How to Make Bridesmaid Bouquets

Weddings should be remembered forever and a helpful way to achieve this would be to give your bridesmaids something to take from the occasion. Make special bouquets for the bridal attendants. You can make the bouquets identical to one another or make each one a little different.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wire cutters
• Fresh Flowers
• Artificial Flowers And Greenery
• 1- To 2-inch Wide Silk Ribbon
• Green Floral Tape
• 1- To 2-inch Wide Satin Ribbon
• Baby's Breath
• Scissors
• Bouquet Holders
• Florist Wires
• Fresh Or Artificial Greenery
• Pearl Sprays
• Ferns
• Lace Trims

1. Plan to make the bridesmaid bouquets scaled-down versions of the bridal bouquet. Use the same flowers and decorative elements, but fewer of them.
2. Remove any dead leaves or thorns from the flowers before you begin arranging them.
3. See "Make a Bouquet for the Bride," under Related eHows, for instructions on arranging the flowers in a bouquet holder.
4. Consider using two to six long-stemmed flowers as an alternative to a traditional bouquet. Begin with one flower and then position the next so that it is below and to one side of the first. Continue to add flowers in this manner.
5. Remember to include fillers and accents in your bouquet. Baby's breath, heather and different types of fern are commonly used. Ribbons, lace trim and pearl sprays also make wonderful decorative accents to a bouquet.
6. Join the stems with green floral tape or floral wire either as you add each flower or after your arrangement is complete. Trim the stems so that they are even. Make sure to leave enough length on the stems for the bridesmaids to easily grasp the bouquets - approximately 8 inches.
7. Hide the floral tape or wire with a bow made with silk or satin ribbon that is 1 to 2 inches wide. Use ribbon colors that complement the wedding colors.
8. Use artificial flowers as an alternative to fresh-cut flowers. Artificial flowers are usually less expensive and will be a lasting memento of a very special occasion.

Tips & Warnings

• Search through bridal magazines and Web sites for bouquet ideas. Take note of the number of flowers used in each arrangement.
• Order the flowers and greenery well in advance. Your florist will be able to help you in your choice of both.
• To ensure that the flowers stay fresh, pick your flowers up from the florist as close to the wedding as possible and keep them moist and cool until they are ready to be used.