Creating Bridesmaids Bouquets With Artificial Flowers

Creating bridesmaids' bouquets with artificial flowers is a great way to save money on your wedding. Artificial flowers are generally more affordable than fresh flowers, and they are also more dependable and readily available. There are several types of artificial flowers to choose from, including fabric flowers and wood flowers, which can be dyed to match any colour scheme. To make your own artificial bridesmaids' bouquets, you will need to choose your flowers, remove any leaves and trim the stems, form a base with 2-4 flowers, and then continue adding flowers and securing them with floral tape. Finally, wrap the stems with ribbon to cover the tape, and you have a beautiful bouquet ready for your big day!

Choosing flowers: select real or fake flowers based on your budget and preferences

Choosing flowers for your bridesmaids' bouquets is an important decision, and you can select real or artificial flowers based on your budget and preferences.

If you want sweet-smelling bouquets, opt for real flowers with strong fragrances, such as roses, gardenias, or lilacs. You can either stick to one dominant scent or mix and match to create a unique fragrance. For example, blending jasmine and lavender can result in a soothing scent. However, it is essential to consider any allergies or sensitivities your bridesmaids may have to strong smells.

On the other hand, artificial flowers are a more budget-friendly option. They are typically more affordable than fresh flowers and are readily available at craft stores or online retailers. When choosing artificial flowers, select high-quality options that look realistic, such as silk flowers. You can find a wide variety, from hyacinths to peonies and tulips.

Another factor to consider is the colour of the flowers. Choose blooms that either match or complement the wedding's colour scheme. For instance, if the wedding colours are mint and peach, you could use peach roses or white lilies. If you want an exact colour match, take fabric swatches or paint chips when shopping for flowers.

Additionally, the style of the wedding dress and your colour palette can influence your flower choices. You can opt for complementary colours for a subtle balance or integrate contrasting colours for added drama. If you prefer a classic, tight bouquet, consider using fewer varieties of flowers and minimal greenery. In contrast, a whimsical, garden-inspired cascading bouquet calls for more flower varieties and an abundance of greenery.

Ultimately, the decision to choose real or artificial flowers depends on your budget and personal preferences. Artificial flowers offer cost savings and a wider selection, while real flowers provide a natural, fragrant option.

Selecting a vendor: research florists online and compare prices and reviews

Selecting a vendor can be a tricky process, but with the right research, you can find a florist that suits your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you choose a florist for your bridesmaids' bouquets:

• Research Florists Online: Start by searching for florists that specialise in artificial flowers. You can use online platforms or search engines to find florists in your area. Look for florists with a good online presence, including a user-friendly website and clear, accurate photos of their products. Read through their customer testimonials and reviews to get an idea of their service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Compare Prices: Gather quotes from multiple florists to compare pricing. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, especially if it's close to a holiday when flower prices tend to increase. Consider the total cost, including any additional fees such as delivery charges or vase costs.
• Check for Accreditation: Look for florists who are accredited by reputable organisations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Accreditation signifies that a business adheres to ethical practices and has met certain standards of customer satisfaction.
• Website Security: When ordering online, ensure that the florist's website is secure. Look for "https" in the URL, which indicates a secure connection. You can also use tools like Google Safe Browsing to check the website's status. Be wary of websites with poor design, typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing, as these could be indicators of unreliable sites.
• Review Customer Service Policies: Choose a florist with clear and transparent customer service policies. They should provide multiple ways to contact customer support and have detailed refund, return, delivery, and pricing policies outlined on their website.
• Payment Methods: It's recommended to pay with a credit card, as it offers more protection against fraud than other payment methods. Avoid florists that request payments through wire transfers or payment apps, as these can make it difficult to get your money back in case of a dispute.

By following these steps and comparing multiple vendors, you can make an informed decision about which florist to choose for your bridesmaids' bouquets. Remember to read reviews, compare prices, and pay attention to the details of their customer service policies to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Bouquet design: decide on a bouquet style, such as cascading or rustic, and choose flowers and extras to achieve this

When it comes to designing your bridesmaids' bouquets, you'll want to consider the overall style or theme of your wedding, as well as the dresses your bridesmaids will be wearing. The bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, dresses, and the vibe of the day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you decide on a bouquet style:

Bouquet Style

• If you're having a rustic wedding, consider using baby's breath, a single type of flower like roses or peonies, or a mix of greenery and flowers.
• For a modern or sleek look, keep it simple with white flowers and exposed green stems, especially if your bridesmaids are wearing black dresses.
• A cascading bouquet with long vines is perfect for a garden-inspired wedding.
• To make a statement, opt for a hoop bouquet, which is also easier to hold than a traditional bouquet.
• For a beach or boho wedding, consider a tropical leaf such as a palm leaf or a monstera leaf, or add dried pampas grass to a bouquet for a warm, earthy vibe.
• If you want to skip flowers altogether, you could have your bridesmaids carry floral crowns, parasols, or even books down the aisle.

Flower Choice

• The average bridesmaid bouquet includes 5 to 10 focal flowers, such as roses, peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, or ranunculus, along with smaller complementary flowers and greenery.
• If you want to include colour, use varying shades from your colour palette to complement the dresses. For example, blush pink dresses can be paired with soft whites, soft pinks, darker pinks, and greens.
• Avoid overly scented flowers like lilies, lilacs, or jasmine as your bridesmaids will be holding the flowers all day, and strong scents can cause headaches or allergies.
• If you're on a budget, wood flowers can be a great option as they are affordable and can be dyed to match any colour palette.

Remember, the bridesmaids' bouquets don't have to be identical, but they should be similar in style and slightly smaller than the bridal bouquet.

Constructing the bouquet: remove leaves, trim stems, and bind flowers together with floral tape

Constructing the bouquet is a delicate process that requires attention to detail and a steady hand. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove Leaves

The first step in making a bouquet is to remove all the leaves from the stems. This step is important as it helps to create a cleaner look for the bouquet and makes it easier to handle the flowers. Use your fingers or a special machine if you have one to gently pluck each leaf from the stem without damaging it. Take your time with this step, as it will save you time and effort later on.

Trim Stems

Once all the leaves are removed, use sharp shears or sturdy scissors to trim the stems. Cut the stems to the same length, leaving enough room for the bridesmaids to comfortably hold the bouquet. If you're using roses, remember to remove the thorns as well. You can also cut off any damaged or wilted petals to ensure the flowers look their best.

Bind Flowers Together with Floral Tape

Now it's time to start assembling the bouquet. Choose 2-4 flowers that will form the base of your bouquet and wrap their stems together with floral tape. Leave about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) of the stem below the tape. Continue adding flowers to the bouquet, taping the stems as you go. Stand in front of a mirror as you work, so you can see what the bouquet will look like when it's being held. Keep adding flowers until you're happy with the size and shape. Finally, secure the bouquet with one last layer of floral tape, wrapping it tightly around the stems.

Finishing touches: wrap the stems with ribbon, and store the bouquets in water in the refrigerator until needed

Finishing Touches

Now that your bridesmaids' bouquets are assembled, it's time to add the finishing touches! Wrapping the stems with ribbon will not only hide the floral tape but also add a stylish touch to the bouquets. Here's how to do it:

Selecting the Ribbon

Choose a ribbon that complements the colour scheme of the wedding or the flowers in the bouquet. You can opt for thicker, sturdier ribbons such as satin or grosgrain, which will cover the tape effectively and hold up well. Remember, you don't want the bridesmaids' bouquets to look too similar to the bride's, so consider forgoing long, flowing ribbons.

Wrapping the Ribbon

Place the ribbon so that the shiny side (if your ribbon has one) faces the stems, leaving the matte side visible. Start by pinning one end of the ribbon parallel to the top row of floral tape. Then, carefully wrap the ribbon around the stems until all the tape is covered. Leave approximately 40 cm of ribbon at the end, which you will use to tie a bow.

Storing the Bouquets

If you're not using the bouquets right away, you can store them in a container with a small amount of water, ensuring that the ends of the stems are submerged. Place the bouquets in the refrigerator to keep them cool and fresh until you need them. To enhance their longevity, add some plant food to the water. Remember to remove any fruits or vegetables from the fridge, as these can cause the flowers to wilt faster.

Frequently asked questions