The World of Paper Flower Bouquets
The beautiful appeal of paper flower bouquets has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years. For weddings in particular, the idea of turning to paper on the big day creates a unique alternative to traditional flowers, which holds more colour variety and lasts a lot longer. We spoke with Rebecca of Paper Bouquets to learn about her success with this fast-growing bridal trend.
How did you come up with the concept of Paper Bouquets?
I was looking around for wedding alternatives. As much as I adore real flowers, when I learnt fresh flower bridal bouquets can cost upwards of £250 and only last a day, I was a little horrified.
But it started out more of a hobby. I was in a super stressful job and making flowers from paper was my escapism. Initially it was for friends and family for special occasions, but then their friends started asking and it blossomed from there (yes, I know, cheesy pun, but it is true!).
How did you get Paper Bouquets up and running?
Oh man, it was hard work! I think so many people underestimate how much effort it takes to get a business off the ground. It’s a bit easier now with social media and platforms like Etsy, NuMonday, Folksy, etc, but when I started these were all fairly new and unknown platforms. In the first year it was all about making lots and lots of examples, building a portfolio and spreading the word in any way I could.
Have paper flower bouquets become a popular alternative to real flower bouquets?
Definitely! When I first started out on Etsy 7 years ago, you could search ‘Paper Wedding Bouquet’ and get under 300 results. I just searched it today and it has 31,653 results.
They are so versatile, there are so many styles, mediums, and interpretations of paper. Each one is incredibly unique.
In your opinion, what makes paper flowers a better alternative to real flowers?
Oh wow, where to start! To me they can be anything you want them to be. With paper you can simulate real flowers but have the pleasure of seeing them as fresh as the day of the wedding 10 years later. You can have a realistic looking rose or one with the lyrics of your first dance written into the petals. They can also cost a fraction of the price of fresh flowers.
For me they are a bit more special than some other alternatives too, like silk and foam, which are usually mass produced overseas. The paper I used is FCS assured and produced in the UK where possible. Every petal and leaf is handmade, every element of the design made especially for you. It’s a designer bouquet if you like.
From your website I noticed you have more than just bouquets to offer. What other paper flower products do you have and why did you create them?
The thing you learn quickly in a small business is you need to be adaptable. I could have a commission for a product launch which requires 1000 flowers, or I could have a bride who requests a flower crown. If I haven’t made it, I will certainly have a go to make sure the clients wish list is met.
I think it’s super important to have a range of items, whether that be adding extra floral decorations or to offer flowers for other occasions like birthdays or get well soon. Part of being adaptable is about working with the seasons too. Weddings notably slow down over the winter which is when I am able to make fun things like paper mistletoe and Christmas wreaths.
Having just gone through the worst year on record for weddings with the effect of Covid-19, I have tried to find ways of still being useful to clients. Recently I have created a ‘Rose and Letter’ parcel which is a lovely little gift that can be sent between friends, family and loved ones who missed special occasions through the lockdown period.
End of Interview.
You can find Rebecca of Paper Bouquets. Visit the website or follow her on Instagram!
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