Creating Posy Wedding Bouquets: A Step-By-Step Guide

A posy bouquet is a small, round arrangement of flowers usually held in one hand. These petite designs are a common option for bridesmaids, and many brides opt for them too. They are a great way to make a statement without stealing focus.

Making your own wedding bouquet can be a fun and creative way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. It is important to get the technique right, so your bouquet looks beautiful and not like a messy clutch of mismatched flowers.

In this guide, we will take you through the steps to make a posy wedding bouquet, from choosing your flowers to the finishing touches. We will also offer some tips and tricks to ensure your bouquet looks professional and stays fresh until your wedding day.

Choosing the right flowers

Seasonality

It is essential to choose flowers that are in season for your wedding date. This will not only ensure cost-effectiveness but also guarantee that the flowers are fresh and vibrant. For instance, if you're planning a spring wedding, consider using tulips, peonies, lilacs, or daffodils. For a summer wedding, roses, sunflowers, or daisies would be excellent choices.

Colour

The colour of your flowers should complement your wedding theme and dress. Traditionally, bridal bouquets have been white, symbolising purity and elegance. However, you can also opt for a colourful bouquet to add a vibrant pop to your wedding. Consider choosing flowers in shades that complement or contrast with your bridesmaids' dresses for a harmonious look.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your bouquet should be proportional to your body type and dress style. If you're petite, a large, cascading bouquet might overwhelm you, while a taller bride can effortlessly carry a more dramatic, oversized bouquet. For a simpler dress, a small, round bouquet may be perfect, while a trailing bouquet can beautifully complement a ball gown.

Sentiment

Incorporating flowers with special meaning can make your bouquet even more significant. You can include your favourite flower, your birth flower, or a flower that holds a particular significance for you and your partner. For example, you may want to incorporate your grandmother's favourite flower or the flowers from your first date.

Popular Choices

When it comes to flower choices for your posy wedding bouquet, here are some popular options:

• Roses: Timeless and romantic, roses come in various colours and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect match for your wedding theme.
• Peonies: Known for their lush and voluminous blooms, peonies exude elegance and femininity. They are available in soft pinks, creamy whites, and vibrant corals.
• Hydrangeas: With their large, full heads and abundant petals, hydrangeas add a touch of whimsy and charm to any bouquet. They come in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, allowing you to create a bouquet that matches your desired colour scheme.
• Baby's Breath: Delicate and airy, baby's breath provides a lovely contrast to larger blooms. Its small white flowers create a soft and ethereal feel while adding volume and texture to your bouquet.
• Greenery: Incorporating greenery, such as eucalyptus, ferns, ivy, or dusty miller, adds depth, texture, and a touch of nature's beauty to your bouquet.

Remember, the choice of flowers ultimately depends on your personal preferences, wedding theme, and colour palette. Consult with a florist or research to ensure the flowers you choose are suitable for your special day.

Preparing the flowers

Before you start constructing your bouquet, make sure the flower stems and greenery are prepped and ready. Start by removing all the leaves from your floral stems and the bottom halves of your greenery stems. You don't want to damage the stems, so do this gently.

Next, you'll want to trim the stems. Snip the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Keep the flowers in a bucket of water as you assemble your bouquet. This will make them stronger, and they will hold their heads up better.

If you're using tropical blooms or experiencing a dry spell, research the best way to keep them vibrant until your big day. It's also important to consider your current climate and the flowers' natural habitats.

Now you're ready to start building your bouquet!

Picking a focal flower

• Consider the size of the flower. Focal flowers are typically larger blooms that stand out in the arrangement.
• Choose a flower with eye-catching features. This could be a unique shape, colour, or texture that will draw the eye.
• Think about the colour of the bridal gown. A stronger-coloured flower will often become the focal point, especially if it contrasts with the dress.
• Pick a flower that complements the overall theme and style of the wedding. For example, garden roses or peonies work well for a romantic, vintage-style wedding, while a small cluster of gerberas, Callas, anemones, or ranunculus might suit a modern, minimalist design.
• Select one to four types of focal flowers to include in your bouquet. You can choose from a wide range of options, including popular choices such as lilies, roses, orchids, peonies, and dahlias.

Adding more flowers

Choose a Focal Flower:

Start by selecting a flower that you want to be the centrepiece of your bouquet. This flower will be the focal point, so choose one that stands out and complements the other flowers in your arrangement. Hold the flower near the blossom end, which will be the base of your bouquet.

Add the Second Flower:

Add the next flower at an angle, facing towards the left, ensuring that the bloom is at the same height as the focal flower. This will create balance and give structure to your bouquet.

Keep Adding Flowers:

Each time you add a flower, rotate the bouquet a quarter turn to the right. This will position the bouquet for the next flower to be added diagonally and angled leftward. You can add a variety of flowers, such as lisianthus, roses, or lilies, to bring colour and texture to your bouquet.

Create a Spiral Effect:

As you add more flowers, always add new stems in the same direction to create a spiral effect. This technique will give your bouquet a cohesive and elegant look. Twist the bouquet gently in your hand if it makes it easier to place the flowers.

Fill in the Gaps:

Once you have the bulk of your bouquet ready, you can start filling in any gaps with smaller flowers or greenery. These filler flowers add a natural look to your bouquet. Remember to insert the filler flowers at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Secure the Flowers:

When you are happy with your bouquet, it's time to secure the flowers together. Use floral tape or string to bind the stems tightly, creating a neat and compact arrangement.

By following these steps and adding more flowers, you will be able to create a lush and beautiful posy wedding bouquet that is sure to impress!

Storing the flowers

Storing Flowers Overnight

Louise Avery Flowers recommends placing your bouquet in deep water overnight so that all the stems drink well. It is crucial to store the flowers in a cool place, such as a shed or garage, and avoid drafts. Direct sunlight should also be avoided as it will cause the flowers to wilt.

Refrigerator Storage

If you want to store your flowers in the refrigerator, ensure it is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, but not freezing. Clear a shelf for the bouquet and keep it in a vase that is three-quarters full of clean water. Remove all fruits from the refrigerator, as they emit ethylene gas, which causes flowers to wilt and die faster.

General Storage Tips

• Always use a clean vase to prevent bacteria from harming your flowers.
• Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow maximum water absorption.
• Remove excess leaves and browning petals, especially those below the waterline, to prevent rot and bacteria buildup.
• Change the water and clean the vase every day or every other day.
• Avoid direct sunlight and keep the flowers in a cool, well-ventilated room.
• Mist the petals with water a few times a day to keep them hydrated.

Frequently asked questions