Create your own bridal bouquet

Here’s how to make your own bouquet for your wedding. Making your own bridal bouquet is a way to add a personal touch to your wedding and create a bouquet that truly reflects your style and personality.

It might feel like quite a challenge, but with a bit of preparation and creativity, you can make a stunning bouquet that you’ll be proud to carry on your big day. Here are a few tips and steps to bear in mind when creating your own bridal bouquet.

TIP: It’s important to have sharp tools when arranging your own bouquet so that the stems aren’t damaged.

• Choose the right flowers. When planning your bridal bouquet, it’s important to choose flowers that suit both your style and the wedding theme. Think about the vibe you want the bouquet to convey – romantic, bohemian, classic or modern. Some popular flowers for bridal bouquets include roses, peonies, lilies, eucalyptus and carnations. Feel free to combine larger flowers with smaller ones and choose different textures to create interest and depth in the bouquet.
• Bear the season in mind. An important step in the process is choosing flowers that are in season. Seasonal flowers are not only easier to source, they are also more cost-effective and long-lasting. For example, peonies and lilacs are perfect for spring, whilst dahlias and sunflowers are ideal for late summer and autumn. By using seasonal flowers, you also ensure they stay fresh for longer.
• Colour scheme and theme. To ensure the bouquet harmonises with the rest of the wedding, it’s important to consider a colour scheme. Think about which colours complement your dress and the overall wedding theme. Pastel colours create a romantic and soft feel, whilst bolder colours can create a more dramatic effect. A mix of different shades within the same colour palette can also give the bouquet a sophisticated look.
• Gather your tools. Before you start arranging your bouquet, you’ll need to have the right tools to hand. You’ll need a pair of secateurs or sharp scissors to cut the flowers to the right length. Florist’s tape and floral wire will help you keep the stems in place, and satin or lace ribbon can be used to wrap around the stems for a neat and elegant finish. Also, make sure you have a bucket of water to keep the flowers fresh whilst you work.
• Start with the focal flowers. When arranging your bouquet, begin with the larger, more prominent flowers that will form the focal point of the bouquet. Place these in the centre and then build the bouquet up by adding smaller flowers and filler material around them. Try to create balance in the bouquet by distributing colours and shapes evenly, but don’t be afraid to let certain flowers stand out to create a dynamic feel.
• Create shape and symmetry. It’s important to consider shape and symmetry when arranging your bouquet. A round bouquet is a classic and elegant choice, where all the flowers are evenly distributed. If you’re after a more relaxed and bohemian style, you could opt for a wilder, asymmetrical bouquet with longer stems and loosely arranged flowers. By mixing different sizes and shapes, you’ll achieve a more natural and vibrant look.
• Tie the bouquet. Once you’re happy with the arrangement of your flowers, tie them together with florist’s tape or floral wire. Make sure to pull it tight enough so that the bouquet holds its shape, but not so tight that the stems get squashed and damaged. Then trim the stems to the desired length, depending on how long you want the bouquet to be.
• Decorate the stems. Once the bouquet is tied, you can decorate the stems with ribbon. Choose a ribbon that matches your dress or wedding theme and wrap it round the stems, working from the top down. You can secure the ribbon with a small pin to keep it in place. This gives the bouquet an elegant and polished finish.
• Store the bouquet correctly. To ensure your bouquet stays as fresh as possible until the wedding, keep it in water for as long as possible. Place it in a clean vase or bucket of water and keep it in a cool place until the ceremony. Also make sure to spray the flowers with water if they start to look dry.
• Enjoy the experience. Making your own bridal bouquet can be a fun and creative process that gives you the chance to put your own personal touch on the wedding. Whether you do it yourself or together with close friends or family, it will be a memorable part of your wedding planning. And best of all – as you walk down the aisle with your hand-made bouquet, you’ll feel an extra sense of pride at having created something beautiful for your big day.

Do have a go at arranging your own bouquet using simpler flowers a few times before the wedding.

Find out more about how to make cut flowers last longer at Interflora.