This is a basic recipe for making a floral bouquet in a vase and can be adapted for any size or style of bouquet in a vase.

1) Choose a vase that is in proportion to the space available in the area you will be putting it in. You might need to visit the area first and plan where you could put your mixed bouquet. For example, if you want to make a vase bouquet for a church altar you will need to see the location first in order to see if a tall bouquet would be best or if a short and small one, or if a wide bouquet would fit in better.

2) If you have a large space available that will not interfere with your guest’s vision or personal space use a large 8 to 10 inches (20-25cm) vase. If however you only have a small area to work with or if you are giving these bouquets as gifts, you can use smaller vases such as bud to small vases (dimensions: opening of 4-6 inches (10-15cm). If you are making mixed bouquets for centerpieces, make sure not to block the guest’s view across the table with a bouquet of flowers. They will get on people’s nerves instead of adding to the beauty of the table.

3) Start by creating a foliage bouquet in your vase. To do this, fill your vase with a mixture of water with floral preservative in it. Use the shorter stems of foliage to create an armature of foliage at the base of your vase that will allow you to stick other pieces of foliage in to hold them up straight. Pittosporum is great for this purpose but leather fern works just as well. If all your foliage stems are tall, just cut them from the base of the stem until the base of the leaves are slightly submerged in the water. Repeat with 3-8 stems.

4) Once you have a solid base of foliage, you need to create the outline and shape of your bouquet with more foliage. Cut and insert your next stem of foliage in the center of your bouquet. Make sure the desired height of your bouquet is achieved through this first stem of foliage. As a rule of thumb, there should be the same amount of height on top of your vase as the vase itself, or slightly higher. Insert another 3-12 stems of foliage that will outline the shape that you want your bouquet to be.

5) Next, it’s time to add your flowers. Start with the flower that will be at the top. If you have a tall straight flower, this should be the one for the top. Cut it to the desired length. After you have done this, insert the flowers that will be on the left and right side of the bouquet, starting with the largest flowers first. You will be putting material on the right hand axis of the bouquet and on the left; therefore, make sure they are balanced and even on both sides. Finally, fill in the center of the bouquet with the remaining smaller flowers. Last, but not least, to finish your bouquet, fill in empty spaces with baby’s breath or tikki foliage. If you wish, add a bow to complete the bouquet.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is set a theme for your wedding.  Your theme will depict the tone, style, and color palette of your special day. Once you choose the theme, you’ll want to pick and decide ways to implement this theme for your special day. When you go to meet with your florist or begin your research for purchasing flowers online, you’ll want to find ways to implement your wedding theme to your bridal bouquet as well.

We have picked four of the top themes and found the perfect bouquets to match them.

Vintage Wedding: Vintage wedding themes are a popular trend this year. Brides are looking for ways to achieve simplistic elegance, and the vintage theme is perfect for that.  Love the coral colored roses as well with mint ribbon—this color duo is beautiful for this season!

Vineyard Wedding: A vineyard wedding is another popular trend for weddings this season. It includes succulents, calla lilies, hydrangeas, lavender, and herbs. A beautiful, robust color palette is perfect for a vineyard wedding.

Beach Wedding: Many brides dreams of a beach wedding, and if you’re lucky enough to have it you’ll want to use the beach as a palette for your ocean scape of design and beauty. The beach is picture perfect as it is, but you’ll want to find new and unique ideas to bring into your own beach wedding. We love this bouquet for a beach or sea themed wedding; peonies, roses, pearls, and seashells. This is such an elegant and unique bouquet but it’s dainty enough that it will not take away from the beauty of the dress.

Classic/Traditional: Some weddings are just meant to be traditional, classic, and romantic. Some brides are not looking for an out of the box idea or inspiration. It’s okay to stay simple and do something that has been done before as it does not take away from it’s beauty. If looking for a classic, clean bouquet, this is a great example of that. Beautiful blush and white peonies with just a touch of greenery for some added color. A perfect bouquet for the traditional ceremony and reception and is timeless elegance.

What is your theme for your wedding day? How are you using this theme for your bouquets?

Photo Credits: 1. lfvaustin.blogspot.com, 2. Style Me Pretty, 3. Style Me Pretty, 4. Pinterest 

Did you know that every flower has a meaning behind it? It’s no wonder people look at flowers as a medium of art; each flower blossom holds a meaning, a character trait, or has a story. How about the beautiful hydrangea? This flower represents friendship, devotion, and understanding. What a beautiful trio of meaning, and what a beautiful flower to use on your wedding day. And your bridal bouquets aren’t the only places you can utilize this flower on your wedding day.

Fresh, simple, and nature look: Hydrangea centerpiece ideas like this are a great project for your wedding. Using craft twine, wrap around different sized jars and place fresh hydrangeas inside the day of. You can use frosted jars or even color the water for an added touch.

Ball Jar Elegance: Ball jars have been a wedding trend the last couple years that doesn’t seem like it will go out of style anytime soon. Clear Ball jars, blue, or even frosted ball jars are affordable craft materials to do just about anything with. Set them up in sets of three with different colored hydrangeas for a beautiful centerpiece arrangement. So simple but beautiful! This design will work wonderful for a country chic wedding or vintage style wedding.

Elegant & Romantic: For a romantic and elegant hydrangea centerpiece, place the blossoms in a long (18-24 inch) vase with other branches and greenery. The tall vases add height to the entire table as this centerpiece design is very fresh, clean, and formally elegant. This centerpiece idea is perfect for the wedding at the country club or another formal venue.

Take a look at our bulk hydrangeas here. You won’t believe how many colors they grow in!

How are you using hydrangeas in your wedding?

Photo Credits: 1. The Sweet Occasion Blog, 2. Project Wedding, 3. Amanda Spencer Photography

The Bride: The most important wedding flowers obviously go to the bride. Once the bride chooses her favorite bride`s bouquet, all other wedding flowers can revolve around this most important floral piece. The bride`s bouquet should either be the biggest of all floral pieces or else contain pricier or more precious flowers. Another idea to make the bride`s bouquet more special is to add bouquet jewels or a heirloom clip on the handle, anything to make her bouquet stand out.

The Groom`s Boutonniere: This is the second most important floral item for a wedding. The groom`s boutonniere should be small enough for the groom to feel comfortable wearing it but substantial enough for it to stand out against his suit lapel. His boutonniere should be more special in some way than the other men`s body flowers. For example, the groom`s boutonniere stem could be wrapped in ribbon, accented with a jeweled pin, it could contain more flowers, more accents or a nicer variety of greens as a backing.
The Bridesmaid`s Bouquets: The maid of honor and bridesmaid`s bouquets should model the bride`s bouquet in some ways but not resemble it entirely. The attendant`s bouquets should be smaller than the bride`s and contain a simpler variety of flowers. If, for example, the bride`s bouquet contains roses, gerberas and hydrangea, the bridesmaids bouquets could be mono-flowered with only hydrangeas, only roses or only gerberas.

The Usher`s Boutonnieres: The groomsmen boutonnieres can be very similar to the grooms while not being quite as special. They should be simpler or smaller than his. Another idea is to vary the color. For example, let`s say the bride`s bouquet contains red and white roses, the groom`s boutonniere could be white while all the other men in the wedding party could wear red roses, or vice-versa.

The Flower Girl & Ring Bearer`s Flowers: Depending on the age and personality of the flower girl and ring bearer, the floral item you give them to wear or carry will differ accordingly. If they are very active or rowdy you can choose to give them silk flowers imitating the adult`s bouquets and boutonniere. If they are 3 years old or under, a teddy bear with a floral accent makes a nice gift and looks great in pictures. For more grown up and mature flower girls and ring bearer`s, mini replicas in live flowers of the bridesmaid`s bouquet for the flower girl or alternately, a basket filled with flowers to display or rose petals to throw would be perfect. The ring bearer can wear a mini replica of the usher`s boutonniere.

Mothers: Mothers of the bride and groom will proudly wear a corsage featuring flowers of the same type and/or colors of the bride`s bouquet. This corsage could be worn on the lapel or be made up as a wristlet depending on the mother`s preferences and dress style. Usually, younger mothers prefer wristlets and more traditional, older mothers prefer lapel corsages. The mother`s corsages should contain more flowers and be more elaborate than the usher`s boutonnieres and contain a sheer bow and perhaps a few accents to embellish it further.

Fathers: The fathers of the bride and groom can wear a boutonniere resembling the usher`s lapel flowers. They can be exactly the same but usually, they are slightly different. Perhaps they feature a different flower in the same color as the ushers or the same flower but in a different color.

Grandparents: It is very thoughtful to honor grandparents that made it to your wedding with a boutonniere for the grandfather`s and a corsage for the grandmothers. (The only difference between the boutonniere and corsage is that corsage for ladies have bows and are more elaborate while boutonnieres have no bows and are simpler.) Usually these grandparent flowers are slightly different than the parents and are smaller. For example, let`s say the parents are wearing white roses, the grandparents could wear white carnations as body flowers. Another idea is to give them only one flower instead of the two that the parents are wearing.

Others: Other contributors to your wedding that could be honored with a small boutonniere or corsage include: the minister, readers at church and special aunts or uncles that are more like parents than distant relatives. These extra body flowers are not necessary but a nice touch.

If you would like to purchase pre-made wedding boutonnieres and pre-made wedding corsages, check out Bella Wedding Flowers excellent assortment online. To make it even easier for you and to make sure that all your wedding flowers coordinate perfectly together from bouquets to body flowers and centerpieces, you can buy a wedding in a box which includes everything you need to give everyone the flowers they need to make your wedding perfect.

You choose the design, the flower color and the number of items you need and Bella Wedding Flowers gets the flowers cuts from the fields, makes the bouquets and ships them to your doorstep so that all you have to do is lift them out of the box and hand them over to whoever gets the wedding flowers. How easy is that! Find out more about fresh wedding flowers in a box here. Bella Wedding Flowers ships everywhere in the USA and Canada.

Your wedding flowers can easily be designed and created to make this your color of your year too. Check out some fabulous floral inspiration that can pair perfectly with Emerald green. Some springs of green shown in your floral bouquet (shown below) can be the perfect pop of color to draw attention to your bouquet and the bridal beauty you are.

Why not make your wedding bouquets eye catching? These emerald green rose bouquets and unique and truly one of a kind. (FYI, Tinted green roses are not on our site yet, but just give us a call for info on pricing). This design and bouquet is all emerald green and will awe your guests with the originality and creativity will look beautiful up against your elegant wedding gown!

Lastly, your bouquets do not have to be the only thing that uses this color of the year. Shown here are beautiful wedding centerpieces that use emerald green vases and greenery to create a beautifully balanced centerpieces. Utilizing natural colors and elegance, this color and use of greens is a breathtaking addition to the wedding of yours dreams.

How are you using Emerald Green, the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year for your wedding?

Photo credits: 1.tislandstyleweddings.com, 2. stylemepretty.com, 3. thesocietybride.com

Jane here again—bringing you my weekly update from your favorite floral headquarters. As many of you know, I am a bride to be as well! It is so fun to help brides during the day and work on my own dream wedding at night. I too share the same joy and excitement as all of you while planning my special day.

I also know what it’s like to plan a wedding on a budget— one of the many reasons I love working here at Bella as a Customer Service rep…I get to help brides find the right colors, flowers, and prices while also helping them save. Believe me, when I’m planning my wedding I’m looking to save as much as I can. My goal is to cut corners without losing the classiness and elegance I’m determined to achieve on my social day!

I thought I’d share with you some of my current wedding planning I’m working on right now in my own spare time. My goal is to have a backyard, vintage wedding flower style wedding and so I’m trying to remain simple yet elegantly styled.

My bouquets are simple, soft and sweet. Light blush pink and ivory roses for my bridesmaids and I. I expect mine to be a bit larger than the rest of theirs to “stand out” but I have no doubt they’ll all look amazing. Fastening my bouquets with mint green ribbon and elegant pearl fastener pins.

My pews at my wedding ceremony will be elegantly simple as well. I’m making my pew cones from vintage paper and adding fresh ivory roses to each one. These pew cones are simple to make at home and affordable as well. I’m trying to decided between using novel storybook paper or music note sheet music for my pew
cones…what do you think?

My table centerpieces will be lined with fresh flower metals, with more pink than my above shown bouquets. This is where I want to bring the elegance to my reception with dim lighting and the soft, pastel colors leaving my guests in awe. I love how simple, yet elegant this centerpiece idea is, don’t you?

Just a little glimpse into my world of wedding planning. How are your plans coming along?

Love & Weddings,

Jane

Photo credits: 1.thefrenchbouquettulsa.com, 2. greentreebride.com

Process your flowers as soon as you receive them. (That means start with flower care asap in florist lingo!). Begin with more delicate flowers such as roses and gerberas, and then proceed with all other flowers, and keep any greenery for last.

Make sure that the containers you use to put your flowers in are immaculately clean. To clean them, use a solution of 1/3 bleach, a few drops of dish soap and the rest water.

What you will need:
• Buckets or vases to put flowers in
• Plastic tub
• Floral (garden) shears
• Rubber gloves
• Flower food (small packages-1 per vase)
• Bleach

Step One
Prepare your buckets, vases or containers with a solution of water and flower food. Follow the instructions on the flower food package to mix the proper ratio. As a guide, a small flower food package is good for a medium to large vase. Room
temperature water is best.

Step Two
Remove all leaves on the lower half of the stems: this will prevent molding and contamination. Use thick rubber gloves and glide your hand gently down the stem. This trick will work on most flowers; however, some flowers may require
that you to cut off leaves and thick thorns with shears.

Step Three
Disinfect your shears by putting a little bit of Javex on a cloth or paper towel and by wiping your shears with it.

Step Four
Cut flowers under water. The easiest way to cut flowers underwater in a home setting is to either use a plastic tub or the kitchen sink. Make sure your sink or tub of water is super clean by cleaning it with a mix of bleach and dish soap
and water. Fill the tub with water, and then use floral (garden) shears to cut the bottom of the stem underwater. Cut at least 2 inches (5cm) off the bottom on an angle to help increase water conduction up the flower stem.
Do not use scissors since these will damage the vital capillaries of the stem cells and cause early death.

Step Five
Once your flowers are cut (processed), place them in your prepared vases or buckets. Check and replenish the water every two days when necessary.

Flower Fact: Underwater cutting pulls water immediately up into the flower stem and then to the flower head. This helps to eliminate air blockage and prevents bent necks. The stem is the lifeline of the flower. When floral capillaries become blocked, this slows uptake of water and stresses out the flowers

Jane here again, hoping that your wedding planning is going absolutely fabulous. As you search our sites for the perfect floral inspiration, I wanted to show you some of the options you have for different types of bridal bouquets design. Most brides don’t realize this, but you do not have to have a traditional shaped or designed bouquet for your wedding.

There are several styles and shapes and designs that many don’t even know about! Today, I’ve selected a bunch of my favorites; once you find the design you like feel free to message us or chat with us to see what florals we can provide to create one of the below styles.

I hope this is a source of inspiration for you, and as always, if you have questions for
us as you plan and design your wedding vision, never hesitate to let us know!

Composite Bouquet is a bouquet with hundreds of real petals meshed together
to create a big flower when wired together.

Posy Bouquet is round and small, but just delicate enough to be held in one
hand. The natural stems are wrapped in satin or velvet with pearl pins and
trims.

Biedermeier Bouquet. The blooms are arranged tightly in a circular format
and each circle is made of a different type of flower. Beautifully created and so
visually appealing.

Arm Sheaf Bouquet. This bouquet is elegantly created to cascade and cover the
brides’ and bridesmaids arms. Long stemmed flowers are used with foliage to
be cradled in each bridal party member’s arms.

Nosegay Bouquet. Such a funny name, but such a pretty bouquet! More
greenery than a traditional bouquet but elegant just the same.

Cascade (Shower) Bouquet. Designed to “spill” over the bridal party’s hands as
they walk down the aisle. A very elegant look.

The Basket Bouquet. Perfect for an outdoor wedding and one that works
for you, your bridesmaids, and the flower girls. Beautiful flowers inside of a
basket of your choosing.

Ballerina Bouquet. As a former dancer myself, this is a design that will always
be one of my favorites. This bouquet has more tulle and flowy material than
the other bouquets, giving the look of a “ballerina’s tutu” with elegant flowers
like roses and peonies. So pretty and unique!

Wreath Bouquet. True to it’s name, this bouquet is in a wreath shape that
makes it easy for holding and resting on the bridesmaid’s wrists while they
help with your dress and have fun during pictures. Original and beautiful!

What design will be at your wedding?

Love & Tulle,

Jane

Wildflower Cards: We love the eco-friendly touch on these wedding favors for guests! Guests can take these tiny cards home and plant the heart in a pot or outside to create a wildflower garden that will continue to grow and spread. Your love + wedding day will be remembered throughout the year with this original favor!

Floral Seating Card: Seat your guests at tables named after your favorite flowers. This would be a great idea for an outdoor or garden wedding, or for a wedding with a lot of florals and greenery!

Planter Centerpieces: Your floral bouquets do not need to be the only floral arrangements at your wedding;
these bouquets put inside of apple picking baskets are a beautiful touch for weddings during every season. A cute idea for something like this is to let a guest take it home as a momento of your special day; idea—have your DJ or MC find the couple at each table who has been married the longest, and let them take this beautiful arrangement home!

Flower Table Numbers:  This can be done as a DIY project or with your florist professional—use your favorite flowers to decorate a wire number for each table and set it up in the middle of each table or if possible hanging over the table’s décor (depending on your wedding reception venue). Use your wedding colors or wedding flowers if possible to create unity throughout your entire wedding theme and style.

The elegance and natural beauty of flowers and greenery is one that should be used throughout your entire wedding day. From table numbers to wedding favors, flowers can be used for an array of items to mark your special day — happy planning!

Photo credits: 1. BotanicalPaperWorks.com, 2. everylittledetails.wordpress.com, 3.  JunebugWeddings.com, 4. Beforetheidos.com