How to Ballet Wrap a Bouquet

A ballet wrap is commonly used on a wedding bouquet.

Ballet wrapped bouquets are commonly used in weddings by the bridal party. The ballet wrap uses a soft ribbon to spiral down the stems of the flowers, then back up, much like ballet ribbon wraps around a dancer’s ankles to secure the ballet shoes. A bouquet with a ballet wrap is classy, but it also makes it easy to hold while carrying. The ballet wrap has to be secured with pins and you can add an elegant touch by using pearl or jewel topped pins.

Things You'll Need

• Flower bouquet
• Measuring tape
• Wide band ribbon
• Scissors
• Pins

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the bouquet’s stem.

2. Multiply the stem length by three and cut the ribbon to that length.

3. Stick the top end of the ribbon into the center of the flower bouquet to secure it.

4. Wrap the ribbon around the flower stems in a spiral, moving downward as you wrap. At the bottom, use a single pin to secure the ribbon to the end of a stem.

5. Wrap the ribbon in a spiral again, this time moving upwards, back to the top of the stems.

6. Cut any excess ribbon, leaving about two inches at the top. Tuck the loose end into the bouquet.

7. Insert pins into the ribbon and stem to secure the wrap around the bouquet.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a tight spiral if you don’t want the stem to show or a loose spiral to create a staggered effect.

• If you’re using the ballet wrap for wedding bouquets, use white ribbon for the bride’s and maid of honor’s bouquets and colored ribbon for the remaining bridesmaids.

References

• “The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook: More Than 1,000 Cakes, Centerpieces, Bouquets, Dresses, Decorations, and Ideas for the Perfect Day”; Carley Roney et al; 2010
• “Show Me How: 500 Things You Should Know Instructions for Life From the Everyday to the Exotic”; Lauren Smith et al; 2008
• “To Have & To Hold: Magical Wedding Bouquets”; David Stark et al; 2005
• “Knack Wedding Flowers: A Complete Illustrated Guide to Ideas for Bouquets, Ceremony Decor, and Reception Centerpieces (Knack: Make It easy)”; Sharon Naylor et al; 2009