How to Build Your Own Spring Bouquet

Written by Ashlyn Sorrells

Photographed by Mavis Parks

Modeled by Ashton Diercks, Jack Nelson, Sarah, and Ashlyn Sorrells

Spring has sprung! The air is warmer and flora is in bloom. What better way to celebrate than to buy a bundle of flowers from your local grocer? I have one idea that may outshine the last: building your own flower bouquet from scratch. Although this idea may sound intimidating, it is quite simple. This craft allows us to personalize and thoughtfully piece together flower bundles. If pre-made bouquets never match your expectations, this is your solution. Whether you are arranging a bouquet for yourself or a loved one, this activity is calming and enjoyable. 

Creating a cost-effective bouquet only requires a few supplies. You will need scissors, something to fasten the stems together such as string, tape or rubber bands, a vase or wrapping paper, and an optional supply of ribbon. 

The first step is to buy our flowers. Many grocery stores have single-variety bouquets that often range from $2-$15. The easiest way to design a harmonious bouquet is to first pick out a main flower you will base your bouquet around; this will be your focal flower. Lilies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, tulips, or peonies are great options for focal flowers. Once you have your main flower decided on, then choose what filler flowers you would like to include. These flowers should compliment your focal flower in terms of color and texture. Some commonly used filler flowers are baby’s-breath, statice, carnations, and daisies. To elevate the silhouette of your bouquet, adding line flowers such as stock flowers, delphinium, snapdragon, and lilacs will allow for variation in your arrangement’s shape. Adding sprigs of myrtle greenery, rose leaves, eucalyptus, and others will allow for a fuller look while creating depth and balance within the bouquet. 

Now that we have picked out flowers, it is time to prepare and assemble the arrangement. Remove your flowers from their original packaging and begin to strip and trim your stems. It is recommended to remove any leaves that might sit below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth and molding. Cutting the ends of your stems at an angle also promotes the longevity of your flowers. Once your flowers are prepared, begin piecing your bouquet together. Using one or two of your focal flowers as the center, alternate between layering filler and line flowers with your focal flowers. When you decide you’re happy with the size and arrangement of your bouquet, add greenery throughout the outsides and between gaps to help pull the bouquet together. Find your chosen fastening device and wrap it around the middle of your bouquet stems. After doing this, either wrap your wrapping paper around the flowers or place them in a water-filled vase. Grab your optional — yet encouraged — ribbon and tie a bow around the vase or paper. 

This activity is appealing to anyone who can appreciate a floral arrangement, or may have people in their lives who do. No matter if a bouquet has been given, received, or bought for oneself, it is an undeniably special gift, but building the bouquet by hand adds an extra layer of thought and care.