Making a Wedding Bouquet and Keeping it Fresh

A drooping or wilted wedding bouquet of fresh flowers is a real fear for any bride preparing for the big day. Set the fear aside and feel secure that you can make a wedding bouquet stay fresh through the wedding ceremony, photo session and reception thereafter. Flowers properly prepared and fashioned into a bouquet will stay fresh and beautiful for at least 12 hours when stored properly prior to the festivities.

Select flowers with sturdy stems such as roses, carnations, hydrangea, peonies and lilies for the fresh do-it-yourself wedding bouquet from fresh flowers. Buy eight to 12 fresh flowers for the hand-held bouquet.

Process the flowers and place them directly into a clean sterile container of water. Spray the blossoms with a flower sealant for an optional way to keep the flowers fresh according to Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas.

Hold three flower stems together with the blossoms at the same height. Wrap floral tape around the 1- to 2-inch length of the stems to secure them together about 4 inches down from the blossom.

Place three to five more flowers at the sides, and slightly lower than the center blossoms, and tape them in place. The bouquet will have a slightly rounded appearance. Add optional sprigs of baby's breath, statice, leather leaf, smilax or ivy to the outer edges of the flowers and tape into place.

Set the wedding bouquet into a container with 2 to 3 inches of water to promote freshness. Spray it with floral sealant for an optional boost.

Wrap a section or the entire length of the stems with ribbon a few hours before the wedding. Secure the ribbon end in place with hot glue or corsage pins. Tie a bow or set ribbon tails to the stems for an optional look.

Hydrate the flowers by keeping the stems in water until nearly time to carry the bouquet for the ceremony.

Store the flowers in a cool room until photo sessions or the wedding ceremony. Keep the bouquet away from heat sources or freezing temperatures.

Handle the bouquet with care. Refrain from touching the blossoms with your fingers to prevent bruising the petals.

Place a decorative container with 2 to 3 inches of water on the bridal table to set the bouquet into during the wedding reception. The bouquet is a centerpiece that remains hydrated and fresh in the container.