How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

Explore this Article

parts

1Selecting Flowers and Foliage

2Creating the Bouquet

Other Sections

Video

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

Related Articles

References

Co-authored byIvy Summerand Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 7, 2023References

You can create a beautiful wedding bouquet in a matter of minutes! You only need a few supplies and you’ll save money as well as ensure the bouquet looks exactly as you want it to. You can use one type of flower, like roses, or choose a variety. Add foliage to round out your bouquet and tie a pretty ribbon around the base.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Selecting Flowers and Foliage

  1. 1

    Choose flowers that tie into your theme or wedding colors. Many flowers are available in multiple hues, so choose flowers that match or complement your wedding colors or theme.[1] You may want to choose wild flowers, like sunflowers or daisies, if your wedding will be a casual affair, or exotic flowers, like orchids or hibiscus, if your wedding will be a formal event.[2]

    • Look at wedding and floral magazines as well as websites like Pinterest to get ideas about the size and type of bouquet you like best.
  2. 2

    Select seasonal flowers. Choosing seasonal flowers for your bouquet will save you money because they are more readily available than exotic varieties. Check your local supermarket to see what beautiful blooms they have in stock. You can also order your flowers online, if you want.[3]

    • Spring and summer flowers include cherry blossoms, orchids, peonies, chrysanthemum, dahlia, and gardenias.[4]
    • Autumn and winter flowers include Gerbera daisies, roses, sunflowers, alstroemeria, lilies, pansies, and carnations.[5]
  3. 3

    Choose flowers with long stems. You’ll need flowers with sturdy, long stems, such as roses, irises, carnations, alstroemeria, peonies, tulips, and freesia. Other great choices include calla lilies, Singapore orchids, ranunculus, sweet peas, gardenias, and lisianthus.[6]

    • A mixed bouquet looks best when there are three or four varieties of flowers plus foliage.
  4. 4

    Pick your foliage. Adding greenery to your bouquet gives it a well-rounded, natural look. Select one kind of foliage, or pick a few to give your bouquet more variety. Suitable foliage includes camellia leaves, eucalyptus gum, box, ivy, nandina, and leather fern. You can also use Queen Anne’s Lace, cress, wheat, scented geraniums, Bells of Ireland, flax, and basil.[7]

  5. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (5)

    5

    Cut the ends of the stems on a slant and give the flowers a long drink. Remove the thorns and strip off the lower foliage from the bottom half of the flower stems. Then, cut the ends of the stems at a slant and rest them in a vase or bucket filled with water. Leave them in water for about an hour before starting on your bouquet.[8]

    • Make sure all your flower stems are approximately the same length.

    Advertisement

  1. 1

    Make your bouquet the night before or the morning of the wedding. To keep your flowers fresh and perky, you shouldn’t make the bouquet too far in advance. If possible, arrange your bouquet the morning of the wedding before you start getting ready for the big event. Then, carefully wrap it in tissue paper and refrigerate it until you’re ready to walk down the aisle.[9]

  2. 2

    Start off with the largest flower to form the center. Pick the largest and loveliest flower to sit in the middle of the bouquet. Alternatively, choose three medium-sized flowers to form the center of your bouquet. Hold the stem or stems between the thumb and first finger on the left hand about 15-20 cm (6-8 in) from the base of the flower head.[10]

  3. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (8)

    3

    Criss-cross the stems on an angle. With the right hand, add between four and six clusters of foliage evenly around and just below the flower heads to fill the spaces between them. Criss-cross the stems on an angle and turn the bouquet in your hand as you add in the foliage.[11]

  4. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (9)

    4

    Continue adding flowers and foliage. Holding the bouquet in the same way as before, with the thumb facing towards you, place flowers and foliage evenly around the bouquet.

    • Place each layer or level of flowers slightly below the previous one to achieve a rounded effect.
  5. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (10)

    5

    Secure all the stems together. Wind string or floral tape firmly around the stems several times, about 5.1 cm (2 in) lower than the flowers to keep everything in place. Then, cut the string or tape and tuck the end in.[12]

  6. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (11)

    6

    Cut the ends off the flower and foliage stems. For a neat appearance, cut the stems so they are about 15-20 cm (6-8 in) long and all the same level.[13]

  7. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (12)

    7

    Spray the bouquet with water. To keep your flowers and foliage fresh, spray the bouquet lightly with water.[14]

  8. How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (13)

    8

    Tie a ribbon around the bouquet. Finish off the bouquet by tying a piece of wide ribbon around the bouquet to cover the string. You can also wrap a thin ribbon around the bouquet several times. Tie the ribbon in a pretty bow with long tails, or secure it with a pin.[15]

    Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    What's the best way to dry the stems before they are carried so they don't drip?

    How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (14)

    Community Answer

    Wrap the stems in a towel and let the bouquets sit for about 2 minutes before the wedding.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 1Helpful 3

  • Question

    How many stems are needed on average when using all roses in a hand tied bouquet? I am going to be using artificial foam flowers.

    How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (15)

    Community Answer

    I would say about 6 to 7, depending on how big the foam roses actually are.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 0Helpful 2

  • Question

    How do left handed people tie a bouquet?

    How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (16)

    Community Answer

    Use the opposite of the directions given here. For example, if it says to hold the bouquet in your left hand, hold it in your right.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 0Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit


      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Using all the same color flowers may be easier if you are new to flower arranging.

        Thanks

        Helpful1Not Helpful0

      • If using different colored flowers, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful1

      • Bouquets can be placed along the front of the bridal table and used instead of centrepieces which will save money.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful1

      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Flowers
      • Foliage
      • Bucket or vase
      • Spray bottle
      • Water
      • Shears
      • Floral tape or string
      • Ribbon
      • Pin

      You Might Also Like

      How toAsk for FeedbackHow toBecome Taller Naturally

      Advertisement

      How toIronHow toGet the Perfect Valentine's Gift for Your BoyfriendHow toForget SomeoneHow toBuy the Perfect Valentine's Gift for Your GirlfriendHow toRecover from a Strained or Pulled MuscleHow toBleach a White ShirtHow toUse Pore StripsHow toFind Things You LostHow toSlim Your FaceHow toBe a CholoHow toApply for a GrantHow toUse a Can Opener

      Advertisement

      More References (6)

      About this article

      How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (30)

      Co-authored by:

      Ivy Summer

      Certified Wedding & Event Planner

      This article was co-authored by Ivy Summer and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Ivy Summer is a Certified Wedding Planner and the Owner of Voulez Events. Ivy has over 10 years of experience consulting, planning and coordinating weddings around the globe. She has also created a DIY online wedding planning workshop for couples, called "Plan Your Wedding Like A Pro." She currently resides in Greece where she continues to work with a worldwide network of planners and wedding professionals. This article has been viewed 254,905 times.

      4 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 18

      Updated: February 7, 2023

      Views:254,905

      • Print

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 254,905 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (31)

        K. A.

        Oct 9, 2016

        "Extremely helpful, not your average bridal/bouquet wrap. Simple, gave an elegant touch. Impressive with how simple..." more

      More reader storiesHide reader stories

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement

      How to Make a Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you hand tie a wedding bouquet? ›

      Tie off your bouquet with string

      Create an open loop by holding the string in the middle, so you've got two loose ends of even length. Now wrap this around the bouquet stems, with your fingers through the loop. You should be able to reach through and pull the two loose ends through the loop.

      How do you make a hand tied bridal bouquet with silk flowers? ›

      Here's a simple guide to get you started:
      1. Select Your Blooms and Greenery: Begin with your main flowers, choosing a mix of large and small blooms. ...
      2. Shape Your Bouquet: Start with the largest flower as the focal point. ...
      3. Secure the Stems: Once satisfied with the arrangement, tie the bottoms together with a flower wire.
      Jan 3, 2024

      How do you make a bouquet guide? ›

      How to Make a Bouquet for Any Occasion in 5 Easy Steps
      1. Step 1: Gather Your Materials.
      2. How to Pick Your Flowers.
      3. Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers.
      4. Step 3: Cut the Stems Evenly.
      5. Step 4: Arrange Your Flowers.
      6. Step 5: Secure Your Bouquet.
      7. Step 6: Decorate the Bouquet Handle.
      Jan 3, 2021

      How many flowers should be in a wedding bouquet? ›

      For flowers that are between 2.5”- 3.5” in diameter, like roses, dahlias, or peonies, we recommend using at least 25 stems for a 9” bouquet and at least 35 stems for an 11” bouquet and add some greenery leaves. However, that's just the minimum. You can create elaborate arrangements with upwards of 45 stems.

      How do you secure a hand tied bouquet? ›

      Grasp the string around your little finger and then loop it round the bunch above your holding hand at least once. Pull tightly, place the bunch on a surface and tie in a double knot. Trim the stems gradually to fit your container, testing as you go - you can always cut shorter.

      What is a hand tied wedding bouquet? ›

      Hand-tying, while a bit difficult to master, is actually very simple – it refers to a bouquet constructed by taking the individual flower stems and arranging them directly in one's hand to form the arrangement. Once the arrangement is complete, the florist ties the stems together.

      What is a hand tied bouquet? ›

      Hand-Tied

      The hand-tied bouquet is similar to the round. However, instead of being compact, the flowers are loosely tied together by a single ribbon, which allows the stems to show completely.

      How do you make a trailing bridal bouquet? ›

      Arrange the top flowers so they're pointing straight up, the blooms around the circumference of the holder so they're horizontal, and the longest, cascading stems so they're pointing downward. As you're arranging the flowers, alternate putting a few on the top, then a few on the sides, and so on.

      Can you make your own wedding bouquet? ›

      If you're sticking to a tight budget for your wedding planning and are looking to cut down on costs, then why not make your own wedding bouquet? The wedding flowers are a big part of your bridal look and going DIY means that you can create something that is even more significant and meaningful to you.

      How do you make a beautiful bouquet? ›

      Assemble four of the tallest flowers at an even height in a square shape; these will be at the center of your bouquet. Then keep adding the other flowers one by one around the center flowers. Bigger blooms should be placed before smaller blooms. Finish by adding greens around the bouquet to frame it.

      How to make an inexpensive bouquet? ›

      To create an affordable bouquet, begin by harnessing the season's beauty. Explore your local farmers' market, grocery stores, or even your backyard for the freshest blooms available. Seasonal flowers are more budget-friendly and abundant, making them the perfect starting point for your bouquet.

      How do you shape a bouquet? ›

      Use your scissors to cut your stems so that the length of each flower's stem is about the same, and be sure you cut the stems on an angle. An angled cut will allow the stem to draw up water more easily, lengthening the life of your bouquet. Cutting your stems under running water will lengthen the life of your blooms.

      How many days before the wedding should I make the bouquet? ›

      If you're planning to make the bouquet a few days in advance, don't do it earlier than 1-2 days before the big day. You want your flowers to be as fresh as possible, and not all of them can last long.

      Is it cheaper to make your own wedding bouquets? ›

      But a DIY bouquet comes at a cheaper cost than a florist's mostly because you're putting in the work. A florist can spend up to two hours making a bridal bouquet. When you total up the cost of labor and the other components of a bouquet, you get the higher price tags from earlier.

      How many stems are in a bridal bouquet? ›

      Quick Guide to Help Plan for your Wedding Flowers
      BOUQUETSmallLarge
      Mixed Bouquet*7 to 9 stems25 to 30 stems
      Peony Bouquet5 to 7 stems12 to 15 stems
      Garden Rose Bouquet5 to 7 stems12 to 15 stems
      Hydrangea Bouquet2 to 3 stems6 to 8 stems
      2 more rows

      How long before a wedding should you make the bouquet? ›

      The best time to arrange your flowers for the wedding is the day before. As long as the flowers will be kept in water weather it's in a vase filled with water, floral foam soaked with water, or a bouquet that has been wrapped but the stems are left in a few inches of water, they will hold up overnight without issue.

      References

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Recommended Articles
      Article information

      Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5844

      Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

      Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

      Birthday: 2000-07-07

      Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

      Phone: +2556892639372

      Job: Investor Mining Engineer

      Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

      Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.