Crafting Wedding Table Garland: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding decorations can be expensive, so why not try making your own garland for your wedding table? It's a fun and easy DIY project that can be personalised to your wedding theme and colours. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create a beautiful and elegant garland using greenery, flowers, and candles. We'll also provide some tips on how to make the most of your garland and keep it looking fresh. So, whether you're a craft expert or a beginner, read on to find out how to make a stunning garland that will wow your wedding guests.

Choosing the right type of foliage

Variety of Foliage

When creating a foliage table garland, you can choose from a variety of options such as eucalyptus, willow, ivy, moss, plumosus, laurel, and magnolia. These options are cost-effective and perfect for wedding decor, bringing a vibrant and botanical feel to your wedding venue. Play with different textures and varieties of foliage to create a unique and stunning table decoration.

Longevity

It is important to consider the longevity of the foliage, especially if you want your garland to last through the entire wedding day. As a general rule, choose foliage with sturdier leaves, as they tend to last longer. Delicate foliage should be used sparingly to avoid wilting.

Colour and Theme

Consider the colour and theme of your wedding when selecting your foliage. For example, if you're aiming for a rustic chic decor, a combination of high-quality faux flowers and greenery might be a better choice. You can also spray paint plant pots or paint cans in colours that match your wedding theme and place them along your garland.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the foliage should complement the size of your wedding table. If you have a wide dinner table, consider creating thicker bundles of foliage. On the other hand, long and thin bundles are more suitable for narrower tables or mantels. You can also add volume to your garland without overwhelming it by incorporating ferns or other types of greenery.

Availability and Cost

Some types of foliage may be more readily available or cost-effective depending on the season and your location. For example, eucalyptus and seeded eucalyptus are commonly available at stores like Sam's Club and Costco. You can also mix fresh greenery with dried or faux garlands to save money without compromising the overall look.

Combining greenery bundles

Creating Uniform Bundles:

Before you begin combining the bundles, ensure that each individual bundle is neatly arranged and secured. Use floral wire or green floral tape to attach the stems together, creating a cohesive base. The size of your bundles will depend on the desired width of your finished garland. For a wide dinner table, opt for thicker bundles, while long, thin bundles are more suitable for a narrow mantel or narrower table. It's a good idea to place a bundle or two on your surface to test the length and thickness before finalising all of them.

Overlapping Technique:

Now, it's time to start combining the bundles to form the garland. Take two bundles and overlap them, securing them together with floral wire or tape. Position the second bundle so that it covers the wire and stems of the first bundle, placing it halfway down the length of the first bundle. Make sure you attach the bundles by wrapping both stems securely. Repeat this process, continuing to overlap and attach bundles until you achieve the desired length for your garland.

Final Touches:

Once you've reached your desired length, it's time to finish off the garland. Attach 2-3 remaining bundles using wire or tape to create a final grouping that will serve as the end of the garland. Place this group of bundles at the end of the garland, with the stems facing in the opposite direction of the line you've created. Tuck the stems as far under the leaves as possible to create a seamless and natural look. Secure the stems with wire or tape, ensuring they are well hidden.

Filling and Enhancing:

At this point, you can start adding single sprigs of greenery to fill in any gaps and enhance the overall appearance of the garland. Pay close attention to the areas where the opposite-facing stems meet, ensuring they are well covered. Continue filling in any holes or exposed wire or tape with new pieces until you're happy with the fullness and coverage. You can use longer pieces to add width or shorter sprigs to fill in areas without adding extra bulk.

Displaying Your Garland:

Finally, it's time to display your handcrafted garland on your wedding table. Since the bundles are attached at the ends, it's best to place the garland on a flat surface to prevent any pieces from falling out. To keep your garland looking fresh, especially if you plan to display it for an extended period, store a few extra bits of greenery in the refrigerator to replace any pieces that may start to wilt.

Adding flowers and candles

Choosing Flowers

When selecting flowers to incorporate into your garland, consider choosing blooms that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can opt for fresh flowers or high-quality artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. Roses, eucalyptus, hydrangeas, and wildflowers are popular choices for wedding garlands. You can also mix and match different types of flowers and greenery to create a unique and rustic look.

Arranging Flowers

There are several ways to arrange flowers within your garland. You can tuck single blooms or small bouquets into the garland at regular intervals, creating a balanced and elegant look. Alternatively, you can weave flowers throughout the garland, allowing them to peek out from the greenery. For a more dramatic effect, create clusters of flowers at varying points along the garland, adding visual interest and a pop of colour. Play around with different arrangements until you find one that suits your style.

Combining Flowers and Candles

Combining flowers and candles can create a romantic and enchanting tablescape. Place candles of varying heights and sizes among the flowers, ensuring they are secure and won't tip over. Floating candles in clear glass bowls filled with water and petals can add a magical touch. For a rustic charm, use candle holders or votives in natural materials such as wood or brass. Be mindful of the fragrance of the flowers and candles to ensure they complement each other and aren't too overpowering.

Other Decorations

In addition to flowers and candles, you can enhance your garland with other decorative elements. String lights woven into the garland can add a whimsical touch, especially for evening receptions. Ribbons or lace in your wedding colours can be draped or tied around the garland for added texture and visual interest. Small decorative items such as crystal pendants or dried flowers can also be incorporated to further personalize your garland design.

Maintenance

If using fresh flowers and greenery, it's important to maintain their freshness throughout your wedding day. Keep extra flowers and greenery in water, and replace any wilted blooms or foliage as needed. For outdoor weddings or particularly hot days, consider using floral tubes to keep flowers hydrated and fresh.

Cost-saving options

Garlands can be expensive, so here are some ideas to help you create a beautiful wedding table garland on a budget.

Firstly, greenery is a cost-effective option for wedding décor. Foliage such as eucalyptus, willow, ivy, and moss is much cheaper than flowers, and you can easily make a garland yourself. You can also use hardy local greens like laurel or magnolia, or order dried or faux garlands and insert sprigs of live greens to bulk them up.

If you want to include flowers, consider using high-quality faux flowers. You can clip off the individual leaves or flowers and use them to create your own garlands. This will save you money on buying fresh flowers, and you won't have to worry about them wilting during your wedding.

Another cost-saving option is to use simple eucalyptus sprigs instead of a full garland. This can achieve a similar effect, but for a lower cost. You can also lay greenery directly on the tables, rather than creating a garland, for a more relaxed look.

Finally, you can save money by repurposing your garlands. If you are having a ceremony before your reception, you can use the same garlands to drape the pews and then as centerpieces at the reception. This will save you money and ensure that you get the most out of your garlands.

Displaying your garland

Placement

Place your garland down the centre of the table, allowing it to drape and overflow for a natural, wild look. If your garland is on the thinner side, you can position it closer to the edge of the table to leave more room for food and centrepieces. If you want your garland to be the star, consider placing it on a mantel or a flat surface to avoid any pieces falling out.

Candles and Lighting

Candles can add a romantic and elegant touch to your garland display. Choose tall candles and tea lights, ensuring they are secure and placed at a safe distance from the foliage. Play with different candle styles and colours to enhance the atmosphere. Remember to check with your venue about their candle policy, and consider omitting candles from tables with young children.

Flowers and Foliage

Incorporate flowers into your garland to add pops of colour and texture. Choose flowers in blush hues or bright shades to complement the greenery. You can also add extra greenery, such as ivy, moss, or eucalyptus, to fill out the garland and create a full, wild look.

Pots and Containers

If you want to elevate your garland, consider using empty plant pots or paint cans. Spray paint them in colours that match your wedding theme; metallics can add a touch of warmth. Fill the pots with damp soil, succulents, and moss, and place candles in the centre for a unique and eye-catching display.

Hanging Arrangements

Create a magical feel by incorporating hanging arrangements that mimic your table garland. Opulent floral designs or simple greenery garlands can be hung above the table, adding depth and a whimsical touch to the overall decor.

Multi-Use Garlands

To get the most out of your garlands, consider using them in multiple ways. Garlands can be draped over pews during the ceremony and then repurposed as centrepieces at the reception, saving costs and creating a cohesive look throughout your wedding.

Frequently asked questions