Tips for DIY Wedding Bouquets
Creating your own wedding bouquet can be a daunting thought, but it doesn’t have to be! With a few simple tips to keep in mind, you can create a beautiful bouquet that reflects the beauty of your special day. What a great way to add your own special touch to your ceremony while saving quite a bit of money, as well! Whether you make this a get-together with your bridesmaids or simply take a little time to make a bouquet for yourself (or a friend), the steps are simple and can add so much meaning to an already-wonderful day. Here are some important tips that the professionals at Cascade Floral Wholesale hope you keep in mind as you plan and create your beautiful bouquet.
Choosing Your Flowers
Whether you choose to purchase your flowers through a wholesaler like Cascade Floral Wholesale or local farmer’s market, be sure to order the flowers you want about two months before the big day. Order 20 percent more than you think you’ll need in case of wilted petals or broken stems. For the freshest, most cost-effective options, choose flowers that will be in season at the time of your wedding. Also, don’t forget the greenery and filler you’ll want to use to give your bouquet rich fullness and texture.
Other Materials to Have On-Hand
Besides the flowers themselves, there are a few other supplies you’ll want to have on hand. Be sure to have pruning shears for trimming stems and foliage off the stems. Floral wire is best for wrapping and securing the stems into one bouquet. Waterproof floral tape is essential for wrapping the stems together and hiding the wires used to secure them. Finally, choose ribbon that will accent your wedding colors and bring out the beauty of the flowers. This will be visible, so be sure it stands out and looks amazing. You may also choose to use floral pins to tack the ribbon into place.
The Basics of Arranging your Bouquet
Check each flower for signs of bruising or wilting and remove all dead petals as well as leaves from stems before you begin. Start with your main focal flower in the middle and work your way outward in a circular pattern, adding new flowers one by one. Check regularly in a full-length mirror to make sure the size and shape are what you want. Add greenery last to create the outer edges of your bouquet. Place small filler flowers like waxflower or baby’s breath in the spaces throughout to hide any holes and give your bouquet depth and dimension. Once every stem is in place, wrap with floral wire just below the stems to secure your bouquet. Cut the stems straight across for a clean, finished look. Then wrap with floral tape, leaving about 4-5 inches of stem showing at the bottom.
Store It Properly
Once your bouquet is completed, store in a bucket or vase of water in a cool, dark place (like a basement or closet) until just before the wedding. Do NOT place your bouquet in a refrigerator that contains fruit or vegetables (the gasses they give off will cause your bouquet to wilt quickly). Just before the wedding ceremony, dry your stems gently and finish with your choice of ribbon and style in a bow or knot with streaming ends. Place in a vase of water with just enough to cover the stems (not the ribbon) until time to walk down the aisle!
Making a wedding bouquet is a simple process that can bring so much joy and satisfaction. Try a few sample bouquets with simple flowers from the grocery store or local wholesaler beforehand for practice. Knowing the art of designing bouquets is a beautiful way to gift friends, family, and loved ones on their special day. Talk to the floral experts at Cascade Floral Wholesale about the best blooms for your upcoming wedding, and let us help you choose the perfect flowers, foliage, and supplies you’ll need to make a beautiful design.