Adding rhinestones to wedding flowers is a simple yet creative way to bring a bit of sparkle to your big day. When you sprinkle these shiny little gems into bouquets, table centerpieces, and around the venue, you give the whole wedding a special glow. Rhinestones reflect light in a dazzling way, giving everything a bit of luxury without going overboard. No matter if your wedding style is cozy and romantic, old-fashioned, or sleek and modern, rhinestones fit right in, making your wedding look and feel extra special.
Benefits of Adding Rhinestones
Rhinestones have a unique ability to uplift the visual appeal of floral arrangements, injecting an immediate sense of glamour and sophistication. These small, reflective crystals catch and reflect the light, adding a sparkle that can transform even the simplest bouquet into a stunning piece of art.
Flatback rhinestones for weddings come in a wide range of colours and sizes, making it easy to incorporate them into any wedding theme or colour scheme. Whether you're planning a classic, white wedding, a vibrant, colourful celebration, or something understated yet elegant, rhinestones can be selected to complement or contrast with the flowers and decor, ensuring that they enhance the overall aesthetic rather than overpower it.
Rhinestone Selection for Florals
Choosing rhinestones for decorating wedding flowers and bouquets can be overwhelming as there is so much choice when it comes to crystal colour and size. We would recommend using 3mm or 4mm rhinestones to glue onto the petals, this size is dainty and delicate and if you bigger, you may risk the weight of them causing damage. If you are using real flowers, choosing the best adhesive is vital, Gem Tac is a great all round gem glue which we have used to stick crystals to flowers.
If you decide to have artificial silk flowers, you can either glue or heat on your rhinestones (which requires hotfix rhinestones and applicator wand.) There are many differences between the glue on and heat on application method, but for artificial flowers you can go with either.
If you're looking to colour match rhinestones to your floral displays, take a look at our online colour charts to get a perfect match. For traditional white weddings and white flowers such as roses or lilies, Clear, silver and White Opal rhinestones work best.
Incorporating Rhinestones in Bouquets
There are multiple ways you can incorporate rhinestones into your bridal or bridesmaid bouquet:
- Glue flatback rhinestones onto the petals by applying tiny dots of Gem Tac glue straight onto the petal, then add Zodiac rhinestones to the glue. For the full tutorial, see How to glue rhinestones to flower petals.
- Glue large pearls or crystal buttons in between the flower heads.
- Wrap pearl ribbon or self-adhesive rhinestone ribbon around the stem.
Embellishing Corsages and Boutonnieres
Use rhinestone embellishments to decorate the corsage or boutonniere for a stylish look. Find a rhinestone brooch or pin that you can easily attach to the flower display with wire or ribbon and get creative!
Decorating Floral Arrangements and Centerpieces
Accentuate specific features of larger floral arrangements, such as the chair decorations, table centre pieces and other general flower displays by adding a string of round pearls to drape around them.
DIY Tips and Techniques
When it comes to attaching rhinestones to floral displays, follow these simple tips and tricks for an easy and creative outcome:
- If using real flowers, use only small rhinestones and glue – do not use the hotfix method.
- For artificial/silk flowers, embellishing with hotfix rhinestones will be quicker and mess-free.
- Don't go overboard with the number of rhinestones, remember less is more.
- Match the rhinestone colour to the petals for a subtle complementary sparkle.
- For a neat finish, wrap the flower stems in crystal ribbon.
- Incorporate pearls into your floral pieces for a less blingy effect.
Care and Maintenance
It is important to consider the care and maintenance of your floral decorations before and during the wedding day. Flowers are delicate and need special attention if you want them to stay fresh for the big day and beyond. Here are some handy tips for how to look after rhinestone wedding flowers, and some creative ideas for preserving them as keepsakes:
Before the Wedding Day:
- Gentle Handling: Flowers embellished with rhinestones require careful handling to prevent dislodging the gems. Always pick up the arrangements by the stems or container, not by the flowers themselves.
- Ideal Storage: Store the floral arrangements in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve both the flowers and the sparkle of the rhinestones. A room with controlled temperature is perfect.
- Moisture Control: If the flowers are fresh, ensure they have enough water to keep them hydrated without soaking the rhinestones. For silk or artificial flowers, avoid excess moisture to prevent damage to the glue or setting of the rhinestones.
During the Wedding Day:
- Transportation: Transport the rhinestone decorated flowers in sturdy containers that prevent movement. Soft padding around the arrangements can protect both the flowers and the rhinestones.
- Touch-ups: Have a small repair kit on hand with extra rhinestones and adhesive for any last-minute fixes. This is especially useful for bouquets or wearable floral accessories.
- Placement: When setting up, place the arrangements where they will not be bumped or knocked over. Consider the flow of guests and the activities planned to ensure the florals remain intact.
Repurposing or Preserving as Keepsakes:
- Drying and Pressing: For fresh flowers, carefully drying or pressing them after the wedding allows you to preserve them. The rhinestones will remain attached, turning the arrangement into a lasting keepsake.
- Shadow Boxes: Arrange dried petals in a shadow box as a decorative reminder of your special day. This method protects the flowers and rhinestones from dust and damage.
- Resin Art: Embedding parts of your floral arrangement in resin can create beautiful, lasting art pieces, such as paperweights or ornaments. The rhinestones will add an extra sparkle, and remind you of the day.
- Repurpose in Home Decor: Use the preserved flowers as part of your home decor. They can be placed in vases, attached to wreaths, or even incorporated into new artwork, adding a personal touch to your living space.
