Creating A Floral Crown For Your Wedding Day

Flower crowns are a whimsical and romantic accessory that has become iconic for weddings. They are a simple DIY project that can be made with a few materials: floral tape, wire, scissors, and flowers. The process involves cutting the wire to fit your head, wrapping it with floral tape, and then attaching flowers and greenery to the wire base. You can get creative with the types of flowers and arrangement, making it a full and seamless crown. The result is a gorgeous floral crown that complements any wedding attire.

Choosing the right flowers and greenery

For a bold and eye-catching crown, opt for large statement flowers such as garden roses, orchids, peonies, and anemones. These blooms will definitely make a statement and are perfect for those who want to stand out. If you're looking for something more subtle and delicate, go for smaller filler flowers like spray roses, baby's breath, and wax flowers. These tiny blooms will create a soft and ethereal look.

Don't forget to add some greenery to your crown! Greenery adds texture and fullness to your design. For a delicate look, choose subtle greenery like myrtle or ivy. If you want a fuller crown, go for options like leather leaf or dusty miller. You can even use greenery like eucalyptus, olive branches, or Italian ruscus as the base for your crown, adding flowers sparingly for a more understated look.

When selecting your flowers and greenery, consider the colour scheme and the types of flowers that are in season. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of flowers and greenery to find your perfect match. Play around with different textures and sizes to create a unique and personalized crown that reflects your style.

Remember to cut your flower and greenery stems to a manageable length, usually around 2 to 3 inches, to make the assembly process easier. By choosing the right flowers and greenery, you'll be well on your way to crafting a stunning flower crown that's sure to turn heads.

Preparing your wire base

To prepare your wire base, you'll need to measure and cut the wire to size. Take your roll of craft wire and measure it around your head, leaving a little extra room—about half an inch—for the tape and flowers which will make the overall size smaller. Cut the wire to this length.

If you plan on using heavier flowers, you may want to double up on the wire for added stability. Cross the wires at about five inches and twist them around each other. You can use fabric-coated wire for added charm.

Now, you'll want to shape the wire to your desired size. Twist the ends of the wire around each other to form a circle. If you want to leave the crown slightly adjustable, you can create a loop at one end and a hook at the other, or two loops, which can be joined with a ribbon. This will allow for some flexibility with different hairstyles. Secure the ends with floral tape.

You now have the base for your flower crown, and you can begin adding flowers and greenery.

Attaching flowers to the wire

Step 1: Prepare the Flowers

Before you begin attaching the flowers to the wire, it is essential to prepare your flowers by trimming their stems. Cut the stems to a length of about 2 to 3 inches, leaving enough stem to securely attach to the wire. This preparation step ensures that your flowers are ready to be seamlessly integrated into your flower crown.

Step 2: Wire Each Flower

Take a piece of wire, about 4 inches long, and insert it through the stem of each flower, close to the flower head. Gently bend the two wires along the length of the stem and secure it with floral tape. This step provides added stability to each flower, creating the illusion of a solid stem. It also ensures that your flowers are firmly attached to the crown base.

Step 3: Attach Flowers to the Crown

Now, it's time to start adding your flowers to the crown! Begin by securing the flowers to the wire with a small piece of floral tape. Add each stem in the same direction, creating a harmonious pattern. Alternate between flowers and greenery if you're using both. Remember to place clusters of smaller filler flowers between the larger blooms to achieve a full and balanced appearance.

Step 4: Create a Seamless Floral Look

As you continue adding flowers to the crown, layer the blooms over the stems to create a seamless and cohesive floral design. This technique helps to disguise the mechanics of the crown and gives it a more natural, enchanting appearance. Remember to alternate the placement of the blooms on top, on the side, and at the bottom of the wire to achieve a varied and organic look.

Step 5: Fill in Empty Spaces

Once you've attached the majority of your flowers, use floral adhesive to fill in any empty spaces. Allow the adhesive to become slightly tacky before dipping the stems of your filler flowers into it and inserting them among the other flower stems. This technique ensures that your crown looks full and lush, with no noticeable gaps.

Bonus Tip:

If you're using heavier flowers, consider doubling up the wire to provide extra stability and ensure your blooms are securely fastened. Additionally, you can use fabric-coated wire for an added touch of charm and elegance to your flower crown.

Securing the flower crown

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wire

Begin by measuring the circumference of your head, ensuring you leave a little extra room—about a ½ inch of wiggle room is recommended. Cut the wire to this length, adding a bit of extra wire to wrap around for stability. This step ensures that your crown fits snugly but comfortably.

Step 2: Form the Wire into a Circle

Take the cut wire and shape it into a circle by twisting the ends together. This will be the base of your flower crown. It is important to twist the ends securely so that the crown doesn't unravel as you add flowers and greenery.

Step 3: Secure the Ends with Floral Tape

Floral tape is an essential tool for securing your flower crown. Wrap the twisted ends of the wire with floral tape, stretching it slightly as you go to activate its adhesive properties. The tape will not only hold the wire together but also provide a discreet covering, blending in with the colours of your flowers and greenery.

Step 4: Create an Adjustable Closure (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to create an adjustable closure for your flower crown. One popular method is to form a loop at one end of the wire and leave the other end as a loose hook. This allows the wearer to adjust the crown to their head size and accommodate different hairstyles. You can also add a ribbon through the loops for an elegant finish and added adjustability.

Step 5: Test the Fit

Before moving on to adding flowers, it is a good idea to test the fit of your crown. Place it on your head and adjust your hair as you plan to wear it for the wedding. This will ensure that your crown is secure and comfortable for your special day.

Tips for Securing the Flowers:

• When attaching flowers, always cover the stem of one flower with the bloom of the next. This creates a seamless, natural look and helps to disguise the mechanics of the crown.
• Alternate placing blooms on top of the wire, on the side, and at the bottom to ensure a secure hold.
• If using heavier flowers, consider doubling up on the wire to provide extra support and stabilise the blooms.
• For added security, you can wire each flower stem before attaching it to the crown. Insert a piece of wire through the stem close to the flower head and bend the wires down the length of the stem, then wrap with floral tape.
• Store your finished flower crown in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Place it away from fruits and vegetables, and mist it lightly with water before wearing.

By carefully following these steps, you can create a secure and beautiful flower crown that will stay in place throughout your wedding celebrations.

Storing your flower crown

Storing Before Use

If you've crafted your flower crown in advance, it's best to store it in a refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Keep it away from fruits and vegetables, as the natural gas emitted by fruits can accelerate wilting and flowering. Alternatively, you can wrap it in plastic and place it in a cool, dry place, such as an air-conditioned room.

Another option is to leave the crown with your florist until the latest possible moment before your event. This way, you can avoid the hassle of storing it yourself and ensure it stays fresh.

Storing After Use

If you want to preserve your flower crown as a memento, there are several methods you can choose from:

• Drying: Hang your flower crown in a dry place, away from water. It will gradually dry out, and you can then display it. Note that this method may take a while, and the flowers will become very fragile.
• Pressing: Use a flower pressing kit to press individual flowers and create pretty displays or artwork. However, consider the size of your flowers, as larger blooms may require a heavier/bigger press.
• Wax sealing: Dip individual stems in wax to preserve them. This method is eco-friendly if you use sustainable wax.
• Resin preservation: Cast your flowers in resin to protect and display them. This method may require professional assistance.
• Illustration/Painting: Hire an artist to create a special illustration or painting of your flower crown. While this option may be expensive, it results in a beautiful, frame-worthy memento.

Additionally, you can always take plenty of photographs of yourself wearing the flower crown to capture the memories and relive the moments whenever you wish.

Storing Tips

• Mist your crown with water and wrap it in plastic before storing it. This will help maintain moisture and keep your crown fresh for up to a week.
• Use hairspray: Spray your finished crown with hairspray as a homemade preservative. Just be sure to let it dry completely before wearing it.
• Avoid certain flowers: Some flowers, like poppies, peonies, hydrangeas, and gardenias, are more prone to wilting and discolouring. Unless you're confident in your flower crown-making skills, it's best to avoid these temperamental blooms.

Remember, flower crowns are delicate accessories, and while proper storage can extend their lifespan, they will eventually fade. So, enjoy your flower crown to the fullest, and if it starts to wilt, embrace the natural beauty of its ephemeral nature.

Frequently asked questions