Creating A Wedding Door Swag: A Step-By-Step Guide

Door swags are a great way to decorate your wedding venue and can be hung over doors or windows. They have been used for centuries, often made of flowers, greenery, or other natural materials, but can also be made of fabric, ribbon, or other materials. Unlike a wreath, swags are designed vertically and are less complicated to make. You can make a door swag using a pine swag or a grapevine swag, and decorate it with flowers, greenery, or other natural materials. In this article, we will teach you how to make a wedding door swag in a few simple steps.

Choosing your base

The base of your wedding door swag is important as it will determine the overall structure and look of the final product. You can choose from a variety of materials to create your base, each offering a different aesthetic. Here are some options to consider:

Pine Swag Base: A pine swag base is a traditional and classic choice. You can find these in various sizes, such as 24", 32", or 36". The pine base will give your swag a natural, rustic look and pairs well with flowers and ribbons. It is a popular choice for Christmas swags, but can also be dressed up for a wedding with the right decorations.

Grapevine Swag Base: A grapevine base offers a unique and rustic look to your door swag. The twisted and intertwined vines create an interesting texture and shape. This type of base is also versatile and can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or other embellishments to suit the wedding theme.

Evergreen Branches: If you want to create a base from scratch, you can use evergreen branches such as balsam fir, blue cone cedar, or eucalyptus. Select branches with solid centres and cut them to the desired length, usually around 18 inches for the base. You can then add additional branches to fill in the gaps and create a full, lush look.

Fabric: For a more non-traditional approach, you can use fabric as your base. In the Middle Ages, door swags were often made of luxurious fabrics such as silk or velvet and were decorated with beads and jewels. This option allows for a wide range of colours and textures to match your wedding theme.

Adding flowers and foliage

Once you have your base, it's time to add the flowers and foliage. For a wedding theme, opt for elegant and romantic blooms such as white gerbera daisies, pink geraniums, and thistle. You can also incorporate assorted fillers to add texture and volume to your swag. Play around with different combinations and sizes of flowers to create a visually appealing arrangement.

To attach the flowers and foliage to your swag, you can use a hot glue gun or florist's wire. Secure each element firmly to the base, ensuring they are well-attached and won't easily fall off. You can also add pinecones and small silver bells to bring in some extra texture and a festive touch.

Feel free to mix and match different types of greenery to create depth and fragrance. Consider using fresh or artificial evergreen branches, such as eucalyptus, to add a classic touch to your wedding door swag. You can also incorporate ribbon in a complementary colour to create a long-tailed bow. Attach the bow near the top of your swag, allowing the tails to gracefully drape down the sides.

Attaching embellishments

Start by gathering your chosen embellishments. You can use fresh or artificial flowers, greenery, pinecones, berries, ribbon, or any other decorative elements that suit your style and theme. For a cohesive look, try to choose a colour palette and stick to it.

When attaching flowers and greenery, you can use florist's wire to secure them to the base of your swag. For example, if you're using a pine swag base, you can wire the flowers directly to the pine branches. This will ensure that your embellishments stay in place. You can also use hot glue for artificial flowers and greenery, providing a strong hold.

If you're adding ribbon, there are a few ways to attach it. You can create a bow and wire it to the swag, placing it towards the top or centre for a dramatic effect. Alternatively, you can attach the ribbon at the back of the swag, creating a loop to hang it from. This method will be more subtle, allowing your flowers or other embellishments to take centre stage.

Pinecones and berries can be attached using florist's wire, especially if you're using real ones. This will provide a secure hold while still allowing you to remove them easily after the event. For artificial pinecones and berries, hot glue can be a good option, ensuring they stay in place.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your embellishments. You can add beads, jewels, or other decorative accents to make your wedding door swag truly unique. Remember to consider the weight of the embellishments and choose an appropriate attachment method. You want to ensure that your swag can be hung safely and securely.

By following these steps and choosing embellishments that reflect your style, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and elegant wedding door swag.

Making a bow

To start, you will need to cut a length of ribbon. The length can vary depending on the size and fullness of the bow you desire. For a standard-sized bow, cut a length of ribbon that is around 40 inches long. You can use any type of ribbon that complements your wedding theme and colour palette. Satin, grosgrain, or wired-edge ribbon are all great options.

Once you have your ribbon, the next step is to create the loops. Start by leaving a tail of ribbon at the beginning, which will be the centre of your bow. This tail should be around 10 inches long. Then, make your first loop by holding the ribbon between your thumb and index finger, creating a 5-inch loop. Continue holding the ribbon and create a second loop of the same size, but in the opposite direction. Repeat this process until you have a total of six loops – three on each side.

Now, you will need to secure the middle of your bow. Take a piece of wire, preferably florist's wire, and wrap it tightly around the centre of the bow, where all the loops meet. Do not trim the wire ends yet, as you will use them to attach the bow to your swag. For the remaining ribbon, create two more tails to match the first one you made. You can adjust the length of these tails to your liking. Secure the tails by wiring them to the centre of the bow and then trim the wire and ribbon ends neatly.

Finally, attach your bow to your wedding door swag. Use the wire ends from the centre of the bow to secure it in place. Place the bow towards the top of your swag, just above any additional decorations like pinecones or flowers. Adjust the loops and tails of the bow to ensure it looks full and elegant.

Feel free to add your own creative touches to the bow. You can experiment with different types of ribbon, add embellishments like pearls or rhinestones, or even incorporate fabric flowers into the centre of the bow for a unique, romantic touch.

Hanging your swag

There are several ways to hang your swag, depending on your preferences and the overall look you are aiming for. One option is to use ribbon or wire to create a hook. This method is simple and allows you to hang your swag on your front door, just like a traditional wreath. This classic approach ensures your swag is front and centre for all to see.

If you want to showcase your swag in a different way, you can hang it under an outdoor light fixture. This option illuminates your creation, highlighting its beauty and making it stand out. Alternatively, you can tie your swag to a front porch railing, adding a unique and unexpected touch to your wedding décor.

When hanging your swag, it is important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. If your wedding has a rustic theme, for example, you may want to hang your swag in a way that complements this aesthetic. Additionally, ensure that the size and placement of your swag are appropriate for the door or window it will adorn.

No matter which hanging method you choose, your wedding door swag is sure to be a beautiful addition to your special day.

Frequently asked questions