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

Wedding wreaths are a beautiful addition to any ceremony and can be hung on the front door of the church or even on the bride-to-be's front door as a gift. You can make your own or buy one ready-made, and they can be personalised to match your wedding colour scheme. You can also use them as table arrangements with a hurricane candle in the middle. There are many different styles to choose from, including silk flower wreaths, eucalyptus wreaths, and boxwood wreaths.

Choosing a wreath base

When choosing a wreath base, it's important to consider the size, material, and shape that will best suit your wedding door wreath design. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Size

The size of your wreath base will depend on the size of your door or the space you want to decorate. Standard wreath sizes typically range from 12 to 24 inches in diameter. Choose a size that is proportionate to the size of your door, keeping in mind that you want the wreath to be noticeable but not overwhelm the space.

Material

Wreath bases can be made from a variety of materials, each offering a different look and feel. Here are some common options:

• Grapevine: Grapevine wreath bases provide a natural, rustic look. They are usually made from twisted and intertwined grapevines, creating a sturdy base for your decorations.
• Twig: Twig wreath bases are similar to grapevine bases but tend to have a more delicate appearance. They are made from thin, flexible twigs that can be easily bent and shaped.
• Foam: Foam wreath bases are a popular choice for those seeking a lightweight and affordable option. They come in various colours and can be easily decorated with flowers, ribbons, and other embellishments.
• Straw: Straw wreath bases offer a natural, rustic look and are often used for dried flower arrangements. They are made from dried straws or grasses that are bound together to form a circular base.
• Wire: Wire wreath bases are made from thin metal wires that are bent into a circular shape. They are sturdy and can be easily shaped and decorated with flowers, ribbons, or other decorative elements.

Shape

Wreath bases come in various shapes, including the traditional circular shape and more unique options like heart-shaped or oval-shaped wreaths. The shape you choose will depend on the overall design and aesthetic you want to achieve.

When selecting a wreath base, consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding, as well as the types of decorations you plan to use. By choosing a wreath base that complements your wedding's style and colour scheme, you can create a cohesive and elegant look for your special day.

Selecting flowers and greenery

When choosing flowers, consider a mix of larger blooms and smaller accent flowers to create a full and varied look. In the example provided, a combination of silk flower bushes, including roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, and greenery, was used to create a simple and elegant design. You can choose different types of flowers based on your preference or wedding theme.

Before gluing the flowers and greenery, it is essential to prepare them by trimming the stems and removing any extra plastic coating. This step ensures that the flowers can be easily placed and secured to the wreath base. It also helps to open up and spread out the stems and flowers to give them a fuller appearance.

When placing the flowers on the wreath, start with your chosen focal flower. In the example, roses were used as the focal point. Arrange the roses first and then glue them in place. After that, you can add the other flowers and greenery to fill in the spaces and create a lush wreath. In the provided instructions, hydrangeas were added after the roses, followed by dahlias, and then smaller flowers and greenery.

While working on the wreath, it is recommended to step back occasionally to view it from a distance. This helps you see where you might need to add more flowers or greenery to ensure an even and full appearance.

Feel free to experiment with different types and colours of flowers to match your wedding theme or personal preference. You can also change the ribbon colours to complement the flowers and create a cohesive design.

Adding ribbon tails

To start, cut your chosen ribbons to the desired length. Then, wrap each ribbon around the bottom of the wreath and tie it in a knot. Repeat this process until you are happy with the number of tails. Before you begin, it is a good idea to cover your work surface with parchment or wax paper to protect it from any glue or other materials.

If you are unsure about the length of the ribbon, it is better to cut it longer than you think you need. You can always trim the ends later if needed. Also, be sure to leave enough space on the wreath for your flowers or other decorations.

Arranging flowers and greenery

Prepare your work area: Cover your worktable with parchment or wax paper to protect it from any glue or other materials. Gather all your flowers, greenery, and ribbons, and have a pair of scissors ready for trimming.

Add ribbon tails: Cut ribbons to your desired length and attach them to the bottom of the wreath by wrapping and knotting them. Use different types and colours of ribbon to add texture and visual interest. Play around with the number of tails until you're happy with the look.

Prepare your flowers and greenery: Trim the stems of your flowers and greenery as needed, and remove any plastic coating on the stems. Open up and spread out the stems and blooms to create a full and lush appearance. This step ensures that your wreath will look dimensional and not flat.

Arrange the flowers: Place your flowers on the wreath to get an idea of their placement. For a cohesive look, position all the flowers to face the same direction. Once you're happy with the arrangement, use hot glue to secure the flowers in place. Apply the glue to the stems and then insert them into the wreath, being careful not to poke through to the back.

Add additional flowers and greenery: Start with your favourite flowers or the ones you want to be most prominent. In this example, roses were used first, followed by hydrangeas, dahlias, and then smaller flowers and greenery. Take a step back occasionally to view the wreath from a distance and identify any areas that need more flowers or greenery. Continue filling in until you achieve a full, fluffy, and well-balanced wreath.

Remember, this is your creation, so feel free to experiment with different flower and greenery combinations and placements until you achieve your desired look.

Securing with hot glue

To secure the components of your wreath with hot glue, you'll want to first place your flowers and greenery on the wreath exactly where you want them. This will help you visualise the final look of your wreath and ensure you're happy with the placement before you start gluing. It's important to take your time with this step and step back from your work occasionally to check that you're happy with the arrangement.

Once you're happy with the placement, it's time to start gluing. Add hot glue to the stem of your first flower and put the stem into the grapevine wreath, being careful not to push it all the way through to the back. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set and ensure your flower is secure. Repeat this process with the remaining flowers and greenery, working in small sections at a time.

When gluing, be careful not to burn yourself with the hot glue. It's also a good idea to protect your work surface with parchment or wax paper before you begin.

By following these steps and taking your time, you'll end up with a beautiful, full, and fluffy wedding wreath that is securely held together with hot glue.

Frequently asked questions