Creating A Kissing Ball With Fresh Flowers For Your Wedding

A kissing ball, also known as a pomander, is a ball or sphere of flowers designed to be decorative, fragrant, and symbolic. They are commonly used in weddings and can be hung from arches, chairs, door knobs, and pews, or carried by flower girls. To make a kissing ball with real flowers, you will need a styrofoam ball, fresh flowers, a ribbon, floral pins, glue, and glue sticks. First, push a floral pin through the top of the styrofoam ball, remove it, and then fill the hole with glue before replacing the pin. Leave a small gap between the ball and the pin so you can attach a ribbon to hang the kissing ball. Next, cut the stems of your flowers to a quarter or half an inch in length. Starting from the top, use your glue gun to create small dents in the styrofoam ball, adding a dab of glue before placing each flower stem. Continue this process until the entire ball is covered. Finally, string your ribbon through the pin at the top of the ball.

Choosing the right flowers and foam

When it comes to choosing the right flowers and foam for your wedding kissing ball, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of flowers you want to use. You can choose between fresh or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and the availability of the flowers. If you opt for artificial flowers, you can find them in various materials, such as silk or felt. Consider the colour and type of flowers that match your wedding theme and colour palette.

Next, select the appropriate size of foam ball to use as the base for your kissing ball. The size of the foam ball will depend on the size of your flowers and the desired diameter of the finished kissing ball. For example, if you want an 8-9" diameter kissing ball, choose a smaller foam ball, such as 6" or smaller, to account for the width of the flowers. You can find foam balls in various sizes, typically ranging from 3" to 6" in diameter.

Additionally, consider the shape of the flowers and how they will be attached to the foam ball. Flat flowers like daisies work well with a smooth surface, while other flowers may require a foam ball with a slightly rougher texture to ensure the flowers stay in place. You can use hot glue to attach the flowers to the foam ball, or you can use floral U-pins for a more secure hold. If you plan to use pins, create small dents in the foam ball with a glue gun first, then add a dab of glue and place the stem of the flower in the dent.

When choosing your flowers and foam, it is a good idea to buy a small amount first to test out different options and see what works best for your kissing ball creation.

Trimming the stems of the flowers

• Using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut the stems of the flowers to a length of approximately 1/4" to 1/2" inch. This length will make it easy to adhere the flowers to the Styrofoam ball while ensuring they do not overlap or crowd each other.
• For larger flowers with thicker stems, you may need to trim them to an even shorter length, such as 1/4" inch. This will create a more uniform base for gluing and ensure that the flowers sit securely on the ball.
• If you are using a variety of flower sizes, consider trimming the larger flowers slightly shorter than the smaller ones. This will create a beautiful, textured look and allow each flower to stand out.
• Be careful not to trim the stems too short, as you still need enough length to securely attach the flowers to the Styrofoam ball. Ideally, leave at least 1/4" inch of the stem intact.
• Once the stems are trimmed, gently bend or curl the remaining stem to create a small hook or loop. This step will help the flowers grip the ball and will be especially useful if you are using pins or glue to attach them.
• For smaller flowers with thin stems, you may choose to leave a slightly longer stem, up to 1" inch. This will create a more delicate and airy appearance, especially if you are using a variety of flower types and sizes.
• If you are using fresh flowers, take extra care in trimming the stems. Cut the stems at a slight angle to increase the surface area for water absorption. This will help your flowers stay hydrated and fresh for longer.
• After trimming, immediately place the fresh flowers in a vase of water to hydrate. Allow them to rest for a few hours or overnight before proceeding to the next step of creating your kissing ball.
• For a cohesive look, ensure that all the flowers' stems are trimmed to a similar length. This will create an even and well-balanced kissing ball, enhancing its visual appeal.
• When trimming the stems, work on a flat surface and try to make each cut as uniform and precise as possible. This attention to detail will pay off in the final appearance of your kissing ball.

Gluing the flowers to the foam ball

To make a wedding kissing ball with real flowers, you'll need a styrofoam ball, flowers, a ribbon, floral U pins, T-pins, and a hot glue gun with glue sticks.

Before gluing the flowers to the foam ball, separate the flowers from their bunches and cut the stems to about a 1/4" to 1/2" in length. Starting from the top, use your glue gun to create small dents in the styrofoam ball and add a dab of glue before placing each stem. You can also use T-pins or floral U-pins instead of hot glue, depending on the size of your flowers and styrofoam ball. It's important to ensure that the flowers are evenly placed with no gaps.

• Start by gluing the flowers to the top of the styrofoam ball. This will help you to ensure that the flowers are evenly spaced and that there are no gaps.
• Work your way down the ball in a line. Repeat this process, creating a pattern to ensure the flowers are evenly spaced and there are no gaps.
• If you're using larger flowers, you may want to start in the middle of the ball and work your way up and down. This will create a 'honeycomb' pattern, which will help you save materials and time.
• Fill in any gaps with smaller flowers or greenery to create a fuller appearance.
• Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the ball or adding any additional decorations.

Filling gaps with smaller flowers

Filling in the gaps with smaller flowers is an important step in creating a full and lush kissing ball. This step will help you achieve a cohesive and polished look for your flower arrangement.

To begin, simply trim the stems of your chosen small flowers to about 1/4" to 1/2" in length. You can use fresh or artificial flowers for this purpose. If you are using fresh flowers, be sure to give them a fresh cut to ensure they absorb enough water and stay hydrated.

Next, starting from the top of the Styrofoam ball, use your glue gun to create small dents. Add a dab of glue before placing each flower stem into the dents. Repeat this process until the entire ball is covered, working your way down in a line to ensure even placement and no gaps. You can also use T-pins or floral U-pins instead of hot glue, depending on the size of your flowers and Styrofoam ball.

If you find that there are still some small gaps, you can fill them in with greenery or smaller flowers. This will create a fuller and more complete look for your kissing ball. Remember to leave about a 1/4" gap between the Styrofoam ball and the pins to allow for attaching a ribbon or wire for hanging later.

Finally, once your kissing ball is completely covered with flowers and greenery, you can string your wire or ribbon through the floral U-pin at the top. The length of the ribbon will depend on how you choose to use your kissing ball. Shorter ribbons are ideal for kissing balls that will be carried by individuals, while longer ribbons are better suited for pew decorations.

Adding decorations like ribbons

Choose a Ribbon Colour and Style

The ribbon you choose can complement the colour scheme of your wedding or add a contrasting pop of colour. Consider a bold, vibrant shade or a more subtle, neutral tone to match your flowers. You can also play with different textures and patterns to add interest. For example, a sheer, delicate ribbon or a luxurious, velvety option.

Determine the Length

The length of the ribbon will depend on how you plan to use your kissing ball. If it will be carried by a member of your wedding party, a shorter ribbon is best. For pew decorations or hanging installations, opt for a longer ribbon. Consider the distance from where the kissing ball will hang to ensure the ribbon is long enough.

Create a Loop or Bow

You can create a simple loop with the ribbon, allowing the kissing ball to hang elegantly. Alternatively, get creative and make a beautiful bow. This adds a charming, whimsical touch to your decoration. Adjust the length of the ribbon accordingly, so that your loop or bow is the perfect size in proportion to the kissing ball.

Secure the Ribbon

Use a floral U-pin or a small, decorative hook to secure the ribbon to the kissing ball. This will ensure that your ribbon stays in place and can bear the weight of the ball, especially if using a heavier ribbon. You can also add a small amount of hot glue to the pin or hook for extra security.

Combine with Other Elements

Ribbons can be combined with other decorative elements to create a unique kissing ball. Try adding greenery, such as small sprigs of baby's breath or eucalyptus leaves, for a natural, organic feel. You could also incorporate pearls, crystals, or other small decorations that complement your wedding theme.

Experiment with Different Techniques

There are many ways to incorporate ribbons into your kissing ball. Try wrapping the ribbon around the ball in a criss-cross pattern, creating a web-like effect. Alternatively, make several loops of ribbon in different lengths for a more playful, textured look. You can also braid or twist multiple ribbons together for a unique, eye-catching detail.

Frequently asked questions