Do-It-Yourself Wedding Bouquet
October 28th, 2006 Posted in Wedding Planning and IdeasThe hand-tied bouquet is a popular wedding bouquet style due to its diversity in look, size and elegance. As its name suggests, this bouquet consists of a dense bunch of flowers whose stems are grouped together and tied. The stems become a visual component of the bouquet, giving it a slightly more casual appearance. Yet, casual does not imply boring. These bouquets are quiet stunning and are perfect for the do-it-yourself bride.
Hand-tied bouquets have many looks. The first step in the designing process is to select the flowers. Often times, brides select a single flower with hardy stems, such as the Rose or Carnation. This flower is the only variety within the bouquet, letting its large colorful heads draw attention. Other times, brides choose an assortment of flowers, varying in color and size. Whichever flower combination, the following steps provide a guideline for to create a beautiful hand-tied bridal bouquet.
- The bouquet is best arranged the morning of the wedding. Thirty to sixty minutes should be set aside to arrange each bouquet. To create a bouquet averaging
- First, prepare the flowers. Remove all foliage, thorns and unattractive guard petals from each flower. Keep the stems long, and make fresh cuts about an inch from the stem’s bottom. All cuts should be done under cool, running water. Place the freshly trimmed flowers in cool water until ready to arrange. If the flowers are not fully open, place them in hot water for no longer than three minutes. Longer time may kill them.
- Next, arrange the flowers. Using one hand to hold the flowers and the other to arrange them, start with four flowers placed in a square all at even height. This will serve as the center of the bouquet. Add flowers one stem at a time. If you want to achieve a rounded look, slightly slope the height of the flowers’ heads. Be sure to tilt flowers as well, so that heads begin to point outward and create a round shape. To achieve this look, the stems may have to be placed at angles within the hand. Stand in front of a mirror while gathering the flowers. Hold them as the bride would and use the mirror to look at the bouquet from the guest’s perspective.
- If using filler flowers such as baby’s breath, group these into small bunches and insert them into the design as a cluster. Small bloom cluster can create a stunning impact.
- Once complete, secure the bouquet in place. Waterproof floral tape or rubber bands work wonderfully. The stems should be wrapped about 3 to
- At this point, place the bouquet into water if it will not be used within the next several hours. For the freshest possible flowers, wrap the stems just hours prior to using the bouquet.
- Cut the stems to the desired lengths. Although even stem lengths are a common choice, an uneven look adds a more natural, just-picked appearance to the design. Be sure to clean and dry the steps with a paper towel before adding material.
- Here you have several options. A wrap can be placed around the entire length of the stems, just where the bride will hold them, or only over the tape or rubber bands. If you desire a wrap, cut a length of bridal ribbon about 3 times the length of the stems. Tuck the ribbon into the stems, and wrap the ribbon twice around this section. Continue down the length of the stems in a spiral. Once at the bottom, wrap the spiral back up the stem. The ribbon’s edge can be tucked underneath and held in place with several corsage pins. Be sure to choose a ribbon color that coordinates with the flower colors, but that does not distract from the bouquet itself.