Trailing Bouquets: Crafting A Stunning Wedding Trail

A trailing wedding bouquet is a statement-making option that creates a natural, trailing effect from the bride's hands. It is a trendy choice, especially for those who want to add drama to their wedding look. This type of bouquet can be designed in various ways, from traditional to modern, and can be customised to fit the colour palette of the wedding. Making your own wedding bouquet can be a fun and cost-effective option, allowing you to handpick the flowers and create a unique arrangement. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can design a trailing bouquet that perfectly complements your wedding style.

Choosing flowers

Choosing the right flowers for your trailing wedding bouquet is a big task. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect blooms for your big day:

Consider the season:

In-season flowers are not only more affordable and readily available, but they also complement the time period of your wedding. For example, bright pastel-coloured flowers like tulips are perfect for a spring wedding, while dark greenery, red roses, and white flowers suit a winter celebration.

Think about your wedding colours:

Your bouquet should tie in with the rest of your wedding colour scheme. If you're using soft blues, white, and pink, consider flowers like blue delphinium, white hydrangeas, and blush roses. If you want something bolder, you can colour-block with reds, oranges, purples, and pinks.

Match your wedding dress:

Your bouquet should complement, not overpower, your wedding dress. White dresses go with any colour, but a matching white bouquet with lush green foliage is particularly stunning. Peach, orange, and pink flowers pair beautifully with ivory gowns. If your dress is coloured, try flowers in varying shades of the same colour or opt for a complementary hue.

Shape and size matter:

The shape of your bouquet should complement the silhouette of your dress. For instance, a narrow bouquet suits a mermaid or form-fitting silhouette, while a ball gown calls for a fuller, more dramatic bouquet. Don't forget to consider the weight of the bouquet, too—you don't want it to be so heavy that it leaves you with aching arms!

Be mindful of allergies:

If you or your partner have any allergies to certain flowers, this will play a big part in your flower choices. For example, scented garden roses may be off the table if you have a severe pollen allergy.

Go silk for stress-free savings:

Fresh flowers are not always available year-round and can be costly to import. Silk flowers, on the other hand, are more affordable, and you don't have to worry about last-minute substitutions. They also keep forever if treated well and eliminate the risk of allergies.

Add a personal touch:

Incorporate flowers with special meanings, such as your birth month flower or a bloom that represents your heritage. You can also attach family heirlooms like lace or pendants to your bouquet, or use coloured ribbons to add a unique detail.

Remember, your wedding flowers should reflect your style, so choose blooms that you love and that fit within your budget. Happy planning!

Budgeting

Choose Affordable Flowers:

Select flowers that are in season and readily available. Flowers like carnations, daisies, roses, baby's breath, and tulips are typically budget-friendly options. You can also opt for artificial flowers, which can be more affordable than fresh blooms and give you access to a wider variety of flower types.

Buy in Bulk:

Consider buying flowers in bulk from wholesale suppliers or local markets. This can help you secure a better price per stem and ensure that you have enough flowers for your bouquet and any other decorations you may want to create.

Time Your Purchase:

The timing of your flower purchase can impact the cost and the quality of the blooms. Try to buy your flowers one to two days before the wedding to get them at their freshest. If you're using flowers from a garden, pick them when they are at their peak.

DIY vs. Florist:

Creating your own bouquet can save you money on labour costs, as a significant portion of a florist's charges goes into the time and complexity of crafting the bouquet. However, doing it yourself takes time and effort, so consider your own time constraints and floral arrangement skills before deciding.

Simplify Your Design:

Opt for a simpler bouquet design with fewer varieties of flowers and greenery. A classic, tight bouquet or a cascading arrangement with one to three types of flowers and minimal greenery can be just as beautiful as a more complex design.

Use Filler Flowers:

Filler flowers like baby's breath or wax flowers can help add volume to your bouquet at a lower cost. They can also be used to create a cohesive look throughout your wedding decor, from bridesmaid bouquets to centrepieces.

Add Personal Touches:

Incorporate meaningful elements into your bouquet, such as your birth flower or a sentimental colour. You can also add charms or ribbons that hold special significance to you and your partner. These personal touches can make your bouquet feel luxurious without adding significant cost.

Be Creative with Greenery:

Fullness and movement are key characteristics of luxurious bridal bouquets. You can achieve this effect by incorporating inexpensive greenery like eucalyptus, willow, or grasses. Experiment with different types of foliage to add texture and shape to your bouquet.

Multi-Use Designs:

Repurpose your bouquet or other floral arrangements throughout the wedding. For example, you can use the bridesmaid bouquets or ceremony flowers as centrepieces during the reception, stretching your floral budget further.

Prepping flowers

Prepping your flowers is a key consideration when making your own wedding bouquet. Timing is everything, so it's best to source your flowers two days before the wedding, create the bouquet a day before, and add the finishing touches on the day itself.

Once you've selected your blooms, you'll need a few tools to create a stunning bouquet. These include a sharp pair of floral snips for trimming and a beautiful ribbon or floral tape.

Before constructing your bouquet, ensure the flower stems and greenery are prepped. Remove all the leaves from the floral stems and the bottom halves of the greenery stems. Cut the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle and keep them in a bucket of water as you work.

Consider your local climate and the natural habitats of the flowers you've chosen. If temperatures are high or you're using tropical blooms during a dry spell, research how to keep them vibrant.

Putting flowers together

To start putting your flowers together, you'll need to choose 2-4 flowers to be the "base" of your bouquet. These flowers will act as the foundation for the rest of your arrangement. Bunch the stems of these flowers together and wrap them with floral tape. Make sure there is 1 to 1 1/2 inches of exposed stem visible where you wrap the stems, and leave 4-5 inches of exposed stem at the bottom.

Once you have your base, it's time to start building up your bouquet. Add flowers around your anchored flowers to create a full bunch. It's important to envision your bouquet and its focal point before you begin adding more flowers. Don't go too big! As you add flowers, mix textures and colours to create an interesting and visually appealing composition. Continuously wrap your bouquet with floral tape to add support and create a consistent design.

When you're happy with the size and shape of your bouquet, it's time to wrap the stems. Begin wrapping the stems 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the flower head, leaving between 0-4 inches of stem exposed (this is a matter of personal preference). Use floral tape as your guide and pin the ribbon horizontally, making sure it's parallel with the floral tape. Wrap the ribbon until the floral tape is covered, then pin it to secure it in place.

And that's it! You've now created a beautiful trailing wedding bouquet. Remember, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flowers and textures.

Wrapping the bouquet

Step 1: Choose the Right Wrap

The first step is to select a wrap that complements your wedding style and bouquet. Popular options include ribbons, twine, leather, macramé, or even fabric from the wedding dress. The wrap can be chosen to match the wedding theme, such as a rustic twine and leather wrap for a countryside wedding or a romantic trailing ribbon for a garden wedding.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribbon

Once you have selected your wrap, cut a generous length of ribbon from the bolt, leaving a "tail" about the same length as the stems. Determine how far down the stems you want the ribbon to go and start wrapping from there, working your way up towards the base of the bouquet.

Step 3: Wrap the Bouquet

Maintain tension on the ribbon with one hand while rotating the bouquet with the other. Keep overlapping the ribbon as you work your way up, similar to wrapping wire with corsage tape. When you reach the base, feed the ribbon through the loop and continue to maintain tension.

Step 4: Secure the Ribbon

Grasp the "tail" of the ribbon and pull firmly until the loop at the top starts to disappear under the wrapping. Cut the ribbon, leaving about 1/2 inch to 1 inch extending above the wrapping. Pull the "tail" again until the cut end is completely hidden, then trim off any excess.

Step 5: Finish and Smooth

Smooth out the ribbon to ensure that the ends are neatly concealed at the top and bottom of the wrapping. This technique provides a secure and tidy finish to your trailing wedding bouquet without the need for knots, glue, or pins.

Frequently asked questions