Bridal Bouquet
Start
Create recipes and divide portions for every bouquet you need to make
Keep the portions divided by separating them into buckets or vases
Note your favorite stems and add some into the bridal bouquet bucket
Starting with the bridal bouquet gives size and style reference for the other pieces
Measure how big you want the bouquet in front your body
We recommend measuring the length from your hips to your under-bust
Remember, you'll be holding your bouquet under your bellybutton
Touch up your stems before building by removing any broken stems/leaves
We recommend using wire cutters to cut individual roses from the faux bush
We like removing all greenery from the faux roses
Sweep up any mess you've made so far, so you have a clean space to start designing
Gather the bouquet tools: ribbon, tape and boutonniere pins
Build
Start with your tallest stems to outline the dimensions and frame
Use your measurement from above for size/height reference
We like to start with the ruscus
Curl your index finger and thumb in a loose circle
This circle will mimic where your ribbon will be tied
For a larger bouquet, scrunch up a small amount of chicken wire into a ball for more support and an easier design process
Cross your stems, creating an X shape with the bottom of them stems
Keep adding in an X, as you add more stems into your bouquet
Once the bouquet is more structured, add in your more delicate stems and artificial blooms
We like saving the faux stems for the end so they don't get hidden
Tie
Use the florist tape to wrap around where your fingers were
Wrap the tape around 3-5 times
Leave a tab in the tape if you plan to add fresh flowers in later
Tape higher for a tighter bouquet and lower for a looser bouquet
After your bouquet is taped it should be stable and secure
Then it's time to add the ribbon
Place ribbon on top of the tape so it's not visible
Tie the ribbon in a bow and leave extras hanging for a whimsical look
Wrap the ribbon and pin it with boutonniere pins for a modern look
Cut the bottom of your stems at a straight, 90 angle
Remember your hands should be below your bellybutton when you're walking down the aisle so measure accordingly before you cut
Use garden shears to cut dried stems
Use wire cutters to cut the faux stems
Store upright in a vase without water (unless you've added fresh flowers)
Recommendations
We love this order: ruscus, lunaria, limonium, amaranthus, ferns, faux flowers, stippa
Add faux flowers near the very end so they don't get lost
Stipa is great for finishing touches
We know it can be tedious, but add one Stipa at a time for more fluff and texture
Try incorporating negative space
Try incorporating drastic height differences and asymmetrical styling
Try standing in front of a mirror so you can see multiple angles while you build
It's best to make final positioning adjustments after you tie it off
If you plan to add fresh flowers, we recommend doing so within 3 days of the event
Measure the bouquet compare to your body so you don't hide yourself too much!
If you're adding fresh flowers, build your bouquet first, then add in your fresh stems 3 days before the event
If you build the base first, and add in fresh flowers later, you can wiggle them in or place them outside the tape of your base bouquet. Then, re-tape with your new stems in place and re-tie your ribbon
If you're adding fresh flowers, and you're transporting them in water, wait until your flowers are at the venue to tie your ribbon, so it doesn't get wet
