How to Shape the Cascade Bridal Bouquet

So many decisions have been made for your wedding and now it's time to decide on the flowers. The choice of bridal bouquet is mostly determined by the style and personality of the bride, but also according to train length and the formality of the wedding. The shape of the cascade or teardrop bridal bouquet is perfect for an elegant dress.

Instructions

1. Select flowers that will complement the bride. Popular flower choices are gardenias, tulips and hydrangeas. Sunflowers make a gorgeous bouquet, too.

2. Grasp bouquet holder in your hand and begin working. Cover the entire foam area with flat greenery first. This will keep the foam from showing at all.

3. Begin shaping the cascade bridal bouquet. Place the first long spray of flowers in the front of the bouquet facing away from the bride. This should be the longest part of the arrangement.

4. Insert flowers on both sides of the first layer. Cut each of these down about three inches shorter than the original flower length so they will be shaped nicely.

5. Fill in the top of the bouquet with the larger flowers such as gardenias and cover any open spaces with smaller flowers. Allow some of the flowers to tip slightly forward.

6. Drape long flowing ivy from the holder by lifting gently underneath the base of the flowers. The shape of the cascade bridal bouquet is like a waterfall. The effect should be long and flowing. Finish off with covering the holder in satin or tulle.