A bouquet is a personal touch that often incorporates the wedding colors or theme. More brides are creating handmade accents for their weddings including the wedding bouquets. Whether you want a traditional floral bouquet or something nontraditional, you can easily make your own bridal bouquet. Follow these simple steps to learn how to make your own bridal bouquet.
There are several types of bridal bouquets and flowers for the rest of the bridal party. The traditional bouquet is a hand-tied flower bouquet. A cascade bouquet has a trail of flowers and foliage that hang below the main bouquet. The Biedermeier is a striped bouquet of different types of flowers created by aligning the same type of flowers in circles. A pomander is a ball covered with flowers that is held dangling by a ribbon.
Floral Bouquet
The type of flowers used for a bouquet may be chosen based on what is available in the wedding colors. If you are using fresh flowers, prepare the flowers by removing any leaves and thorns from the stems. Select three or four of the flowers that you want as the central flowers and hold them tight in the position you want them. Add one flower at a time to the bouquet evenly around your central flowers.
After the main flowers are placed as desired, you can add filler flowers along some of the edge of the bouquet and among the main flowers. Baby’s breath is a traditional choice for filler flowers, however other flowers that feature clusters of small flowers or berries can be used as filler. Some flowers used as filler include seeded eucalyptus, aster, bouvardia, wax flowers, trachelium, and delphinium.
This classic, hand-tied clutch bouquet also could be made with silk flowers instead of fresh flowers. The cascade bouquet style can be made by adding longer flowers like orchids or using floral wire to connect flower blossoms in trails under the bouquet.
When you are happy with the overall appearance of the bouquet, you can wrap the stems tightly with floral tape. Once the flowers are secured in the arrangement with tape, trim the stems so that they are all the same length. The tape can then be covered with satin ribbon and lace to achieve the desired look. The finished floral bouquet should be wrapped in tissue paper and placed in the refrigerator.
Craft or Theme Bouquet
Some brides are opting for a nontraditional bouquet that shows off their craft diva side. Bouquets of colorful buttons or items that reflect the theme of the wedding are popular choices. Are you having a unique wedding? Make a theme bouquet using objects related to the theme.To create these unique bouquets, the bouquet form is created with a styrofoam ball and either a bouquet holder or stick to hold the ball. For a pomander or brooch bouquet for the bride or flower girl, ribbon can be used to hold the styrofoam ball. The ball is then decorated with items that reflect the bride’s personality or wedding theme such as flowers made from colorful buttons, pearls, shells, lace, or silk flowers. If a stick is used, the stick can be transformed into a pretty holder by covering it with layers of tulle, ribbon, and lace.
For more unique wedding ideas, visit Best for Bride and browse or wedding blog. We have a lot of great tips to prepare for your special day and how to make it a memorable event for everyone.
Choosing your wedding flowers is totally different from getting flowers for your mom or any other special occasion. Picking wedding flowers requires special attention that requires a bit of research to find the perfect florist for your one special day. Flowers add a special pizazz to your wedding, so it’s important to choose the right flowers, color and arrangements to match every other detail of your wedding. Even if you’re not going all on tons of flowers, you’ll at least get your bridal bouquet, bouquets for your bridesmaids and boutonnieres for the groom and his groomsmen. Some people also want flower arrangement as their centerpieces for the reception tables, so here’s some helpful tips on finding the right florist to get the job done right.
Research Local Florists
Just as you would research the right venue and bakery, you should research florists in your area to find out which shops are the best at creating bridal flowers. Ask around for recommendation and see where any married friends got theirs from. Finally, when you narrow down your list to the top five, start interviewing professionals to compare styles, prices and personalities. But make sure you have an idea of what your wedding colors will be and have any pictures of flower arrangements that you like available to show them.
Be Prepared
Before you meet up with your top five florists, be prepared to show them not only your ideas, but your budget. It’s said that you should set aside 3% of your total wedding budget for your flowers and decor. And don’t worry about not having a lot to spend on flowers since you can ask the various florists to work within your budget. Also know how many pieces you’ll need for your wedding, including how many bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc. This will allow the florists to provide you with an exact estimate so that you can take home and crunch the numbers to see if it fits within your budget.
Things To Bring To Appointments
When you’re attending appointments with florists, make sure you bring your idea file with pictures of things you like; a bridesmaid dress fabric swatch to help the florist suggest coordinating flowers that match; a photo of our wedding dress so that they can suggest bouquet styles that will complement your dress; and pictures of your ceremony and reception venues so that they can help you dream up your perfect decor! Always bring a list of questions so that you can get a sense of what they can do for you and your ideas. At the end of each meeting, get an estimate in writing based on what you’ve discussed for your wedding. At home, go over all your notes and choose the florist you like best.
Finalizing The Florist
Once you’ve chosen the florist, set up a second meeting to finalize any details of your order. This is where you can make any adjustments to anything you’d like. Ask for their professional opinions on things and trust that they will provide you with the very best flower arrangements for your dream wedding!
Best For Bride is your one-stop bridal shop! No only will you find your perfect dress at one of our many shops, but we also offer a variety of bridal services so that you can easily get everything done at one place, including flowers! We have years of experience and know how to accommodate each and every bride that comes through our doors so that they leave happy and ready to say their I Dos!
Astrology is just for fun…whether or not you believe in the twelve zodiac signs is totally up to you. However, many women do enjoy checking their horoscopes and reading about the characteristics of each Sun Sign. If you love astrology and beauty tips, you’ll also love this quick guide to the best makeup, hairstyles, and wedding gowns for your sign. Today, we’ll focus on the first six signs of the zodiac. Stay tuned for the others next week!
Aries
You’re the zodiac pioneer…you want to set trends and look fabulous while you’re doing it. Your fresh, bold approach to fashion can make you quite fearless. You like to take chances! For your wedding day, you should highlight your face with modern makeup that focuses on your eyes and lips. You’ve got strong features that become very glamorous with the right lipstick and eye makeup. Tone down any ruddiness in your complexion with a tinted moisturizer, then conceal imperfections. A light dusting of translucent powder should be enough to highlight your skin.
Red and white are your “magic colors” – use a strong red lip color (Lancome Mars is a wonderful red, with copper shimmer ) or bold ruby gloss on your wedding day. If you want a more subtle red, consider a lip stain. Eyes can be highlighted with a touch of silvery-white eyeshadow on the brow bone.
For your white wedding dress, look for modern details like one-shouldered styles, chic embroidery, or glossy, shiny fabrics. You may have the desire for a fairytale wedding – Aries is very romantic! Aries brides often choose wedding dresses with voluminous skirts to get the right effect.
Diamonds are your birthstone – treat yourself to bridal rings that feature this gorgeous stone – you’ll probably want a solitaire..the bigger, the better! Celeb Aries – Lady Gaga (imagine what her wedding gown would look like!)
Taurus –
You’re the Earth Mother of the zodiac. Capable, practical, and nurturing, you can also be quite single-minded and even stubborn. You should bring out the gentler, more feminine aspects of your personality and appearance on your wedding day. This can be achieved by choosing touches of baby pink or pale blue in your makeup, sash, bouquet, or bridal jewelry.
Natural fabrics will appeal to you – you may feel most comfortable in a simple and elegant slip dress made of real silk or satin. You hate anything fake! Your skin is probably quite lovely – many Taurus women have soft and smooth complexions. Use a touch of bronzer, such as Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess, to highlight your glowing skin. Natural makeup will be best for you – anything pinky-brown or soft pink will appeal to you.
Necklaces with rose quartz or other semi-precious stones can add a little bohemian beauty to your bridal gown. Your throat is one of your best features, so be sure to choose a special pendant for your big day. A filmy veil may seem romantic – however, many Taurus women choose to keep veils short and quite simple. Wearing your hair down and keeping accessories to a minimum will probably make you feel most comfortable. Celeb Taurus Bride – Jessica Alba
Gemini –
You are a chameleon – you’re fun, social, and always changing with the times. You’ll be the bride who wants to enjoy the latest trends as you marry. You may opt for touches of bright color in your wedding outfit – yellow and green are your magic colors, so perhaps a bouquet featuring these cheery tones could work for you. A sash in a vibrant hue will make you feel more fashionable as you marry.
You’ll love experimenting with different looks before your wedding – look for a well-stocked bridal boutique that offers plenty of options. Take friends along to help you decide. Your hands are always beautiful – compliment them with bridal rings that have a little artistic or sculptural flair. Schedule a manicure and treat yourself to a special nail color for your wedding. You also have pretty lips – Gemini is very kissable! Use a pretty gloss in a fun color like rich plum or berry to play up your mouth.
Many lovely Gemini women, such as actress Annette Bening, look wonderful with short hairstyles. If you’re one of them, you may want to skip a veil and just show off some fresh, stylish highlights. If you have long hair, experiment with high-fashion up-dos that aren’t too old-fashioned. Modern is the way to go for Gemini! Gemini bride-to-be Natalie Portman is sure to dazzle with a chic bridal gown and the coolest accessories.
Cancer –
You’re sweet and sentimental – tradition matters so much to the Cancer bride. You’ll want to wear something borrowed and something blue. You’ll also remember every moment of your romantic wedding day. For you, a traditional wedding gown will always be your first choice. Look for a bridal dress that is very feminine – a classic hourglass silhouette will highlight your chest and waist – and these are often the best features of a Cancer woman’s figure. A fuller skirt, perhaps with a crinoline, will look terrific on you.
You should consider a veil – you’ll love the romantic feeling it brings. For you, makeup should be in sun-kissed pastel tones that are subtle and appealing – gentle coral-pink lipstick, peachy blush (Rose Silk Cheekers blush by Covergirl is wonderful – and cheap!) and shimmery eye shadows in pale gold and cream will flatter. Pearls will make you glow – consider wearing a classic strand on your big day.
Don’t be too severe with your hair – your soft, childlike beauty is flattered by tousled waves or curls. Cancer brides may cry on the big day – your tears of joy will look much prettier if you remember to wear waterproof mascara! Famous Cancer Brides – the late Princess Diana
Leo –
You’re a regal woman who is blessed with charisma and confidence. You have so many wonderful physical attributes, and you also have the personality to carry off the boldest wedding styles. For you, the challenge may to to tone down your dramatic tendencies when you choose a wedding gown and accessories. Many Leo women enjoy the “costume” element of a wedding – however, they often look best in sleek lines that show off their natural beauty.
Unless your hair is very dark, you should treat yourself to a few golden highlights before your wedding. A suntan will always make you feel more beautiful – whether it comes from Mother Nature, or from a tanning salon or self-tanner. Try not to go too far with tanning – keep it subtle to look more natural at your wedding.
Your gown should be dramatic, with high-fashion details you’re proud of. You will want quality and uniqueness – you don’t want to look like every other bride. Adding a touch of scarlet or golden yellow to your bouquet, bridal jewelry, or makeup will make you feel confident – gold and red are lucky colors for Leo. Lipstick possibility – Russian Red by MAC. Celebrity Leos – the late Jackie Kennedy, Madonna.
Virgo –
Humble and down-to-earth, you are also quite meticulous about details. Planning your wedding may be stressful, as you want to take care of everything yourself. Staying healthy and relaxed as your wedding day approaches is really the most important beauty tip I can give. Don’t be afraid to delegate some tasks to others – even if they won’t do them quite as well as you would.
Your beauty is quite refined – you will look best in sophisticated designs that are elegant and more subdued. You may not want to embrace the over-the-top princess look at your wedding – instead, you’ll want to look pulled-together, womanly, fresh, and immaculately groomed. Look for a gown with simple lines and just a touch of embellishment – you will want fine craftsmanship, and you’ll be willing to pay for the best if your budget allows it. You are interested in art and design – you’ll appreciate hand-beading and unique details, as long as they aren’t too flashy.
Even cheap wedding dresses can be fine choices if you examine seams, fabric, and quality carefully before you buy. Getting a deal is always a thrill for frugal Virgo! You should highlight your eyes when you do your makeup – a subtle eyeliner in soft brown or charcoal grey can add definition without being too harsh looking. Use blush to give your face a softer appearance – your lips will look best in neutral lipstick – Clinique Blushing Nude is very nice. Use a clear gloss to add shine.
Overall, subtlety and attention to detail will work best for you. Anything tacky or too frou-frou will make you unhappy. Your shiny, healthy hair will look glam in a sleek up-do – consider a chignon or half-up, half-down style. A French manicure will look clean and elegant – your bridal rings will be shown off to their best advantage. Virgo Bride – Faith Hill
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