How to Wrap Hand Tied Flower Bouquets for Weddings

Selecting Flowers for Hand Tied Bouquets

When creating a hand held bouquet of flowers, the first step is selecting high quality blooms that will last throughout the event. Focus on varieties that hold up well like roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria and gerbera daisies. The stems should be straight and free of bruises or blemishes. For optimal longevity, choose flowers imported from tropical locales near the equator where growing conditions produce sturdy stems.

Conditioning the Flowers

Once your flowers are selected, use a sharp floral knife to trim 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem while holding under cool, clean water. This opens up the stem to better absorb water and prolong vase life. Immerse the freshly cut stems in a bucket of warm water mixed with commercial flower food for at least 4 hours so they become fully hydrated before arranging your hand held bouquet.

Assembling the Bouquet

A foolproof formula for lush, full bouquets is to use odd numbers of each flower variety layered in a symmetrical, dome-like shape. Start by anchoring the design around a center focal flower like roses or orchids. Group the blooms tightly so no mechanics are showing. Angle the heads to create visual interest and dimension.

Wrapping in Floral Tape

Once your arrangement looks full, gently wrap floral tape 2-3 inches down from the neck of the flowers in a spiral pattern to secure. Stretch the tape with one hand as you go for optimal stickiness. Use an entire roll to bind any loose stems into one cohesive bunch. Do not cover any foliage or blooms, just wrap from underneath.

Choosing Wrapping Materials

For hand tied bouquets, choose an all-natural wrapping material that matches the casual styling. Options like burlap, lace, raffia, jute and linen evoke a loose, whimsical look. Avoid shiny papers or plastics that appear too slick or formal for this type of design.

Wrapping in Burlap

Natural jute burlap makes an excellent bouquet wrap that complements both rustic and romantic weddings. Use a soft fabric that will not irritate the holder's hands. Cut a piece larger than your floral arrangement with pinking sheers to avoid fraying. Gather into a bunch at the top and firmly secure underneath the floral tape binding with another piece tied off in a knot or bow.

Wrapping in Lace

For a delicate shabby chic style, choose a pretty lace in the bridal party's color scheme. Cut a piece about 2 feet long, enough to amply shroud your bouquet. Wrap loosely around, leaving the top flowers exposed, and tie off excess fabric in a double knot or elaborate bow at the base underneath the floral tape.

Do not pull the lace too snugly or it may crush the flowers. The wrap should act as an overlay to delicately frame rather than constrain the blooms inside. Make final adjustments so the lace falls in soft, photogenic folds.

Finishing Touches

No hand tied bouquet is complete without a ribbon or embellishment to put the final stamp of personality. The possibilities here are endless based on the event style and the holder's own fashion aesthetic.

Ribbon Accents

For most brides and bridesmaids carrying bouquets down the aisle, a color-coordinated satin or grosgrain ribbon is traditional. Play with skinny strands, voluminous poufs or long streamers trailing dramatically behind.

Wrap ribbons around the base over the fabric closure for visual symmetry and texture contrast. Weave narrower strips in and out between stems like a maypole for pops of color throughout the bouquet. Finish with a frilly flourish of curls, tassels or decorative knot.

Unique Embellishments

For truly personalized panache, attach custom brooches, fabric flowers, beads, pearls, charms or other items that are meaningful to the bouquet holder. Adhere pins and delicate objects with hot glue onto a piece of ribbon or section of the wrap itself. Then tie off underneath through the masking tape bind at the stems.

With limitless possibilities, a custom hand tied bouquet makes a cherished forever keepsake commemorating each couple or occasion’s unique love story.

FAQs

What types of flowers work best for hand tied bouquets?

Focus on varieties with sturdy straight stems that hold up well like roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria and gerbera daisies.

How tight should I wrap the floral tape?

Stretch the tape as you gently wrap around the stems in a spiral pattern. Bind them snugly together without crushing the flowers.

Can I use a fabric other than burlap or lace to wrap bouquets?

Yes, other natural-fiber fabrics like jute, raffia, linen or crepe would also complement the casual hand tied style nicely.

What can I use to embellish my bouquet?

Personalize with ribbons, brooches, fabric flowers, beads, pearls or other meaningful charms tied, pinned or glued to the wrapping material near the bouquet stems.