Faking it

Artificial flowers have come a long way. Just look at these silk wedding flowers ideas...

Forget the dust-gathering plastic monstrosities of yesteryear -- artificial flowers are now often as beautiful and stylish as the real thing.

Whether you’re getting married abroad, are a serious hayfever sufferer, or just want a long-lasting memento of your big day, today’s silk wedding flowers are a real option. Silk flowers have a lot of movement and they look fresh and realistic. They’re also a great choice if you’re getting married abroad and would like to take some flowers (perhaps your bouquet) with you.

Florists selling silk flowers can give you some tips and advice, but you can also do your own flowers. For some ideas, just follow the instructions below -- remember, a good pair of wire cutters are essential when you’re making your silk flower arrangements.

Hand tied bouquet This is a basic design, good for weddings abroad. This bouquet would cost approximately £75-£85 with Sia silk flowers. Materials required: 25 Ivory Roses, 8 Hosta Leaves, Wire bead garland - Crystal, Raffia

Step 1: Clean off the rose foliage (thorns etc) before you start.
Step 2: Twist rose stems together, turning as you go. Continue until all are grouped together.
Step 3: Add the wire bead garland or feather garland; intertwine around the bouquet and over the roses. Tuck in at the ends.
Step 4: Add a collar of the eight Hosta leaves around the base of the rose bouquet.
Step 5: Wrap with raffia and tie off in a bow or knot. An alternative is to bind the stems with green tape.
Step 6: Shorten stems to the desired length.

Simple bouquet over the arm This type of bouquet is often used for smaller weddings or a contemporary wedding. Hold your bouquet from the stomach down. For straight dresses, long elegant designs are popular. Materials required: Five Arum Lilies or Cala Lilies, Onion Grass, Hosta Leaves

Step 1: Gather the Hosta leaves together at the bottom.
Step 2: add the five lilies, placing them at different lengths.
Step 3: add in the onion grass, making sure it all hangs in a downward direction.
Step 4: Tie/bind with raffia or ribbon.
Step 5: Trim bottom of stems.

Previous 1 2 Next