Staircase Wedding Garland: Diy Guide For Your Big Day

Decorating a staircase with a garland is a great way to add a romantic touch to your wedding venue. Whether you opt for real or artificial garlands, the right placement and styling can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful wedding garland for a staircase.

Choosing the garland type

The type of garland you choose will depend on the overall look you are aiming for, as well as the practicalities of the space. If your wedding venue has a grand staircase, you may want to opt for a full garland look with several strands of layered garland. This can be achieved by attaching a cheaper, more basic garland to the stairs first and then layering more expensive, fuller garlands on top. If you are working with a smaller or simpler staircase, one or two garlands may be enough to create the desired effect.

When choosing the type of garland, you can opt for artificial or real greenery. Real garlands will bring a fresh scent to the space but will dry out quickly and only last 2-4 weeks. Artificial garlands, on the other hand, can be used year after year and are a more low-maintenance option. If you want the best of both worlds, you can layer real garland over artificial garland to create a more authentic and fragrant display.

There are many different types of garlands to choose from, including Norfolk Pine, Cedar, Long Needle Pine, Magnolia Leaf, Carolina Pine, Lamb's Ear, and Silver Dollar Eucalyptus. The choice of garland will depend on your personal preference, the colour palette of your wedding, and the overall style of the venue. For example, bright greenery can offer dimension to a staircase switchback, while a single style of greenery can create maximum impact in a roomy space.

In addition to greenery, you can also incorporate flowers into your garland to add a pop of colour. Roses, dahlias, delphiniums, and ranunculuses are all popular choices for wedding garlands. You can also include non-floral elements such as ribbons, bows, and fairy lights to create a unique and personalised display.

Measuring the staircase

Before you start making your wedding garland, it's important to measure your staircase to ensure you have enough garland to cover it. You'll want to purchase enough garland to extend the length of your staircase, and then some. If you're going to have the garland swoop or cascade down the starting newel post, then you'll need to add 1-2 feet for each swoop and some extra for cascading. For example, if your staircase is 8 feet long and you want two swoops, you should buy 9 or 12-foot garlands.

If you're layering multiple garlands, you'll need to decide how many you want to layer and purchase enough garland to cover the length of your staircase and create the desired effect. You can attach the first, cheaper garland to the stairs and then layer the next one on top of the first garland by "grabbing" it with the first garland. This will give you a full and luxurious look.

When measuring the length of your staircase, be sure to start at the top of the staircase and measure all the way down to the bottom. Also, consider the width of the staircase and whether you want the garland to drape over the side or sit on top of the banister. If you're attaching the garland to the side, you'll need enough length to drape it generously and create a swag that hangs at the desired length.

If you're using an extra-long strand of garland and it doesn't reach as far as you'd like, you can add a shorter strand at the end to achieve the desired length. You can also use an extra strand to fill in any bare spots and create a continuous strand of garland. Keep in mind that you'll want the branches to fall in the same natural direction, so make sure to slide the stem's branch under the greenery of the garland and use twist ties to keep them in place.

By taking these measurements and considerations into account, you'll be able to create a beautiful and elegant wedding garland for your staircase that is proportional to the size of your venue and makes a statement.

Attaching the garland

Before you start attaching your garland, make sure you have all the necessary supplies to hand. You will need zip ties, green twist ties, scissors, gloves, and any decorative accents you want to add, such as ribbon or fairy lights. It's a good idea to keep your supplies close by as you work, so you don't have to stop and search for something halfway through.

Start by measuring your staircase railing and purchasing enough garland to extend its length, adding an extra foot or two for each swag or cascade. Then, decide where you want to attach the garland. If the staircase is frequently used, it's best to drape and attach the garland along the side of the railing to avoid creating a tripping hazard. Attach one end of the garland to the top of the banister using a zip tie and cut off the excess plastic. If you are using a real garland, make sure the branches point downward so that they hang naturally.

Next, drape the garland down the railing, creating swags or cascades as you go, and attach it at several points along the way with zip ties or twist ties. Try to keep the garland from twisting so that the stem remains hidden. If you are layering multiple garlands, attach the first, cheaper garland first and then layer the next one(s) on top, using the wired branches of the first garland to "grab" the next one.

Once you have attached the garland along the entire length of the railing, take a step back and fluff the garland to fill in any sparse spots. Then, add your chosen decorative accents, such as ribbon, bows, bells, or fairy lights. If you have used zip ties or floral wire to attach the garland, you may want to cover them up with ribbon or bows.

Layering and fluffing

Start with a base layer: Choose an inexpensive garland with wired branches, which will make it easier to layer other garlands on top. Attach this base garland to the staircase railing, starting at the top and working your way down. You can use decorative twist ties, zip ties, or command hooks for this step.

Layer additional garlands: Select one or two fuller and more expensive garlands to layer on top of the base garland. Use the wired branches of the base garland to "grab" and connect the additional garlands, working your way along the entire stair rail. Continue layering until all the garlands look like one full and cohesive piece.

Fluff and adjust: Step back and examine your work. Fluff and adjust the garlands to create a uniform and full look, paying attention to any sparse or uneven areas. Ensure the branches are all pointing in the same natural direction to achieve a seamless appearance.

Add accent pieces: This is where you can have some fun and personalise your garland. Layer in accent pieces such as bells, large bows, ribbons, or picks to enhance the overall design. If you've used zip ties or floral wire, consider adding ribbon or bows to cover them up and add a decorative touch.

Include lighting: If your garland isn't pre-lit, and you have access to an electrical outlet nearby, add some twinkle lights or battery-powered fairy lights to make your garland truly shine.

By following these steps and paying attention to the layering and fluffing process, you'll create a stunning wedding garland for a staircase that will impress your guests and elevate your wedding décor.

Adding accents

If you're looking to add a pop of colour, consider using flowers as accents. Dahlias, peonies, ranunculuses, and roses in shades of pink, white, and yellow can create a romantic and elegant look. You can also use non-floral elements like ribbons and bows. Earthy tones like brown, gold, and blue can give your wedding decor a cosy and luxurious feel.

Fairy lights or twinkle lights can add a touch of magic to your garland. They can be easily wrapped around the garland or intertwined within it. If you have access to an electrical outlet, you can use plug-in lights, or opt for battery-powered fairy lights for more flexibility.

For a more natural look, consider adding accents like pine cones, eucalyptus sprigs, or magnolia leaves. These can be woven into the garland or used as hanging accents. You can also use bells as accents, either individually tied to the garland or as a set already tied together.

Don't forget to consider the placement of your accents. You can add accents throughout the garland or focus on key areas like the newel posts or where the garland is attached to the railing. Layering your accents and varying their placement will create a dynamic and interesting look.

Feel free to mix and match different types of accents to create a unique and personalised garland that reflects your style and wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions