How to Make a Cascading (Waterfall) Bridal Bouquet

A cascading bouquet or waterfall bouquet is a reverse tear drop shaped bouquet. They are elegant and lovely, though a little more complicated than a traditional bouquet. Remember, cascading bouquets are usually for more formal weddings and are best if your wedding dress has a train.

You will need:

• Flowers of your choice (fresh/artificial) and greenery (suggestions below)

• Pearl sprays (optional)

• 2-inch wide silk or satin ribbon

• Bouquet holder (with a bent stem or handle) with floral foam already attached.

• A bowl of cold water with professional flower food added

• Scissors

• Narrow necked vase

Directions:

1. Dip the bouquet holder upside down in a large bowl of water to saturate the floral foam. Remove and dry the outside.

2. Place the bouquet holder in the vase to hold the bouquet in place while arranging the flowers. Be sure to weigh down the bottom of the vase with rocks or pennies because bouquets can get heavy.

3. Start with the waterfall portion of your bouquet. Use 6 pieces of greenery three short, two medium, and one long (short pieces at 12:00, 10:00, and 2:00 position, medium pieces at 8:00 and 4:00 position, longest piece at the 6:00 position) You can determine your lengths depending on how long you want your waterfall. The length of the bridal bouquet has to be kept in mind. Ideally it should not be longer than 10-15 inches. (I suggest fern or ivy)

4. Of your flowers, choose 3 focal flowers. For your main flowers, use a flower with a strong, sturdy stem, such as roses or calla lilies. Cut to about 3-5". Insert one in the very center of your bouquet. The other two either place diagonally or in a triangle pattern.

5. Insert various lengths of greenery and cascading flowers such as lily of the valley, Jasmine, sweet pea, Queen Anne's lace or baby's breath. Use smaller stems of the same in the main part of your bouquet when filling. Cascading flowers should be flowers that naturally flow or bend. You do not need a lot. Follow the same pattern in step 2.

6. Now it's time to fill the rest of the bouquet. Use the rest of your roses or lilies to fill in the rest of your bouquet. Do not do all one part and then move to another, space flowers sporadically and evenly. Then fill with smaller flowers and smaller greenery.

7. Once you have completed the floral arrangement, tie a satin ribbon on the handle of the bridal bouquet holder. You could also add a few pearl sprays to flowers.

Tip:

• Remember not to insert blooms and pull out. This can break down your foam.