Creating A Seashell Wedding Bouquet: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're planning a beach wedding or a wedding with a nautical theme, a seashell bridal bouquet is a great alternative to a traditional flower bouquet. Not only do they look unique and interesting, but they are also durable and can be customised to match your wedding colours. While they can be quite expensive to buy, seashell bridal bouquets are not hard to make. All you need is a glue gun, some shells, wood skewers or wires, a floral foam ball, and some embellishments like pearls and brooches. You can also add flowers to your bouquet for a pop of colour. The process is simple: glue the shells to the wood skewers or wires, insert them into the floral foam ball, fill the gaps with embellishments, and attach the floral foam ball to a stem made of wood skewers draped with a ribbon. So if you're looking for a unique and meaningful way to incorporate the beauty and mysteries of the sea into your wedding, consider making your own seashell bridal bouquet.

Choosing flowers for your bouquet

If you're making a seashell bridal bouquet, you might want to include flowers to add a pop of colour and a softening effect to the overall arrangement.

When choosing flowers for your bouquet, consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to choose flowers in shades of blue and white, such as hydrangeas, peonies, white roses, blue forget-me-nots, daisies, grape hyacinths, and blue hydrangeas.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size and shape of the flowers. You'll need to make sure they complement the seashells you've chosen and don't overwhelm them. Smaller flowers, such as mini roses, baby's breath, and sea lavender, can add a delicate touch to the bouquet.

You can use fresh or dried flowers for your bouquet. If you choose fresh flowers, you'll need to attach them to a floral foam ball or use a bouquet holder with floral wet foam. Dried flowers can be wired individually or glued to the shells and other flowers. Gluing is faster, but you'll need to be careful to remove any glue strings. Wiring takes longer and adds weight to the bouquet, but it gives you more control over the placement of the flowers.

When combining flowers and seashells in your bouquet, you'll need to arrange them in a way that looks pleasing to the eye. Spread the flowers apart and remove any that are too crowded or overwhelming. You can always add more flowers later if needed.

Finally, don't forget to consider the weight of the bouquet. Seashells can be heavy, especially if you're using larger ones. Adding too many flowers can also increase the weight, so choose your flowers carefully and be mindful of the overall balance of the bouquet.

Gluing shells to wire

Choose the Right Glue:

• For gluing shells to wire, it is recommended to use a strong adhesive such as E6000, a clear glue that is waterproof and flexible.
• Other options include hot glue, Gorilla Glue, or a clear gel tacky glue like Aleene's.
• If you want a mess-free option, avoid Gorilla Glue as some users have reported it as being messy and bubbly.
• For a natural look, you can also try Weldbond (water-based) or Goop (solvent-based).

Prepare the Shells and Wire:

• Before gluing, ensure that the surfaces of both the shells and the wire are clean and dry.
• You can use sandpaper to gently roughen the surfaces of the shells and the wire, creating a better bond for the glue.
• If the shells have smooth surfaces, you may need to abrade them with a wire brush to increase the adhesion.

Gluing Process:

• When you're ready to glue, work quickly as some adhesives, like hot melt glue, dry fast.
• Apply a small amount of glue to the shell or the wire, pressing and holding them together for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond.
• If you're using hot melt glue, be sure to press down the shell firmly and evenly onto the wire to create a smooth finish.
• For curved or twisted wires, carefully bend the wire to match the desired shape before the glue dries completely.

Post-Gluing Tips:

• Once the shells are glued to the wire, you can further secure them with painter's tape while the glue fully cures.
• If needed, use a heat gun with caution to adjust the position of the shells or to remove them.

Creating a seashell wedding bouquet is a fun DIY project that can add a unique touch to your special day. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you'll be well on your way to crafting a beautiful and durable bouquet.

Arranging flowers and shells

Next, you need to glue wire to the shells. Make sure you use enough glue. For the first shell placement, use spiral shells as these are important to have as a design element when all the other flowers and shells are basically circle-shaped. After you have inserted the wires and are happy with the placements, use florist tape to secure them.

Now, add the rest of the shells. Shells can be awkward and heavy but keep adjusting until you are happy with the placement. Make sure shells and flowers are evenly spaced throughout. Tape firmly with florist's tape.

Finally, add in any dried flowers. You can either wire them individually or simply glue them to the shells and flowers. Gluing is much faster but be careful to remove all the glue strings. Adding dried flowers softens the bouquet, as shells can be quite hard.

Adding dried flowers

Choosing Dried Flowers:

• Select flowers that complement your wedding colours and theme. Popular choices for dried flowers include lavender, roses, baby's breath, eucalyptus, wheat, and hydrangeas.
• Consider mixing and matching different types of dried flowers, grasses, and foliage to create a whimsical and eye-catching bouquet.
• If you want to include fresh flowers, choose varieties that match your wedding colours and theme. Just be sure to care for them properly to extend their lifespan.

Preparing the Dried Flowers:

• You can dry your own flowers by hanging them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area for a few weeks until they are completely dry.
• Another option is to use silica gel, which can be found at any craft store. Place your flowers in an airtight container with the silica gel and leave them for about a week. This method helps preserve the colour and shape of the flowers.

Arranging the Bouquet:

• Start by selecting the largest flowers, such as roses or sunflowers, and place them in the centre of the bouquet.
• Add smaller flowers, seashells, and foliage around the larger flowers. Use floral wire and tape to secure the stems together.
• Continue to arrange and adjust the placement of the flowers and seashells until you are happy with the overall look.

Finishing Touches:

• Add some ribbon, lace, or other decorative elements to give your bouquet a unique and personalised touch.
• Consider incorporating sentimental charms, such as lockets or family heirlooms, onto the ribbon.
• You can also add meaningful items like lace from a grandmother's wedding dress or a small photo frame containing pictures of loved ones.

Remember, dried flowers are delicate, so handle them with care. Store your bouquet in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent mould or discolouration. With these tips and your creative touch, you can design a beautiful and unique seashell and dried flower wedding bouquet.

Wrapping the stems

First, cut the material to size. You will need enough to wrap around the stems of your bouquet comfortably, with a little extra to allow for overlap and neat folding. If you are using fabric, you may want to fold the edges inwards to create a neat finish. Secure the material with hot glue, ensuring that it is wrapped tightly around the stems.

If you are using lace or burlap, you can leave the edges raw for a more rustic look. Secure the wrapping with hot glue, ensuring that all the stems are covered. You can also use floral tape to secure the wrapping, which will provide a more invisible finish.

For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a ribbon or bow to the wrapped stems. Choose a colour that complements your bouquet and theme. Secure the ribbon with hot glue, and you're done! Your seashell wedding bouquet is now ready to be admired and enjoyed on your special day.

Frequently asked questions