Creating Your Own Baby's Breath Bridal Bouquet

Baby's breath, or Gypsophila, is a versatile flower that can be used to create stunning wedding bouquets. Known for its delicate, cloud-like appearance, baby's breath adds volume, texture, and whimsy to any floral arrangement. In this guide, we will teach you how to make your own baby's breath wedding bouquet, covering everything from gathering your supplies to assembling and decorating your bouquet. Whether you're aiming for a classic, rustic, or elegant look, baby's breath is the perfect flower to work with.

Choosing and preparing your flowers

Baby's breath is a versatile flower that can be used to create a variety of looks, from rustic to elegant. When choosing baby's breath for your wedding bouquet, consider the following:

Colour

Baby's breath is commonly found in white, but it also grows naturally in pink. If you're looking for a pop of colour, add some pink baby's breath to your bouquet. Alternatively, you can spray-paint the flowers in your wedding colours for a unique look.

Texture

Baby's breath creates a dreamy, cloud-like effect due to its small, five-petalled buds that grow in clusters. This textured look is perfect for adding volume and whimsy to your bouquet.

Pairings

Baby's breath is a versatile flower that can be paired with a variety of other blooms. For a classic, elegant look, pair baby's breath with traditional flowers like roses or peonies. If you're going for a more rustic vibe, combine it with wildflowers and greenery. For a modern or glamorous aesthetic, baby's breath paired with lucite chargers and gold flatware is a perfect choice.

Availability and Cost

Baby's breath is readily available and budget-friendly, making it a great option for DIY wedding bouquets.

Preparation

When preparing baby's breath for your bouquet, follow these steps:

• Separate the stems: Start by separating the stems to make the flower easier to work with.
• Remove stray blossoms: Cut off any stray blossoms to create a more circular shape at the top of the bouquet.
• Create your desired shape: Baby's breath can be arranged in various shapes, such as a round "crown" at the top of the stems. You can also shape it into your initials for a personalised touch.
• Secure the stems: Use floral tape to secure the stems of your bouquet. Stretch the tape slightly as you wrap it to activate its stickiness.
• Trim the stems: Cut the stems to your desired length and even them out for a clean look.
• Add ribbon: Wrap your bouquet with ribbon to hide the tape and add a decorative touch. You can use a single type of ribbon or layer different types for a contrasting effect.

By following these steps and choosing the right flowers, you can create a beautiful and unique baby's breath wedding bouquet that reflects your style and personality.

Creating the bouquet shape

The shape you're aiming for is a round "crown" at the top of the stems. This will give your bouquet a classic, elegant look. You can also try a more bohemian style by tying the bouquet with macramé or fringe trim. If you're feeling creative, you can even shape the baby's breath into your initials for a personalised bouquet.

Once you have your desired shape, it's time to secure the base with floral tape. Take about 3 inches of tape and wrap it around the stems, stretching it slightly to activate its stickiness. You may need an extra pair of hands to hold the stems tight while you wrap. Then, take the roll of tape and fully wrap the stems, covering about 4-5 inches.

Now you have a beautiful baby's breath bouquet!

Securing the bouquet with tape

Once you are happy with the size and shape of your baby's breath bouquet, it's time to secure it with tape.

First, tear off a small piece of floral tape—about 3 inches should be enough for your initial wrap. This will help you secure the base of the bouquet. Stretch the tape a little bit as you wrap it around the stems, holding them tightly together. This will activate its stickiness and help the tape adhere to the stems.

Next, take the roll of tape and start wrapping it around the stems, working your way up from the base. Cover about 4-5 inches of the stems with tape, stretching the tape as you go. This part can be a little tricky, so don't be afraid to ask for help! Having an extra set of hands will make it easier to keep the stems together as you wrap.

Once you've secured the stems with tape, you can trim them to an even length for a neater finish.

Adding ribbon and trimming the stems

Adding Ribbon

First, choose your ribbon. You can opt for a single type of ribbon or layer two different types for a more complex look. Consider the colour and texture of the ribbon and how it will complement your wedding theme and dress. Velvet and silk ribbons are good choices for a luxurious feel. You may also want to incorporate a pop of colour with your ribbon choice, especially if your bouquet is all-white.

To begin, cut a length of your base ribbon and affix it to the top of the bouquet stems with a straight pin. Roll the ribbon around the stems, overlapping slightly with each wrap. Ensure you cover the floral tape and cut the ribbon an inch longer than needed. Tuck the cut end of the ribbon under itself to prevent fraying and secure it with two pins pushed towards the top of the bouquet.

If you are using a second type of ribbon, lay the bouquet on a table and tuck the ribbon underneath the stems. Hold the ribbon up and check that both ends are even. Criss-cross the ribbons over each other and repeat this process all the way up the stems, tightening the criss-cross sections as you go. Knot the ends of the ribbon at the top of the stems and tie a bow. Cut the ends so they are even. You can also add a straight pin to the top to secure the bow.

Trimming the Stems

Use floral shears to cut the stems to your desired length. Cut the stems evenly, leaving a few inches of stem below the floral tape. This will give your bouquet a neat and tidy finish.

And there you have it! Your baby's breath wedding bouquet is now complete and ready for your special day.

Keeping your flowers fresh

Baby's breath flowers are known for their long-lasting freshness. Here are some tips to ensure your baby's breath flowers stay fresh for your wedding:

Before Arranging:

• When you receive your flowers, get them in water as soon as possible.
• Use clean buckets or containers and fill them with at least 4 inches of fresh, cold water.
• If you have flower food, follow the instructions to add it to the water.
• Remove any foliage that would fall below the waterline, as this can cause bacteria to form and shorten the life of your flowers.
• Cut the stems diagonally under cool, running water, removing about an inch from each stem.
• Place the flowers in the water and ensure they have sufficient room. Do not overcrowd the containers as this may damage the stems and blooms.
• Allow the flowers to hydrate for at least 4 hours, and up to 12 hours.
• Keep the flowers in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, drafts, or extreme temperatures.

While Arranging:

• Change the water every 24 hours to keep the flowers fresh.
• You can make your own flower food by adding 1-2 caps of household bleach to a container of clean, fresh water to prevent bacterial growth. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon or lime juice for nourishment.

After Arranging:

• Keep the stems hydrated and prevent bacteria growth.
• Mix flower food preservatives with the vase water.
• Baby's breath is sensitive to ethylene and will wilt when exposed to it. Keep the flowers away from sources of ethylene such as fruits, vegetables, decaying flowers, automobile exhaust, and cigarette smoke.

By following these steps, your baby's breath wedding bouquet will stay fresh and beautiful throughout your special day.

Frequently asked questions