Creating A Floral Table Runner For Your Wedding

Wedding floral table runners are a great way to add a unique touch to your big day. They can be used at both the ceremony and reception, and are especially effective on longer, rectangular tables. This DIY project is a fun way to add a personal and creative element to your wedding, and can be made with fresh or artificial flowers and foliage. You can forage for foliage or buy flowers, and the process is simple: start with a base of Saran Wrap, then use floral foam to keep your flowers and foliage hydrated and in place. Layer up your chosen flowers and foliage, and you're done!

How to choose and arrange flowers and greenery

When choosing and arranging flowers and greenery for a wedding floral table runner, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider the length and shape of the table you'll be working with, as this will dictate the overall design and approach. For longer or rectangular tables, you'll want to use longer pieces of greenery on the ends, with shorter pieces on the sides to create a sense of depth. It's also a good idea to use different types of greenery to add texture and interest to the arrangement.

When selecting your greenery, look for varieties with different shades of green and leaf structures to add contrast and dimension to the runner. For example, you could use Leather Leaf, Salal, Gunni Eucalyptus, and Baby Blue Eucalyptus, which is very linear and can add length and colour variety. Remember to distribute the greenery evenly, using varying lengths and sizes to build a solid foundation for the rest of the arrangement.

Once you have your greenery in place, it's time to add the focal flowers. These are typically larger and bulkier, so it's best to use them sparingly. Place these flowers first, using them to create a centre focal point and to guide the rest of the arrangement. Examples of focal flowers include proteas and roses, which come in a variety of colours. When adding the roses, consider working in groups of three, placing them at varying stem lengths and distributing them evenly across the arrangement.

After the focal flowers, you can start adding in spray flowers and accent flowers, such as Snapdragons and Hypnosis Carnations. These can be used to reinforce the shape of the arrangement and add pops of colour. Finally, fill in any gaps with filler flowers, such as Wax Flower, to complete the look.

Remember to keep the overall design in mind as you work, even if the arrangement is meant to look wild or earthy. Creating a centre focal point and angling the foliage and flowers to one side or the other can help to create a sense of order and balance in the arrangement.

Using floral foam as a base

Before you begin arranging your flowers, prepare the floral foam by soaking it in water. You'll need a deep bucket, sink, or basin filled with enough water to completely cover the foam blocks. The blocks will absorb a lot of water, so make sure you have plenty on hand. Place the foam blocks in the water and let them sink below the surface as they absorb the water.

To protect your tablecloth from water damage, it's a good idea to lay down a base of plastic wrap before placing the soaked floral foam on top. Stretch the plastic wrap to the desired length of your table runner, and then push the sides in to create a width that will hold the foam securely.

Now you're ready to start building your floral arrangement. Begin by adding longer pieces of greenery to the ends of the foam, and shorter pieces to the sides. You can use a variety of greenery types, such as leather leaf, salal, and eucalyptus, to create texture and depth. Remember to vary the lengths and sizes of your greenery to create a natural, organic look.

Once you've created a foundation of greenery, add your focal flowers, such as proteas and roses. Place these flowers first to help focus the design and ensure they are front and centre. Work in groups of three, distributing them evenly along the length of the arrangement and varying the stem lengths to create visual interest.

Finally, fill in any gaps with accent flowers and filler flowers, such as spray flowers and wax flowers. These smaller blooms will add colour and texture to your table runner, creating a stunning and cohesive final product.

How to prepare hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for wedding floral table runners, but they can be fragile. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare them for your wedding table:

Firstly, source your hydrangeas. You can either forage for them or buy them. If you are buying them, you can choose from white, blue, or pink hydrangeas. If you are foraging, you will need to pick them from a bush. It is best to do this early in the morning or late in the evening when the flowers are less fragile. Ensure you cut the stems at an angle to allow them to absorb more water and prevent wilting.

Before placing the hydrangeas in your arrangement, prepare them by removing any leaves that will fall below the waterline in the vase. This will help to keep the display looking neat and tidy. You can also dip the ends of the stems into a product like Quick Dip, which helps the flowers absorb water and stay fresh for longer.

Hydrangeas are large flowers, so you won't need many to create a full and voluminous display. Place them at regular intervals to create a balanced look. If you are using other flowers in your arrangement, add the hydrangeas first. Start by placing the shorter stems around the edge of the vase, then add the tallest stems to the center.

Finally, if you are using fresh hydrangeas, you will need to care for them to ensure they stay looking their best. Mist the petals once a day and regularly replace the water in the vase to prevent bacteria growth. If the blooms start to wilt, dunk the whole flower head in warm water for a few minutes, or dip the stems in boiling water or alum before returning them to fresh water. You can also add a splash of vinegar to the water to make them last longer.

Using Saran Wrap to protect the tablecloth

To protect the tablecloth from absorbing water from the wet floral foam, you should put down a base of Saran Wrap. Cut off a length of Saran Wrap that matches the length of your table and push the sides in until it is just wide enough to hold the foam. You can then place the foam on top, and the Saran Wrap will catch any excess water that drains from the foam, protecting your tablecloth.

When adding the flowers and greenery to the foam, you can push the Saran Wrap in further so that it is just wide enough to protect the foam and remain unseen. This will ensure that the Saran Wrap doesn't detract from the overall look of the table runner.

Using Saran Wrap in this way is an effective way to protect your tablecloth from water damage and stains, without ruining the aesthetic of your floral table runner. It is a simple yet important step in the process of creating a floral table runner, especially if you are using fresh flowers and foliage that require hydration.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your tablecloth remains dry and stain-free, even with the use of wet floral foam. This will help to create a neat and elegant display for your wedding or special event.

Layering greenery and flowers

Choose Your Greenery

Select a variety of greenery with different textures and shades of green to create an interesting and organic base for your floral runner. Some popular options include leather leaf, salal, eucalyptus, and sage. You can forage for greenery or purchase it from a florist or flower market.

Prepare Your Greenery

Before you start arranging, prepare your greenery by breaking down the stems into different lengths and sizes. This will help create a natural and varied look for your runner. Remember to keep the width of the greenery arrangement to around 4 to 5 inches to ensure it doesn't become too wide and overwhelm the table setting.

Start with the Centre

To create a balanced design, it's best to start from the centre and work your way outwards. Place your longer pieces of greenery in the centre, angling them upwards, and then work on the left and right sides, angling the greenery in those directions. This will give your runner a sense of movement and direction.

Layer Different Types of Greenery

Begin layering different types of greenery, adding interest and texture to your runner. You can use a variety of greenery, such as snowberries, sage, hydrangea, and eucalyptus. Remember to start each layer from the centre and work your way outwards, ensuring consistent placement and coverage.

Add Focal Flowers

Once you have a good base of greenery, it's time to add some focal flowers. These are usually larger blooms, such as proteas or roses, which will stand out and draw the eye. Place these flowers front and centre, using a few blooms at a time and varying the stem lengths to create a natural look.

Finish with Filler Flowers

Finally, fill in any gaps or solid masses of greenery with filler flowers, such as wax flowers or spray flowers. These smaller blooms will add colour and delicacy to your runner, completing the overall design.

Frequently asked questions