How to make a floral bouquet

By Jada Bennett

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How to make a floral bouquet accompanying image

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What you will need

White roses;
Ice plant (Sedum);
Camellia foliage;
Parafilm (a green floral tape that adheres to itself when stretched);
Floral wire;
Green ribbon, white ribbon, pearl head pins (from floral supplies stores).

Traditional ‘cabbage’ roses, such as David Austin roses, are always in style, particularly in formal, round bouquets. Use dark, glossy camellia leaves with roses to help the shapes of the roses stand out. Berries or small flower buds add texture and colour. Using foliage is an interesting way to add texture and depth.

Want to know what you need to do in a lead up to a big day? Click to read more.

Photography: Scott Hawkins. Styling: Jada Bennett

How to...

Using the correct gauge wire (ask for advice at your floral supplies store), push the wire into the calyx (the base of the rose head). The wire should be used as a support for the rose, but not be too thick, as it will make the bouquet too heavy to hold. We used a 20-gauge wire.

Wrap the wire to halfway down the stem to support the rose. This will help the rose head stay upright throughout the day while the bouquet is out of water. Turn the wire upwards towards the rose, at the bottom of the stem, so the wire will not prick your hand.

Twirl the stem while stretching and pulling the tape in a downward angle. The tape should be tightly wrapped around the wire and flower stem without buckles or gaps along the stem. Fasten over the end of the wires by squeezing the tape against itself.

Cut the foliage and other flowers to the desired length of the bouquet and remove the lower leaves. Begin arranging your bouquet, spiralling the stems so they are all leaning in the same direction. Add the flowers and foliage alternatively for a round, well-placed form.

When you have your bouquet at the desired size, tie it with green ribbon or string to hold it in place. For this bridal bouquet, we have used approximately 30 white �Tineke� roses, half a bunch of camellia foliage and half a bunch of ice plant (Sedum) in bud form.

Recut all the flower stems and place the bouquet in water until just before the wedding begins. An hour before needed, remove from water and dry the stems. Wrap the stems completely in parafilm to hold them together firmly.

Using wide ribbon, bind the stems tightly to make a form comfortable to hold. We used white satin to match our roses; for bridesmaids� bouquets, you could match ribbons to their dresses. Secure by pushing pins into the ribbon and towards the centre of the bouquet.