Creating A Wedding Table Garland: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding table garlands are a perfect and versatile addition to your wedding decor. They can be used on your wedding arch, draped over chairs, hung on tables, or even on your getaway car! In this article, we will be focusing on how to make a wedding table garland. This is a simple DIY project that can be done by beginners and craft experts alike. It is also budget-friendly and can be personalised to suit your wedding theme. The steps to making a wedding table garland are straightforward and easy to follow. You will need to gather your supplies, including greenery and flowers of your choice, as well as floral wire and tape. Then, you will need to create bundles of greenery, combine them to form a garland, and add flowers and other textures to complete the look.

Choosing your greenery

Greenery is a perfect choice for wedding decor, bringing a vibrant, botanical feel to your ceremony and reception spaces. It's also kind to your budget, with varieties such as eucalyptus, willow, ivy, and moss being very cost-effective.

When choosing your greenery, it's important to consider the tone of green, the size of the leaves, and the fullness of the garland. Some popular options include eucalyptus, willow leaf, rose banksia vine, and rose leaf garlands. For example, a faux eucalyptus garland is ideal for a wedding with earthy, boho vibes or a summer celebration. The soft green colour and famous hardiness of eucalyptus make it a great choice for a modern desert wedding or an earthy farm celebration.

If you're looking for something a little different, consider the following:

• Willow: With its delicate, trailing branches, willow adds a whimsical touch to your garland.
• Ivy: Ivy is a classic choice for wedding decor, offering a lush, elegant look.
• Moss: This variety provides a unique, textured appearance and can be used to fill in gaps in your garland.

When selecting your greenery, it's also essential to choose varieties that won't wilt too quickly, especially if you want them to last through the whole day. As a general rule, the sturdier the leaves, the longer they'll last, so include delicate foliage sparingly.

By choosing the right greenery and combining different varieties, you can create a stunning and affordable wedding table garland that suits your unique style and theme.

Combining greenery bundles

Step 1: Create Greenery Bundles

Start by gathering your chosen greenery, such as eucalyptus, plumosus, Italian ruscus, green ivy, tree fern, or any other type of fresh foliage. Create bundles by laying out 3-4 stems of greenery together and securing them with floral wire. The number of bundles you need will depend on the length and width of your table. Make sure to create thicker bundles for wider tables and longer, thinner bundles for narrower spaces.

Step 2: Overlap and Secure the Bundles

Now, it's time to combine your greenery bundles to form the garland. Take two bundles and overlap them by about 2-3 inches, positioning the second bundle halfway down the first one. Secure them together by wrapping floral wire or green floral tape around their stems. Make sure the top bundle is placed high enough on the bottom bundle so that a good portion of its stems is secured.

Step 3: Continue Combining Bundles

Repeat the process of overlapping and securing the bundles until you've created a garland that is almost as long as your desired finished length. Remember to cover the wires and stems of each bundle with the foliage of the next one to achieve a seamless look. The second bundle should sit about halfway down the first, and so on.

Step 4: Create the End of the Garland

For the final section of the garland, attach 2-3 remaining bundles using wire or tape to create one cohesive grouping. This will form the end of your garland. Place this group of bundles at the end of the garland, with the stems facing in the opposite direction of the line you've created. Tuck the stems under the leaves as much as possible to ensure a smooth and natural finish. Secure the stems with wire or tape.

Step 5: Fill and Adjust

Examine your garland and identify any areas that need filling or adjusting. Add single sprigs of greenery to cover any exposed stems, especially where the opposite-facing stems meet. Continue filling in any gaps or holes with individual pieces of greenery until you're happy with the fullness and overall appearance. Use longer pieces to add width and shorter sprigs to add coverage without increasing the width.

Step 6: Final Touches

Your wedding table garland is now ready to be displayed! Place it on a flat surface, as the attached bundles are designed to sit securely on a table. To keep your garland fresh, store a few extra bits of greenery in the refrigerator and replace them as needed. Enjoy your hand-crafted centerpiece, and feel proud of your creative accomplishment!

Adding flowers

If you're using fresh flowers, it's important to choose varieties that won't wilt too quickly, so that they last throughout the day. You can also mix fresh flowers with artificial blooms to create a fuller look that will last. Consider using flowers such as roses, peonies, carnations, orchids, and chrysanthemums, in colours that complement your wedding theme.

To add flowers to your garland, start by creating small bunches of three flowers, with stems about 3 inches long. Arrange the flowers so that each stem is covered by the flower in front of it, and secure them together with floral tape. Continue adding flowers to your garland, wrapping the stems together as you go, until you've reached the desired length. You can also add in greenery, such as eucalyptus, ivy, or willow, to create a wild, natural look.

For a more unique touch, try hanging your floral garland from the ceiling or draping it over a wedding arch. You can also incorporate flowers into a table runner, pairing them with candles or other decorative elements for a truly magical effect.

Displaying the garland

Placement on the Table

Place your garland as a centrepiece, running down the middle of the table. This will create a stunning tablescape and a beautiful focal point for your wedding décor. If you have a long table, consider making a garland that stretches the entire length for a cohesive look. Alternatively, you can place the garland at the edge of the table to leave more room for food and sharing platters.

Height and Dimension

Add height and dimension to your garland by incorporating candles or flower arrangements. Tall candles placed within the garland or at the front can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Just ensure that the flames are at a safe distance from the greenery and any trailing foliage. You can also add individual flower arrangements or vases with flowers to complement the garland and create a vibrant, three-dimensional display.

Symmetry and Asymmetry

When placing your garland on the table, consider whether you want to go for a symmetrical or asymmetrical look. A symmetrical display can be achieved by placing the garland in the centre, with equal amounts of space on either side. This creates a sense of balance and harmony. On the other hand, an asymmetrical display can be more playful and unexpected, adding interest and movement to your table setting.

Complementary Elements

Enhance your garland display by incorporating complementary elements such as pots, candles, or other decorative items. For example, you can place the garland inside a long, narrow planter or tray to catch any falling petals or leaves. You can also add tea lights or taller candles in holders to add warmth and ambience to the table. Play around with different colours and textures to create a unique and personalised look.

Hanging Garlands

While table garlands are beautiful, consider taking your display to the next level by hanging your garlands. Hanging garlands can create a magical and whimsical atmosphere, especially if they mimic the design of your table garland. Hang them above the table or in other areas of the venue, such as doorways or arches, to create a cohesive and enchanting wedding décor.

Using candles

Wedding table garlands are a great way to add a polished and luxurious feel to your special day. They are also a simple way to decorate your wedding tables, and can be easily personalised to match your colour scheme.

If you want to create a romantic atmosphere, candles are a perfect addition to your wedding table garland. Place candles of varying heights around the garland, ensuring that the flames are well away from the foliage and any other decorations. Tall candles in particular can add an elegant feel to your tablescape. For a modern twist, opt for abstract vessels or candle holders to complement simple tapers. Alternatively, for a traditional look, a candelabra never goes out of style.

For a truly unique display, consider hanging candles of varying lengths above your table, in addition to placing them on top. This will create a magical, chandelier-like effect. Floating candles placed in and around a floral arrangement are another way to add a romantic feel to your wedding table.

When using candles, it is important to prioritise safety. Ensure that the candles are secure and will not fall over. If your wedding venue permits, light the candles to create a soft, romantic glow. However, remember to properly extinguish them after the event!

With these tips, you can create a stunning candlelit tablescape that will wow your guests and make your wedding day even more memorable.

Frequently asked questions