Creating A Single Flower Wedding Bouquet: A Step-By-Step Guide

Single-flower wedding bouquets are a chic, cost-effective way to make a statement as you walk down the aisle. They can be interpreted in multiple ways: either as a single stem or a small posy of the same variety of flowers. This style is versatile and can complement any wedding aesthetic, from boho-inspired soirees to beachside celebrations or classic, romantic receptions.

The simple, elegant look of a single-flower bouquet is also ideal for those who prefer a classic, modern, or chic style. With just one type of flower, you can save money and still achieve a stunning look. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to create your own beautiful single-flower wedding bouquet.

Choosing a single flower type

When choosing a single flower type, it's important to consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. You can either opt for complementary colours to create a subtle, balanced look or go for contrasting colours to add drama. If you're going for a modern and simple design, you may want to use fewer varieties of florals and very little to no greenery. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a garden-style bouquet, you can include more varieties of florals and greenery to add texture and interest.

• Roses: Classic, traditional, and elegant.
• King Protea: Dramatic and tropical, with large flower heads and thick petals.
• Lily of the Valley: Evokes classic elegance and has been a popular choice among royals.
• Anemones: Visually striking with white petals and a black centre.
• Lilies: Attention-grabbing with large, pointy petals and come in various colours.
• Ranunculus: Similar to roses with multiple layered petals and come in a range of colours.
• Sunflowers: Bright, bold, and wild, with various hues to choose from.
• Chamomile: Fragrant and darling, with small white petals and vibrant yellow centres.
• Astilbe: A flowering plant with small blooms in pink, purple, red, or white, often used as filler but can make a statement on its own.
• Peonies: Known for their incredible scent and fluffy appearance, and come in various colours.
• Baby's Breath: Often used as filler but can be showcased on its own for a delicate and timeless look.
• Dahlias: Intricate petals and a wide variety of colour options.
• Calla Lilies: The distinctive shape makes this flower perfect for standing out on its own.

Selecting complementary colours

Understand the Colour Wheel:

Start by familiarising yourself with the colour wheel. The primary colours—red, yellow, and blue—form the foundation of the wheel. Secondary colours are created by mixing pairs of primary colours: orange, green, and purple. Tertiary colours are created by mixing a primary colour with an adjacent secondary colour, resulting in hues like red-violet, blue-green, and yellow-orange.

Identify Complementary Colours:

Complementary colours are those that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. For example, red-violet and yellow-green, or red and green, are complementary pairs. These combinations tend to be pleasing to the eye and create a bold, high-contrast effect.

Choose Your Flowers:

When selecting flowers for your single-flower wedding bouquet, look for blooms that feature complementary colours. For instance, you could pair red roses with green foliage or choose a flower with a two-toned appearance, such as anemones with white petals and a black centre.

Experiment with Variations:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and tones of your chosen complementary colours. For example, if you've selected purple and yellow as your complementary pair, you can include flowers in shades of lavender, violet, or mustard yellow to create depth and variation within your bouquet.

Consider the Overall Aesthetic:

Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve for your wedding. Do you want a bold and dramatic look, or something softer and more elegant? Complementary colours can be adjusted to fit your desired style. For a more subtle approach, opt for analogous colours, which are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel, creating a cohesive and harmonious effect.

Preparing the flowers

The first step in preparing your flowers is to remove all the leaves from the stems. This can be done by hand or with a stem stripper, carefully removing each leaf to avoid damaging the stem. If you are 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 too long, or you might kill the flowers.

Next, fill a sink or bucket with water and cut the stems at an angle, about 2 inches from the bottom, while holding them underwater. Allow the flowers to absorb the water for a few seconds, then place the stems in a bucket filled halfway with cool water until you are ready to arrange them. Keep the stems long while you work on the bouquet, and only trim them to a shorter length once you have finished constructing it.

Selecting the Flowers

Choose a focal flower that will be the centre of attention within your bouquet. This could be a single stem or a small posy of the same variety of flowers. You can then add additional flowers at an angle, facing towards the left, ensuring that the blooms are at the same height as the focal flower. Continue adding flowers, rotating the bouquet a quarter turn to the right each time, to create a well-filled and rounded arrangement.

Filler Flowers and Greenery

Once you have the bulk of your bouquet ready, you can add some filler flowers, usually smaller, green flowers that give a natural look to the bouquet. Ensure that you insert these flowers at the same angle to maintain symmetry. If you are using greenery, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stems and snip the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle before adding them to your bouquet.

Assembling the bouquet

Now that you've gathered your flowers and materials, it's time to put them all together into a beautiful bouquet. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you assemble a stunning single-flower wedding bouquet:

Step 1: Prepare your flowers: Remove any leaves, thorns, or damaged petals from the stems. Cut the stems at an angle, about 2 inches from the bottom, and place them in water to hydrate. If you're working with roses, you can force the blooms open by placing the stems in hot water for a couple of minutes, but be careful not to leave them too long, or you might damage the flowers.

Step 2: Choose your focal flower: Select the flower you want to be the centrepiece of your bouquet. This could be a single stem or a small posy of the same variety. Position your hand near the blossom end of the stem to hold it in place.

Step 3: Add additional flowers: If you're creating a bouquet with multiple stems, add the next flower at an angle, facing towards the left, ensuring that 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, to create a well-filled, rounded arrangement.

Step 4: Include filler flowers: Once you have the bulk of your bouquet in place, add some filler flowers, usually smaller, greener flowers, to give a natural look to the bouquet. Insert these at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Step 5: Secure the bouquet: Tie the stems tightly together with string or floral wire at the highest point possible. Cut off any excess string so that it's not visible. This will help hold the bouquet together and give you a comfortable grip.

Step 6: Cut the stems to a manageable length: Measure two hand lengths from the string, and add about 3 extra centimetres to ensure the bouquet is easy to hold, especially if it will be carried for an extended period.

Step 7: Wrap the stems: Use floral tape to wrap the stems together from the top downwards, stopping just above the size of one hand. This will keep the bouquet looking natural while providing enough support.

Step 8: Add ribbon for a decorative touch: Place the shiny side of the ribbon facing the stems and wrap it around, leaving about 40 centimetres at the end. Tie a knot and create a bow to finish off the bouquet.

Your single-flower wedding bouquet is now ready to be proudly carried down the aisle! Remember to keep the stems in water as much as possible before the wedding to ensure the flowers stay fresh and vibrant.

Finishing touches

Now that you've assembled your bouquet, it's time to add the finishing touches to make it truly yours. Here are some ideas to elevate your single-flower wedding bouquet:

Ribbon Wrapping

Add a personal touch by choosing a ribbon that complements the colour of your flower. Cut a length of ribbon approximately three times the length of your stems. Start wrapping the ribbon in a spiral from the top of the stems, working your way down. When you reach the bottom, wrap it back up in a spiral. Secure the ribbon by tucking the end underneath and pinning it in place with straight pins or pearl-tipped corsage pins. You can also tie a separate length of ribbon just below the flower heads to create a bow.

Floral Tape

Floral tape is a great way to secure your bouquet and give it a polished look. Start wrapping the tape from the top of the stems, working your way down, but be sure to leave some stem exposed to maintain a natural appearance. Floral tape is typically green, but you can also find it in other colours to match your flowers.

Charms

Add a unique touch to your bouquet by incorporating a charm. It could be a vintage piece or something new, perhaps even serving as a way to honour a loved one. Attach the charm to the ribbon or use floral wire to secure it to the stems.

Filler Flowers and Greenery

Enhance the visual appeal of your bouquet by adding small filler flowers or sprigs of greenery. Baby's breath, eucalyptus, or other types of foliage can add texture and interest while complementing your primary flower.

Sentimental Flowers

Incorporate flowers that hold a special meaning for you. For example, you could include your birth flower or the flower associated with your birth month. Alternatively, choose a flower that has a sentimental value or honour someone special with their favourite bloom.

Remember, the finishing touches are all about customising your bouquet to make it unique and reflective of your style. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!

Frequently asked questions