Creating A Wedding Bouquet Handle: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own wedding bouquet is a creative way to express yourself on your big day. It can also be a fun activity to do before the wedding, and it saves you money! There are many ways to make your bouquet special, from adding your birth flower to including a charm or a sentimental colour. But how do you make the handle?

If you're using fresh flowers, you'll need to keep the stems long enough to be comfortable to hold, but not so long that they interfere with your dress. You can use floral tape to bind the stems together, and then ribbon to create a handle. Satin ribbon is a popular choice, but you could also use velvet or lace. You can either wrap the ribbon around the stems or create a bow. If you're using artificial flowers, you can use a bouquet holder, which you can buy or make yourself.

Bouquet handle wrapping techniques

The handle of a wedding bouquet can be wrapped to give it a more elegant, polished look. The wrapping also serves to conceal the exposed wires near the base of the bouquet and protect your hands. Here are some techniques for wrapping the handle of a wedding bouquet:

Ribbon Wrapping:

• Cut a 2-foot-long piece of ribbon that is 2 inches wide. This will ensure that it easily covers the handle of the bouquet holder.
• Apply a 2-inch strip of hot glue to the top of the handle, right below where it meets the plastic cup containing the flowers.
• Press one end of the ribbon to the hot glue and let it dry completely.
• Wind the ribbon around the length of the handle from top to bottom, overlapping as you go to ensure no part of the handle shows through.
• Wind the ribbon back up the handle from bottom to top.
• Cut away any excess ribbon, leaving about 2 extra inches when you reach the top.
• Tuck one inch of the extra ribbon under, creating a neat fold, and secure it with pearl-tipped pins arranged vertically, angled downward so they don't press against the handle.
• Choose a ribbon that matches the colour of the bride's dress or the flowers/greenery in the bouquet. Avoid wire-edged ribbons as they lack the required pliability.

Floral Tape Wrapping:

• Wrap floral tape around the stems of the bouquet, starting near the end of the floral tubing and working upwards towards the base of the bouquet.
• This will help conceal any remaining exposed wires and give the bouquet a neat, professional finish.

Braided Ribbon Handle:

• Braid three strands of ribbon together to create a unique and classic-looking handle for your bouquet.
• Secure the braid to the stems of the bouquet using hot glue or floral tape.
• Embellish the end of the braid with a jewel or other decorative accents.

Lace Wrapping:

• Wrap a piece of bridal lace around the stems of the bouquet for a classic and elegant look.
• Choose lace that matches your wedding dress or veil, or add a lacy detail to a non-lace gown.

Embossed Leather Handle:

• Emboss your monogram onto a piece of leather to create a unique and personalised handle.
• This idea is perfect for a ranch wedding, especially when coordinated with a pair of cowboy boots.

Choosing the right ribbon

The ribbon you choose for your wedding bouquet handle is an important decision. It can add the perfect finishing touch to your bouquet and elevate the design. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ribbon:

Width and Length

When selecting a ribbon, opt for a width of around 2 inches to ensure it covers the handle with ease. As for the length, cut a piece that is approximately 2 feet long. This will give you enough ribbon to work with and create a flowing, elegant effect.

Type of Ribbon

The type of ribbon you choose is also important. Avoid using wire-edged ribbon, as it lacks the pliability needed for wrapping the handle. Instead, go for a soft, pliable material such as satin, velvet, or sheer ribbon. These options will create a luxurious and elegant look. Consider using two different types of ribbon or varying widths and colours to add interest and contrast to your bouquet.

Colour and Design

When choosing the colour of your ribbon, you have a few options. You can match it to the colour of the bride's dress for a classic look. Alternatively, choose a colour that matches the flowers or greenery in the bouquet for a more dynamic appearance. You can also use ribbon to honour a loved one by incorporating their favourite colour or a sentimental hue. For a same-sex wedding, consider a rainbow-themed ribbon to celebrate love in all its forms.

Embellishments

To add even more interest and uniqueness to your bouquet, consider embellishing the ribbon. You can use pearl-tipped pins to secure the ribbon in place, adding a vintage vibe to your design. Brooches, lockets, or charms can also be attached to the ribbon, perhaps incorporating a meaningful photo or message. For a bohemian wedding, a macrame bouquet holder or a fringe of faux fern or feathers can be a beautiful addition.

Practical Considerations

In addition to the aesthetic aspects, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the ribbon is opaque if you are using hot glue to secure it, as this will help hide the glue. Also, consider the season and your climate when choosing the ribbon. If temperatures are high or you're experiencing a dry spell, select a ribbon that won't wilt or fade easily and research how to keep your bouquet vibrant. Finally, if you plan to place your bouquet in a vase of water, leave the lower part of the stems unwrapped or consult your florist for advice on completely covered stems.

How to attach the ribbon

Attaching the ribbon to your wedding bouquet is the final step in making your bridal bouquet. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach the ribbon:

Step 1: Cut the Ribbon

Cut a 2-foot-long piece of ribbon with scissors. The ribbon should be 2 inches wide to ensure it covers the wedding bouquet holder's handle with ease.

Step 2: Apply Hot Glue to the Handle

Apply a 2-inch strip of hot glue to the top of the handle, right below where it meets the plastic cup containing the bouquet flowers.

Step 3: Attach the Ribbon

Press one end of the cut ribbon to the hot glue at the top of the handle. Allow the glue to dry completely so that the ribbon is firmly adhered.

Step 4: Wind the Ribbon

Wind the ribbon around the length of the handle, working from the top to the bottom. Overlap the ribbon as you wind, ensuring that no part of the handle shows through. Then, wind the ribbon back up the length of the handle, working from the bottom to the top.

Step 5: Cut Away Excess Ribbon

When you reach the top of the handle, cut away any excess ribbon with scissors, leaving about 2 extra inches of ribbon.

Step 6: Tuck and Secure the Ribbon

Tuck one inch of the 2 extra inches of ribbon under, hiding the raw edge and creating a neat fold. Press the folded ribbon securely against the handle.

Step 7: Embellish with Pins (Optional)

Push three pearl-tipped pins into the folded ribbon and through the ribbon underneath. Arrange the pins vertically, with one under the other, angling them downward so they penetrate the ribbon layers but do not press against the plastic handle.

Tips:

• Choose a ribbon colour that matches the bride's dress, or the flowers or greenery in the bouquet for a more dynamic look.
• Avoid using wire-edged ribbon, as it lacks the pliability needed for this process.
• If you want to add a unique touch, consider using two different widths and colours of ribbon to create contrast and add interest to your bouquet wrap.
• You can also use other materials such as lace, twine, fabric, or leather to wrap your bouquet handle.

Bouquet handle materials

The materials you will need for your bouquet handle depend on the type of bouquet you want to make. If you are making a hand-tied bouquet, all you will need is a ribbon to bundle the stems together. However, if you are arranging your bouquet in a bouquet holder, you will need additional materials to wrap the handle.

Bouquet holders are generally made of white plastic and can be purchased online. Before wrapping the handle, you will need to cut a 2-foot-long piece of ribbon that is 2 inches wide. You can also use floral tape instead of ribbon. Hot glue is then applied to the top of the handle, and one end of the ribbon is pressed into it. The ribbon is then wound around the length of the handle, overlapped to ensure no part of the handle shows through, and wound back up to the top. Any excess ribbon is cut away, leaving 2 extra inches at the top. One inch of this is then tucked under, and pearl-tipped pins are used to secure the ribbon in place.

The ribbon you choose can be matched to the colour of the bride's dress, or it can be matched to the flowers or greenery in the bouquet for a more dynamic look. You can also use two different widths and colours of ribbon to create contrast and add interest to your bouquet wrap. Velvet ribbon adds texture to a bouquet, while sheer ribbon gives a soft, flowy look. If you are using artificial flowers, you can also buy bouquet holders that come with lace and rhinestones.

Bouquet handle length

When it comes to the length of your wedding bouquet handle, there is no definitive answer as it ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall design of the bouquet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your bouquet handle is comfortable to hold and aesthetically pleasing.

First, consider the length of the stems. You want to ensure that the stems are long enough to be comfortable to hold, but not so long that they interfere with your wedding dress. A good guideline is to use the shortest stems in your bouquet as a reference point for trimming the rest of the stems. This will ensure that they are all uniform in length.

The length of the handle will also depend on the size of the bouquet itself. If you are creating a larger bouquet, you may need a longer handle to balance out the arrangement and make it easier to hold. For example, if you are using an 8-inch round laced bouquet collar, as mentioned in one source, you may want to opt for a longer handle like 8 or 9 inches to ensure it is comfortable to hold.

Additionally, the type of flowers and greenery you choose will also impact the handle length. As one source mentions, certain flowers and greens may wither faster when cut, so it is important to consider the length of the stems in relation to the freshness of your bouquet.

When in doubt, opt for a slightly longer handle as you can always trim it down if needed. It is also a good idea to hold the bouquet at your waist, rather than up by your chest, as this will create a more elegant silhouette and ensure the bouquet is not obstructing your dress or other details.

In terms of the handle itself, there are a few options to consider. You can choose a simple hand-tied bouquet, where the stems are bundled together and secured with a ribbon. Alternatively, you can use a bouquet holder, which is usually made of white plastic and can be wrapped in ribbon to create a more elegant look. These holders typically measure around 7 inches in height, with a flower foam diameter of about 3 inches.

Overall, the length of your wedding bouquet handle is a matter of personal preference and should be adjusted to fit your unique design. Just remember to consider the comfort and practicality of the handle length in relation to the overall size and style of your bouquet.

Frequently asked questions