Crafting Long Wedding Bouquets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own wedding bouquet can be a fun and creative way to express yourself on your big day. It can also be a way to save money, as the cost of a professional bouquet often includes a significant amount for labour. With some simple materials and a few steps, you can create a beautiful bouquet that complements your wedding dress and colour palette. Whether you opt for a classic dome shape or a cascading garden-inspired arrangement, the key to a stunning bouquet is in the preparation and assembly.

Choosing your flowers

Traditionally, most flowers in a bridal bouquet stick to the colours of white, with some splashes of pink or other pastel colours. However, you should choose colours and flowers that match your preferences and wedding theme. If you have a coloured theme, a bouquet is a great item to match to your theme to ensure that it is coherent throughout your big day.

When choosing flowers, it is also important to consider the season of your wedding. Daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips bloom in the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in autumn.

Some suggested flowers for a bridal bouquet include roses, which are hardy and easy to arrange, peonies, lisianthus, and green trick dianthus. For a classic, romantic bouquet, you can opt for white blooms or long-stemmed roses. If you want to add a bit more romance, you can choose calla lilies, which are said to represent good luck, or orchids, which symbolise love and strength.

It is also important to pick 1-2 filler flowers to create interest and fill in the spaces between the larger focal flowers. Some options include wax flowers and hypericum berries. You can also use greens, such as baby blue eucalyptus, to create a finished look.

Preparing your flowers

Before you start constructing your bouquet, it's important to prepare your flowers. First, remove all the leaves from the stems. You can do this gently by hand, being careful not to damage the stems. If you're using roses and the heads aren't open yet, you can force the blooms open by placing the stems in a bucket of hot water for a couple of minutes. However, be careful not to leave them in too long, or you might kill the flowers.

Next, fill a sink or bucket with water and cut the stems at an angle, about 2 inches from the bottom. Allow the flowers to drink for a few seconds, then place the stems in a bucket of cool water until you're ready to assemble the bouquet. Keep the stems long while you work with them, and trim them to the desired length once you've finished the bouquet.

If you're using greenery, separate the branches so that the leaves radiate outwards from the centre for a natural, realistic effect.

Assembling your bouquet

Now that you've gathered your flowers and supplies, it's time to start assembling your bouquet. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful and elegant arrangement:

• Create a base: Start by building the shape and framework of your bouquet. Choose 1-2 types of flowers that will be the focal point of your arrangement. These are usually larger flowers that will stand out. Arrange them in a square or round shape, which will be the centre of your bouquet. You can also stand in front of a mirror while you work, so you can see exactly what the bouquet will look like when it's finished.
• Add in the rest of the flowers: Continue adding in the rest of your flowers around the centre. If you're using filler flowers or greenery, add them in now to create a full and rounded bouquet. Remember to balance the design as you build, ensuring that all the flowers are secure and at the desired height.
• Secure the bouquet: Once you're happy with the arrangement, it's time to secure it in place. Use floral tape or a rubber band to bind the stems together a few inches below the flower heads. Make sure the binding is tight and secure, as this will form the foundation for your bouquet.
• Trim the stems: Cut the stems so that they are all the same length. Leave enough stem length so that the bouquet can be held comfortably, but not so long that it becomes unwieldy or interferes with the wedding dress. A good guideline is to measure two hand lengths from the binding, plus an additional 3-4 centimetres.
• Wrap the stems: Use floral tape to wrap the stems together, starting from the binding and moving downwards. This will give your bouquet a neat and professional finish. Stop wrapping just above the bottom of the stems, so that the bouquet retains its natural look.
• Add the ribbon: Choose a ribbon that complements the colour scheme of your bouquet and wedding. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, allowing for some excess to create a bow or trailing ends. Place the ribbon against the stems, starting from the top of the bouquet, and wrap it around in a spiral pattern. Secure the ribbon with pins, glue, or by tying a knot. You can also add a separate bow near the flower heads for a more decorative touch.

Remember, this is your bouquet, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flower combinations and arrangements. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and unique for your special day!

Securing your bouquet

Once you've assembled your bouquet, it's time to secure it. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Binding the Stems

Use a rubber band or floral tape to bind the stems together at the spot where they naturally join, which is usually about 3 to 4 inches below the flower heads. Repeat the binding process towards the end of the stems, leaving about 2 inches of excess stem beneath the bind to trim later.

Finishing the Handle

Cut the stems so that they are all the same length, about 7 to 8 inches long. Dry the stems with a paper towel, then cut a length of ribbon about three times the length of the stems.

Wrapping the Ribbon

Tuck the end of the ribbon inside the top bind and start wrapping it in a spiral down the length of the stem. When you reach the bottom, wrap it back up the stem in a spiral. At the top, tuck the cut end of the ribbon underneath and secure it with a couple of pins pushed through the ribbon and into the stems. If you want to add a bow, cut a separate length of ribbon and tie it just beneath the flower heads.

Using Floral Tape

If you're using floral tape, wrap it around the stems from the top down, stopping just above the size of one hand to preserve the bouquet's natural look. This will ensure the flowers are firmly held in place.

Adding a Ribbon

Add a ribbon to your bouquet by placing the shiny side of the ribbon facing the stems, so the matte side is visible. Then, wrap the rest of the ribbon around the stems, leaving about 40cm of ribbon at the end to tie a knot and add a bow.

Final Touches

Tie a knot to hold everything together and add a bow to finish it off. Now your bouquet is ready for the big day!

Finishing touches

Now that your bouquet is assembled, it's time to add the finishing touches. These final steps will elevate your bouquet and give it a polished look. Here's what you need to do:

Secure the stems:

Use floral tape to wrap the stems of your bouquet. Start from the top, just below the flowers, and wrap downwards. Make sure you don't cover the entire stem, only wrap about three-quarters of the way down. This will help hold the flowers in place and give a professional finish.

Add a ribbon:

Cut a length of ribbon, approximately 1.5 metres long. Place the ribbon with the shiny side facing the stems, and wrap it around, leaving about 40 centimetres of ribbon spare. Tie a knot to secure the ribbon, and create a bow. You can also add a separate length of ribbon to create a bow just below the flower heads.

Trim the stems:

Using a stem cutter or a sharp knife, cut the stems to your desired length. Consider the practicality of holding the bouquet—you want to ensure it's comfortable to hold for an extended period. As a guide, measure two hand lengths from the binding point, and add a few extra centimetres.

Mist and store:

Once you've finished wrapping and trimming the stems, mist the flower heads well. Then, wrap the stems in tissue and store the bouquet in a refrigerator until it's time for the wedding. This will help keep your flowers fresh and vibrant.

Add a personal touch:

Consider adding something unique to your bouquet to make it extra special. You could include your birth flower, a sentimental colour, or a charm with a meaningful trinket.

Your long wedding bouquet is now complete and ready for its big moment! Remember to enjoy the process and feel free to experiment and add your creative flair to these finishing touches.

Frequently asked questions