Creating A Floral Wedding Halo: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flower halos are a whimsical and romantic accessory for brides and bridesmaids alike. They can be made with just a few materials and are a fun DIY project. When making a flower halo, you can choose any flowers that fit your aesthetic, from classic to whimsical. This could be a combination of different flower types, colours and sizes. You can use fresh flowers or fake flowers, depending on your preference and budget. If you plan to preserve your halo by hanging it to dry, use flowers that are commonly found dried, like lavender and rosemary.

Choosing flowers: Opt for long-lasting blooms like lavender and rosemary

When choosing flowers for your wedding halo, it's important to consider how long they will last, especially if you plan to preserve your halo by hanging it to dry. Opting for long-lasting blooms will ensure your halo stays fresh-looking throughout your wedding day and beyond.

Lavender and rosemary are excellent choices for long-lasting flowers. Both have a heavenly scent and are known for their longevity. Lavender, in particular, is one of the longest-blooming perennials you can plant, and it requires very little maintenance. Regular pruning encourages root growth, helping the plant to thrive for many years. The best time to prune lavender is in the spring and after flowering. However, it's important to note that you should never cut lavender back to the ground, as it will not bloom again or form new growth on leafless wood.

Rosemary is another fragrant herb that can add a special touch to your wedding halo. With proper care, rosemary plants can grow into large, 6-foot-tall shrubs that live upward of 30 years. Pruning is essential to keeping rosemary plants healthy and encouraging new growth. Like lavender, rosemary should be pruned at least once a year to prevent it from becoming woody and overgrown. The best time to prune rosemary is in the spring or early summer immediately after the plant's flowers begin to fade.

By choosing long-lasting blooms like lavender and rosemary, you can create a beautiful and durable wedding halo that will preserve your special day for years to come.

Wire and tape: Use floral wire and tape to create a base and secure flowers

To make a flower halo for a wedding, you'll need some key materials, including floral wire, floral tape, and a bouquet of flowers. You'll also need pruners or wire cutters to cut the flowers to your desired length.

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a flower halo using wire and tape:

Creating the Base:

Start by taking two heavy-gauge wires (18-gauge wires are ideal) and twisting them together to form a hoop that comfortably fits your head. You can adjust the size by twisting the wires closer together or farther apart. Ensure you make it slightly roomy as you'll be adding flowers to it.

Covering the Base with Floral Tape:

Wrap the wire hoop entirely in floral tape. This step ensures that the wires don't poke your head and gives a more polished look to your flower halo.

Securing Flowers with Wire and Tape:

• Choose your first flower: Select a flower from your bouquet and attach it to the hoop by wrapping a light-gauge wire (24-26 gauge) once near the base of the blossom, leaving a long tail of wire.
• Secure the flower: Wrap the long tail of wire down the stem, firmly attaching the blossom. Then, wrap the stem with floral tape to prevent any wires from poking out.
• Add more flowers: Continue adding flowers by positioning each new flower directly beneath the previously secured flower. Repeat the process of wrapping the wire near the base and down the stem, securing each flower to the hoop.

Tips for Choosing and Working with Flowers:

• When selecting flowers, consider their longevity. If you plan to preserve your flower halo, choose flowers that dry well, like lavender and rosemary. Avoid flowers that wilt quickly, such as ranunculus and poppies.
• For personal flower work, such as flower halos, popular wire gauges include 24, 26, and 28.
• The higher the gauge of the wire, the thinner it is. Choose the thinnest wire possible to keep the arrangement light while supporting the weight of the flowers.
• Use floral tape to cover each step of wiring. This hides the mechanics, gives a neater appearance, helps secure the wire, and adheres individual flowers together.
• Stretch the floral tape gently as you wrap it to ensure a tight hold.

With these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful flower halo for your wedding!

Flower placement: Play with flower combinations and placement before securing

When it comes to flower placement, it's important to remember that you can choose any flowers that fit your aesthetic—from classic to whimsical. Play around with different combinations of flowers and foliage to create a unique and beautiful halo.

Start by choosing a variety of blooms in your desired colour palette. For example, a mix of bold and bright colours like fuchsia, orange, and green for a tropical destination wedding, or a blend of sunny yellow daisies and sunflowers for a playful summer wedding. You can also add in some foliage, like eucalyptus or greenery, for texture and interest.

Once you have your flowers, it's time to start placing them on the halo. Try different arrangements to see what looks best. You can go for a symmetrical look with flowers evenly spaced around the halo, or create an asymmetrical structure with more flowers on one side for a flirty and dramatic effect.

Another thing to consider is the size and placement of the flowers in relation to your hairstyle and face. For example, if you want your halo to take centre stage, choose bigger flowers like peonies or zinnias. If you're going for a more subtle look, opt for smaller blooms and place them around the halo to create a delicate and minimalist effect.

Don't be afraid to play around with different combinations and placements until you find the perfect arrangement for your wedding flower halo.

Hair length and style: Consider hair length and style when designing your halo

When designing your flower halo, it's important to consider your hair length and style. If you're wearing your hair loose and wavy, you can opt for a lightweight sprig tucked into one side, adding a delicate floral touch to your look. For classic updos, a few creamy roses or small blooms above a chignon or low bun can add a touch of elegance and romance.

If you're feeling bold and want to make a statement, consider a full-bodied flower halo with greenery and orange blooms, or even a blend of sunny yellow daisies and sunflowers. These vibrant options will give you a fresh, garden-party look. For something more subtle, you can choose a half-halo or half-crown, which still looks stunning and allows you to play with colours and textures while keeping the overall look understated.

Braids and plaits also pair beautifully with flower halos. You can incorporate anything from baby's breath to andromeda into your braided style, or simply add a flower halo to a simple braid for a bohemian vibe. If you're going for a short, retro hairstyle, rich red blooms can add a dramatic and sensual touch, while a few small blooms tucked into a curly updo can create a whimsical and romantic effect.

Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different flowers and colours to find the perfect combination that complements your hair length and style.

Braids: Braids and flower halos are a great combination

Braids and flower halos are a great combination for weddings. They can add a romantic, bohemian, or rustic feel to your bridal hairstyle. Here are some tips and ideas to create a beautiful flower halo to complement your braided hairstyle:

Choosing Flowers for Your Halo:

When selecting flowers for your halo, consider your aesthetic preferences and the overall look you want to achieve. You can choose classic blooms like roses and peonies or go for something more whimsical. If you plan to preserve your halo by drying it after your wedding, opt for flowers that dry well, such as lavender and rosemary. Avoid flowers like ranunculuses and poppies, as they wilt quickly.

Creating the Flower Halo:

To make your flower halo, you'll need a bouquet of flowers, floral tape, and wire. You'll also need pruners or wire cutters to cut the flowers to the desired length. Start by creating a hoop with two heavy-gauge wires, ensuring it fits comfortably on your head. Then, wrap the hoop with floral tape to prevent any wires from poking you.

Attaching the Flowers:

Select your first flower, and attach it to the hoop by wrapping a light-gauge wire near the base of the blossom, leaving a long tail. Secure the flower by wrapping the wire down the stem and then wrap the stem with floral tape. Continue adding flowers by positioning each new bloom directly beneath the previously secured flower.

Braid and Halo Combinations:

Now, let's talk about combining your flower halo with braids. A loose braid with a flower halo can be made even softer and more romantic with a trail of all-white flowers. For a braided updo, consider adding a few bold blooms and some baby's breath for a delicate touch. If you're wearing milk-maid braids, a pink ranunculus flower halo will add a beautiful pop of colour. For a more rustic look, try a braided headband with a flower crown, or a flower crown with a braided velvet headband.

Flower Halo Care:

To keep your flower halo fresh, cover the bottom of a pie tin with damp paper towels, place your halo on top, and then add another layer of damp paper towels. Store the tin in the fridge, and your halo should stay fresh for up to three days.

Frequently asked questions