​Composite Bouquets

Composite Bouquets

Although it is one of the most stylish, splendid bouquets in the floral community, composite bouquets seem forgotten in the slews of cascade arrangements and hand-tied bouquets.

Purple Composite Bouquet   Source: Flirty Fleurs

Bridesmaids Bouquets Source: Inside Weddings

White Composite Bouquet  Source: Inside Weddings

Composite bouquets design petals or small flowers so that they look like one large, splendid bloom made from hundreds of composite parts. Traditionally, this is done through meticulous wiring and taping of individual petals together in concentric circles around a single bloom. Petals are added in one-by-one, making it one of the most difficult, time-consuming, and tedious bouquets to make. However, the results are unbelievable.

Calla Lily Composite  Source: The Spruce

Orchid Composite  Source: Svetlana Lunin

Lily Composite  Source: WeddBook

Composite bouquets--or, as they’re also known, glamelias--are ideal for two distinct wedding themes. High-fashion events, especially modern black-tie weddings, encourage opulence and a unique, rare sense of style. Glamelias are just that: glam-orous! These bouquets are highly detailed, artistic, and often immaculate.

Birds of Paradise Composite  Source: June Bug Weddings

On the other hand, simpler, more refined composites invoke a vintage ambiance. The style developed in the 1940s, and exploded in popularity in the 1950s. The simple, but dramatic composition offer gorgeous photography, as well. The style is sleek, but classic. Softer, simpler glamelias are timeless, characterized by its impactful brand of beauty.

White Rose Composite   Source: Fab You Bliss

And, of course, we find it so easy to fall in love with all of these rose petal composite bouquets.

Red Rose Composite   Source: Borrowed and Blue

Arrangements like the one pictured above exude character and personality. Within the vintage bouquet style, the petals are not perfectly concentric. They flow and move naturally around one another, highlighting the uniqueness of the bouquet and the bride who carries it. Bold, brazen red reflects a classic red rose, making a timeless display unaffected by timely trends.

But glamelias are not limited to frilly floral displays. Often times, they become works of art.

Crystal Rose Composite  Source: The Knot

Like the bouquet above, many composites feature crystals or brooches in order to to add a lavish glimmer to the arrangements. Considering how luxurious composites tend to be, the dazzling touch only adds to an already exquisite sight. Unlike the aforementioned arrangement, this bouquet exemplifies the high-fashion, high-impact nature of glamelias. Its swirls of monochrome white feign simplicity; the longer you gaze into its depths, the more delicate and subtle details slowly appear out of the framework. The concentric circles have sensuous rhythm. Ivory white petals are sophisticated. The trinity of crystals in the center of the bouquet emphasize elegance and a careful attention to detail. Overall, the image is nothing short of stunning.

Red and White Orchid Composite  Source: Svetlana Lunin

However, while these bouquets are extraordinarily beautiful and offer a spectacular, unique touch to events, their delicate nature makes them extremely difficult to use in many weddings. Composite bouquets must be stressfully made last-minute either the night or morning before the event, as the petals tend to wilt or discolor from adhesives if made in advance. Similarly, in outdoor weddings, the bouquet usually wilts before the ceremony can end. Even rose petals, which come from one of the hardiest outdoor flowers, tend to quickly brown, discolor, or droop after a limited amount of time outdoors.

But that’s where our lovely freeze dried petals once again save the day!

Black-Ribbon Red Composite  Source: Floral Designs by Jessi

Our lasting solution to inconsistent and difficult petals applies to composites as well. Since the petals are dried, time is not a concern. Composite bouquets can be tricky to make; dried petals give you more time for trial and error while making your bouquet. You can be patient, gentle, and slow. You have the leisure to enjoy making your picture-perfect bouquet, rather than stressfully smooshing together petals in a panic the morning before the wedding.

Additionally, this means outdoor weddings are less of a concern. The petals cannot wilt, brown, or discolor. They last vibrantly, and still have the soft, lively texture as fresh rose petals. After the wedding, you keep a valuable, extravagant commodity as well: a piece of art developed from your life story.

Bright Pink Ombre Dahlia  Source: Intimate Weddings

Composites are not easy bouquets to make, and novices at crafts are warned that they will be frustrating and time-consuming to create. If you are not interested in this kind of work, but are still interested in glamelias, talk to a local florist in your area about using freeze-dried Flyboy Petals for your arrangement. If you enjoy crafts, and want a hand in creating your perfect day, come back next week for our instructional blog on DIY composite bouquets with Flyboy Petals!

Peach Heart Composite  Source: Beautiful Blooms