Creating Wedding Bouquet Bows: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding bouquets are highly significant, as they are held close by the bride as she walks down the aisle. Making your own bouquet can be a creative and meaningful experience, allowing you to customise your bouquet to align with your wedding theme and personal aesthetic. Adding a bow to your bouquet can be the perfect finishing touch. Bows can be made from various materials, such as silk, grosgrain, velvet, lace, organza, or satin ribbon, and can be created in different sizes and styles. You can even use ribbons and bows from bridal shower gifts to create a rehearsal bouquet for the bride to practice with before the big day. Making bows for wedding bouquets involves a simple looping technique, which can be customised with your choice of pattern and colours.

Choosing the right ribbon

The ribbon you choose for your wedding bouquet bow can make or break the overall aesthetic of your bouquet. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect ribbon:

Type of Ribbon

The type of ribbon you choose will depend on the look you are going for. Crisp organza, romantic lace, or elegant satin are all great options for adding formality and finishing the look of your bouquet. Satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding bouquets as it has a luxurious, silky look and feel. Wired ribbon is another option, which can be moulded into dramatic shapes and sizes due to its structured edges.

Ribbon Width

The width of the ribbon will determine the size of the bow. A wider ribbon will create a bigger bow, while a narrower ribbon will result in a smaller, more delicate bow. The size of your bouquet should be taken into consideration when choosing the ribbon width. For example, if you have a large bouquet, a wider ribbon may be more appropriate.

Ribbon Length

The length of the ribbon will depend on the size of your bouquet and the type of bow you want to create. A good rule of thumb is to always have extra ribbon on hand, as you can always cut it down to size. A length of 15 to 20 inches is generally a good starting point for a nice-sized bow, but you may need more or less depending on the thickness of the ribbon and the size of your bouquet.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the ribbon should complement the overall colour scheme and theme of the wedding. Consider choosing a colour that matches the wedding aesthetic, or a simple, elegant pattern that adds interest without clashing with the flowers in the bouquet.

Texture

The texture of the ribbon can add a unique touch to your bouquet. For example, a raw-edged silk ribbon can elevate the look of basic wrapping paper, while a sheer chiffon ribbon is easy to twist and fold into multiple loops, creating a voluminous bow.

Practicality

While the appearance of the ribbon is important, it is also crucial to consider its practicality. Choose a ribbon that is easy to work with and manipulate into the desired shape. Additionally, consider the durability of the ribbon, especially if the bouquet will be outdoors or in a warm environment, as you want the ribbon to hold up throughout the entire event.

Remember, the ribbon you choose should complement the flowers in your bouquet and enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Creating loops

Step 1: Prepare Your Ribbon

Firstly, cut a piece of ribbon—the length will depend on the size of bow you want to create. A good starting point is a ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long, which will make a nice-sized bow with a 1-inch-thick ribbon. Adjust the length accordingly if your ribbon is thicker or thinner. You can always trim the ends later if needed.

Step 2: Form the First Loop

Now, it's time to make your first loop. Hold the ribbon firmly between your thumb and forefinger and create a loop about 1 1/2 inches long. This will be the centre of your bow, so make sure it's nice and neat. You can twist the ribbon to give it a rope-like texture, which will add an interesting detail to your bow.

Step 3: Create the Second Loop

Holding the first loop in place, create a second loop on the opposite side, making sure it's the same size as the first. You can adjust the size of these loops to your desired final bow size. Make sure your tails are fairly even at this point.

Step 4: Continue Adding Loops

To create a full and fluffy bow, you'll need to add more loops. Hold the first two loops in place and create a third loop, twisting the ribbon towards you. Then, create a fourth loop on the opposite side. Keep adding loops, alternating sides, until you achieve the desired fullness. For a standard bow, six loops in total are recommended, but you can add more if you want a fuller look.

Step 5: Secure the Centre

Once you're happy with the number of loops, it's time to secure the centre of your bow. You can do this by wrapping a thin piece of ribbon or wire tightly around the middle. If using ribbon, tie a knot at the back of the bow. This will help your bow hold its shape.

Now you have your beautiful loops, you can attach them to your wedding bouquet by wrapping the thin ribbon or wire around the stems. You can also add a longer ribbon to create a flowing effect or a handle for your bouquet.

Adding the final touches

Now that you have your bouquet, it's time to add the final touches to make it truly unique and special. This is your opportunity to get creative and experiment with different ideas. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips to help you add those perfect finishing touches to your wedding bouquet:

Choosing the Right Ribbon

The type of ribbon you choose can make a big difference in the overall look of your bouquet. Consider selecting a ribbon that complements your wedding theme and aesthetic. Crisp organza, romantic lace, elegant satin, silk, grosgrain, or velvet are all great options to choose from. Remember, the wider the ribbon, the bigger the bow. If you want to create a dramatic and structured look, consider using wired ribbon as it will allow you to mould the bow into the desired shape and size.

Creating the Bow

When creating the bow, start with a long piece of ribbon, at least 2 yards in length. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, keeping in mind that longer ribbons will be easier to work with and you can always trim them down later. Form a loop with the ribbon and then wrap the length of the ribbon in a continuous circle around that loop. Determine the desired length of the bow tails and cut the ribbon, adding about 2 inches to that length. Pinch the centre of the loop and secure it with a pipe cleaner or wire. Trim any excess pipe cleaner or wire. Cut vertically through the centre of the bow's tail to create two separate tails. Use these tails to tie a standard knot around the centre of the folded ribbon, covering the pipe cleaner or wire. Adjust the loops and tails to your desired size and shape.

Attaching the Bow to the Bouquet

To attach the bow to the bouquet, you can use a thin satin ribbon or floral wire. Simply wrap the thin ribbon or wire around the centre of the bow and then carefully insert it into the bouquet. You can also use hot glue to secure the bow to the bouquet, especially if you are using a satin ribbon.

Embellishments and Personal Touches

To make your bouquet even more special, consider adding some embellishments or personal touches. You can add charms or other baubles to the centre of the ribbon for an extra touch of personality. Cut the ends of the ribbon diagonally to create classy points, or perform a chevron cut by cutting an even triangle from the centre of the ribbon tails. You can also braid the ends of the ribbons for a unique and intricate look.

Final Adjustments

Once you have added all the embellishments and made the final adjustments, take a step back and admire your handiwork. Ensure that the bow is secure and that all the ribbons are neatly arranged. Fluff the loops and tails of the bow to add fullness and volume. Trim any excess ribbon if needed. Your wedding bouquet is now complete and ready to be showcased on your special day!

Attaching the bow to the bouquet

Wired Stick Method:

Place a wired stick on your work surface. Cut a piece of ribbon, approximately 15 to 20 inches long. The length will depend on the desired size of the bow and the thickness of the ribbon. Form a loop with the ribbon, twist the longer end twice, and then form a second loop, adjusting to the desired size. Fold one loop over the other and bring it back through the centre, pulling tight to create a knot. Trim the ends, if desired. Place the wired stick next to the middle of the bow and wrap the wire tightly around the centre. Insert the wired stick into the bouquet.

Braided Handle Method:

This method is ideal if you are using a paper plate as the base for your bouquet. Cut several holes in the plate, with the largest in the centre. As you collect ribbons and bows, thread the loose ends through the holes in the plate. Tape premade bows to the plate, using thin ribbons along the edges. Continue filling the bouquet with bows as gifts are opened. Once you have collected all the bows, braid the ribbons hanging through the holes to create a handle for the bouquet.

Floral Tape Method:

After preparing your flowers and greenery, and inserting flowers into your greenery, use floral tape to attach the bow to the bouquet. Wrap the tape around the stems, starting near the bottom of the bouquet and working your way up to the base of the flowers and greenery. This will help the bouquet stay in place and protect the handler's hands.

Hot Glue Method:

Take a satin ribbon and hot glue it around the base of the bouquet to create a handle. Then, take another ribbon and tie a bow around the bouquet, near the handle. Leave a fair amount of excess ribbon to create a flowing, elegant effect. You can experiment with different colours and sizes of bows, adding any finishing touches you desire.

Braiding the ends

Once you've gathered all the bows, it's time to start braiding! This step will transform those loose ends into a beautiful and functional handle for the bride to carry her bouquet with ease during the rehearsal. Here's how you can braid the ends to create a stunning and unique ribbon bouquet:

Start by dividing the ribbons into three sections, just like you would for a regular braid. Take the rightmost section and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the leftmost section and cross it over, so you have a new middle section.

Repeat this process, always moving the rightmost section first, followed by the leftmost, and you'll start to see the braid take shape. As you braid, you can adjust the tightness and positioning of the ribbons to create a neat and secure handle.

If you're using a variety of ribbon types and widths, feel free to experiment with different braiding techniques. For example, you could try a French braid or a fishtail braid for a unique look. You can also incorporate any leftover ribbons or thinner ribbons along the edges to add more detail and colour to your braid.

Once you reach the end of the ribbons, simply tie a knot to secure the braid. You can trim any excess ribbon if needed, or leave a little extra length for a whimsical touch. And that's it! You now have a beautifully braided handle for the ribbon bouquet.

Remember, this is a creative process, so feel free to adapt these instructions to suit your style and the overall look of the bouquet. Have fun crafting!

Frequently asked questions