Bridal Club Magazine
Tips for Homemade Wedding Bouquets and Centerpieces
On the contrary, beside the cost-effectiveness of the project,
you'd enjoy adding this personal little touch and add to your list
of things to brag about.
And wait a minute; did I mention they're easy? Yes, wedding
centerpieces and wedding bouquet can easily be made at home whether
you choose to do it yourself or with the help of friends.
Want to choose flowers according to the season but worried about
making a mistake? Worried that they might not last long enough and
end up costing you more money than you hoped to save? We'll be
discussing tips to make amazing wedding flowers, both personal and
professional tricks for neat flower arrangement that you get to
learn for life! So for a modern and fulfilling wedding flower
experience, here's what we suggest.
#1: Know the Best Picks for Wedding Flower
Options
I guess it's occasions like weddings that make us learn more
about these intricate floral delicacies. For example, have you ever
wondered why Ranunculus, Lillium Casablanca, Stephanotis, Dahlias,
and Tulips were reserved for January? Or varieties like Iris,
Larkspur, Kangaroo Paw, Sunflowers, and Magnolia would look great
in February?
Now you may already have a favorite flower to incorporate or you
may be looking for one with special symbolism. Peony, for example,
stands for a happy marriage, prosperity, and good health. Orchids
signify refinement and beauty. You may want to consider classic
choices like Calla Lilies or you can simply be seeking value for
money with the Hydrangea.
Ask a florist for some local context and quotes. If your
favorite flower isn't in season during the wedding month, then
you'll either be importing (and paying a premium for it) if you're
not flexible, or you'll have to choose another instead.
Hint: Roses are always in season.
#2: Keep it Simple
Most people assume they can arrange their flowers in a perfect
combination. One word for you: don't.
Quite simply, it's probably not something to which you are
accustomed on a daily basis Sometimes, simple really is better. And
we're not just referring to how complex arrangements overwhelm you,
your fiancé, and/or your helpers.
Avoid complex arrangements but plan in advance so the décor is
according to your circumstances, situation and preferences. Label
the jars with the number of stems and type of flowers to save time
and stress on the big day. Planning ahead and enlisting help of
guests, including bridesmaids, their partners, your cousins and
aunts mean you finalize both the wedding centerpieces and wedding
bouquet in plenty of time.
#3: Keep Your Wedding Flowers Fresh
Where some people are afraid to touch a flower bud for fear of
causing damage, others also worry how to avoid having a sickly DIY
arrangement prior to the wedding. The latter would find the
following pretty useful.
- Storing them in a cool basement or refrigerator because they
keep at their best in the cold
- Cutting around an inch off the bottom of the stems so they can
soak up water
- Adding a bit of sugar, aspirin, or clear soda such as Sprite
averts browning
- Cutting leaves that will otherwise be submerged under water
prevents the water getting murky
#4: Avoid Common Mistakes
You may have been inspired by someone who did their own wedding
bouquet, rather than buying it from a store. You can learn so much
on what not to do when attempting these
projects!
For one, if you're hosting at location with a scenic surrounding
or a venue with breathtaking views, be careful about tall and large
wedding centerpieces, which may bring focus more on the individual
table setting than the beautiful reception location. Select lower
and loose-style arrangements and ones featuring lush greens to
stretch their size.
Second, there are people who waste money on flowers simply
because they refuse to reuse the ones at the ceremony for their
reception. Consider that - your aisle flowers can easily be turned
to wedding centerpieces and the ones by the altar arranged around
the buffet. This, of course, assumes you have help and time moving
them and may not work for everyone.
Third, don't rule out 'expensive' flowers. Sometimes a single
bloom can have a greater impact than a bouquet of their affordable
siblings. Think one Cattleya Orchid compared to a bunch of roses;
you can use them sparingly.
Fourth, with respect to the colors and scents, don't go with a
strictly monochromatic scheme (e.g. matching the flowers with the
color the bridesmaid dress) and avoid strongly scented items.
When it comes to bouquets and centerpieces, be careful not to
choose oversized bouquets (it'll hide your dress). Choose the
right table linens to complete and make your flowers flourish. But
don't forget to give it a personal touch; an antique pine, a swath
of lace, light feathers anything would do.
YouTube guides (e.g. by Bride De Force) and Pinterest are good
resources to check out for ideas.
These tips aside, remember that flowers, and homemade wedding
bouquets in particular, express your personal style. There's no
rule to follow. Do it your way.