Super easy! How to make a Cemetery Saddle Arrangement

Hi! I’m Joette with the Bowdabra Design Team, and in this DIY Cemetery Saddle Arrangement tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a beautiful floral display for a headstone using Bowdabra—without any floral foam or hot glue. Join me in crafting a heartfelt tribute with easy materials and techniques. Let’s get started!

Materials:

2 Ficus Branches

4 Linear Stems

2 Fern Bushes

2 Linear Stem Florals

5 Assorted Floral Bushes

Filler Floral Bush

1 Hydrangea Stem

1 Garden Rose or Peony Stem

Large Bowdabra

Bowdabra Bow Wire

2-4 Zip Ties

Wire Saddle Form

Instructions

First, cut a piece of Bowdabra bow wire.  Then, fold it in half and insert it into the Bowdabra.  You will have a loop on one side and two loose wires on the other side.  This will serve as your slipknot. Tuck the ends under to stay out of the way while you are making your bow.

Next, begin making the base for your cemetery saddle by laying some foliage right in the Bowdabra. Work from left to right placing in the greenery.

Now, begin adding florals from left to right as you did with the foliage. Continue adding the florals in varying colors laying them in closer to the center. Add some filler flower bushes by opening and bending them in half. Try and balance the florals on both sides.

Lay in the largest flowers in the center.

Finishing your cemetery saddle arrangement:

Now scrunch everything down with the Bowdabra wand.  Then, insert the loose wires through the loop and pull tight while the bow is still in the Bowdabra. Then, remove the bow from the Bowdabra, separate the ends, turn to the back, and tie a knot.  Tie a double knot for extra security. The Bowdabra wire makes it so easy!

Fluff and arrange your arrangement by pulling and bending the florals as desired. Center the arrangement on the saddle frame.  Working from the back take some zip ties and attach them in several places.

When attaching the cemetery saddle arrangement to the headstone, bend the saddle to fit and place it on top. Bowdabra makes it so easy, it does so much more than bows!