Creating A Ribbon Bouquet For Your Wedding Rehearsal

A ribbon bouquet is a fun, simple, and inexpensive wedding tradition. The bouquet is made from the ribbons and bows from gifts the bride receives at her bridal shower. The bouquet is then used by the bride during her wedding rehearsal. The process of making a ribbon bouquet involves collecting ribbons and bows, creating a base by threading the ribbons through holes in a paper plate, and then arranging and securing the ribbons and bows. The final step is to braid the ends of the ribbons to create a handle for the bride to hold.

Prep before the bridal shower

The bridal shower is a fun and informal event where the bride is showered with love from her closest friends and family. It is usually hosted by the maid of honour, but can also be hosted by family members or friends. The shower usually takes place two to three months before the wedding, so planning can take quite some time.

Before the bridal shower, decide on a theme and a date. The theme can be chosen based on the bride's interests or hobbies, and it will inform the decorations, party favours, and refreshments. The date should be chosen with the bride's schedule in mind, but also considering the availability of the venue and the guests. It is important to give guests ample notice, so they can plan their travel and purchase gifts.

Next, create a guest list, and decide on a venue. The guest list usually includes members of the wedding party, close family, and friends. The venue should be chosen based on the number of guests and the budget. It could be at a loved one's home, a restaurant, a bar, or a country club.

Finally, before the bridal shower, confirm all the details with the venue and vendors. Create a timeline for the day, and assign tasks to the hosts to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Designate a crafter to collect ribbons

It's important to designate a crafter to collect ribbons and bows from the gifts the bride receives at her bridal shower. This is usually the maid of honour, but it can be a bridesmaid or a crafty friend. They should also collect any fun extras from the gifts, like feathers or cute package tie-ons.

The crafter should be prepared with a paper plate (or two, if there are lots of ribbons) and some tape. They can then start making the ribbon base by cutting holes in the plate, threading the ribbons through, and taping on any premade bows. The ribbons can be braided later to create a handle for the bouquet.

The crafter should continue to collect ribbons and fill the plate throughout the bridal shower. It might look messy at first, but it will come together as they continue to add ribbons and bows.

Designating a crafter to collect ribbons ensures that none are missed and that the bouquet can be created quickly and easily. It's a fun project that the bridal party can work on together, and it's a great way to include the bride's bridal shower gifts in her wedding rehearsal.

Tape ribbons and bows to the plate

To make a ribbon bouquet for a wedding rehearsal, you'll need to tape ribbons and bows to a plate. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the plate before the bridal shower by cutting several holes in it, with the largest one in the centre. Bring this pre-made plate to the shower.
• As the bride opens her gifts, have a designated person collect any ribbons or bows. For ribbons without a bow, make your own, then thread the loose ends through the holes in the plate.
• Use tape to secure any premade bows to the plate. You can also use thin ribbons along the edges and curl them with scissors by running the blade along the ribbon.
• Continue filling the bouquet with collected bows as the gifts are opened. Don't worry if it looks messy at first; it will take shape as you add more bows and ribbons.
• Once all the gifts have been opened and you've collected enough bows and ribbons, start braiding the loose ends hanging through the holes. This braid will serve as the handle for the bouquet. Secure it with a knot at the end.

By following these steps, you'll create a beautiful ribbon bouquet for the wedding rehearsal, adding a unique and modern twist to the traditional paper plate hat often used at bridal showers.

Braid the ends of the ribbons

Now that you have all your ribbons and bows, it's time to start braiding! This part is simple and quick. Take all the ribbons that are hanging through the holes in the plate and begin braiding them together. You can do a simple braid with three sections, or you can get creative and try a more complex braid if you're feeling adventurous. Just make sure that the braid is tight and secure so that it can be used as a handle for the bouquet.

When you get to the end of the ribbons, tie a knot to secure the braid. This will ensure that the braid doesn't come undone and that the bouquet can be carried easily. You can also add some extra ribbon or twine at the end to create a more decorative handle.

If you have a lot of ribbons, you can create multiple braids. Simply divide the ribbons into groups and follow the same steps as above. You can then secure the multiple braids together to form the handle.

Remember, the most important thing is to keep the braid tight and secure. This will ensure that the ribbon bouquet is not only beautiful but also functional for the wedding rehearsal.

Rehearsal ready – practice walking down the aisle

Now that you have your ribbon bouquet, it's time to practice walking down the aisle with it! Here are some tips to help you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.

Holding the bouquet:

• Hold the bouquet at your belly button, with your arms slightly bent and relaxed. This will make your arms look slimmed down and you'll avoid looking nervous or awkward.
• Hold the bouquet at an angle so that guests can see the blooms, not the stems. Practice holding the flowers in a mirror so you can get comfortable with the correct positioning.

Walking down the aisle:

• Take slow, steady steps as you walk down the aisle. You don't want to trip or rush your walk.
• Focus on your partner waiting for you at the end of the aisle and try to enjoy the moment.

Remember, the ribbon bouquet is not just for practice but also symbolises the love, support and best wishes of the bride's family and friends. So, take the time to enjoy this unique tradition and savour the moment as you walk down the aisle during the rehearsal.

Frequently asked questions