Create Fragrant Pomander Balls For Your Wedding Day

Pomanders, also known as kissing balls, are a popular decorative feature at weddings. They can be made with fresh or artificial flowers and are often carried by flower girls, bridesmaids, and even brides as a modern alternative to a bouquet. This introduction will explain how to make a pomander ball for a wedding, covering the materials you will need and the steps to follow.

Choosing flowers: Opt for smaller, more rounded flowers for a better shape

When choosing flowers for your pomander ball, it's best to opt for smaller, more rounded blooms. This will give your pomander a better shape. You can make a pomander from almost any flower, but some examples of smaller, more rounded flowers include hydrangea florets, spray roses, rosebuds, and dahlias. If you're using silk flowers, you can buy stems with many small flowers attached, and pull the flower heads off the stems. This will give your pomander a fuller look, as you'll be able to fit more flowers onto the ball.

If you're using fresh flowers, you'll want to condition them at least 24 hours before making your pomander ball. To do this, remove any plastic wrapping and strip the flower stems of their foliage. Then, cut about 10% off the end of each stem at an angle using a very sharp knife. Place the stems in a bowl of fresh, cold water, away from drafts, heat, and passing traffic. This will help the flowers to "settle" and become strong, ensuring they last.

Once your flowers are ready, you'll need to cut the stems to around 2 inches in length. If you're using silk flowers, you can simply pull the flower heads off the stems. If you're using fresh flowers, cut the stems at an angle, stripping 1/3 of the foliage. This will create a clean stem that can be easily inserted into the foam ball.

Now you're ready to start assembling your pomander ball! Begin by adding your flowers and foliage to the foam ball, starting at the ribboned top. If you're using soft-stemmed flowers like ranunculus, mint, or fennel, you'll need to make a hole in the foam before pushing in the stems. Thicker-stemmed flowers, such as rosemary or roses, can be pushed directly into the foam without creating a hole.

Conditioning flowers: Cut stems and place in water 24 hours before

Conditioning flowers is an important step in the process of creating a pomander ball for a wedding. This process ensures that the flowers look their best and last as long as possible. Here is a detailed guide to conditioning flowers for a wedding pomander ball:

Cutting the Stems: Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This creates a larger surface area for the stem to absorb water. Make sure to cut the stems to the desired length, considering the size of the pomander ball and the length of the flower stems needed. Retain a bud or leaf where the stem joins the plant to prevent 'die back', where the stem is unable to produce flowers and traces back to the last living bud.

Plunging into Water: After cutting, immediately place the flower stems into buckets of fresh, lukewarm water. The water should not be too cold or too warm. This helps the flowers rehydrate and recover from the shock of being cut. Keep the buckets in a cool, dark place, such as a flower shed, garage, kitchen, or bathroom. A few hours of conditioning are usually sufficient, but overnight conditioning is ideal.

Removing Lower Leaves: Take off any low-hanging leaves that may fall below the waterline. These leaves can introduce bacteria that can infect the flowers and reduce their longevity.

Re-cutting: Some flowers, like roses, may require re-cutting before placing them back in the water. This is because rose stems 'seal' over quickly, preventing them from absorbing enough water.

Massaging: Certain flowers, like peonies, may benefit from a gentle massage to help them open up. Wash the flowers in warm water to dissolve the sticky sap, and then gently squeeze them to free the petals.

By following these steps and allowing the flowers to condition for 24 hours before assembling the pomander ball, you will ensure that your wedding flowers look vibrant and beautiful.

Preparing the ribbon: Fold in half and wind wire around the centre

To prepare the ribbon for your wedding pomander ball, start by cutting a length of ribbon. The length you cut will depend on how you want to use your pomander. For example, if you want a 12" drop, you would need a 36" length of ribbon. This length includes a 24" loop, 6" for the two ends to pass through the ball, and an additional 6" for knotting.

Next, fold the ribbon in half, with the "good side" facing out. If you are using a chopstick, fold the two edges of the ribbon over the end of the chopstick by 2". If you are using a skewer, knot the two ends of the ribbon together in a small, tight knot.

Now you are ready to wind the wire around the centre of the ribbon. Align the middle of your wire with the centre of the folded ribbon and wind the wire tightly, pulling it tight and twisting it into position.

Attaching flowers: Push stems into the Styrofoam ball, ensuring no gaps

Attaching the flowers to your Styrofoam ball is a delicate process, but it's important to get it right to ensure your pomander ball looks perfect for your wedding. First, separate your flowers from their bunches and cut the stems to about a 1/4" to 1/2" in length. Starting from the top, use your glue gun to create small dents in the Styrofoam ball and add a dab of glue before placing each stem. You can also use T-pins or floral U-pins instead of hot glue, depending on the size of your flowers and Styrofoam ball. If you're using pins, push them through the centre of the flower, catching part of the plastic centre to ensure the flower stays securely on the ball.

If your flowers have several layers of petals, try to push the stem through a spot where most of the layers overlap, as this will create a more secure hold. If you're using glue, be sure to lift the petals of an already-affixed flower to be able to place the next flower close to it—you don't want any gaps or Styrofoam showing between the individual flowers. Work your way down in a line, repeating this process to ensure the flowers are evenly placed with no gaps.

If you're using softer stems, such as mint or fennel, you may need to make a hole first with a woody stem before pushing in your flower. Thicker stems, like rosemary or roses, can be pushed directly into the Styrofoam. Stop every so often to move the ball around and check your work, ensuring the balance is consistent and even.

Finishing touches: Add decorative accents like glitter or bows

Once you've created your pomander ball, you can add some finishing touches to make it extra special. Here are some ideas to decorate your pomander ball with glitter or bows:

Using Glitter

If you're looking to add a bit of sparkle to your pomander ball, there are a few ways to do so. One way is to use glitter glue to adhere the glitter to the ball. You can find glitter glue in various colours, so you can choose one that complements your wedding colour palette. Simply apply the glue to the ball and then sprinkle on the glitter. Another way to add glitter is to use a spray adhesive. This will give your pomander ball an even coating of sparkle. You can also try mixing glitter into the glue you use to adhere the flowers to your pomander ball for a more subtle shimmer.

Using Bows

Bows are a lovely way to finish off your pomander ball and can be made from a variety of materials. You can use ribbon, twine, or even thin wire to create a bow. Start by cutting a length of your chosen material and looping it around your hand to create the bow shape. Then, cut a smaller piece of the material to wrap around the centre of the bow and secure it with glue or tape. You can also add extra embellishments to your bow, such as small flowers, pearls, or rhinestones.

For a more natural look, you can create a bow using thin strips of bark or twine. Simply follow the same steps as above, securing the bow with hot glue. You can also add a small sprig of greenery, such as eucalyptus or baby's breath, to give it a whimsical touch.

Combining Glitter and Bows

If you want to go all out, you can combine glitter and bows for a truly eye-catching pomander ball. Simply follow the steps above to add glitter to your pomander ball, and then attach a bow using a piece of wire or ribbon. You can also add other embellishments, such as small crystals or pearls, to give it a more luxurious feel.

Remember, when adding finishing touches to your pomander ball, the key is to be creative and have fun! You can mix and match different materials and embellishments to create a unique and personalised decoration for your wedding.

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