Seashell Bridal Bouquet with Flowers
This bouquet is for the bride that loves both shells AND flowers and wishes to incorporate both. A bouquet that is only shells is usually two things, heavy and very "sharp" looking. Flowers soften the shells. Shell bouquets are also usually "tight" affairs. They are very round-mound like and although that style is pretty, my daughter requested I make a shell bouquet that looked a little looser - with a wildflower look. This bouquet is a mix of: shells, high quality silk flowers and drieds along with some antique lace. Everyone loves it as it has the feel that you picked flowers and added shells to make a very casual, pretty look, just right for a wedding at the beach (which are traditionally relaxed affairs).
The key to a looser look bouquet is using a mix of materials. I always try to mix dried flowers into every arrangement as it adds a airy, wildflower feeling to the design.
Adding lace to wedding bouquets is a nice way to incorporate a bit of the past. Consider using lace from your grandmother or mother's wedding dress or veil.
This bouquet is a little lighter on the shells than most shell bouquets.
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Sometimes people are perplexed about how to get shells on stems. It's actually quite easy but it does take a good glue gun with a hot setting. It is careful work, you can be easily burned so go slowly and watch the fingers!
Start the bouquet by making the "frame". Tape the largest flowers first, minimum three, up to 7.
The bouquet should look loose, with spaces between the flowers to add the other material.
I usually place the shells next. They are heavy and want to twist and turn as you place them so make sure you get them where you want them before you tape them. Start add the secondary flowers after the shells.
Don't forget to add the leaves from the stems into the bouquet. I also occasionally glue them instead of individually taping.
To prepare the lace, fold in half and tape to a wire.
Add the lace pieces next. Lastly, add the drieds, as they are the most fragile. When you are done, wrap the entire bottom with green florists tape. After you are sure they are no dangerous, pokey stems, wrap the entire handle with lace and glue.