Creating A Floral Halo For Your Wedding Day

A flower crown is a beautiful accessory for a bride or bridesmaid, and it can also make a thoughtful gift or photo booth prop. You can make your own flower crown with just a few materials: a bouquet, floral tape, wire, and pruners to cut the blooms to your desired length. When choosing your flowers, consider how long they will last, especially if you plan to preserve your crown by hanging it to dry. Now, let's dive into the steps on how to make a wedding flower halo.

Choosing flowers: Select blooms that fit your aesthetic, from classic to whimsical

Choosing flowers for your wedding flower halo can be a daunting task, but it's a great opportunity to showcase your favourite blooms and express your unique aesthetic. Here are some ideas to help you select flowers that fit your style, whether it's classic, whimsical, or something in between:

Classic

If you're going for a classic, elegant look, consider roses. With their variety of colours and sizes, roses can be the perfect choice for a wedding flower halo. They are widely available and can be used in many ways, from delicate accents to show-stopping centrepieces. Another classic option is orchids, which have been synonymous with weddings for a long time. While they may have fallen out of favour in recent years, they are making a comeback with interesting new varieties in sherbet, pastel, and dusty shades. Their tropical origins also make them ideal for beach or island weddings.

Whimsical

For a whimsical, playful vibe, consider incorporating potted wildflowers such as daisies, baby's breath, sweet peas, or anemones. These flowers bring an easy, relaxed feel to your special day. Anemones, in particular, offer a modern twist with their graphic black and white colours, or you can opt for other varieties that come in green, red, or purple. Another whimsical option is the anthurium, which has become popular for modern and non-traditional weddings. They are shiny and eye-catching, offering bold lines that complement a variety of styles.

Other Options

If you're looking for something in between classic and whimsical, there are plenty of other flowers to choose from. Peonies, with their large, romantic blooms, are a popular choice for brides but can be expensive. Lilacs offer a drapey, romantic look and a sweet scent, while dahlias provide a grand presence without breaking the bank. For a bold statement, consider anemones or hellebores, which come in a range of colours and add texture to your floral arrangements.

No matter your style, it's important to consider the seasonality of flowers. Some blooms are only available during certain times of the year, so be open to substitutions to stay within your budget. Additionally, if you plan to preserve your flower halo, choose flowers that dry well, such as lavender and rosemary.

Longevity: Opt for flowers that dry well, like lavender, if you plan to preserve your halo

If you want to preserve your flower halo, it's important to choose flowers that dry well. Flowers that are commonly found dried, like lavender and rosemary, are good options. These flowers will retain their shape and colour when dried, making them ideal for preservation.

When selecting flowers for your halo, look for those with sturdy blooms. Delicate flowers, such as lilies, tend to lose petals and can be difficult to keep intact during the drying process. In contrast, flowers like lavender have sturdy stems and blooms that can withstand the handling required for drying.

To dry your flowers effectively, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method is to hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark location. This technique works well for flowers with long stems, such as lavender. By hanging them upside down, you allow gravity to help the flowers retain their shape while they dry. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the colours to fade.

Another option is to press your flowers. This method is suitable for flowers without long stems or any stems at all. While pressing does not preserve the three-dimensional shape of the flowers, it is a great way to dry them for use in art projects or resin crafts. Simply lay the flowers flat, arrange the petals as desired, and cover them with wax paper or paper towels. Then, place a heavy, evenly weighted object, like a large book, on top.

Microwaving is the quickest way to dry flowers, but it requires additional supplies and is not suitable for flowers with long stems. For this method, you'll need a microwave-safe container and silica gel. Place your flower in the container with the blossom facing up and cover it with silica gel. Microwave for a few minutes, depending on the type of flower and microwave. Once done, cover the container, leaving a slight gap for ventilation, and let it sit for a day.

By choosing flowers that dry well, such as lavender, and using the appropriate drying techniques, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting wedding flower halo that you can cherish for years to come.

Creating the base: Twist two heavy-gauge wires into a hoop, ensuring it fits comfortably on your head

To create the base of your wedding flower halo, you will need two 18-inch lengths of heavy, 18- to 20-gauge floral wire. Take the two wires and twist them together to form a hoop. It is important to ensure that the hoop fits comfortably on your head, so adjust the size by twisting the wires closer together or further apart as needed. Make sure to leave a little room, however, as you will be adding flowers and other embellishments to the base.

The base of your flower halo is the foundation that will support the flowers and other decorations. It is important to use heavy-gauge wire to provide a sturdy structure that will hold up under the weight of the flowers and embellishments. By twisting two wires together, you create a stronger base that will be less likely to bend or break.

When adjusting the size of the hoop, it is a good idea to hold it on your head to ensure a comfortable fit. You can also use a measuring tape to determine the correct circumference for your head. Make sure to allow for some extra room, as the flowers and other additions will add to the overall size of the halo.

Once you have created the base, you can begin to add the flowers and other decorative elements to bring your vision to life.

Adding flowers: Attach flowers with light-gauge wire, wrapping stems in floral tape

When adding flowers to your wedding halo, it's important to use light-gauge wire and floral tape to ensure a secure and neat finish.

First, choose a flower from your bouquet. Attach this flower to the wire hoop by wrapping the light-gauge wire once near the base of the blossom, leaving a long tail of wire. This will form the base of your flower attachment. Next, secure the flower by wrapping the long tail of wire down along the stem, firmly attaching the blossom to the halo. It is important to wrap the wire tightly and neatly around the stem to ensure the flower is secure and does not move around.

Once the flower is securely attached, you can then wrap the stem in floral tape. This step is important as it helps to cover any sharp wires and creates a smooth, neat finish. It also helps to blend the stem with the rest of the halo, making it less visible. The floral tape will also provide some additional support to the flower attachment.

Repeat these steps for each flower you wish to add to your halo, positioning them directly beneath the blossom of the previous flower. This will create a beautiful, full, and cohesive floral arrangement. You can choose to add as many flowers as you like, depending on the desired look and size of your halo.

Preservation: Place the halo on a damp paper towel in a pie tin and store in the fridge

To preserve your flower halo and ensure it stays fresh, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, prepare a pie tin by lining it with a layer of damp paper towels. Then, place your flower halo on top of the damp paper towels. After that, add another layer of damp paper towels on top of the halo. Finally, store the entire tin in the fridge, and your halo will stay fresh for up to three days. This preservation method is ideal for flower halos made with blooms that last longer, such as lavender and rosemary.

When preparing your halo for preservation, it's important to ensure the paper towels are only damp and not soaked. This will help prevent excess moisture from damaging the flowers. Additionally, make sure your fridge is set to a temperature that will keep the flowers fresh without freezing them.

If you're looking to preserve your halo for the long term, this method can also be adapted for dried flowers. Simply allow the halo to air-dry completely before placing it in a storage container. You can also use silica gel to speed up the drying process. Once dried, your halo can be stored in a cool, dry place and enjoyed for years to come.

By following these preservation tips, you can extend the life of your flower halo and enjoy its beauty for days or even years, depending on your chosen preservation method.

Frequently asked questions