Crafting Delicate Wedding Bouquet Picks: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding bouquet picks are a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your special day. Whether you're looking to save money or simply want to try something different, making your own wedding bouquet is a great option. It can be a fun and meaningful project, allowing you to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your wedding. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can create a beautiful arrangement that will impress your guests and make your day even more memorable.

Choosing the right flowers

If you're working with a tight budget, consider opting for flowers that are in season, as they tend to be more affordable and of better quality. For instance, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips are in bloom during spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are ideal for fall weddings.

It's also important to select flowers that complement your wedding's colour palette. You can choose to go for complementary colours for a subtle, balanced look or opt for contrasting colours to add a dramatic flair.

The style of your bouquet will also dictate your flower choices. For a modern and simple design, floral designer Caroline Eells suggests using one to three varieties of flowers with minimal greenery, focusing on textural interest. On the other hand, a garden-style bouquet calls for five to seven varieties of florals and greenery, emphasising different textural and gestural qualities.

When picking your flowers, consider their size and shape. Choose one to two focal flowers that will serve as the centrepiece of your bouquet. Then, select one to two filler flowers to create interest and fill the spaces between the larger blooms. Finally, add some greenery, such as baby blue eucalyptus, to give your bouquet a finished look.

Remember to consider the temperature and timing when buying your flowers. Cut flowers in tight buds, such as freesias or lilies, should be purchased up to a week early to allow them enough time to open fully. The temperature will also affect how fast the flowers open, so plan accordingly.

Selecting the right tools

Floral Scissors or Snips:

When selecting your floral scissors or snips, opt for a sharp pair of scissors designed specifically for flower arranging. Floral scissors have ridges that will cut through flower stems without crushing them. Using regular kitchen scissors can crush and fray stems, shortening the life of your flowers and affecting their ability to draw up water.

Stem Wrap or Floral Tape:

Stem wrap or floral tape is crucial for securing the flowers together in your bouquet. It helps create a stable base and adds support to your arrangement. Choose a tape that is strong enough to hold the stems together securely.

Ribbon:

A ribbon is used to wrap the stems of your bouquet, adding a decorative touch and creating a comfortable handle for the bride to hold. Select a ribbon that complements the colour scheme of your wedding and the flowers in your bouquet. Consider using an opaque ribbon to hide any glue if you are gluing the ribbon to the stems.

Corsage Pins:

Corsage pins are small pins used to secure the ribbon to the stems of your bouquet. They can also be used to create a pearl design on your ribbon wrap, adding a touch of elegance and sparkle. Choose pins that are long enough to securely attach the ribbon without poking out the other side.

Hot Glue Gun:

A hot glue gun is optional but can be useful if you want to attach the ribbon to the stems of your bouquet. It provides a strong hold and ensures that the ribbon stays in place.

Mirror:

A mirror is an essential tool for creating a symmetrical and well-designed bouquet. It allows you to see the front of the bouquet as others will view it, helping you to arrange the flowers and foliage symmetrically.

Tissue Paper:

Tissue paper is used to protect the blooms from bruising while you are working on the bouquet. Place the stems directly onto the tissue paper to prevent any damage to the delicate flower heads.

Spray Bottle:

An old spray bottle filled with water is useful for misting your flowers and keeping them hydrated during the bouquet-making process, especially if you are working in a warm or dry environment.

By choosing the right tools and taking the time to prepare your workspace, you will be well on your way to creating a stunning and professional-looking wedding bouquet.

Preparing the flowers

Before you start constructing your bouquet, make sure the flower stems and greenery are prepped and ready. Remove all the leaves from your floral stems and the bottom halves of your greenery stems. You can use your hands or a stem stripper to do this. Make sure all the stems are roughly the same length, and cut them at a 45-degree angle. Keep the flowers in a bucket of water as you work.

If you are using flowers that are cut when they are in a tight bud, such as freesias or lilies, buy them up to a week before your wedding day so they have time to open up. The temperature will also affect how fast they open, so keep this in mind when planning.

Before you start arranging your bouquet, give the flowers a good drink of water. This will make them stronger and help them to hold their heads up.

Choosing your flowers

It's important to consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette when choosing your flowers. Think about whether you want complementary or contrasting colours. If you're going for a modern and simple design, use fewer varieties of flowers and very little or no greenery. For a more whimsical, garden-inspired look, use more varieties of flowers and greenery, and choose flowers with different textural and gestural qualities.

Building your bouquet

Choose 2-4 flowers to be the "base" of your bouquet. Start by building the shape and framework of your arrangement, thinking about dimension as you go. Stand in front of a mirror as you work so you can see what the bouquet will look like from the front.

Add flowers around your anchored flowers to create a bunch, placing each new stem into the bouquet at a diagonal angle. Try to add new stems in the same direction so that you create a spiral effect. Mix textures and colours to create an interesting composition.

Assembling the bouquet

Now that you have all your materials, it's time to assemble your bouquet.

First, you'll want to create the shape and framework of your bouquet. Think about the dimension of your bouquet and the overall structure. It's a good idea to stand in front of a mirror while you assemble, so you can see exactly what it will look like as you walk down the aisle.

Start with a base of 2-4 flowers. You can use floral tape to bunch the stems together, leaving 1 to 1.5 inches of exposed stem where you wrap them and 4-5 inches of exposed stem at the bottom. Then, add in your larger, focal flowers, and continue to build your bouquet by adding in smaller flowers and greenery. Balance the design as you go, pulling certain flowers forward to create depth and emphasise your focal flowers. You can always remove flowers and try them in different spots until you're happy with the arrangement.

Once you've created a bouquet you love, snip the stems to trim them back, making sure to leave enough length to hold the bouquet comfortably. Secure the bouquet with a rubber band, wrapping it tightly, and then add floral tape to hide the rubber band.

Finally, add a ribbon to your bouquet. You can loop the ribbon for a clean, classic look, or allow it to cascade down the side for a more relaxed, garden-style feel.

Finishing touches

Now that your bouquet is assembled, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to make your bouquet look even more beautiful and elegant:

Ribbon or Fabric Wrap

Give your bouquet a clean, classic look by looping a ribbon around the stems. You can also allow the ribbon to cascade down the side of the bouquet for a more relaxed, garden-style aesthetic. Choose a ribbon colour that complements your wedding theme and personal aesthetic. Secure the ribbon with pins, such as pretty pearl or diamante pins, which you can usually find at craft stores.

Floral Tape

Floral tape is essential for securing the stems of your bouquet and giving it a neat appearance. Wrap the floral tape around the stems, covering any exposed wire or glue from where you attached the ribbon. This will also help your bouquet stay in place and protect your hands throughout your wedding day.

Corsage Pins

Corsage pins are not just functional but can also add a decorative touch to your bouquet. Use them to create a pearl design on your ribbon wrap. Insert the pins at a steep diagonal angle to ensure nothing pokes out the other side.

Charms

Add a unique and interesting element to your bouquet by including a charm. This could be a vintage trinket or something new, depending on your preference. It's also a thoughtful way to honour a loved one who has passed away.

Greenery

In addition to flowers, consider adding some greenery to your bouquet. This can include eucalyptus, foliage sprigs, or greenery sprays. Greenery adds texture and dimension to your bouquet, making it look more natural and full.

Sentimental Touches

Make your bouquet truly yours by incorporating sentimental touches. For example, you can include your birth flower or a flower that represents a loved one. You can also use a sentimental colour, such as your favourite colour or that of your partner's, to add a meaningful tone to your bouquet.

Frequently asked questions