Crafting A Wedding Garland Table Runner: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding table runners are a trendy idea for wedding decor. They can be made from a variety of materials, including flowers, greenery, macramé, fabric, paper, and wood. Making one is not difficult at all, and there are many DIY options available online. For example, one popular option is to use fresh greenery, such as leather leaf fern, salal, silver dollar eucalyptus, baby's breath, and white roses, which can be easily cut and scattered down a long rectangular table. Another option is to create a cascading flower and greenery table runner using bright pink blooms or seasonal florals with olive branches. For a more unique look, you can even incorporate non-floral elements such as wheat, lettuce, and cabbage.

Using pre-made garlands vs making your own

Wedding garland table runners are a popular choice for couples, as they are a cost-effective way to decorate tables at the wedding venue. They are also versatile, suiting a range of wedding styles from elegant country houses to rustic barns.

Using Pre-Made Garlands

Pre-made garlands can be purchased from a variety of sources, including florists, online stores, and wholesale clubs like Costco. The price of pre-made garlands varies depending on the length and type of greenery used. For example, a 25-foot fresh garland from Costco's florist department costs $79.99, while an 8-foot eucalyptus garland from afloral.com is $32. Pre-made garlands can be a convenient option, saving you time and effort in assembling the garland yourself. However, they may be more expensive than making your own, especially if you have a large number of tables to decorate.

Making Your Own

Making your own garland table runner can be a more affordable option, but it requires more time and effort. You can source greenery such as eucalyptus, willow, ivy, and moss, which are typically budget-friendly options. These can be purchased in bunches and cut into smaller pieces to create the desired length for your tables. This DIY approach allows for more customization, as you can choose the types of greenery and flowers to include, as well as add candles, votives, or other decorative elements. However, it is important to consider the time and labour involved in creating your own garlands, especially if you have a large wedding with many tables.

In conclusion, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Pre-made garlands offer convenience and may be a good choice if you are short on time. On the other hand, making your own garlands can be more cost-effective and allow for greater customization, but they require more time and effort to assemble. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, the number of tables you need to decorate, and the level of customization you desire.

Cost-saving options

Wedding garland table runners can be expensive, but there are several cost-saving options to achieve the same look without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas to explore:

Compare Prices and Buy in Bulk:

• Compare prices from different sources, such as wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, online retailers like afloral.com and fiftyflowers.com, and local craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Buying in bulk from wholesale clubs or taking advantage of sales and coupons at craft stores can significantly reduce costs.
• For example, Costco offers 25 feet of fresh garlands for $79.99, which can be split for multiple tables. Afloral.com offers an 8-foot eucalyptus garland for $32, and similar options can be found at Hobby Lobby and Michaels for around $8 to $20.

Opt for Loose Greenery or Leaves:

• Instead of pre-made garlands, consider buying loose greenery or leaves in bulk and arranging them down the centre of the table. This can be more cost-effective, especially if you forage loose greenery yourself or buy from local sources.
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus is a popular and affordable option that can be easily cut and scattered down rectangular tables or clustered around candles.
• You can also mix and match different types of greens, such as eucalyptus, laurel, and magnolia, to create a unique and cost-effective garland.

Combine with Other Decorations:

• To reduce the amount of garland needed, combine it with other decorations like candles, votives, or fresh flowers. This can add visual interest and reduce costs.
• For example, you can create a "garland" by cutting a length of narrow rope to the length of the table and adding proper garlands or clusters of greens at each end, filling the middle with cut branches.

Consider Artificial or Dried Greenery:

• Artificial or dried garlands can be a more affordable option, especially if you're crafty and can assemble them yourself. Craft stores often have sales and coupons, making this a budget-friendly choice.
• Keep an eye out for high-quality faux florals and garlands that look convincing. You can also mix artificial garlands with fresh greens to make them look more realistic.
• Preserved or dried eucalyptus is another affordable option, although it can be more brittle.

Repurpose and Resell:

• To get the most out of your garlands, consider repurposing them for multiple uses during your wedding. For example, use them at both the ceremony and reception, or drape them over pews and then repurpose them as centrepieces.
• After the wedding, you can also resell artificial garlands or use dried garlands as home decor.

DIY garland vs florist-made

Wedding garland table runners are a popular choice for couples looking to add a whimsical, romantic, or rustic touch to their big day. While some opt for the convenience of a florist-made garland, others choose to DIY their wedding decor to save money or add a personal touch. Here are some things to consider when deciding between a DIY garland and a florist-made one:

DIY Garland

Creating your own wedding garland table runner can be a fun and creative project, especially if you're looking to add a unique, personal touch to your wedding decor. It can also be a more affordable option, as pre-made garlands can be pricey. However, it's important to keep in mind that making your own garland can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially if you're creating multiple garlands for long or large tables.

If you're crafty and up for the challenge, you can find online tutorials and step-by-step guides to making wedding garlands. You'll need to source the flowers or greenery yourself, which can be purchased in bulk from florists, grocery stores, or online suppliers. Some popular choices for garlands include eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and magnolia leaves. When creating your garland, you can simply overlap the greens down the length of the table and add flowers or candles for a romantic touch.

Florist-Made Garland

Opting for a florist-made garland can save you time and hassle, especially if you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option. Florists have the experience and expertise to create beautiful, cohesive garlands that will complement your wedding decor. They can also guide you in choosing the right types of flowers or greenery and help you stay within your budget. While florist-made garlands can be more expensive, they often offer better quality and can be customised to your exact specifications.

Ultimately, the decision between a DIY garland and a florist-made one depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Whether you choose to create your own garland or leave it to the professionals, a wedding garland table runner is sure to add a touch of elegance and charm to your special day.

Choosing the right flowers and foliage

When it comes to choosing the flowers and foliage for your wedding garland table runner, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style and theme of your wedding. If you're having a coastal chic wedding, for example, you might want to opt for eucalyptus and white roses, while a garden rooftop soiree could call for pink roses and eucalyptus leaves. For a bold and colourful statement, combine pink roses with red scabiosas for pops of colour.

Another thing to keep in mind is the seasonality of the flowers. Using seasonal blooms can not only be more cost-effective but also add a unique touch to your garland. For instance, you could use olive branches with seasonal florals for a fresh and unique look. If you're looking for a more sustainable option, consider using dried or faux flowers and greenery, and simply insert sprigs of live greenery to add some freshness.

The type of foliage you choose is also important. Italian Ruscus greenery is a popular choice as it's hardy, long-lasting, and available all year round. Other options include leather leaf fern, salal, silver dollar eucalyptus, and baby's breath. These varieties offer a range of textures and can be combined in different ways to create a catchy and timeless look.

When creating your garland, it's a good idea to start with a base of floral foam. This will help keep your flowers hydrated and create a stable base for your arrangement. Begin by layering the greens, starting with the type of foliage you have the most of. You can also add in other elements like wheat or baby's breath for added interest and texture.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of flowers and foliage. You can also use flowers in varying heights to give the appearance of wild growth, or try layering a traditional table runner underneath your floral runner for a more dimensional look.

How to style the garland

Garlands can be styled in many ways, and they make a perfect fit for trendy non-floral weddings. You can use a variety of greenery, flowers, macramé, fabric, paper, or wood to create a stylish and unique garland table runner. Here are some tips and ideas to help you style your garland:

• Choose greenery as your base: Greenery is a versatile and easy-to-work-with option. You can use Italian Ruscus greenery, which is hardy, long-lasting, and available year-round. Other options include leather leaf fern, salal, silver dollar eucalyptus, diamond eucalyptus, and Nagi greens.
• Add flowers for colour: White roses, pink spray roses, red scabiosas, and baby's breath can add a timeless and elegant touch to your garland. For a bolder look, consider using bright pink blooms or combining peonies with greenery.
• Use floral foam as a base: Floral foam is a great way to keep flowers hydrated and create a stable base for your garland. It's super simple to use and can be layered with greenery and flowers.
• Create a cascading effect: Cascading garlands are a popular choice for weddings, whether you're going for a coastal chic, garden rooftop, or enchanted forest theme. You can achieve this look by using different types of blooms and greenery, such as pink roses, eucalyptus leaves, peonies, or seasonal florals with olive branches.
• Play with heights: Arranging flowers and greenery at varying heights will give your garland a wild and organic look. This can be done by using different types of flowers and foliage in your garland.
• Add candles: Elegant taper candles or pillar candles can be placed around the garland to create a romantic look.
• Combine with other decor: Garlands can be combined with other decor elements such as vases, candles, or hanging installations to create a more dimensional and textured look.
• Use garlands in different ways: Garlands can be used not only as table runners but also to decorate arches, backdrops, or even the wedding cake table. You can also repurpose them from the ceremony to the reception to get the most out of them.

Frequently asked questions