Create A Pearl Wedding Bouquet: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a pearl wedding bouquet is a fun and creative project for a special occasion. You can make a statement with a cascading bouquet or opt for a simple and elegant wrist corsage. Whether you choose a ready-made bouquet or decide to DIY, there are many options to choose from. You can add a personal touch with a photo charm or go for a classic look with a white pearl rosary. For a unique twist, consider a boho mini straw basket with pearls or a vintage brooch bouquet. The possibilities are endless!

Choosing the right pearls

• Consider the Colour: Pearls come in a variety of colours, including white, ivory, cream, and blush. Choose a colour that complements your wedding dress and the overall colour palette of your wedding. For example, if your dress is white, opt for white or ivory pearls. If your dress has blush tones, you can add pearls in a matching shade for a cohesive look.
• Size and Shape: Pearls are available in different sizes and shapes, which can affect the overall look of your bouquet. Smaller, more delicate pearls can add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while larger pearls can make a bold statement. Consider the shape of your bouquet as well—you can choose from classic round pearls or more unique shapes like teardrop or baroque pearls to add interest and texture.
• Luster and Quality: The luster of a pearl refers to its shine and glow. Look for pearls with a high luster, as this indicates good quality. Avoid pearls with dull spots or an uneven surface, as these may detract from the overall appearance of your bouquet. High-quality pearls will also be free of imperfections and have a smooth, lustrous surface.
• Type of Pearls: There are different types of pearls to choose from, including freshwater pearls, akoya pearls, and South Sea pearls. Freshwater pearls are often more affordable and come in a wide range of colours and shapes. Akoya pearls are known for their perfect round shape and high luster, making them a popular choice for bridal bouquets. South Sea pearls are larger and rarer, making them a more expensive but luxurious option.

When choosing the right pearls for your wedding bouquet, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences. Pearls can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bridal bouquet, and with so many options available, you can create a unique and personalised arrangement that will make your wedding day even more memorable.

Adding flowers

• Choose your flowers: Select flowers that complement your wedding theme and colour palette. You can opt for real flowers such as roses, lilies, sunflowers, or babies' breath, or go for artificial flowers made from materials like silk, sola wood, or brooches.
• Prepare the flowers: If using real flowers, remove the stems and leaves so that you are left with just the blooms. You can also add some baby's breath or greenery for a more natural look. For artificial flowers, carefully detach them from their stems, ensuring that you have a variety of sizes and types of blooms.
• Assemble the bouquet: Start by arranging the flowers in a way that creates a balanced and pleasing composition. You can create a round, cascading, or asymmetrical shape, depending on your preference. Secure the flowers together using floral wire or tape.
• Incorporate the pearls: Now, it's time to add the pearls! You can wrap strings of pearls around the stems of the flowers or carefully weave them through the bouquet, filling any gaps between the blooms. For a more subtle touch, use pearl pins to secure the flowers in place.
• Embellish and enhance: To add extra glamour to your bouquet, consider incorporating rhinestones, crystals, or diamante accents. You can also add a personalised charm, such as a photo charm or a "something blue" charm, which is a popular tradition for bridal bouquets.
• Finish and refine: Once you're happy with the arrangement, wrap the stems with ribbon, lace, or fabric to conceal any mechanical parts and create a neat finish. You can also add a decorative handle, such as a bow or a beaded wrap, to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Remember to plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to assemble and refine your bouquet. Creating a pearl wedding bouquet with flowers is a creative process, so feel free to experiment and personalise it to your unique style!

Using a bouquet charm

There are many different types of bouquet charms, from lockets with photos of loved ones to special dates, or even a wrap made from a family member's wedding dress. Charms can be made from different materials, including zinc alloy, and come in different colours, such as silver, gold, or bronze.

When choosing a charm, it is important to consider the sentiment behind it and not get too caught up in matching the wedding theme. It should be given to the bride in advance, to avoid an emotional moment just before the ceremony. The charm can be added to the bouquet by the florist or the person creating the bouquet, and it should be tied in such a way that it is visible in photographs.

• A small locket with a photo of a loved one.
• A charm with a special date on it.
• A wrap made from a grandmother's wedding dress.
• A bedazzled charm to add a touch of glamour.
• Multiple charms to pay tribute to more than one person.
• A charm with a quote or message on it.
• A charm with a specific pearl colour or a blue pearl to represent "something blue".
• A charm with angel wings or butterfly charms for added sentiment.
• A charm with a pendant that can be worn as a necklace after the wedding.

Using a bouquet wrap

Prepare the Materials

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. You will need a bouquet wrap, which can be made of lace, satin, or organza fabric, and can be found in various colours such as ivory, white, or gold. You will also need a pearl string or pearl beads, a hot glue gun, and scissors.

Measure and Cut the Wrap

Take your bouquet wrap and measure it against the stems of your bouquet, leaving a little extra fabric at the top and bottom. Cut the wrap to size, ensuring that it is long enough to cover the stems comfortably.

Attach the Wrap to the Stems

Starting at the top of the stems, carefully wrap the fabric around, using small amounts of hot glue to secure it in place. Work your way down the stems, keeping the fabric taut and smooth as you go.

Embellish with Pearls

Once the wrap is securely in place, you can begin to add the pearls. Using the hot glue gun, carefully attach the pearl string or individual pearl beads to the fabric, working your way down the stems. You can also add other embellishments, such as rhinestones or crystal beads, for extra sparkle.

Finish and Secure

Once you are happy with the placement of the pearls, finish by securing any loose ends of the fabric with hot glue, ensuring that the wrap is neatly in place. You can then add any final touches, such as a ribbon bow or a small charm, to complete your pearl wedding bouquet.

Attaching a photo

There are several ways to attach a photo to your pearl wedding bouquet. Here are some ideas and instructions:

Using a photo charm:

• Choose a photo charm that matches the colour of your pearls. You can find these online or in craft stores.
• Print and cut out a small photo to fit inside the charm.
• Secure the photo inside the charm, and then attach the charm to your bouquet using thin wire or string.

Creating a photo medallion:

• Select a baroque oval medallion with a pearl and ribbon design.
• Customise the medallion by attaching a photo to the centre.
• Use ribbon or thin wire to secure the medallion to the stems of your bouquet.

Adding a photo pin:

• Source a pearl-headed pin or a decorative pin with a pearl design.
• Print and cut out a small photo, or use a wallet-sized photo.
• Secure the photo to the pin, and then carefully pin it to your bouquet.

Incorporating a photo locket:

• Find a classic photo locket, preferably one with an elegant pearl border or design.
• Open the locket and insert a small photo.
• Attach the locket to your bouquet using thin wire or string. You can also use a ribbon if it matches your bouquet's design.

Designing a photo brooch:

• Look for a decorative brooch with pearls and other embellishments.
• Customise the brooch by adding a small photo to the centre.
• Pin the brooch to your bouquet, ensuring it is secure.

Remember to choose photos that hold special meaning and add a personal touch to your bouquet. You can also ask a professional for help if you're unsure about attaching the photos yourself.

Frequently asked questions