Creating A Floral Wedding Backdrop: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding flower walls are a popular choice for couples looking to add a luxurious and spectacular focal point to their wedding. They can be used as a gorgeous backdrop for the vows, as an escort-card display, or even as a photo booth backdrop. Creating your own flower wall can be a fun DIY project, allowing you to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a wedding flower wall, from selecting the right materials to assembling and decorating your floral backdrop.

Choosing your flowers

The type of flowers you choose for your wedding flower wall will depend on a few factors. Firstly, consider the style of your wedding. You may want to select flowers that match your wedding colour palette or the flowers in the bridal bouquet. You could even incorporate flowers that have a special significance to you and your partner.

If you're looking to save money, it's worth considering artificial flowers. These are also easier to handle and won't wilt or die before the wedding. You can find artificial flowers at your local craft store or online.

If you're set on using real flowers, you'll need to create your flower wall very close to the wedding day to ensure they stay fresh. You could even forage for flowers if you're looking for a more sustainable option.

The size of your flower wall will also impact your flower choices. Large flowers will make more of an impact but may be more expensive, while smaller flowers will create a delicate and whimsical effect.

When choosing your flowers, don't forget to consider the venue and the space where the flower wall will be displayed. If the venue already has a lot going on, a minimal flower wall may be best. If you're working with a plain or flat space, a flower wall can add texture, colour and flair.

• Roses: Classic and romantic, roses come in a variety of colours and can be used to create a whimsical or elegant look.
• Baby's breath: This delicate flower adds a touch of whimsy and can be used to create a floral tapestry effect.
• Carnations: Carnations are long-lasting and come in a wide range of colours, making them a versatile choice.
• Delphiniums: These tall, elegant flowers add height and drama to your flower wall.
• Ivy: Ivy garlands can be used to fill in gaps and add a touch of greenery.
• Pampas grass: For something different, consider using pampas grass to create a bold and bohemian wall design.

Remember to choose flowers that reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can design a stunning flower wall that will be a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

Building the wall

Building a flower wall is a manageable task, even for those who have never built anything before. The first step is to decide on the flowers you want to include. Many people opt for artificial flowers, as they are easier to handle and will not wilt before the wedding. However, if you are set on using real flowers, you will need to build the wall very close to the wedding day.

Next, you will need to determine the size of your flower wall. This will depend on the venue and where you plan to put it. A popular option is to build the wall with two pieces of 80in x 40in plywood, which is a transportable size and relatively affordable. If your venue allows, you may also choose to decorate an existing wall with flowers, which can create a more seamless look, especially in unique spaces.

Once you have your materials, it is time to assemble the flower wall. Lay the two plywood boards side by side on the floor, with the long sides adjacent, and attach three hinges to connect them. You should then be able to fold the boards towards you like a book. After ensuring that the backdrop folds properly, flip it over and use a staple gun to attach the flowers to the wall. If you are using artificial flowers, you can also attach them using a glue gun.

Another option for attaching the flowers is to coat the wall with a mesh substance that the flower stems can be stuck through. This method makes it easy to transport the flower wall, as it is lightweight and can be rolled up.

If you want your flower wall to stand upright independently, you can construct triangular trusses that can be attached to the back of the boards with a nut-and-bolt system.

Finally, stand up your flower wall and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is secure and stable.

Attaching the flowers

There are several ways to attach flowers to your flower wall. One method is to use a staple gun to connect the flowers directly to the wall, especially if you're using plywood as your base. Another option is to use a glue gun to affix the flowers.

If you're looking for a more transportable option, consider coating the wall with a mesh substance that allows you to poke the flower stems through. This method results in a lightweight and easy-to-carry flower wall.

For those who prefer a sturdier option, you can create a structure using plywood and boxwood panels. First, lay two plywood boards side by side and attach three hinges to them, allowing the structure to fold like a book. Cover the plywood with boxwood panels, using a staple gun to secure them in place. Finally, attach your flowers to the boxwood panels. You can either punch loose flowers into the backing or create separate garlands or chicken wire structures filled with flowers and staple or wire them onto the backdrop.

If you're using artificial flowers, a hot glue gun or wire can be used to attach them to your chosen base. For paper flowers, wire is a good option to secure them to foam boards, which can then be attached to your backdrop using zip ties.

Transporting the wall

If you're using plywood, as recommended in one tutorial, you can ask your local hardware store to cut the wood to size for you. This will make it easier to transport and will ensure your flower wall can fit through doors.

Another option for easy transportation is to coat the wall with a mesh substance that you can stick the flower stems through. This method results in a lightweight and easily transportable flower wall, as it's essentially just a piece of fabric.

If you're making your own flower wall with fake flowers, it's recommended that you start constructing it at least four months before the wedding, to allow for any necessary reworking. This gives you plenty of time to transport the wall to the venue and make any adjustments on-site.

If you're using real flowers, you'll have to construct the wall very close to the wedding day so that the flowers remain fresh. This means you'll need to plan carefully and ensure you have a suitable vehicle for transporting the flower wall to the venue.

Overall, when creating a wedding flower wall, it's important to keep in mind the logistics of transporting it to your venue. By choosing the right materials, planning ahead, and measuring the venue's doors, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process for your big day.

Reusing the wall

If you're handy with a drill and a staple gun, you can make your own reusable flower wall. This is a great option if you're looking for a unique and customizable backdrop for your wedding that you can use again at future events. Here are some tips for creating and reusing a flower wall:

• Consider the materials: The key materials you'll need for a reusable flower wall are plywood, hinges, screws, and faux boxwood panels. You can easily find these at your local hardware store or online.
• Make it foldable: To make your flower wall reusable and easy to store, build it with hinges so it can be folded in half. This way, you can simply unfold it when you need it and fold it up for compact storage when you don't.
• Choose the right plywood: When selecting plywood, consider the finished look you want, how often you'll reuse it, and whether it will be used outdoors. These factors will help you determine the quality and type of plywood needed.
• Add flowers: You can attach flowers to your flower wall using a variety of methods, such as leaving long stems and punching them into the boxwood backing or creating garlands and stapling them to the backdrop.
• Display options: To display your flower wall, you can lean it against a wall or make it freestanding by adding triangular trusses to the back. This way, you can easily set it up and take it down as needed.
• Rent it out: If you don't plan on using your flower wall regularly, consider renting it out to others for their events. This can help offset the cost of materials and give you a return on your investment.
• Get creative: Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different designs and flower types. You can also paint the boards, add texture with plaster, or partially foil them with gold leaf for a unique look.
• Practice makes perfect: Building a flower wall may take some time and practice, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. With a bit of patience and creativity, you'll be able to create a beautiful and reusable flower wall.

By following these tips, you can create a stunning and reusable flower wall that will not only enhance your wedding but also future events, either for yourself or others.

Frequently asked questions