Creating A Paper Flower Wedding Arch: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flowers are an essential part of any wedding, but fresh flowers are expensive and don't last long. Paper flowers are a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative that gives you more flexibility. You can buy pre-made paper flowers or make your own with paper or card and a glue gun. Once you've made your flowers, you can attach them to an arch made from wooden dowels, buckets, and piping, or a ready-made arch. You can also intersperse paper cupcake liners and dye the paper flowers to add texture and break up the whiteness.

Choosing paper flowers and assembling them

Choosing the right paper flowers for your wedding arch is essential to achieving the desired look and feel for your special day. Here are some tips and instructions for choosing and assembling paper flowers to create a beautiful and unique wedding arch:

Choosing Paper Flowers

Decide on the colour scheme and style you wish to achieve. Paper flowers come in various colours, from classic white and ivory to bright pops of colour like pink, blue, and multicoloured options. Consider whether you want a natural and elegant look or something more playful and quirky. You can even opt for a printable paper flower template to create your own unique designs.

Assembling the Paper Flowers

You can create paper flowers in several ways, depending on the materials you have available and the desired effect. Here are some general steps to create paper flowers:

• Choose your materials: Coffee filters, tissue paper, scissors, and a stapler are some basic supplies needed for simple paper flowers. For more intricate designs, you may need paper or card, a glue gun, floral wire, ribbons, and other decorative items.
• Create the flower shape: This can be done by folding, cutting, and stapling the paper in various ways. For example, you can fold coffee filters to create a crease, cover them with a tissue paper ball, and staple them together to form a flower shape.
• Add texture and variety: Intersperse paper cupcake liners, dye the paper flowers, or use different types of paper to create a range of flower shapes and sizes.
• Attach the flowers: Use a hot glue gun or floral wire to attach the paper flowers to your arch. You can also use zip ties, fabric, or damage-free tape to secure the flowers, depending on the surface you are working with.

Final Touches

Once you have assembled your paper flowers and attached them to the arch, you can add final touches to enhance the overall look:

• Add greenery: Insert greenery leaves and branches at varying angles to create a natural, organic feel.
• Play with symmetry: Avoid making both sides of the arch too symmetrical. Instead, aim for complementary designs that are unique on each side.
• Incorporate ribbons: Tie ribbons or bows that match the colour of your flowers to add a whimsical touch.
• Personalise: Feel free to add any personal touches or decorations that reflect your style and the theme of your wedding.

DIYing paper flowers with coffee filters and tissue paper

Paper flowers are a great way to save money on your wedding arch decor without sacrificing style. They are flexible, cheaper, and last longer than real flowers. Here are the steps to make your own paper flowers with coffee filters and tissue paper:

Coffee Filter Flowers:

Coffee filter flowers are simple and beautiful. Their thin, delicate texture allows light to pass through the petals, giving them an ethereal look. You can use unbleached or white coffee filters and even dye them with hot water and food colouring.

Materials:

• 6 basket-style coffee filters (any/all sizes) per flower
• Floral stem wire or any alternative for the stem
• Floral tape or masking tape

Steps:

• Flatten up to 6 coffee filters and stack them neatly.
• Fold the stack in half, and then in half again, so it becomes a quarter of the size of the circle.
• Trim the edges of the folded quarter in your desired style, such as scalloped or fringed.
• Staple the bottom corner of the folded stack.
• Scrunch the paper around the staple to add some dimension.
• Put a small hook at the top of your stem and run it through the flower from the inside to the bottom.
• Wrap floral tape around the bottom of the flower, covering the staple, and secure it in place.
• Gently unfold the layers of the flower, starting with the outer layer, to create your petal shape.

Tissue Paper Flowers:

Tissue paper flowers are easy and inexpensive to make. You can use different colours of tissue paper and cut the ends in various ways to create unique shapes and styles.

Materials:

• Colourful tissue paper
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Stapler
• Scissors

Steps:

• Stack several layers of tissue paper neatly.
• Starting at the short end, accordion-fold 1-inch sections of the tissue paper until the whole length is folded together.
• Secure the centre with a stapler, ensuring it goes through all layers.
• Cut the ends of the tissue paper in your desired style.
• Fan out the folds and separate each layer. Fluff and shape the tissue paper until it resembles a flower.

You can adjust the size of your tissue paper flowers by changing the starting width and the number of layers. For bigger flowers, use more layers to create a fuller look.

Now you can use these paper flowers to decorate your wedding arch. Enjoy creating these beautiful and cost-effective decorations!

Creating a stable base for the arch

Creating a stable base for your paper flower wedding arch is crucial to ensuring it stands securely and can bear the weight of the decorations. Here are the steps and materials you'll need to create a sturdy base:

Materials:

• Three 7-foot wooden dowels, 1”-1 ¼” in diameter
• Two 10-quart galvanized pails
• Two 2-inch pieces of plastic piping (slightly larger in diameter than the wooden dowels)
• Quick-set concrete
• A jig or hand saw
• Tape
• Water

Step 1: Cut the Wooden Dowels and Plastic Piping

Use the saw to cut the wooden dowels to your desired height and width. The height and width can vary depending on your specific needs and the size of the people who will be standing under the arch.

Next, cut the plastic piping so that it sticks out a few inches above the galvanized bucket, and ensure that the diameter is slightly larger than the wooden dowels so that they can fit snugly inside.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

Place the cut piece of plastic pipe in the center of one of the buckets and secure it with tape to prevent it from falling over. Repeat this process with the second pipe and bucket.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Concrete

Prepare the quick-set concrete according to the instructions on the package. Divide the mixture evenly between the two buckets, making sure to fill them simultaneously to ensure consistent drying. Hold the pipes in place as you pour the concrete to prevent them from moving.

Let the concrete dry overnight, or as long as instructed, to ensure it sets properly.

Step 4: Assemble the Arch

Once the concrete has dried, you can assemble the arch. Place the wooden dowels into the plastic pipes, securing them with small pieces of wood or cardboard if needed to ensure a snug fit.

Attach the cross dowel at the top of the arch and secure it with multiple zip ties.

Now you have a stable and secure base for your paper flower wedding arch! You can decorate the base with moss, coloured tissue paper, or any other material that fits your theme.

Decorating the arch with flowers and other items

• Fold three coffee filters in half to create a centre crease.
• Create a ball out of one sheet of tissue paper.
• Cover the ball with another sheet of the same colour, twisting the bottom to look like a lollipop.
• Staple the "stick end" of the lollipop to the centre crease of the coffee filter.
• Carefully lift each layer of the coffee filter one by one.
• Flip the flower and staple the back together.

Repeat this process until you have enough flowers to decorate your arch. You can also add paper cupcake liners for texture and dye the flowers to add some colour.

If you're using ready-made flowers, you can buy them in various colours, such as white, pink, and blue. You can also find giant paper flowers or smaller mini flowers, depending on your preference. Once you have your flowers, use a hot glue gun to attach them to the arch. You can also use zip ties and wire to secure them, allowing you to create your desired design.

In addition to flowers, you can decorate your arch with ribbons, bows, and other items that fit your wedding theme. For a natural look, you might want to add some greenery. Wire mesh or chicken wire can be used to create a base for the greenery and flowers, giving you a stable structure to work with. Start by covering the arch pillars with the wire mesh and securing it with zip ties. Then, insert the greenery leaves at a 30- to 45-degree angle, creating the illusion that they're growing from the arch's base. Work from the bottom up, making the greenery fuller at the base to add depth.

Feel free to add other decorative items that match your wedding's colour scheme or theme. You can hang the finished arch from the ceiling or screws, creating a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony or reception.

Attaching the arch to the ground or ceiling

Choosing a Stable Base

Start by deciding on a stable base for your arch. You can choose between a free-standing arch and one that is attached to the ground or ceiling. If you opt for a free-standing arch, ensure that the base is sturdy and weighted to prevent it from toppling over, especially if used outdoors.

Using Quick-Set Concrete

For added stability, you can use quick-set concrete to secure your arch. Place the arch's legs or base inside buckets or sturdy containers. Prepare the quick-set concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the buckets, ensuring the legs are firmly embedded. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

Attaching to the Ground

If you want to attach your arch directly to the ground, you can use several methods. One option is to dig holes in the ground and insert the legs of the arch, filling the gaps with concrete to secure them in place. Alternatively, you can use strong, durable screws or bolts to attach the arch to a solid surface, such as a wooden deck or concrete floor. Ensure that the screws or bolts are long enough to provide adequate support.

Suspending from the Ceiling

If you prefer to suspend your arch from the ceiling, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to use heavy-duty fishing line or strong, clear nylon thread. Secure the line to the top corners of the arch and then attach it to ceiling hooks or sturdy screws embedded in the ceiling. Ensure that the hooks or screws can bear the weight of the arch. Another option is to use sturdy chains or ropes, especially for heavier arches.

Adjusting Height and Stability

Once your arch is attached, you can make final adjustments to the height and stability. For arches attached to the ground, you can cut small wooden blocks to place under the legs, raising them slightly if needed. For suspended arches, adjust the length of the fishing line or rope to achieve the desired height. Ensure that the arch is securely attached and does not sway or move excessively.

Remember to take into account the weight of the paper flowers and decorations you plan to add, and always test the stability of your arch before your event to ensure it is safe and secure.

Frequently asked questions