Creating Wedding Bouquet Bows: Simple Steps For Beautiful Bouquets

Wedding bouquet bows are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking to decorate your bridal shower or add a unique twist to your wedding ceremony, making your own bouquet bows is a great way to express your style and creativity. With a few simple supplies and easy-to-follow steps, you can design beautiful bows that will wow your guests and make your wedding journey even more memorable. In this guide, we'll cover everything from choosing the right materials to step-by-step instructions on creating elegant and whimsical bows for your big day. So, get ready to unleash your inner crafter and let's dive into the world of DIY wedding bouquet bows!

Braiding the ends of the ribbons to create a handle

Once you've gathered all the bows and ribbons, it's time to start braiding! This step will transform the loose ends into a beautiful and functional handle for the bouquet. Here's how to do it:

Start by dividing the ribbons into three equal sections. You can do this by grouping them into three bunches of similar thickness. If you have a lot of ribbons, you might need to work with a larger number of sections, but always keep them in groups of three for the braiding process.

Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the left section and cross it over the new middle section (which was originally on the right). Continue this pattern, always moving the outer sections towards the centre. As you braid, try to keep the ribbons as tight and neat as possible, this will make the handle sturdier and more comfortable to hold.

If you're braiding with multiple colours, you can play around with the pattern to create a unique design. For example, you could alternate the colours in a repeating pattern, or create a spiral effect by always moving the same colour to the centre.

Once you've braided the ribbons to your desired length, it's time to secure the end. You can do this by tying a tight knot with the three sections of ribbon. If you want to be extra secure, you can add a small amount of hot glue to the knot, or use tape to hold it in place.

Now you have a beautiful and personalised handle for your wedding bouquet! This step is a fun way to add creativity to your project and really make the bouquet your own.

Using wired ribbon for a dramatic bow

Wired ribbon is a great way to make a dramatic bow for a wedding bouquet. The wire helps to hold the shape of the loops and tails, allowing you to create a bow that is both large and structured. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a dramatic bow with wired ribbon:

First, you will need to gather your supplies. For this project, you will need a spool of wired ribbon, approximately 7 feet in length, and some floral wire or a pipe cleaner. You may also want to use sharp scissors to cut the ribbon, and wire cutters if you are using floral wire to secure your bow.

To begin making your bow, start at the end of the ribbon and make a small centre loop. Gather and pinch the loop behind with your finger and thumb, creating the centre of the bow. Then, twist the ribbon in the back until the shiny side is showing. You will then make a loop and hold it in the back with the small loop. Continue to twist and make another loop on the left, about the same width as the first loop.

Keep twisting the ribbon and creating loops until you have three on each side. You can add more loops if you would like a fuller bow. Then, bring some ribbon to the bottom to create tails, folding it in half and bringing the end up to the back with the loops. Cut the ribbon from the spool.

Now, you will secure your bow. Thread a wire through the small loop and around all the pieces in the back. Twist tightly to secure all of the loops and tails. You can also use a zip tie or chenille stem to hold the bow together.

Finally, cut the folded ribbon at an angle to create two tails. You can now fluff up the loops and tails until you are happy with the way it looks. You can make the bow as big or small as you like, and attach it to your wedding bouquet with wire or glue.

Wired ribbon is a great way to create a dramatic bow for a wedding bouquet. With its ability to hold its shape, you can create a large and elegant bow that will make a statement.

Making a paper plate base for the bouquet

Get two paper plates. If you have a lot of ribbons, using two plates will give you a stronger base. You can also use coated paper plates. Stab scissors or a knife through your plates at two points across from each other. Insert a ribbon and use your scissors to gently push it through the plate. Tie a knot on the backside. Repeat this process, creating an 'x' with your ribbons. This will create a large and steady base to tie all your ribbons and bows onto. Tie a knot with the second ribbon, then tie a large knot with all the ribbons. This is the base of your bouquet and what the bride will hold onto.

If you want to add extra stability to your paper plate base, you can try the following method: On the front side of one of your paper plates, draw a circle with an approximate 4" diameter. This circle serves as a guide for where you should not punch holes in the plate. Using a knife or a pair of sharp scissors, punch holes all over the paper plate, except for in the circle you drew.

Now, you can start adding ribbons and bows! Keep in mind the form and spacing of your bouquet as you add a little here and there. You can also add gift extras or package tie-ons, such as a cute feather, by taping them on. Most bows will not stick to your plate with their original adhesive, so use tape to secure them. Continue packing in ribbons and bows until the plate is covered, leaving some space between the plate and the ribbons.

Adding ribbons and bows to the base

To begin, you will need to create a base to which you can attach your ribbons and bows. One way to do this is by using a paper plate. Take two paper plates and layer them on top of each other for added strength. Using scissors or a knife, stab through the plates at two points across from each other. Insert a ribbon through the holes and tie a knot at the back. Repeat this step to create an "X" with the ribbons. This will serve as a sturdy base to tie all your ribbons and bows onto.

Now, you can start adding ribbons and bows! You can use ribbons and bows from bridal shower gifts or choose specific colours and types of ribbons to match your wedding theme. If you are using ribbons without bows, create your own bows by following these steps:

• Cut a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. The length will depend on the size of the bow you want to create.
• Create a "bunny ear" loop with the ribbon and twist the longer end two times to make it rope-like, ensuring the same side of the ribbon is still facing up.
• Create a second "bunny ear" loop and adjust the loops to your desired size. Make sure the tails are fairly even.
• Fold the left loop over the right loop and bring it around and back through the centre hole, similar to tying a shoe.
• Pull tight to create a knot and adjust the loops and tails as needed.
• Trim the ends of the ribbon if desired.

Once you have created your bows, attach them to the base by threading the loose ends of the ribbons through the holes in the plate and taping them in place. You can also tape premade bows directly onto the plate. Continue adding ribbons and bows, filling in any gaps and spacing them evenly.

If you have any extra-long pieces of ribbon, cut them to size and fluff your bows to finish your bouquet!

Trimming and fluffing the bouquet

Start by assessing the length of the stems. You want to ensure they are uniform and comfortable to hold, so trim any longer stems with your wire cutters or floral snips. Take care not to cut them too short; leave enough length to hold the bouquet effortlessly without interfering with your wedding dress. Use the shortest stems in your bouquet as a guideline and remember that you can always trim more if needed.

Once you're happy with the stem length, it's time to neaten the bouquet and protect your hands. Cover any exposed wires or sharp edges with floral tubing. Insert 2-3 stems at a time into the tubing, going about 3/4 of the way up the stems. This will create a neat and professional finish while keeping your hands safe as you walk down the aisle.

Now, let's address any remaining exposed wires or stray stems near the base of the bouquet. Wrap them with green floral tape, starting from where the floral tubing ends and moving upwards towards the flowers and greenery. This will help secure the bouquet and ensure it stays in place throughout the big day.

Finally, the fun part: fluffing the bouquet! Adjust the placement of the flowers and greenery to create a full and natural look. Pull certain flowers forward to add depth and dimension, emphasising your focal-point blooms. Play around with the arrangement until you're happy with the overall aesthetic. Remember, it's okay to experiment and make changes—you can always adjust and perfect as you go.

With these steps, you'll be able to trim and fluff your wedding bouquet like a pro, creating a stunning and unique arrangement that perfectly complements your special day.

Frequently asked questions