2010-05-21 15:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
3 Easy Steps to Create Your Own Bridal Bouquet: Step 3 - Go For It!
STEP 3: Go For It!
Wired Bridal Bouquet Image Courtesy of FLUR.
How To Make Your Own Beautiful Bouquet:
Begin by choosing in-season flowers. Generally one or two types of mass flowers (round) will create the base of the whole bouquet. Then add one or two form flowers for interest. You can add filler or accent flowers if you'd like to create something more interesting.
Discuss your choices with your florist and confirm how many of each you'll need. Order the flowers at least 30 days before your wedding and remember to do a timed test run. Avoid flowers that require special care or are hydration sensitive (hydrangeas, stephanotis, gardenias, etc.)
A hand-spiralled or hand-tied bouquet is a traditional technique, originating from Holland, that is the definitive way to create a bridal bouquet. This method is best taught in a classroom environment. I've developed a 'cheaters' method for creating a bridal bouquet that's much easier for beginners.
The Bunching Method:
Here's an example of a white and chocolate brown color theme for a September wedding. I'll be referring to the flowers in this 'sample bouquet' in order to explain this method.
- White roses and cream dahlias (mass flowers)
- Black calla lilies (form flowers)
- Lophomyrtus, a great chocolate foliage that has a bushy structure (filler flowers)
- Chocolate hypericum berries (accent flowers)
- Magnolia leaves, a great velvet chocolate leaf (foliage)
- Begin by laying out all of the flowers you’ll be using. Strip flowers of their foliage. Carefully inspect each bloom and remove any discoloured or damaged petals.
- Break foliage and filler down into usable sections and clean off the foliage from the bottom of the stems. When finished place each flower type into its own separate vase.
- Take one of each type of flower and place together into a mini bouquet. Take one rose and place one Dahlia next to it. Nestle the calla lily in next to them, placing it so that the tip is just slightly higher than the rose. This creates definition. Place a bit of filler and a stem of the berries next to it.
- Using a thin section of waterproof tape, like Oasis green strapping tape (available from your florist), tape your mini bouquet together. Tape prevents flowers from slipping.
- Take all you're little bunches and look at them carefully. Try placing them together into a larger bouquet. Work at finding a visually pleasing look. You'll want to create a uniform look, so make sure no bunch is dramatically higher or lower than the others.
- Once you've decided where everything will go, begin placing them together and taping them off, one by one. When finished, use your magnolia foliage to collar the bouquet and hide any tape that will not be covered by ribbon.
- Stand in front of a mirror or a reliable bridesmaid. Hold the bouquet at waist-level and turn it until you see a the side that is most appealing to look at. This is the front of your bouquet, the part you want captured in your photos.
- Wrap your bouquet in ribbon or fabric, using pins to secure it through the stems of your bouquet. Place extra pins to indicate where the back is, so you have a guide in which to hold it. Voila, you have created a beautiful bouquet!
Remember to mist the bouquet with water, re-cut the stems to an even length and place in a vase. Cover with a plastic bag and place at the front of your fridge. Satin ribbon and certain fabrics will stain when placed in water so you may want to wait to wrap the stems until the wedding day.
Making your own bridal bouquet is not impossible. With careful planning and advice from your local florist you too can have beautiful wedding flowers that will look great in your photos. You’ll also feel a sense of pride because you created something spectacular and special for your wedding day.
Alex
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About our Guest Florist Blogger Alex:
Alex Bazos is a floral designer with 7 years of industry experience focusing on wedding and event florals. As the owner and principal designer of FLUR Designs Inc. in Edmonton, she has become one of the chief proponents of modern floral design in western Canada. Alex believes strongly in educating and inspiring brides and young designers about the new floral design.
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