A bouquet of fresh flowers can instantly transform a space. Whether it’s a pretty posy of pastel shades or a blooming bunch bursting with bright colours, flowers are a great way to add an element of natural beauty. Luckily, you don’t need to be a professional to create exquisite arrangements. Follow our tips and tricks on how to style your own flower bouquet like an expert.
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1. Choose Your Blooms
First, select your flowers. Those that are in season will be less expensive and will naturally feel right for the time of year. Check out this guide to see when South African flowers are in season. Then, choose your blooms according to their colour – you can either create a mixture of complementary colours and varieties or decide on one. Greenery also adds texture and colour so be sure to get some for adding at the end.
2. Pick a Vase
Your vase will depend on the size and arrangement of your flowers. Are you planning to create a large bouquet for the dining room with long stems, or a smaller, more romantic posy for the bathroom vanity? A good guide is to balance width and height by making your bouquet about one and a half times taller than its holder.
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3. Primp and Prune
Take some time to remove any thorns or leaves that will touch the water in the vase. This stops harmful bacteria from entering the water and reducing the lifespan of your flowers. Then, cut each stem at a 45-degree angle about an inch from the bottom using a good pair of scissors or garden shears (you may have to cut them shorter depending on your vase and arrangement). This ensures that your flowers absorb water better.
4. Add Water
Pour clean water into your vase and add any flower food that you may have gotten with your flowers. If you don’t have any, add a few drops of bleach to kill off bacteria, as well as a teaspoon of sugar.
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5. Arrange Your Flowers
There are two ways to style your own flower bouquet. You could start by adding the largest flowers first, or by adding the type of flower with the highest quantity. This makes it easier to create a balanced bouquet. Work in a circle, turning the vase as you go to make sure the arrangement looks symmetrical.
6. Layer Up
Add the next variety of flower to the bouquet and repeat this process until all flowers have been added. Crisscross their stems as you go because this lifts some of the flowers and creates volume in the middle of the bouquet. It also helps you fit everything into the vase. Lastly, add the flowers with the least quantity.
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7. Add Finishing Touches
Finish the arrangement by adding your greenery, grasses, berries, or any other finishing touches. Lastly… to help your roses open more quickly, blow into the centre of the bud as this helps the rose to breathe and extends the width of the bloom. Keep your flowers away from intense sunlight and heating vents and on every second day, recut the stems and add fresh water.
Compiled by Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst