How to Make Floral Designs for Weddings

Create organic and nature-oriented floral designs for an outdoor ceremony.

As a bride walks down the aisle, everyone surrounding her can find themselves captivated by the beauty of her smile, her wedding dress and her flowers. Create statement pieces that a bride would be proud to carry on her trip down the aisle by making stunning wedding floral designs. While creating floral arrangements for weddings is a complex task, the reward for your hard work is great as your floral designs are a part of one of the best days of a couple's life together.

Things You'll Need

• waterproof floral tape
• waterproof clay
• floral stem tape
• floral clay waterproof tape
• floral wires
• ribbon
• pins

Instructions

1. Consult the bride. Before spending any time on flowers for a wedding, it is imperative to first meet with the bride-to-be to discuss her vision for her wedding flowers. Listen to her ideas for the floral arrangements and take notes about what she likes. Give her helpful advice when necessary.

2. Visit the floral shop where you will be purchasing the flowers for the wedding. Talk with store employees and discuss the date of the wedding. Ask what flowers will be in the best condition at this time. Generally, and if the bride agrees, floral designs are most successful when you focus on the color of flowers you want versus seeking a specific type of flower.

3. Balance floral designs by choosing both beautiful blooms and supporting plants. For example, a summer bridal bouquet can include greenery along with vibrant colors from flowers such as a bird of paradise. To ensure the floral designs will look their best for the wedding, purchase the flowers the day before the ceremony, if possible, and then create your pieces. Do not purchase or make the arrangements more than two days before the wedding.

4. Start to construct your floral designs once you have both the bride's vision and the flowers you are going to be using. Hold bouquets together by wrapping the stems with waterproof floral tape and floral wire. When creating table or alter arrangements, use waterproof floral clay in the base of vases or other containers to provide a foundation for flowers to be placed in. Waterproof floral clay tape can also help hold flowers in place.

5. Edit your floral designs while you are building them. Every few minutes, take a step back and view your bouquet or arrangement from a distance. Ensure the shape and colors are balanced.

6. Finalize your floral designs by wrapping bouquet stems with ribbon and covering any visible floral tape or clay on arrangements. Ensure the flowers will be placed with the stems in water and keep them in a cool location until the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a portfolio of all of your floral designs that prospective clients can reference to get an idea of your talent in designing wedding flowers.

References

• Sheffield School: Designer Monthly
• Save on Crafts