Creating A Unique Brooch Bouquet For Your Wedding

Brooch bouquets are a beautiful alternative to traditional flower bouquets for brides. They can be made with vintage brooches, colourful baubles, and heirloom jewellery, and can be passed down as heirlooms. Brooch bouquets are also a great option for brides who want a non-floral bouquet that carries emotional value. You can make your own brooch bouquet by collecting vintage brooches and other jewellery, wrapping them in wire, and arranging them on a bouquet holder. The process is similar to arranging real flowers, and the result is a unique and personalised bouquet that will last forever.

Choosing the right base

The base of your bouquet is important as it will determine the overall shape of your bouquet and how you attach your brooches. There are several options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.

Bouquet Armature/Floral Foam

A bouquet armature is a metal frame that will give your bouquet a nice, rounded shape. You can also use a premade bouquet holder, which typically includes a caged floral foam ball mounted on a handle. The benefit of using floral foam is that it gives you the shape you want, and you only need short wires to pin your brooches in place. However, brooches can fall out if the wires are not long enough, and you may find yourself filling tiny gaps to cover the foam.

Styrofoam Ball

To make a styrofoam ball base, you will need to spray paint the styrofoam ball and a wooden dowel in a metallic colour of your choice. Spray evenly in thin layers to avoid paint drips. Once dry, push one end of the dowel rod into the centre of the styrofoam ball to create an open space. Drizzle glue inside the space and on one end of the handle, then insert the handle and let the glue set for 24-36 hours. This method allows you to customise the colour of your base to match your brooches.

Wire Stems

Another option is to wire up your brooches individually so that they have "stems" and arrange them as you would flowers. This method gives you more security, as the brooches are less likely to fall out. 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 to create a more solid piece.

Floral Tape

If you choose to use a bouquet armature, you can also use floral tape to cover the wires and shape the bouquet. This method is used by some to create a more natural, flower-like appearance.

Selecting the brooches and other jewellery

• Collect family heirlooms and vintage pieces: Speak to your family members and ask to borrow brooches, earrings, and other statement jewellery that hold emotional value. This could include pieces handed down by loved ones who are no longer with you, such as your grandmother's favourite brooch or a family member's wedding jewellery. Not only will this add a personal touch to your bouquet, but it also honours the memories and legacy of your family.
• Mix old and new: If you don't have access to a lot of heirloom jewellery, you can mix old and new pieces. Visit local thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and craft stores to find unique vintage brooches and baubles. You can also look for "lots" on eBay, where you can purchase multiple vintage or antique jewellery pieces at a lower cost. Keep an eye out for items with interesting details, such as fancy buttons on vintage sweaters, clasps on old purses, or shiny embellishments on shoes.
• Consider colour and style: When selecting your jewellery, think about the overall colour scheme and style of your wedding. You can choose to match your bouquet to your wedding colours or go for a contrasting pop of colour, such as blue, pink, or purple. If you want a more cohesive look, opt for brooches with similar colours or styles. For example, you could choose all filigree brooches or enamel flowers in different colours.
• Select a variety of sizes: Include brooches and jewellery in various sizes to add dimension and interest to your bouquet. Smaller to medium-sized brooches are easier to arrange and create a more elegant look. Large brooches can be harder to work with and may be more challenging to fit together seamlessly.
• Add sparkle sparingly: While a bit of sparkle can enhance your bouquet, too much can make it look overwhelming. Balance sparkly crystals with softer elements like pearls and silk flowers. If you're using silver brooches, opt for ones with an antique finish or a slightly tarnished look to add to the vintage aesthetic.
• Choose quality over quantity: It's important to be selective and invest in quality pieces. A smaller bouquet with carefully curated jewellery will look more elegant than a large bouquet filled with mass-produced brooches. Look for unique vintage finds that have a story behind them, as these will add magic and sentiment to your finished bouquet.

Attaching the brooches

• Prepare the Brooches: Start by selecting the brooches you want to use. Choose pieces that complement each other in terms of colour and style. Ensure they are not too delicate, as they will be wrapped with wire. You can also include other types of jewellery, such as earrings, chains, or even small watches.
• Wire-Wrap the Brooches: Take a piece of wire and wrap it securely around each brooch to create a stem. Use the brooch pin as a starting point and carefully wrap the wire around it, making sure not to damage the brooch. Use pliers to tighten the wire and create a neat, firm wrap. Cover the entire wire with floral tape to prevent slipping and to give a nice finish.
• Create a Base: Prepare your bouquet holder by fixing it to a stable surface with rubber bands. This will give you a steady base to work on. You can use a premade bouquet holder with floral foam or create your own using styrofoam and a wooden dowel. If using styrofoam, spray paint it in a metallic colour that complements your brooches.
• Arrange the Brooches: Begin arranging the brooches on the bouquet holder. Secure each brooch by pushing the wired stem into the styrofoam or floral foam. For a fuller look, you can add multiple layers of brooches. Ensure the brooches are evenly spaced and arranged symmetrically.
• Secure with Glue: For extra security, add a small dab of strong glue, such as E6000, to the tip of each wired stem before inserting it into the base. This will ensure that the brooches do not shift or fall out.
• Incorporate Heirloom Pieces: If you are using heirloom or borrowed jewellery pieces, refrain from using glue. Instead, utilise the original backing of these pieces to attach them to the base. For example, open a clip-on earring and push the back straight into the styrofoam, or use the original straight pin on the back of a brooch.
• Fill Gaps and Adjust: Continue adding brooches until the entire base is covered. Fill any gaps or spaces with smaller brooches or other jewellery pieces. Adjust the arrangement as needed, being careful not to remove the brooches too often, as this can crumble the foam.
• Add Embellishments: Once all the brooches are attached and secured, you can add soft embellishments such as tulle or feathers to soften the look and create a romantic, elegant finish.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a secure and stunning brooch bouquet, adding your personal touch to your wedding day.

Finishing touches

Once you have assembled your bouquet, you can add some final flourishes to make it truly unique. Cover the stems with a vintage handkerchief, or use an heirloom handkerchief to wrap the handle. You could also use decoupage paper to cover the handle, sealing it with a couple of coats of varnish. Alternatively, wrap the handle with ribbon or fabric, crisscrossing it up and down the handle and securing it with pearl pins, a hot glue gun, or stitches. You could also add some little crystal beads or pearls down the handle.

If you want to add some extra ribbon-petals, wrap wire around a piece of ribbon to form a loop and stick them into the foam just below the brooches, or glue them in place before you add the ribbon around the handle.

To add a personal touch, include a brooch or pin with a cameo of a loved one, or a special message. You could also add some Scrabble tiles with the initials of you and your partner.

Bouquet care and maintenance

Now that you have created your own brooch bouquet, here are some tips to care for and maintain it:

• Handle with care: Your brooch bouquet is a delicate arrangement of brooches, pins, and other embellishments. Avoid dropping or mishandling the bouquet to prevent any damage to the pieces.
• Storage: Store your bouquet in a safe place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Consider keeping it in a display case or a box to protect it from dust and accidental damage.
• Cleaning: Gently wipe the brooches and embellishments with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or dirt. For more thorough cleaning, use a mild jewellery cleaner or a soft-bristled brush dipped in warm, soapy water. Avoid getting the handles or any fabric parts wet.
• Transportation: If you need to transport your bouquet, wrap it carefully in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a sturdy box. Make sure the box is well-padded to prevent the bouquet from shifting during transport.
• Repairs and adjustments: Over time, some brooches or pins may become loose. Keep a small jewellery repair kit on hand to tighten or adjust any pieces that need attention.
• Display: Consider displaying your brooch bouquet as a decorative piece in your home. You can place it in a shadow box or hang it on a wall to showcase its beauty and elegance.
• Passing it on: If you plan to pass on your brooch bouquet as a family heirloom, consider including a list of the pieces used, their history, and any stories associated with them. This will add to the sentimental value of the bouquet for future generations.

Frequently asked questions