Hydrangea Wedding Bouquets: A Diy Guide

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for wedding bouquets, with their lush, round blooms and variety of colours—from white and blue to green, pink, red, and purple. They work well with many different styles of weddings, from romantic to formal, whimsical to modern, and even rustic. While hydrangeas are typically used for centrepieces, they can also be used to create beautiful bouquets. However, this can be tricky as hydrangeas need a lot of water and will wilt quickly if they are out of water for more than a few hours. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks for creating stunning hydrangea bouquets for weddings, including choosing the right variety, cutting and preparing the flowers, and arranging them in a way that will keep them looking fresh and beautiful throughout the big day.

Choosing the right hydrangea variety

Hydrangeas come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and varieties, making them a versatile choice for wedding bouquets. When choosing the right hydrangea variety for your bouquet, consider the colour scheme, the size of the blooms, and the overall style of your wedding.

For a classic and elegant look, white hydrangeas are a popular choice. They can be paired with other white flowers, such as roses and peonies, for a crisp and traditional bouquet. Alternatively, opt for a subtle pop of colour by pairing white hydrangeas with greenery, such as eucalyptus or ivy.

If you're looking for something more colourful, hydrangeas come in shades of blue, green, pink, red, purple, and even antique white or lime. These vibrant colours can be woven together to create a stunning summer wedding bouquet. For example, blue hydrangeas paired with a spring colour palette of pastels, creams, and greens will complement a modern summer wedding. Meanwhile, purple hydrangeas add a cosy touch to an outdoor summer wedding.

The shape and size of hydrangeas can also vary, with options like mopheads, lace cap hydrangeas, and cone-shaped hydrangeas. For a dramatic look, choose a variety with large, full blooms, such as Dutch Hydrangeas, which have large hardy stems and are less likely to wilt. On the other hand, delicate lace cap hydrangeas add beautiful texture and are perfect for a garden party wedding.

When choosing the right hydrangea variety, it's also important to consider the care and handling of these flowers. Hydrangeas tend to wilt quickly after cutting, so it's essential to follow proper cutting and hydration techniques. Keep the flowers in water as much as possible, and consider the size and shape of your vase to ensure the heavy flower heads are well supported.

Picking complementary flowers

Hydrangeas are versatile flowers that can be used in wedding bouquets for a range of styles, from romantic to formal, whimsical to modern, and even rustic. When picking complementary flowers, consider the following:

Colour

Hydrangeas come in a variety of colours, including white, blue, green, pink, red, purple, and antique white. Choose complementary flowers that either match or contrast with the colour of your hydrangeas. For example, a bouquet of white hydrangeas, roses, peonies, and lisianthus creates a crisp, clean, and traditional look. Meanwhile, a touch of purple in a bridal bouquet can be perfect for a cozy outdoor wedding. You can also opt for unique colour combinations, such as light blue hydrangeas mixed with peachy-pink blooms, or green hydrangeas accented with blush pink peonies.

Texture

Hydrangeas have a full and intricate texture that can add depth to your bouquet. Combine them with soft blooms such as garden roses and zinnias, or accent them with statement-makers like roses for a more dramatic effect.

Shape

The roundness of hydrangea blooms lends itself to a more structured silhouette. However, when paired with the right complementary flowers, it can also exude a touch of whimsy. For example, pairing hydrangeas with eucalyptus and ivy can create a cascading bouquet with a chic, floral design.

Style

Hydrangeas are known for their preppy look but can be used in a variety of design trends. They work great in European-style designs, so choose flowers that lend themselves to a gathered and full aesthetic. For example, a bouquet of southern hydrangea, jasmine vine, and scabiosa creates a romantic look.

Size

Hydrangeas are oversized blooms that can stand alone or be paired with smaller flowers. When choosing complementary flowers, consider the size of the hydrangeas and select flowers that will not be overwhelmed by their size or compete for attention.

Creating a soft colour palette

Hydrangeas come in a variety of colours, from vivid lime to antique white, soft pinks, blues, and creamy whites. A soft colour palette for a hydrangea wedding bouquet can be created by using pastel colours, creams, and greens. This can be a perfect complement to a modern, summer wedding.

For a subtle, soft, and delicate bouquet, you can opt for a light colour palette with limelight hydrangeas. These create a gentle, ethereal, and otherworldly opulence, perfect for a spring wedding.

If you want to add a touch of whimsy, pair the roundness of a hydrangea bloom with the right complementary blooms. You can also mix soft blooms such as garden roses and hydrangeas with zinnias and pink snowberry for a garden party wedding.

For a unique alternative, small, soft green hydrangeas provide a fresh and lively look. Antique hydrangeas, known for their pink and green blooms, can also create a softening effect, especially when paired with a minimalistic wedding dress style.

Hydrangeas can be used to soften entire arrangements. They also pair well with just about any type of greenery, from ferns to succulents, and play nicely with a diverse assortment of buds.

Using antique hydrangeas

Antique hydrangeas are known for their pink and green blooms and can be used to create a softening effect in your wedding bouquet. If you're going for a minimalist look with your wedding dress, consider gathering these large florals together for one giant bouquet to create the perfect contrast.

Antique hydrangeas are available in a range of colours, from vibrant green to muted antique red, green, and blue-purple. They can also be tinted to almost any colour. If you're looking for a unique colour for your bouquet, consider an off-white-meets-green variety. For whatever reason, it doesn't get as much love as its more saturated counterparts, but it's just as deserving of the spotlight.

Hydrangeas are pretty and full enough to act as standalone flowers, but they are also dainty enough to serve as unexpected supporting actors. They can be used to create a full shape, intricate texture, and a full aesthetic in your bouquet.

If you're looking for a bouquet with a softening effect, antique hydrangeas are a great choice. Just be sure to keep them well-watered, as hydrangeas tend to wilt quickly after cutting. Follow these tried-and-true techniques to ensure your antique hydrangeas stay fresh:

• Water the shrub thoroughly the day before cutting.
• On the day of cutting, take a clean bucket of water into the garden early in the morning.
• Choose flower heads with 90% of their florets open.
• Cut stems at an angle and place them immediately into the bucket of water, keeping them out of direct sunlight.
• As soon as possible after harvesting, plunge the cuttings completely underwater. Leave them submerged, pulling out the cuttings as needed.
• Remove leaves that will be underwater when in the vase, or remove all leaves if you prefer.
• Recut or mash the stem ends before adding them to the vase. You can also briefly dip the cut ends into a cup of hot water to dissolve the sap at the stem tips.
• Use warm water in the vase to enhance hydration and prevent air bubbles from blocking water absorption in the stems.
• If your hydrangeas start to wilt, refresh them by submerging them underwater for 45 minutes and recutting/mashing the stem ends. Change the vase water every other day.
• To support the heavy flower heads, pick a vase that allows most of the hydrangea stems to be underwater, or use a short vase and keep the stems short. You can also create a grid of floral tape at the top of the vase or use chicken wire inside the vase to support the stems.

Drying the flowers

Drying hydrangeas is a great way to preserve them for longer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to effectively dry hydrangea flowers for your wedding bouquet:

Preparation:

Before cutting the hydrangeas, ensure the shrub is thoroughly watered the day before. On the day of cutting, take a clean bucket of water with you early in the morning.

Cutting:

When cutting the hydrangeas, choose flower heads with at least 90% of their florets open. Cut the stems at an angle and place them immediately into the bucket of water, keeping them out of direct sunlight.

Plunging:

As soon as possible after cutting, plunge the hydrangeas completely underwater—flowers and all. Leave them submerged, only removing them when necessary.

Leaf Removal:

Remove any leaves that will be underwater when placed in a vase, or remove all leaves for a cleaner look.

Vase Preparation:

Before adding the hydrangeas to the vase, recut or mash the stem ends. To dissolve sap at the stem tips, briefly dip the cut ends into a cup of hot water. Use warm water in the vase, as this enhances hydration by preventing air bubbles from blocking water absorption in the stems.

Maintenance:

If the hydrangeas start to wilt, refresh them by submerging them underwater for 45 minutes, then recut or mash the stem ends again. Change the vase water every other day to keep the flowers fresh.

Support:

To support the heavy flower heads, select a vase that allows most of the stems to be underwater, or keep the stems short in a short vase. You can also use floral tape or chicken wire to create a support system within the vase.

Drying:

For longer-lasting flowers, consider drying the hydrangea blooms. This process will preserve their beauty and ensure they don't wilt, making them perfect for your wedding bouquet.

Frequently asked questions