How to Make a Bridal Bouquet Using Silk Hydrangea Flowers

Pair blue hydrangea with ivory or orange flowers.

Hydrangeas offer an attractive option for bridal bouquets because the flowers are very large, so you don't need many of them to create an eye-catching nosegay. They also work well for do-it-yourself weddings because the flowers already have a round bouquet shape, so you don't need to fuss much to create a beautiful arrangement.

Things You'll Need

• 3 to 6 hydrangea
• 3 to 5 accent flowers
• Small pruning shears
• Rubber band
• Floral tape
• Foam tape
• Satin ribbon
• Large pearl or gemstone pin

Instructions

1. Purchase or gather three large or six small hydrangea bunches in the early morning or evening before the wedding. Store them in a cool, dry place before arranging the bouquet.

2. Gather any accent flowers you'll be using in the bouquet. You may want ivory flowers intermixed with your green hydrangea or orange roses tucked between dark blue or purple hydrangea bunches.

3. Strip all the foliage off any roses or other accent flowers. Make sure the hydrangea stems are clean and smooth. Snip all stem tips at an angle with small pruning shears.

4. Hold one hydrangea bunch in your hand. Add an accent flower on the outside, and turn the bouquet slightly. Add another accent flower or a second hydrangea bunch, depending on how many accent flowers you want. Three to five blossoms in bold accent colors work well in a bouquet.

5. Turn the bouquet forward and study it in the mirror to make sure you have an even, round bouquet. Move bunches or flowers around for the best shape and balanced color. Continue turning and adding stems and hydrangea bunches until your bouquet is the size you want.

6. Hold your bouquet together, and tightly wrap floral tape around the stems just under the flower bunches. Hydrangeas have thick stems and can withstand a rubber band as well. Cover about 2 inches of the bouquet stalk with the tape.

7. Cover the floral tape with foam tape, gently laying a matching satin ribbon over the foam tape and smoothing it on for an attractive bouquet handle. Continue to wrap the foam tape and smooth on the ribbon.

8. Snip the foam tape and satin when you've covered all but 1 1/2 to 2 inches of stem at the bottom. Fold the satin under, and secure it with a large pearl or gemstone pin, making sure the pin stays inside the stalk instead of sticking out.

Tips & Warnings

• After making the bouquet, set it in several inches of water to keep the flowers fresh and perky.

Resources

• The Knot: Homemade Wedding Bouquets: The Basics