Simple, Stunning Wedding Bouquets: Diy Guide For Brides

Creating a DIY wedding bouquet is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're crafting it for yourself or a loved one, a handmade bouquet is a thoughtful and creative way to express yourself. While it may seem intimidating, making a simple bouquet is quite easy and only requires a few basic steps and materials. You can choose flowers that match your wedding theme or colour palette, or opt for classic choices like roses, which are easier to arrange. With some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can design a beautiful bouquet that will be a memorable part of your wedding day.

Choosing flowers and colours

The flowers and colours you choose for your DIY wedding bouquet are important. Traditionally, most flowers in a bridal bouquet are white, with some pastel colours like pink. However, you should choose colours and flowers that match your wedding theme and your personal aesthetic. If you have a coloured theme, a bouquet is a great item to match to your theme to ensure that it is coherent throughout your big day.

If you're going for a more modern and simple design, consider using one to three varieties of florals, very little to no greenery, and flowers with a lot of textural interest. For a more whimsical, garden-inspired, cascading arrangement, you can use five to seven varieties of florals and greenery, and flowers with different textural and gestural qualities.

When choosing your flowers, it's important to consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. You can either choose complementary colours to bring some subtle balance to your décor or integrate contrasting colours to add drama.

If you're on a tight budget, it's a good idea to pick your flowers based on the timing of your wedding. For example, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips bloom in the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in autumn. You can save money by buying your flowers from a local grocery store or flower market, or even a friend's garden if they have one.

Selecting tools and materials

Before you start making your wedding bouquet, you'll need to select the right tools and materials. This will ensure that you have everything you need to create a beautiful and cohesive arrangement that matches your wedding theme and colour palette. Here is a list of the tools and materials you may need:

• Flowers: Choose flowers that are in season to save costs. You can also pick hardy flowers like roses, which are easier to arrange. Consider the style of your wedding dress and whether you want complementary or contrasting colours. If you have a coloured theme, try to match your bouquet to this theme.
• Focal flower: Pick a flower that you want to be the centrepiece of your bouquet.
• Filler flowers: These are usually smaller, green flowers that give a natural look to the bouquet.
• Greenery: Greenery sprays can be used to create a base for your bouquet and add depth and dimension.
• Floral tape: This is used to bind the stems of the flowers together and give the bouquet a neat appearance. It can also be used to cover any exposed wires or stray stems.
• Ribbon: Choose a ribbon that complements the colour of your flowers and wedding theme. You can use ribbon to create a handle for your bouquet and to add a decorative touch. Consider the length and type of ribbon you will need.
• Shears or scissors: These are used for cutting flower stems and ribbon.
• Stem cutter or sharp knife: This is useful for trimming stems and removing thorns or unwanted foliage.
• Wire and wire cutters: You can use wire to tie the stems together, and wire cutters to trim the excess.
• Floral tubing: This is used to encase the stems and cover up any exposed wire or stray stems.
• Hot glue: You can use hot glue to secure the ribbon to the stems and to attach any additional decorations.
• Pins: Straight pins or pearl-tipped corsage pins can be used to secure the ribbon to the stems.
• Bucket: Fill a bucket with water to place your flowers in before arranging them.
• Mirror: Standing in front of a mirror while you assemble the bouquet can help you see what the final result will look like.

Preparing the flowers

The first step to making a simple bouquet for a wedding is to prepare the flowers. This involves a few steps, including removing any unwanted parts of the flower, cutting the stems, and hydrating them.

Start by removing any leaves, thorns, or damaged petals from the stems. You can do this gently by hand, or use shears or scissors if you have them. Be careful not to damage the stems.

Next, cut the stems at an angle about 2 inches from the bottom. You can use a stem cutter or a very sharp knife for this step. Fill a sink or bucket with water and hold the stems underwater while you cut. Allow the flowers to absorb water for a few seconds, then place the stems in a bucket filled halfway with cool water until you're ready to arrange them.

If you're using roses and want to force the blooms open, place the stems in a bucket of hot water for a couple of minutes before using them. However, be careful not to leave them in the hot water for too long, or you might kill the flowers.

Keep the stems long while you work on arranging the flowers. You can trim them to a shorter length once you've finished constructing the bouquet.

Assembling the bouquet

Now that you've gathered your flowers and materials, it's time to start assembling your bouquet. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Create the base and shape of the bouquet: Start by choosing a focal flower, which will be the centrepiece of your bouquet. Hold it near the blossom end. Then, add three to seven varieties of flowers and greenery, considering the style you want to achieve. For a modern and simple design, use minimal greenery and florals with textural interest. For a whimsical, garden-inspired look, opt for more varieties and gestural qualities. Stand in front of a mirror as you work, so you can see exactly what the bouquet will look like when you walk down the aisle.
• Build the bouquet: Add the next flower at an angle, facing towards the left, ensuring the bloom is at the same height as the focal flower. Continue adding flowers, rotating the bouquet a quarter turn to the right each time. This will ensure a well-filled and rounded bouquet.
• Add filler flowers: Once you have the bulk of your bouquet ready, insert smaller, green filler flowers between the larger blooms. Ensure you insert these at the same angle to maintain symmetry.
• Secure the bouquet: When you're happy with your arrangement, snip the stems and secure them with a rubber band. Make sure the bouquet is tightly bound before adding floral tape to conceal the rubber band.
• Trim the stems: Cut the stems to a comfortable length, leaving enough room for the bride to hold the bouquet without interfering with her dress.
• Wrap the stems: Use floral tape to wrap the stems, starting from the top and going downwards. Leave some of the stems exposed at the bottom to maintain a natural look.
• Add ribbon: Loop a ribbon around the stems for a classic look, or let it cascade down for a more relaxed, garden-style feel. You can also hot glue a satin ribbon around the base of the bouquet to create a handle.

Remember, don't stress too much over the arrangement. Floral designer Caroline Eells notes that it's okay to start over if you're not happy with your bouquet. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful, and embrace the resilience of flowers.

Finishing touches

Now that your bouquet is assembled, it's time to add the finishing touches! This is where you can get creative and make your bouquet truly unique. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Ribbon

Adding a ribbon to your bouquet is a great way to elevate the design and add a polished finishing touch. Choose a ribbon that complements the colour of your flowers and the theme of your wedding. You can tie a bow with a single loop or create multiple loops for a more elaborate look. If you want to add a sentimental touch, consider using a ribbon in a meaningful colour, such as your favourite colour or that of your partner's. Leave a fair amount of excess ribbon to create a flowing, elegant effect.

Floral Tape

Floral tape is a must-have for securing your bouquet and adding a professional finish. Wrap the stems with floral tape, starting about 2 inches from the base of the flowers and going down about 3 inches. This will help to conceal any exposed wires or stray stems. You can use green floral tape or choose a colour that matches your flowers.

Pins

Pearl floral pins or straight pins can be used to secure the ribbon in place and add a bit of sparkle to your bouquet. Insert the pins from a downward angle to prevent them from poking through. You can also use pins to secure any loose petals or flowers that may need a little extra support.

Charms

For a truly unique touch, consider adding a charm to your bouquet. This could be a vintage trinket or something new, perhaps something that holds sentimental value or a way to honour a loved one.

Filler Flowers

Don't forget to add some filler flowers or greenery to your bouquet to create a natural, full look. These are usually small, green flowers that can be inserted between the larger blooms. Make sure to insert them at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Experiment

Remember, your bouquet is a reflection of your personal style and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flowers, colours, and arrangements until you achieve a look that you love. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and unique for your special day!

Frequently asked questions