How to Wrap a Flower Bouquet Like a Professional
A beautifully arranged bouquet deserves equally beautiful wrapping. Learn professional techniques using kraft paper, tissue, and ribbon.
Professional florists make it look effortless, but the good news is that with the right materials and technique, anyone can achieve stunning results. This guide covers everything from basic wrapping to advanced presentation techniques.
Materials You'll Need
Wrapping Materials
- • Kraft paper - Classic, eco-friendly
- • Tissue paper - Soft, romantic look
- • Cellophane - Professional finish
- • Newspaper - Trendy, vintage aesthetic
Securing Materials
- • Ribbon - Satin, grosgrain, or raffia
- • Twine - Natural, rustic look
- • Rubber bands - Hold stems together
- • Floral tape - Secure wrapped portions
Step-by-Step: Basic Kraft Paper Wrap
Step 1: Prepare Your Flowers
- 1. Trim stems to desired length (usually 10-14 inches)
- 2. Remove lower leaves that would be below the tie point
- 3. Arrange flowers in a spiral pattern with stems crossing at one point
- 4. Secure with rubber band at the binding point
Step 2: Cut and Position Paper
- 1. Cut paper about 2.5 times the height of your bouquet
- 2. Standard sizes: 18x24" for small, 24x36" for large bouquets
- 3. Position as diamond shape (rotated 45 degrees)
- 4. Place bouquet diagonally with flower heads above top corner
Step 3: Wrap and Secure
- 1. Fold right corner of paper over the stems, tucking snugly
- 2. Fold left corner over to meet the first fold, overlapping slightly
- 3. Paper should form a cone shape framing the flowers
- 4. Tie twine or ribbon around the binding point
- 5. Wrap several times and tie a bow or simple knot
The Tissue Paper Method
For a softer, more romantic presentation:
Technique
- 1. Layer 2-3 tissue sheets on top of each other, slightly offset
- 2. Place bouquet on the diagonal
- 3. Gather tissue up and around the flowers
- 4. Let the tissue billow softly around the blooms
- 5. Secure at stems with ribbon
- 6. Fluff and arrange the tissue for fullness
Pro tip: Crinkle tissue slightly before using for added texture. Mix white with an accent color for visual interest.
Advanced Wrapping Techniques
The French Twist
- 1. Lay paper horizontally
- 2. Place bouquet at one end
- 3. Roll the bouquet across the paper
- 4. Twist the bottom closed
- 5. Tie with ribbon at the natural waist
The Korean-Style Wrap
- 1. Use multiple layers of materials
- 2. Include inner cellophane layer
- 3. Add tissue paper as middle layer
- 4. Finish with kraft or specialty paper
- 5. Tie with long ribbon streamers
Choosing Paper for Different Occasions
| Occasion | Paper Style | Best Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic | Soft pink tissue, white kraft with satin ribbon | Roses, peonies, ranunculus |
| Casual/Everyday | Brown kraft paper with twine | Sunflowers, daisies, wildflowers |
| Formal | White/cream paper, cellophane, grosgrain ribbon | Lilies, orchids, calla lilies |
| Rustic/Boho | Burlap, textured paper, raffia or jute twine | Lavender, eucalyptus, wildflowers |
Common Wrapping Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Too Tight
Crushing delicate petals and restricting natural flower shape. Solution: Leave room for blooms to breathe.
❌ Too Loose
Paper slides off, looks unprofessional. Solution: Secure firmly at the binding point.
❌ Wrong Paper Size
Not enough paper looks skimpy; too much overwhelms flowers. Solution: Follow the 2.5x height rule.
❌ Visible Mechanics
Rubber bands and tape showing. Solution: Cover all functional elements with ribbon.
Keeping Wrapped Flowers Fresh
Water Tubes
Use individual water tubes on each stem, especially for long transport.
Wet Paper Towels
Wrap damp paper towels around stem ends, cover with plastic wrap.
Timing
Wrap as close to giving time as possible. Keep cool, avoid direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paper do I need to wrap a bouquet?
For a standard bouquet, use paper that's about 2.5 times the height of your arranged flowers. For a 12-inch bouquet, you'd want paper roughly 30 inches in the longest dimension. It's better to have too much than too little.
Can I wrap flowers the night before?
It's best to wrap flowers as close to giving time as possible. If you must wrap early, use water tubes on the stems, keep the bouquet in a cool location, and avoid sealing the bottom tightly so stems don't rot.
What's the best ribbon for flower bouquets?
Satin ribbon offers a classic, elegant look. Grosgrain is more textured and holds knots well. Raffia or jute gives a rustic feel. Choose ribbon that's 1-2 inches wide for most bouquets.
Like any skill, wrapping beautiful bouquets takes practice. Start with simple kraft paper wraps and work your way up to multi-layer presentations. The most important thing is that your wrapping enhances rather than competes with the flowers - the blooms should always be the star.
Source: Royal Horticultural Society - Expert advice on handling and presenting cut flowers
Local Flower Team
Local Flower
The Local Flower team is dedicated to helping you discover beautiful blooms and connect with talented florists in your area.