Cascading Wedding Bouquets: Diy Guide To Make Your Own

Creating a cascading bouquet for a wedding can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. It is also a great way to save money on your wedding budget. You can use fresh flowers, silk flowers, or a combination of both. The tools you will need include a bouquet holder, flowers and foliage, storage buckets, ribbon, scissors or secateurs, and decorative accents. You will also need a heavy vase or stand to keep the bouquet secure while you work.

To create a cascading shape, start by submerging the bouquet holder in warm water to keep the flowers fresh. Then, insert the longest greenery stems at the bottom of the holder, followed by the primary blooms, and finally, the accent flowers. Trim the stems as needed to create the desired shape. Fill in any gaps with baby's breath or additional greenery.

With the right tools and a little creativity, you can make a beautiful cascading bouquet that will be a perfect addition to your wedding.

Choosing your flowers

Choosing the right flowers for your cascading bouquet is an important step in the process. The flowers you choose will depend on a few factors, such as the colour and style of your wedding dress, the significance of certain flowers to you, and the season.

To create a cascading bouquet, you will need around 15-18 stems of a long-stemmed flower. It is best to choose one type of flower to repeat throughout the bouquet, rather than a random assortment. Roses are a popular choice for weddings, but you could also opt for stargazer lilies, peonies, anemones, ranunculus, dahlias, or hydrangeas. If you want to add some variety, you can choose different shades of the same flower, or even add in some special flowers with significance to you, like the first flower your fiance gave you.

In addition to your main flower, you will need 10-12 stems of smaller accent flowers. Calla lilies, lavender, spray roses, hypericum, and orchids are all good options. You can choose accent flowers in the same colour as your main flower, or in a coordinating colour to add contrast. You can even use multiple colours if you wish!

To shape the cascade, you will need 8-10 long sprays of greenery. Myrtle, ivy, silver sage, spirea, lemon leaf, and eucalyptus are all popular options, but you can use any type of greenery that is in season.

Finally, you will need a delicate filler like baby's breath or ferns to close any gaps and ensure that the bouquet holder is not visible. Other filler options include snapdragons, silver ragwort, poms, delphinium, and Queen Anne's lace.

Remember, it is important to choose flowers with stems that are at least 6 inches long so that they will be easy to arrange in the bouquet holder.

Creating the cascade shape

Now it's time to add the greenery. Start by inserting the two longest greenery stems into the bottom front of the bouquet holder. You want the tips of the greenery to be pointing down, and make sure to push the stems firmly into the gaps or foam until they feel secure. Continue adding the rest of your greenery, cutting the stems as needed so that they are shorter at the top and longer at thebottom. Imagine creating an upside-down teardrop shape that's rounded at the top and full on the sides, gradually narrowing towards the bottom.

To make the bouquet symmetrical, you may need to add a few short pieces of greenery around the circumference of the holder and at the top back. The length of the greenery will depend on the size of the bouquet and how far you want it to extend. Just ensure it's slightly shorter than your flowers, unless you want to showcase particular pieces.

Adding the flowers

Now it's time to add the flowers to your cascading bouquet. Start by arranging your primary blooms. Place your largest, prettiest flowers in the centre of your arrangement as the focal point, then work the remaining flowers all the way around the bouquet holder. You want the top flowers pointing straight up, the blooms around the sides of the holder to be horizontal, and the longest, cascading stems pointing downward.

As you arrange the flowers, alternate between the top and the sides, so that the stems interlock in a grid pattern. This will help to prevent the flowers from falling out of your bouquet. Space each type of flower evenly throughout the bouquet. If it isn't symmetrical, it won't create the cascading effect.

Trim your flower stems so that the shortest go on top and the longest on the bottom. Cut each stem to the length you want as you place the flowers in the arrangement. The stems on the bottom of your bouquet should be the longest, with medium-length stems in the middle, and the shortest blooms on top. Cut thicker stems at an angle so they are easier to insert into the bouquet holder.

Now, add your accent flowers around your primary blooms. Continue to alternate between the top and sides of the bouquet, criss-crossing the stems to secure them. Don't worry about making the bouquet look perfectly full yet. It's more important to space your accent flowers evenly.

Finally, fill in any remaining gaps with baby's breath or greenery. Look at the bouquet from the top, front, and sides, and use your filler to cover any gaps that are left. Depending on the size of your blooms, you may only need a few sprigs, or you may need to tuck small sprays throughout the bouquet.

Selecting the right tools

To make a cascading bouquet, you'll need to select the right tools, which will vary depending on whether you plan to use fresh or artificial flowers.

Tools for Fresh Flower Bouquets:

• A holder for the bouquet: This will serve as the base for your bouquet and keep the flowers in place.
• Fresh flowers and foliage: Most bouquets use between 15 and 50 flowers, including a mix of long-stemmed flowers, accent flowers, and greenery.
• Storage buckets: Tall buckets are ideal for storing and hydrating your flowers before arranging them.
• Ribbon: This can be used to accent the bouquet or finish the handle.
• Scissors or secateurs: These will be essential for cutting the stems of your flowers and greenery.
• Decorative accents: Add some extra sparkle with jewelled butterflies, decorative wire, or other embellishments.

Tools for Artificial Flower Bouquets:

• A holder for the bouquet: Look for one with foam specifically designed for artificial flowers, and ensure it has a smooth handle.
• Silk flowers and foliage: Choose high-quality silk flowers that look realistic, or mix in some real foliage for a more natural look.
• Wire cutters or secateurs: These will help you cut and shape the stems of your artificial flowers.
• Decorative accents: As with fresh flower bouquets, you can add jewelled butterflies, decorative wire, or other embellishments to enhance your artificial bouquet.

Storing your bouquet

Pre-Wedding Storage Tips:

• Store your bouquet in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and drafts. Sunlight and heat can cause the flowers to wilt, so it's best to keep them in a cool, shaded area.
• Keep your bouquet hydrated by misting it with water. You can also place the stems in a vase or container with fresh water mixed with a floral preservative. This will help keep the flowers fresh and extend their lifespan.
• If you need to store your bouquet for an extended period before the wedding, consider using a floral cooler if you have access to one. Alternatively, find a cool, shaded corner in a room away from direct sunlight. Avoid placing the bouquet in a regular refrigerator, as the moisture can cause the flowers to wilt.
• Change the water in the vase or container daily to keep it fresh. You can also add a drop of bleach to the water to kill bacteria and slow down decomposition.

Transporting your Bouquet:

• When transporting your bouquet, it is essential to handle it with care. Place it in a sturdy box with cushioning materials like tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent damage during transport.
• Keep the box in a cool, dark place, such as the floor of the passenger seat or the cargo area of your vehicle. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, as the heat can cause the flowers to wilt.

Timing:

• Ideally, you should create your cascading bouquet 1-2 days before your wedding. This will ensure the flowers are fresh and vibrant for your special day.
• If you need to make the bouquet further in advance, consider using heartier flowers like posies, lilies, and succulents, or opt for artificial flowers.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your cascading bouquet stays beautiful and fresh for your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions