Create A Unique Wedding Bouquet With Vintage Brooches

A vintage brooch wedding bouquet is a beautiful alternative to a traditional floral bouquet. Brooch bouquets are a great way to incorporate something old, new, borrowed, and blue into your wedding outfit. They can be made using vintage brooches, colourful baubles, and heirloom jewellery, such as earrings, cufflinks, and pins. You can also add feathers, silk flowers, and fabric for a softer look. Making your own brooch bouquet can be a fun project, with online tutorials, kits, and workshops available. It's a unique and personalised way to carry something special with you on your wedding day.

Choosing a bouquet base

There are several options for the base of your vintage brooch wedding bouquet. You can either purchase a pre-made bouquet holder, or make your own.

A pre-made bouquet holder typically includes a caged floral foam ball mounted to a handle. This is a convenient option if you want a quick and easy solution, and it will give your bouquet a nice, rounded shape.

If you want to make your own base, you can use a Styrofoam ball (4 to 6 inches) and a wooden dowel as the handle. Spray paint the Styrofoam ball and the handle in a metallic colour of your choice in a well-ventilated area. Once the paint is dry, attach the dowel rod to the Styrofoam ball with glue, and let it set for 24 to 36 hours.

Another option for a DIY base is to use a bouquet armature, which is a metal frame that will give your bouquet a rounded shape. You can also wire up your brooches individually so that they have "stems", and then arrange them as you would flowers. This method is especially good if you want a teardrop or oval-shaped bouquet, as it gives you more flexibility and security.

When choosing a central brooch to build your bouquet around, consider selecting one in the shape you want, and then use that as a guide as you add more brooches. This will give your bouquet a cohesive look and ensure it has a nice focal point.

If you're looking for a more elegant option, consider choosing a smaller bouquet with carefully selected, high-quality vintage brooches. This will create a more refined and timeless look compared to using a large number of mass-produced brooches.

Sourcing vintage brooches

Family Heirlooms and Friends:

Ask your family members, especially older relatives like grandmothers, if they have any brooches they would be willing to lend or give to you for your bouquet. You can also reach out to your friends and ask them to contribute. Each brooch will carry a special memory and add a personal touch to your bouquet.

Antique Stores and Vintage Boutiques:

Explore antique stores and vintage boutiques in your area to find unique and elegant brooches. These stores often have a wide selection of vintage jewellery, and you may be able to find some hidden gems that resonate with your style.

Online Marketplaces:

Online platforms such as Etsy, eBay, and other local marketplaces are excellent sources for vintage brooches. You can find a variety of options, including vintage-looking brooches, antique jewellery lots, and unique pieces from different eras.

Craft Stores:

While purchasing new brooches from craft stores may be more expensive, it is still an option if you need to fill any gaps in your collection. You can also find basic supplies like floral wire, glue, and even some vintage-style brooches and baubles in the jewellery aisles.

Thrift Shops:

Don't forget to scour the shelves of thrift shops and second-hand stores. Look beyond the jewellery counter, as you may find interesting embellishments on vintage clothing, purses, or shoes that can be removed and used in your bouquet.

Remember, when sourcing vintage brooches, it's essential to be patient and creative. Each brooch will add its own unique charm and story to your wedding bouquet, making it a true reflection of your personality and style.

Attaching the brooches

There are several methods for attaching brooches to your wedding bouquet. One option is to use a pre-made bouquet holder, which typically includes a caged floral foam ball mounted on a handle. You can also create your own DIY base using styrofoam, a wooden dowel, and spray paint. If you go with the DIY option, glue one end of the dowel rod into the centre of the styrofoam ball, then drizzle glue inside the space and on one end of the handle before inserting it into the opening. Let the glue set for 24 to 36 hours.

For attaching the brooches, you can use floral tape and craft wire. Wire each brooch and cover the wire with the floral tape, then scatter the brooches throughout your bouquet. If you're using a styrofoam base, add a dab of glue to the head of a pin and attach it to the back of each brooch. Let the glue dry before pinning the brooches into the styrofoam ball. You can also use the original backing of the brooch to attach it to the base. For example, open a clip-on earring and push the back straight into the styrofoam ball. If the brooch has no backing, use multiple flat-head pins or pieces of twisted floral wire to anchor the jewels to the bouquet.

Another option is to use a bouquet armature, which is a metal frame that will give your bouquet a nice, rounded shape. Alternatively, you can wire up each brooch individually so that they all have "stems", and then arrange them as you would flowers. This method is especially good if you're going for a teardrop or oval-shaped bouquet. You can work on one brooch at a time, analysing where it will fit and wiring it up as you go, securing it to the nearby brooches for a more complete and solid piece.

Adding fabric or feathers

If you want to add fabric to your bouquet, you can create fabric flowers in a variety of ways. One option is to cut circles of fabric in different sizes and use a candle or lighter to curl the edges, creating a petal effect. You can then layer the petals to form a flower shape and secure them with a pin or glue. You can also mix in other types of fabric, such as tulle or lace, to add texture and visual interest.

Another option for adding fabric to your bouquet is to wrap the bouquet handle with fabric, such as tulle or ribbon. This can add a soft and elegant touch to your bouquet. You can also use fabric to cover the base of the bouquet, which can help to hide any imperfections or gaps between the brooches.

If you want to add feathers to your bouquet, you can purchase feather stems or feathers in bulk and attach them to the base of the bouquet. Ostrich feathers, peacock feathers, and natural turkey feathers are all popular choices for wedding bouquets. You can also find feather bouquets or feather and fabric bouquets on Etsy, which can be a great option if you don't want to make your own.

When adding fabric or feathers to your vintage brooch wedding bouquet, it's important to consider the overall colour scheme and theme of your wedding. You can choose fabrics and feathers that complement your wedding colours or add a pop of colour. You can also mix and match different textures and types of fabric or feathers to create a unique and personalised bouquet.

Wrapping the handle

If you're looking for a simpler solution, you could cover the handle with decoupage paper and a couple of coats of varnish. This method will give your bouquet a unique and crafty look. Another option is to use a premade bouquet holder, which typically includes a caged floral foam ball mounted to a handle. You can spray paint the handle in a metallic colour of your choice before assembling it with the foam ball.

Remember, the wrapping technique you choose will depend on the materials you have available and your personal preference. The most important thing is to take your time and be patient to achieve the best results.

Frequently asked questions