Since we got engaged, so many pieces of this big wedding-planning puzzle have fallen so easily into place. I found my dress about a month after the beau popped the question. We found our ceremony and reception venues with ease. Wedding colors seemed to fall into our laps. For all that came effortlessly, one thing remained a big fat question mark: wedding flowers.
For some brides, having lots of lush flowers and greenery is a must. I began to realize it was not a priority for me. While I love, love flowers, I couldn’t imagine devoting a significant portion of our budget to flowers that would potentially have a super short shelf life. Aside from the money factor, it just didn’t feel very green to me. Granted, I’m not the most environmentally-conscious person there is, but I feel like I try. And as much as I love flowers that bloom in the park or my potted orchids, I was uncomfortable with the idea of flowers doomed to die.
Once I’d made the decision that I didn’t need or want flowers that were the real deal, I began to mull over possible alternatives. And alternatives there are! It’s awesome how many other options are out there.
I loved the idea of fans, spread beautifully before each girl.
Courtesy http://www.weddingbycolor.com
But then I decided for a December wedding, fans probably don’t make that much sense. I think they would be gorgeous for a spring or summer wedding, but are probably not as suited to the colder, winter months. I mean, let’s be honest, who’s going to be fanning themselves in December? (Although in North Carolina, one can never be too sure!)
So, with the idea of fitting the winter theme in mind, I trudged forward. And straight into hand muffs. And for a little while, I was sold. I loved how quaint and different the idea of the muff is.
Courtesy http://www.furcreationsbyjan.com
But then, slowly but surely, I stopped being in love with the idea of hand muffs.
And for a time, I considered candles.
Courtesy http://www.intimateweddings.com
As before, however, I wasn’t completely sold. The more I thought about it, I realized I had been coming back to one idea over and over: a crochet bouquet.
Now, I know this means I run the risk of people thinking I’m an old lady or just flat-out crazy, but that’s ok with me. I’m pumped about the idea of flowers o’ yarn! So I hit the web in search of the perfect flower to comprise my bouquets, and presto, landed on http://www.planetjune.com.
I followed the super easy instructions for the Basic Rose. Our main color is going to be purple, with blue and silver accents. I decided to make blue and silver/gray flowers for my lovely bridesmaids to carry, while I wanted a deep purple hue.
This is where I found my pattern:
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/basic-rose/
It gives step-by-step instructions for making a rose:
For making the calyx, or the green underside of the rose:
For sewing them together:
And voila!
I strayed from the instructions on this site a bit when it came to making the stem for the rose. I used floral wire bent in half, to give it some thickness, and I wrapped it in green yarn several times over. I jabbed the wire through the flowers and clamped the wire down on the inside of the flower. Then I wrapped the bottoms in green floral tape and pinned everything together with a couple of pretty floral pins!
I love how my bridesmaid bouquets turned out:
Now I just have to assemble mine!
The Frozen Southerner 