Creative Ways To Use Bridesmaids' Bouquets For Reception Décor

Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used in a variety of ways at a wedding reception. They can be placed in vases on guest tables, used to decorate the cake table, or used as cocktail table decor. They can also be tied to ceremony chairs for reception seating, used as photo backdrops or keepsakes, or dried and preserved as art pieces. Repurposing bridesmaid bouquets is a creative and cost-effective way to extend their beauty and infuse personal touches into the wedding celebration.

Bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces

Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used as centrepieces in a variety of ways to create a beautiful and cohesive look at your wedding reception. Here are some ideas to repurpose the bouquets as centrepieces:

Vases

Arrange the blooms in vases that match your wedding aesthetic and theme. If using smaller vases, fill them with larger flowers, filler blooms, and greenery. Add tea-light candles around the vase to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This is a simple and effective way to repurpose the bouquets and create elegant centrepieces for your reception tables.

Wooden Trays

Display the bouquets on wooden boards or trays for a rustic touch. Enhance the arrangement with tea lights, ribbons, berries, or extra sprigs of greenery. This idea is perfect for long tables or sweetheart tables, creating a natural and whimsical centrepiece.

Welcome Table or Easel

If you have a welcome table or easel, you can simply place the bridesmaids' bouquets as they are on top. This creates an instant display and adds a pop of colour to the entrance or welcome area.

Pillars

For a romantic and sophisticated touch, arrange the bouquets in vases and place them on pillars. This can be done near the cake table, head table, or any other area you wish to highlight. Pillars add height and elegance to the floral arrangements, making them stand out.

When using bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces, it is important to consider the length of the stems and the size of the arrangements. Ensure the flowers are not too large or overwhelming, especially on round reception tables, as you want to avoid blocking guests' views and conversations.

Bouquets as photobooth backdrops

Photobooths are a fun addition to any wedding reception, but they can also be costly. Save some money by using your bridesmaids' bouquets as a backdrop for your photobooth. This way, you can create a stunning floral wonderland for your guests to pose in front of.

To create a backdrop, you can artistically arrange the bouquets on a wall or a backdrop structure. You can also bunch the bouquets together on a table or near a striking area of the venue for an instant picture-perfect setting. If you're feeling extra creative, combine the bouquets with an elegant set of drapes for added romance.

Not only will this idea save you money, but it will also give your photos a unique and memorable touch. It's a great way to get more value out of the floral arrangements you ordered and to extend the beauty and impact of your wedding flowers.

When creating your bouquet backdrop, consider the size of the bouquets in relation to the backdrop structure or wall. You want to ensure the flowers are visible and don't look disproportionately small. With some creativity and advanced planning, you can transform your bridesmaids' bouquets into a beautiful and cohesive photobooth backdrop.

Flowers dried and preserved

Dried and preserved bridesmaids' bouquets can be reused in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Hang Drying

Hang the bouquets upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area for a few weeks until they are fully dried. This method works best for bouquets or larger floral arrangements with sturdy petals and low moisture content, such as roses, sunflowers, lavender, baby's breath, and strawflowers.

Silica Gel

Place the bouquets in an airtight container with silica gel, which helps preserve the colours and shapes of the flowers. This method is effective for flowers with low moisture content, such as roses, daisies, zinnias, and hydrangeas.

Microwave Drying

Microwave drying is a quick way to dry flowers and preserve their colour and structure. Place the flowers blossom-up in a microwave-safe container with silica gel and microwave for 2-5 minutes, depending on the type of flower. This method works well for individual flowers like gerbera daisies, chrysanthemums, roses, and tulips.

Pressing

Pressing is suitable for smaller, more delicate flowers, such as lavender sprigs or daisies. You can use a book, glass bead, or a microwave to press the flowers.

Resin

Preserving dried flowers in epoxy resin is a popular method to showcase meaningful flowers. It involves mixing a hardener and base resin, pouring it into a silicone mold, and carefully arranging the flowers. This method can be used to create jewellery, decor, memory boxes, and more.

Shadow Box Display

Arrange the dried flowers in a shadow box and hang it on your wall as a decorative reminder of your special day.

Flower Pressing

Press the flowers between sheets of wax paper in a heavy book to create flat, preserved versions that can be framed or used in DIY projects.

Potpourri

Create your own potpourri by air-drying flowers and adding essential oils for fragrance.

Dried Flower Ornaments

Fill clear glass ornaments with small sprigs of dried flowers for a natural touch to your Christmas tree.

Clay Imprints

Use air-dry clay and dried flowers to make botanical imprints, which can be coloured with paint markers and attached to wood plaque frames.

Bouquets as cake decorations

Bridesmaids' bouquets can be creatively repurposed to decorate the wedding cake, adding a stunning visual impact. Here are some ideas and tips for using bridesmaids' bouquets as cake decorations:

Cake Topper

Arrange the flowers on top of the cake for a gorgeous cake topper. You can carefully place the blooms around the cake tiers or cluster them together for a more eye-catching display. Ensure that any non-food-safe stems or parts are removed before placing them on the cake.

Cake Surround

If you prefer not to place the flowers directly on the cake, you can create a floral surround for the cake. Arrange the bouquets around the base of the cake stand or on the cake table, adding a romantic and elegant touch to the dessert display.

Cake Table Centrepiece

Place the bouquets in vases or decorative containers on the cake table. This idea can also help save costs on additional floral arrangements. Using the bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces is a common and budget-friendly practice, as the bouquets are already beautiful and match the wedding theme.

Cake and Dessert Table Decor

In addition to the cake, you can use the bouquets to decorate the entire dessert table. Place the bouquets in vases or lay them flat on the table among the desserts. This adds a cohesive and elegant look to the entire display.

Preserved Flowers

If you want to preserve the memories of your wedding and the bridesmaids' bouquets, consider drying and preserving the flowers. You can hang the bouquets upside down to air-dry or use silica gel to preserve the colours and shapes. Then, use the preserved flowers as decorations on the cake or around the cake table.

Repurposing bridesmaids' bouquets as cake decorations is a wonderful way to extend their beauty and infuse personal touches into your wedding celebration. With a little creativity, you can transform the bouquets into stunning additions to your wedding cake display.

Bouquets as chair accents

If you're looking to repurpose your bridesmaids' bouquets as chair accents, there are a few ways to go about it. You could attach them to the backs or sides of the chairs, creating a romantic and eye-catching effect, especially if you have garden-themed wedding florals. This is a great way to adorn the chairs at the reception and add a personal touch to the celebration.

Another idea is to tie the bouquets to the ceremony chairs for reception seating. This will not only decorate the chairs but also provide a cohesive and elegant look to the entire venue. You can also play with the placement of the bouquets on the chairs to create different visual effects. Place them at the centre or front of a chair so they don't look disproportionately small.

When repurposing the bouquets, it's important to inspect them for any wilting or damaged flowers and remove any debris, such as fallen leaves or petals, to ensure they look fresh and polished for the reception. You can also trim the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in a container of fresh water to keep them hydrated and vibrant throughout the event.

By repurposing the bridesmaids' bouquets as chair accents, you can extend their beauty and save money on additional floral arrangements. It's a creative way to infuse personal touches into the wedding celebration and make the most of the floral arrangements you ordered.

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