Alternatives to Water Vials for a Flower Bouquet

Floral tubes or vials are constructed of hard green or clear plastic. The stems of the flower are pushed through holes in the floral water tubes cap to give the blossoms a water source until they are delivered. These vials can be cumbersome as a water source for a decorative bouquet of flowers for a wedding or formal occasion. You have other alternatives to the plastic water vials for your cut flower bouquet.

You can make a tussie mussie by gathering a small bouquet in one hand and setting it into a lace or doily collar. Wet several pieces of paper towels, and wrap the stems with the water source. Wrapping the towels with a piece of plastic wrap will help keep the moisture contained.

Use a silver or gold colored holder to set the tussie mussie flower stems into the holder for a more formal occasion. A bride, bridesmaid or other celebrant might carry her short-stemmed flowers in the attractive holder for a wedding or special event.

You can purchase a fresh flower bouquet holder from a florist or floral supply company that sells to the public. These plastic holders incorporate florist foam, often in a round plastic cage, which holds the foam in place and supports the flower stems.

Set the foam-filled plastic holder into a container of water until the foam is fully saturated. Arrange a full floral bouquet into the foam. The foam will supply a water source to the short-stemmed flowers for a few days. The bouquet holder is one of the main methods a floral designer uses when making a wedding bouquet.

Place sterile cosmetic cotton balls or facial pads in a cup of water. Cut the bottom of the bouquet flower stems at an angle under water. After wrapping the cut stems immediately with the water-soaked balls or pads, cover the moist cotton-wrapped stems with plastic wrap or a sandwich bag to contain the dripping excess. Hide the plastic by setting the bouquet into a paper cone or container.

Cut fresh flower stems to a length of 3 to 5 inches. Use the florist technique of inserting a floral wire through each stem. Wrap the wired stem with floral tape to completely cover it. The wire supports the flowers in the designed bouquet for a wedding.

The tape is pulled tightly against itself as it sticks to the stems and wires, adding a second skin to the stems. Wrap the taped and wired stems with ribbon or lace to give the handheld bouquet a formal look. This labor-intensive project is mainly used for shaped wedding bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres.

Generally, the florist uses a variety of plant species that can go without a flower water source once they have been cut and wired. Dianthus flowers, which includes carnations and sweet Williams, lilies, roses, baby's breath and eucalyptus or magnolia leaves are among the sturdy blossoms and greenery used in this type of bouquet. With the addition of an anti-transpirant spray, the flowers retain their fresh look until after the event.