Crafting A Wedding Broom: A Step-By-Step Guide

Jumping the broom is a wedding tradition that is popular among the Celtic and African diasporas, as well as in Pagan handfastings. The wedding broom symbolises a couple's transition from their old, single lives into their new life as a married couple. The broom can also be seen as a phallic symbol of fertility and union. Many couples choose to make their own wedding brooms, which can be a fun activity for the wedding party. To make a wedding broom, you will need a natural straw broom, tape, scissors, markers, glue, decorations such as flowers, ribbons, and other craft supplies. The broom should be long enough that everyone jumping it has a bit of broom in front of them. The broom can be decorated to match the wedding colour scheme and can be hung up as a decoration after the wedding.

Choosing the right broom

The first step in choosing the right broom is to decide whether you want to purchase a pre-made broom or make your own. You can buy a fully decorated broom or an undecorated broom that you can decorate yourself. If you are crafty and have the time, making your own broom can be a fun way to involve your wedding party in the wedding preparations.

If you decide to make your own broom, you will need to gather the right materials. Start by finding a sturdy branch for the handle from a hardwood tree. The length of the handle should be long enough that everyone jumping it has a bit of broom in front of them. You will also need twigs for the broom's "skirting". These twigs should come from softer wood trees as they are more flexible and easier to work with. The twigs should be roughly the same length and fairly straight. In addition to twigs, you can also use rushes, grasses, flower stems, silk or dried flowers, and so forth in the skirting.

Once you have gathered your materials, you will need to de-bark and stain or paint the handle. If you want a more natural look, you can simply find a branch with attractive bark and leave it as it is. After preparing the handle, you can attach the skirting using one of two methods. One way is to make the skirting separately by bundling the twigs together and wrapping them with wire, and then insert the handle up through the skirting. The other way is to tie the skirting directly onto the handle a layer at a time using strong fishing line and hot glue.

After assembling the basic broom, you can decorate it to match your wedding decor. Common decorations include flowers, ribbons in your wedding colours, decorative pins, and other personalised touches. You can also add decorations to the top of the broom to even it out. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun making your own wedding broom!

Selecting decorations

Natural Elements

Incorporate natural elements into your wedding broom decorations, such as twigs, sticks, flowers, grasses, or rushes. You can gather these materials yourself or purchase them from craft stores. Look for attractive trees on your property or ask permission to cut branches from trees elsewhere. Remember to thank the tree before cutting any branches. When selecting twigs for the broom's "skirting," choose softer wood trees as they are more flexible and easier to work with. You can also add feathers, dried flowers, or silk flowers to the broom for a delicate touch.

Colour Scheme

Consider using your wedding colours as a guide for decorating your broom. Ribbons, flowers, and wires in complementary colours can be used to create a cohesive look. You can wrap the broom handle with ribbon, creating a diagonal pattern, or use the ribbon to create a bow. If you want to add some sparkle, consider using glitter spray paint or incorporating rhinestones, crystals, or brooches into your design.

Cultural Significance

If you are incorporating the wedding broom tradition due to its cultural significance, you may want to include specific decorations that honour that culture. For example, if you are celebrating the African American heritage of jumping the broom, consider using traditional colours or symbols that hold meaning for you. You can also involve the married women in your family and friends to bless the broom, adding an extra layer of cultural significance to your decorations.

Personal Touches

Add personal touches that reflect your style and interests. For instance, if you love the beach, consider decorating your broom with shells or starfish. If you want to incorporate a bit of glamour, add some Mardi Gras beads or pearls. You can also match the decorations on your broom to your bouquet, such as using similar flowers or colour schemes.

Practical Considerations

When selecting decorations, keep in mind the overall size and weight of the broom. You want to ensure it is easy to handle and comfortable to jump over during your ceremony. Avoid adding too many heavy or bulky decorations that may make the broom cumbersome. Additionally, consider the durability of your decorations, especially if you plan to display the broom after your wedding as a keepsake.

Remember, the process of decorating your wedding broom should be enjoyable and meaningful. Feel free to get creative, experiment with different ideas, and involve your loved ones in the process if you wish.

Attaching decorations

Before you begin, gather your chosen decorations and the necessary crafting tools. Common decorations include flowers, ribbons, twine, pins, glitter, glue, wire, and other personalised items. It is important to use a combination of strong adhesives and supportive materials to ensure your decorations stay in place.

Step 1: Preparing the Handle:

The first step is to prepare the handle of your broom. You can wrap the handle with ribbon, twine, or cloth to create a base for your decorations. Cross two pieces of ribbon in a criss-cross shape at the end of the handle and secure them with hot glue. Then, continue wrapping the ribbon diagonally up the handle, similar to the grip of a baseball bat. You can cover the entire handle or just a few inches, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Adding Flowers and Greenery:

Flowers and greenery are a popular choice for wedding broom decorations. Place your chosen flowers and greenery on the broom to create a desired layout. You can use fresh or artificial flowers, depending on your preference. Secure the flower stems together using tape, and then attach them to the broom with hot glue. You can also use decorative floral wire to add extra support and create a fan-like shape for the flowers.

Step 3: Embellishing with Ribbons and Twine:

Ribbons and twine can be used to add colour, texture, and elegance to your wedding broom. After wrapping the handle, you can create a bow with the same or complementary-coloured ribbon. This can be simple or elaborate, depending on your skill level. Secure the bow to the broom using hot glue or decorative pins. You can also wrap the ribbon around the base of the broom, covering any exposed tape or wire.

Step 4: Attaching Personalised Decorations:

Now, it's time to add any personalised decorations you may have. This could include plastic jewels, shells, beads, pins, or other meaningful items. Use hot glue to securely attach these decorations to the broom. You can also insert them into the flower arrangements or ribbon wraps for added stability.

Step 5: Final Touches:

Once all the main decorations are in place, you can add some final touches. Use ribbon, cloth, wire, or twine to cover any exposed glue or tape. You can also add decorations to the top of the broom to even it out and create a balanced look. Feathers, flowers, or other small adornments can be glued or pinned in place.

Tips and Tricks:

• When using hot glue, be careful not to burn your fingers. Use a crafting stick to press items into the glue.
• If you're attaching heavier decorations, consider using stronger adhesives or supportive materials like wire or twine.
• Personalise your broom by incorporating your wedding colours, meaningful items, or symbols that represent your cultural or spiritual traditions.
• Remember to leave enough space on the handle for a comfortable grip when jumping the broom.

Adding personal touches

Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to add your own personal touches to your wedding broom! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers and Feathers

Add flowers and feathers to your wedding broom to match the bouquet or colour scheme. You can use fresh flowers, silk flowers, or dried flowers. Feathers add a whimsical touch and can be chosen to match your wedding colours or theme.

Ribbons and Fabrics

Use ribbons or fabric to cover the handle of the broom, adding a pop of colour and texture. You can also use ribbons to create a bow or to wrap the broom handle in a diagonal pattern. Choose colours and textures that reflect your style and theme.

Decorative Touches

Add some bling to your wedding broom with plastic jewels, shells, beads, or other decorative pins. You can also incorporate twine, wire, or cloth to add texture and secure the decorations. These extra touches will make your broom unique and memorable.

Personalised Details

Incorporate something personal to you and your partner. For example, if you enjoy music, add sheet music or lyrics to your favourite love song. If you love nature, include leaves or pressed flowers from your favourite hiking trail. You could also add photos, meaningful quotes, or anything else that symbolises your relationship.

Symbolic Meanings

Enhance the symbolic meaning of your wedding broom by choosing specific elements that represent your values and beliefs. For example, if you value environmentalism, use all-natural materials. If you believe in fertility and union, emphasise this with your choice of colours or decorations.

Remember, your wedding broom is a reflection of your unique relationship, so feel free to be creative and think outside the box!

What to do with the broom after the wedding

Jumping the broom is a longstanding tradition with complex origins. The tradition is most widespread among African Americans and Black Canadians, but it is also practised by the Pagan, Celtic and African diasporas.

So, what do you do with the wedding broom after the ceremony? Well, many couples choose to hang the broom in their home. It can be hung over a doorway, or above a mantle, or even crossed with a sword. The broom can also be displayed on a wall, perhaps alongside some other wedding memorabilia.

The broom can also be passed down through generations as a family heirloom. This is a great way to keep the tradition alive and ensure that the memories of the wedding day are preserved for years to come.

If you're feeling creative, you could even turn the broom into a decorative piece. Add some personal touches, such as engraving your initials and wedding date on the handle, or decorating it with florals, fabric, foliage, and/or ribbons.

The wedding broom is a symbol of your union, so it's important to find a special place for it in your home or pass it on to future generations.

Frequently asked questions