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Focus on Design
Scepter Bridal Bouquet
by Alex Torres AIFD TMF

Welcome once again to this month's installment of my new series of articles geared toward getting everyone excited about floral design.

Amidst all the excitement this joyous season brings, there is one occurrence that truly stands out.  Blame it on the joy of the season or blame it on a little too much eggnog, but more likely than not, people love to propose either at Christmas or New Year's Eve. Undoubtedly, everyone gets to start anew on New Year's Eve and many couples decide that this is as good a time as any to take the plunge!!

So here you are, the busy holiday season barely behind you, your mind scrambling with thoughts of the upcoming Valentine's Day stressfest, and all these new brides are knocking at your door wanting theirs to be the most creative wedding you've ever done in the history of your floral career.  Sound familiar? What is a self respecting florist to do?

This month's featured floral design is meant to inspire you with what will surely be a hit with Spring brides.  This design is both versatile and practical.  It can be tailored and customized to enhance any style and size wedding.  It can be up sold or used for a bride with a modest budget.  Most importantly, it will preserve your reputation as the talented, creative floral designer that you are.

The floral design I am sharing with you is called a scepter bouquet.  You will need the following materials for the basic structure:

·     a straight handle bouquet holder
·     4 Hyacinth sticks/stakes
·     Floral/Corsage tape
·     Waterproof strapping tape
·     Oasis Floral adhesive
·     Tackmaster 2000 adhesive spray
·     Assorted floral and foliage
·     Accessories (optional)

                  

I begin this design by thoroughly soaking the bouquet holder in warm floral preservative solution following the manufacturer's directions, allowing the excess water to drain away. It is important to make sure the handle on the bouquet holder is dry so that the tape will adhere properly.  Use a small amount of floral tape to attach the four hyacinth stakes securely around the circumference of the bouquet holder's handle creating an elongated “stem”.  Secure the stakes with waterproof strapping tape as tightly as possible. You may now wrap the entire length of the scepter with green floral tape.  Spray the lower part of the bouquet holder and also the back of your desired foliage with Tackmaster 2000 or similar product.  Let the glue become tacky  and position the foliage to cover the back of the design.  Use the foliage to cover the base of the bouquet holder.  Using Oasis floral adhesive, begin to cover the length of the scepter with your desired foliage. ( I used strips of variegated ti leaves.)

Beginning from top to bottom, use Oasis glue to securely cover the entire length of the scepter with your chosen foliage. (Flexible foliage works best!)  Allow the greenery to set while you choose your flowers. Trim any excess foliage around the base and begin to insert the flowers to form a tight cluster in the bouquet holder.

Add a desired filler (I used seeded eucalyptus stripped of all its foliage) to give the bouquet visual interest and to break up the monotony of the cluster, as well as to provide depth. Finish the bouquet in a manner consistent with the bride's taste and budget. You may use some graceful lily grass loops or maybe some trailing English ivy. Maybe the bride wants to accessorize using some bejeweled beading wire or feathers. You are only limited by the bride's budget and by your imagination.

This bouquet looks beautiful in roses, but carnations, pom poms or any similar flower will do.  The bouquet can also be made larger or smaller, depending on who is carrying it. (Picture the sweet flower girls with a scaled down version!!)  Also, try to up sell by adding a strong focal point with a couple of choice orchids or lilies.  If the bride's budget is on the modest side, consider wrapping the scepter in inexpensive waterproof ribbon, tulle, lace, or even  a cluster of the discarded rose stems tied with piece of pretty ribbon.

This bouquet is guaranteed to please even the most jaded customer, while reminding them what a talented and creative floral designer you truly are.

Next month's column will feature a couple of easy, practical designs that can be mass produced with minimal labor to maximize profits.

Until then please direct any ideas, questions or comments to me at alextorrestmf@aol.com.

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