Hands-free Bouquets

Last month, we talked about some of the most traditional bouquet styles, bouquets that range from ultra-formal to sweet and simple, but that all have one thing in common: you hold them in your hands. This month, we'll talk about a bouquet that you can carry without hampering your ability to clasp someone else's hand in yours, lift a champagne glass, or cut the cake. We'll also talk about some ways to adorn other members of your wedding party without limiting their agility— it turns out corsages aren't just for prom anymore.

Pomanders: You may be familiar with perfumed pomanders, decorative spheres that are infused with a long-lasting perfume, often spicy and exotic, rarely floral. This bouquet takes that concept, a fragrant, decorative sphere, and turns it into something slightly more ephemeral. As easy to make as it is unusual-looking, this elegant bouquet hangs from the wrist, suspended from an attached ribbon, and can be carried by the bride or by the flower girls. If you're feeling crafty, you may also want to make many smaller pomanders, and use them as decorations for the reception.

To make this bouquet, you'll simply cover a foam ball with flowers, using floral wire or pins to attach each bloom to a ball of pre-soaked floral foam. Roses are the most commonly-used flower, but other blooms with sturdy stems would work just as well. Place the flowers as close together as possible, but be sure to leave space to attach a ribbon handle. After all, you do need to carry it!

Corsages: A few months ago, Erin wrote a newsletter about how to make boutonnières, and I'm glad she did, because that's going to come in handy now! A corsage is made in essentially the same way, although with a few more flowers and a slightly different pin. It should include an odd number of flowers, generally one, three, or five, along with a very small amount of filler and a few leaves. These are wired, taped, and attached to a pin, and make an ideal arrangement with which to honor the mother of the bride.

Wristlets: Despite the fancy name, wristlets are simply another kind of corsage. You can purchase elastic bands that are especially made for this purpose; they include a molded metal area where you can attach the flowers, and most will come with instructions. If you're feeling extremely creative, you could also create a simple wrist strap out of ribbon, choosing a color that matches the rest of your wedding.

Traditionally worn by the mother of the bride, these wrist corsages can also be a great way to honor and recognize those who are helping out with the wedding in less obvious roles—the relative who is organizing the reception line, the friend you've roped into watching the gift table, or anyone who has volunteered to bartend, photograph, or do just about anything else.

I hope these ideas are helpful, whether for your friends and relatives, your bridesmaids, or just so you can carry your bouquet while boasting "Look, Ma! No hands!"  For more ideas, I recommend looking in our Newsletter Archive, where you'll find lots of information about other styles of bouquets and types of flowers. If you don't find the answers there, feel free to contact me directly; I'm here every morning, and always happy to hear from prospective brides, whether you have questions, comments, ideas, or just success stories.

Thanks for your interest in Flowerbud.com, and have a wonderful Spring!

Best Wishes,

Rachel Stephens
rachel@flowerbud.com
Event Flower Specialist
Flowerbud.com