom end. Add the next flower at an angle to the left, ensuring the blooms are at the same height. Keep rotating the bouquet to the right and adding flowers in a diagonal pattern. Don't forget to add filler flowers, usually small, green flowers, to give a natural look to the bouquet.

Finish with Ribbon or Tape:

Once you're happy with the arrangement, tie the stems tightly together. Cut the stems to a comfortable length, leaving enough room to hold the bouquet. Wrap floral tape around the stems, followed by ribbon if desired. You can finish with a simple knot or a bow.

Frequently asked questions