Written by Jenn McDonald, Simply Southern Events
Creating your own bridal bouquet can be a truly rewarding experience, allowing you to add a personal touch to your wedding day. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this DIY project can be accomplished with some patience and a bit of creativity. Let’s break down the steps to ensure your bouquet is as beautiful as your big day.
Materials Needed:
- Flowers (choose a mix of focal flowers like roses or peonies, filler flowers such as baby’s breath, and greenery like eucalyptus)
- Floral tape
- Floral wire
- Sharp scissors or floral shears
- Ribbon or twine
- Decorative pins or pearl-headed pins
Step 1: Choose Your Flowers
Start by selecting flowers that match your wedding theme and color palette. Consider the seasonality of your chosen blooms to ensure freshness and availability. Aim for a variety of textures and sizes to add depth and interest to your arrangement.
Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers
Remove any excess leaves and thorns from the stems. Cut the stems at an angle to help the flowers absorb water more effectively. It’s advisable to do this a day in advance and let the flowers hydrate in water overnight.
Step 3: Build the Bouquet
Begin with your focal flowers, holding them in one hand while adding filler flowers and greenery around them. Rotate the bouquet as you add more stems to maintain balance and symmetry. Keep the flowers at different heights for a natural, cascading effect.
Step 4: Secure the Stems
Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use floral tape to bind the stems together. Start wrapping just below the blooms and work your way down, ensuring the stems are tightly secured.
Step 5: Trim and Style
Trim the bottom of the stems to your desired length, ensuring they’re even. Leave enough stem to comfortably hold the bouquet without exposing the taped section.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Wrap a ribbon of your choice around the floral tape, covering it completely. Secure the end with decorative pins, ensuring they’re inserted at a slight angle to prevent injury. For added flair, consider adding a charm or small locket to the ribbon.
Step 7: Keep It Fresh
Store your bouquet in a vase with water in a cool place until it’s time for the ceremony. This will keep the flowers looking vibrant and fresh.
By following these simple steps, you can create a stunning bridal bouquet that reflects your personal style and adds an extra special touch to your wedding day. With a little practice, your handcrafted bouquet will be a beautiful and cherished part of your celebration.