Create A Wedding Arch Foliage Garland Like A Pro

Wedding arches are a popular choice among couples for their timeless and trendy appeal. They serve as a focal point for wedding decorations and can be used in various ways, from flower-clad altar arches to backdrops for photo booths.

If you're looking to add a personal touch to your wedding with some DIY touches, you may want to consider making your own foliage garland for your wedding arch. This paragraph will introduce you to the topic of how to make a foliage garland for wedding arches, providing a general overview of the process and the materials you will need.

Choosing foliage and flowers

The foliage and flowers you choose for your wedding arch garland will depend on your wedding's colour palette, theme, and your personal preferences.

If you're looking for a natural, rustic look, consider a combination of eucalyptus and ivy leaves. For a delicate and romantic look, ferns and berries are a good option. You could also mix different types of greenery, such as eucalyptus, ivy, and ferns, with flowers like roses or peonies for a unique and varied look.

When selecting flowers, consider the colour and type that will complement your wedding theme. You can choose from a wide range of options, including roses, peonies, lilies, orchids, dahlias, lisianthus, and more. If you're looking for a colourful display, include vibrant colours such as pink, red, yellow, or coral. For a more neutral look, opt for colours like white or cream.

The amount of foliage and flowers you need will depend on the size of your arch. For a fuller-looking arch, use more flowers and greenery than the minimum recommended amount. If your arch is larger than the standard size, you may need more materials to create a floral arrangement.

You can also add trailing pieces of foliage, such as ivy and ferns, to give your garland a natural look. Secure them at the top of the arch and let them drape down.

When creating your garland, focus on the front of the arch that guests will see first. Add clusters of flowers to the upper parts of the arch, angling the stems upwards and outwards to mimic natural growth.

For a cost-effective option, consider using artificial flowers instead of fresh ones. This will also make your garland easier to work with and ensure that it lasts longer.

Preparing the arch frame

Choose the Right Arch Frame:

Start by selecting a free-standing arch frame that suits your wedding theme and style. You can find these at your local garden centre or online. Consider the size of your arch and whether it will be used as a backdrop or the main focal point.

Stabilise the Arch:

Decide on the position of your arch and assemble it in situ. If you're setting it up outdoors, you may be able to secure it by spearing the framework into the ground. For added stability, especially if used indoors, place the back two spokes of the arch in buckets filled with stones or similar to weigh them down.

Add Large Foliage Branches:

Select large, leafy branches to form the foundation of your archway. Cable ties can be used to attach these branches directly to the framework. Use one tie at the base and a few more along the branch to prevent slipping. Ensure the foliage is hardy and won't droop or wilt easily.

Work Evenly and Balance the Weight:

Distribute the foliage evenly around the arch, ensuring there is enough weight towards the back for stability. Avoid attaching anything too heavy or bulky to the top of the frame.

Add Foliage to the Base:

Select tall or delicate foliage that needs to be kept upright and in water. Position these in floral foam blocks at the base of the frame, pointing upwards as if growing around the arch.

Secure Trailing Foliage:

Use trailing ivy or feathery ferns at the top of the archway to unite the sides. Twist and secure them with small cable ties, keeping it light to maintain the arch's stability.

Build and Bush Out the Foliage:

Continue adding foliage until you achieve good, even coverage, hiding most of the frame. The foliage should look natural and bushy. Feel free to add interesting branches, such as magnolia, and use different types of foliage to create an asymmetrical, wild look.

Strategise Flower Placement:

Step back and plan where you want to place your flowers. Focus on the front of the arch, which will be the first thing your guests see. Cut up the floral foam garland and attach individual pieces to the framework, concealing them within the foliage.

Now that your arch frame is prepared, you can move on to adding flowers and any final touches to create a stunning, personalised backdrop for your special day.

Attaching foliage to the arch

Choose the Right Materials

Before you begin, select foliage that is large and leafy to act as the foundation of your archway. Combine these with shorter pieces to fill any gaps and add trailing foliage for a natural look. You can use fresh or artificial flowers, but be aware that fresh flowers are more delicate and may require water to prevent wilting.

Stabilise the Arch

Assemble the arch frame at the desired location. If needed, stabilise it by placing the back spokes in buckets filled with weights, or by spearing the framework into the ground if assembling outdoors.

Attach the Foliage

Use cable ties to secure the large, leafy branches directly to the framework. Place one tie at the base of each branch and a couple more further up to prevent slipping. If using foliage prone to drooping, insert the ends into water-filled florist test tubes. Work evenly around the arch, ensuring good coverage and stability. Avoid attaching heavy items to the top of the frame.

Add Trailing Foliage

Secure trailing pieces of foliage, such as ivy and ferns, at the top of the arch to unite the sides. Twist and secure them with small cable ties, keeping it light to maintain stability.

Build up the Foliage

Continue adding foliage until you achieve even coverage and most of the frame is hidden. The foliage should look bushy and natural. You can add interest by including different types of foliage and allowing it to look a little wild.

Strategically Place Flowers

Step back and plan where you want to position the flowers. Focus on the front of the arch, which will be the first thing your guests see. Cut up the floral foam garland and attach individual pieces to the framework, concealing them within the foliage. Avoid placing the flowers too evenly or symmetrically.

Cluster the Flowers

Keep the florals in the upper parts of the arch clustered together, angling the stems upwards and outwards to mimic natural growth. Cut the stems at a sharp angle and push them firmly into the floral foam. Work methodically, considering colour and flower type.

Finish with Final Touches

Add flowers to the floral foam blocks at the base of the arch to add height and drama. Reserve the tallest flowers for this, and then work in some shorter ones in clusters to emulate a garden border. Cover any visible floral foam with small pieces of foliage or moss.

Use Accessories

To attach the garlands to your arch, you can use pew clips or nylon backdrop clips, which provide a firm grip and ensure the garlands stay in place even after the event. Decorative tape is another useful accessory, as it is lightweight, bendable, and helps to collect and attach the garlands quickly and easily.

Enhance with Fabric

If you want to add fabric to your arch, consider using satin or chiffon ribbons, which come in a variety of colours to match your flowers or wedding palette. Green gauge floral wires can also be used to highlight your floral embellishments.

Adding flowers to the arch

Now for the fun part – adding flowers to your arch! You can use fresh flowers or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. Fresh flowers are more delicate and difficult to work with, but they add a natural touch to your garland. If you're using fresh flowers, soak the garland in water for a few hours or up to 24 hours beforehand to rehydrate them and help them last longer.

If you opt for artificial flowers, you can choose from a wide range of colours and varieties to suit your wedding theme and colour palette. You can also customise your arch with any colour combination you like. For example, using vibrant colours such as pink, red, and yellow creates a colourful and cheerful atmosphere, while neutral colours like white evoke a sense of purity and elegance.

Once you've selected your flowers, it's time to attach them to the arch. Use heavy floral wire, pew clips, nylon backdrop clips, or decorative tape to secure the flowers to the arch. You can also use satin or chiffon ribbons to attach the flowers, which come in a variety of colours to match your floral arrangement or wedding palette.

When adding flowers to your arch, focus on the front that your guests will see first. Add the flowers in clusters, angling the stems upwards and outwards to mimic the way they grow in nature. Try to avoid placing them too evenly or symmetrically, as asymmetry adds interest and dimension to your design.

Continue adding flowers until you've covered the entire arch, or until you've achieved your desired level of fullness. Don't forget to add flowers to the floral foam blocks at the base of the arch to create a cohesive look. Reserve the tallest flowers for this part, adding height and drama to your arrangement.

Finally, step back and admire your handiwork! You've successfully added flowers to your arch, creating a stunning focal point for your wedding ceremony.

Finishing touches

Now that you've crafted your foliage garland, it's time to add some final flourishes to make it truly spectacular. Here are some ideas for those all-important finishing touches:

Flowers

Add a pop of colour and elegance to your garland by incorporating flowers. You can choose flowers that complement your wedding colour palette or opt for a mix of different types and colours to create a unique and varied look. Roses, peonies, dahlias, lisianthus, and carnations are popular choices for wedding garlands. You can also use floral wire to attach individual flowers to the garland, filling in any gaps and creating a full, lush appearance.

Fairy Lights

For a magical and romantic touch, weave fairy lights into your foliage garland. This is especially effective if your wedding is in the evening or at a venue with low lighting. The soft glow of fairy lights will create a cosy and enchanting atmosphere.

Ribbons

Incorporate ribbons into your garland design by using them to attach the garland to the arch or simply as decorative accents. Satin and chiffon ribbons in colours that match your wedding palette will add a stylish and elegant touch to your garland.

Lanterns

If you're going for a rustic or industrial theme, consider adding lanterns to your foliage garland. The soft glow of lanterns will create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially for an evening wedding.

Personal Touches

Feel free to add personal touches to your garland to make it unique to you and your partner. This could include incorporating flowers that hold a special meaning for you, or perhaps adding a small charm or memento that represents your relationship.

Greenery

Don't be afraid to add more greenery to your garland if you feel it needs some extra fullness or texture. You can use trailing pieces of ivy or feathery ferns to give your garland a natural, organic look.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a foliage garland for your wedding arch. Let your creativity flow and make it a true reflection of your style and personality. Enjoy crafting this beautiful addition to your special day!

Frequently asked questions