Creating Your Own Wedding Bouquet: A Uk Guide

Creating your own wedding bouquet is a fun way to add a personal touch to your special day. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it also allows you to customise your bouquet to make it unique to you. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of creating your own bridal bouquet, from choosing your flowers to assembling and decorating your bouquet. We will also offer tips on how to care for your flowers and recommend the best tools and materials to use. So, whether you're a bride-to-be or a guest looking to make a floral gift, read on to find out how to make your own wedding bouquet.

Choosing flowers

Seasonality

Consider the time of year you're getting married and opt for seasonal flowers. Not only will they be cheaper and easier for florists to source, but they will also be at their most naturally beautiful. For example, peonies are in season in the UK from mid-May to early July, so they're perfect for a summer wedding. If your dream wedding flowers aren't in season, don't worry; most flowers can be sourced all year round, but be prepared for a higher cost.

Venue and Theme

The type of flowers you choose should complement your wedding venue and theme. For instance, a bouquet of wildflowers would suit an outdoor, rustic wedding, while a white orchid centerpiece would be more appropriate for a hotel or ballroom setting. Think about the vibe you want to create and select flowers that enhance the atmosphere.

Colour Scheme

Your flowers don't have to match your colour scheme exactly, but they should complement it. If you already have a specific palette in mind, choose flowers that come in multiple colours, such as mums, carnations, lilies, or dahlias. You can also play with different shades and tones within your colour scheme to create a cohesive look.

Budget

Flowers can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget before you start planning. On average, wedding flowers from a florist can cost between £1,200-£1,500, so be realistic about what you can afford. Discuss your budget with your florist, and they will guide you on the styles and sizes that are achievable. Prioritize the must-haves, such as bouquets for the bridal party, and be flexible with the rest.

Dress

Your wedding dress will also influence your flower choices. The bouquet should complement the style, shape, and colour of your dress without overwhelming it. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the dress, the larger the bouquet. If your dress has a lot of material or a detailed skirt, opt for a smaller bouquet that doesn't hide the beautiful details. If you have a thin waistline, choose a bouquet that's narrower than your waist to accentuate your silhouette.

Timing

Sourcing Flowers and Materials

Give yourself plenty of time to source the flowers and materials needed for your bouquet. It's recommended to order your flowers about two months in advance to ensure you get your desired flowers. If you're using flowers from a friend's garden or local farms, check their availability beforehand. Don't forget to purchase the necessary tools like floral tape, ribbon, and scissors or shears.

Flower Preparation

Depending on the type of flowers you choose, you might need to buy them a week before the wedding if they are in a tight bud, such as freesia or lilies. This will give them enough time to open up and look their best. Also, consider the temperature and season, as they will impact how fast the flowers open. Give the flowers a good long drink before you start working with them to make them stronger and help them hold their shape.

Bouquet Assembly

Plan to assemble your bouquet the day before the wedding. This will give the flowers time to rest and ensure they look their best on your wedding day. When assembling, stand in front of a mirror so you can see the front of the bouquet as others will see it. Build the shape and framework of your arrangement, adding larger focal flowers first and then filling in with smaller flowers and greenery.

Storing the Bouquet

Once your bouquet is assembled, store it correctly to keep it fresh and beautiful for your wedding day. Place the bouquet in deep water overnight so that the stems can drink. Keep it in a cool place, like a shed or garage, and avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the flowers to wilt. Don't store it with ripening fruit, and avoid placing it in a refrigerator, as it will be too cold.

Final Touches

On the morning of your wedding, finish off the bouquet by decorating the handle with ribbon, lace, or fabric. Dry the stems that will form the handle with a clean cloth, then attach and wrap the ribbon or fabric around them to create an attractive and comfortable handle. Secure the ribbon with pins or hot glue, and add any other finishing touches to make your bouquet truly yours.

Preparing flowers

Before you start constructing your bouquet, make sure the flower stems and greenery are prepped and ready. Remove all the leaves from your floral stems and the bottom halves of your greenery stems. You don't want to damage the stems, so be sure to do this gently.

Next, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. You can use shears or scissors, or secateurs if you have them. Place the stems directly onto tissue paper to protect the blooms from bruising. You can also use floral tape to hold the bouquet in place after you've arranged the flowers.

At this stage, you should also consider the length of the stems. If you or the bride will be holding the bouquet for a long time, you'll want to make sure there is room to hold it comfortably. Measure two hands' lengths from the string, and add an additional 3 centimetres of wiggle room.

Now you're ready to start building your bouquet!

Arranging flowers

Choose Your Flowers

Think about the flowers you want to include and consider the season and colour scheme of your wedding. Preparation is crucial, and it is recommended to buy the flowers a couple of days before the wedding. However, if you are using flowers that are cut when they are in a tight bud, such as freesia or lilies, buy them up to a week early as they need longer to open. Always give the flowers a good drink of water before you start arranging them.

Prepare the Stems

Remove all the leaves, shoots, and buds from the flower and foliage stems that will be below the point where you will tie the stems together. This will form the handle of the bouquet and make it more comfortable to carry. Place the stems directly onto tissue paper to protect the blooms from bruising.

Pick a Focal Flower and Build Around It

Choose a main flower that you want to use at the centre and tie string or raffia to the stem at the point that will become the base of the bouquet. Add stems of foliage around this centre bloom and bind them together.

Add More Flowers and Filler Flowers

Continue to add more flowers and foliage sprigs to the bouquet, placing each new stem at a diagonal angle and binding as you go to secure the stems in position. Add new stems in the same direction to create a spiral effect. You can also add some smaller, green filler flowers to give a natural look to the bouquet. Ensure that you insert the filler flowers at the same angle to maintain symmetry.

Secure the Bouquet

Once you are happy with your bouquet, secure the stems just below the blooms with floral tape. Cut off any excess stem from the bottom of the bouquet, depending on your length preference.

Decorate the Handle

On the big day, decorate the handle of the bouquet with a ribbon of your choice. Wrap the ribbon around the stems, covering the floral tape, and secure it with glue. You can either tie a bow or simply tie the ribbon around the bouquet.

Securing the bouquet

Once you're happy with the arrangement of your bouquet, it's time to secure the stems in place. You can use floral tape or wire to do this.

First, tightly secure the stems just below the blooms with floral tape. This will give your bouquet extra support before you add the finishing touches. Cut off any excess stem from the bottom of the bouquet, depending on your length preference. If you're using wire, cut the stems to your desired length, then wrap a piece of wire around them to secure them together.

Next, you'll want to cover the exposed wire with floral tubing. This will protect your hands while you walk down the aisle and give your bouquet a professional finish. Take a piece of floral tubing and insert 2-3 stems inside, covering any stray wires. Continue until all the stems are encased.

Finally, wrap the stems with a layer of green floral tape to hold the bouquet in place and protect your hands. Start wrapping from where the floral tubing ends, and work your way up to the base of the bouquet, where the flowers and greenery begin.

Frequently asked questions