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

Wedding wreaths are a versatile decoration that can be used for any season and styled to match any wedding theme, from modern to bohemian to glamorous. They can be used to decorate doors, tables, and even dogs! For those looking to save some money on their wedding, wreaths are a great way to cut down on the floral budget. This is because wreaths require fewer flowers than other decorations and can be easily made at home.

Choosing flowers and foliage

When choosing flowers and foliage for your wedding table wreath, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the season of your wedding and whether you want your wreath to reflect that. For example, you could opt for a giant red bow for a December wedding or big, bright blooms for spring. You could also use greenery wreaths as a base and add seasonal decorations to them.

Next, consider the style of your wedding. Are you going for a modern, bohemian, or glamorous look? The type of flowers and foliage you choose can help to tie in your table wreaths with the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're having a tropical destination wedding, you might want to use palm fronts in your wreaths, whereas if you're going for a rustic look, wildflowers and eucalyptus might be more suitable.

When it comes to specific types of flowers and foliage, the options are endless. Popular choices include eucalyptus, boxwood, larkspur, peonies, ranunculus, olive branches, hydrangeas, roses, and tulips. You can also mix and match different types of flowers and foliage to create a unique and personalised wreath.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your choices. For example, you could use a combination of fresh and artificial flowers, or even incorporate non-floral elements such as candy canes or seashells into your wreath. Ultimately, the choice of flowers and foliage for your wedding table wreath is a personal one, and you should choose whatever best reflects your style and theme.

Using the right foam

Select a high-quality floral foam specifically designed for flower arrangements, such as Oasis, which is a popular choice for wedding table wreaths. This type of foam has a rigid structure that can securely hold flower stems in place while also providing water to keep them hydrated.

Determine the appropriate size and shape of the foam for your wreath. Floral foam comes in various shapes and sizes, including rings, half-backed rings, and hoops. Choose the one that best fits your wreath design and the size of your table.

Before starting your arrangement, soak the floral foam in water. Fill a bucket with water and place the foam on top. It will naturally absorb the water; there is no need to push it under the surface. For foam rings with plastic bottoms, place them foam-side down in the water. Soaking ensures that your flowers have access to a water source and stay fresh for a more extended period.

Be gentle when inserting flower stems into the wet foam. Pushing too aggressively can create holes in the foam that cannot be fixed. Remember that you cannot re-soak the foam after its initial soak, so be mindful of this when handling it.

Avoid pouring Oasis water, or any water used to soak floral foam, down the drain. It is best to dispose of it elsewhere, as it may cause clogging.

When working with flowers and foam, it is advisable to use a towel or protective covering on your work surface. As you add flower stems to the wet foam, water may be displaced and drip onto your table or surface. The towel will help absorb this excess water.

Adding water to the foam

To make a wedding table wreath, you'll need to start by soaking your floral foam in water. This will serve as the base for your flowers and provide them with a water source to keep them fresh. Here's a step-by-step guide for adding water to the foam:

Step 1: Choose a Bucket

Select a bucket that is clean and fill it up with water to begin creating your wedding table wreath. The bucket should be large enough to accommodate the amount of water needed to fully submerge the floral foam.

Step 2: Prepare the Floral Foam

The type of floral foam commonly used for wreaths is called "Oasis." It is a special type of rigid foam that can absorb and hold water, providing a water source for the flowers. You can find Oasis foam in various shapes and sizes, including rings, bricks, and blocks. Choose the shape and size that best suits your wreath design.

Step 3: Soak the Floral Foam

Place the Oasis foam on top of the water-filled bucket. It is important not to push the foam under the water but instead allow it to absorb the water naturally. For foam rings with plastic bottoms, place them foam-side down in the water. The absorption process usually only takes a few minutes.

Step 4: Handling Tips

There are a few important tips to keep in mind when working with Oasis foam:

• Do not re-soak the foam after its initial soak.
• Avoid pushing your fingers into the foam, as it can create holes that cannot be fixed.
• Dispose of the Oasis water carefully, as it can cause clogs.
• Be cautious when adding flowers to wet foam, as it can cause water displacement and spillage.
• Remember to add water to the foam every 1-2 days to keep your flowers fresh.

By following these steps, you can effectively add water to the floral foam and create a beautiful and fresh wedding table wreath that will last for several days.

Arranging flowers in the foam

To make a wedding table wreath, you'll need to start with a base of floral foam, also known as "Oasis". This will act as a water source for your flowers, keeping them fresh for days. Here's a step-by-step guide to arranging flowers in the foam:

• Soak the floral foam: Fill a bucket with water and place the floral foam on top. For the foam to absorb water, it only takes a few minutes. If your foam ring has a plastic bottom, place it foam-side down in the water.
• Choose your flowers: Select a variety of flowers and foliage in complementary colours and textures. For a wedding table wreath, you may want to choose flowers that are elegant and delicate, such as roses, peonies, or tulips.
• Prepare your flowers: Give each flower stem a fresh diagonal cut and place them in water to rehydrate for 4-12 hours. Keep them away from direct heat and sunlight during this process.
• Create a base: Start by inserting foliage stems into the foam at the base of the leaf. This will create a foundation for your flowers and help fill any gaps.
• Add large flowers: Begin adding your largest flowers to the foam, spacing them evenly around the wreath. These will be your focal flowers, such as amaryllis or hydrangeas.
• Fill in with smaller flowers: Once you have your large flowers in place, fill in the gaps with smaller blooms. This will add colour and fullness to your wreath.
• Check for any visible foam: Ensure that all the floral foam is covered by flowers and foliage. If there are any gaps, continue adding flowers or greenery until the foam is no longer visible.
• Embellish with details: Add any final touches, such as berries, leaves, or smaller accent flowers to give your wreath a finished look.

Remember, it's important not to push your fingers into the soaked floral foam, as it will create holes that cannot be fixed. Also, be mindful that adding flowers to the wet foam will cause water displacement, so it's a good idea to place your wreath on a towel while you work.

Adding candles

Candles are a great way to elevate your wedding table wreath and create a romantic atmosphere. Here are some tips and ideas for adding candles to your wedding table wreath:

Types of Candles

There are several types of candles that you can choose from for your wedding table wreath:

• Pillar Candles: Thick, column-like candles that can stand on their own. They come in various heights, allowing you to use multiple styles in your display.
• Tea Lights: Small candles that sit in a rounded dish, providing a cosy glow without overpowering your other decorations.
• Votives: Small white candles slightly larger than tea lights, often used in religious ceremonies but also make gorgeous decorations.
• Tapered Candles: Long and narrow candles with a tapered tip, perfect for creating a romantic tablescape.
• Flameless Candles: These candles are battery-operated, allowing you to use them in places where an open flame might be unsafe.

Displaying Candles on the Table

When displaying candles on your wedding table, consider the shape of the table. For round tables, place the candles in the centre, while for rectangular tables, you can place them across the length of the table. Play around with different types of candles and heights to find the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

Creative Candle Centrepiece Ideas

• Greenery-Draped Lanterns with Floral Accents: Decorate glass lanterns with arching greenery and romantic roses to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Elegant Tapers with Repurposed Stemware: Combine delicate tapered candles with florals in a colour scheme of your choice for a simple yet elegant DIY centrepiece.
• Dusty Rose & Blush Wreath with Votives: Create a low-lying floral and candle arrangement, encircling votive candles of varying heights with a greenery and floral wreath.
• Rustic Simplicity with Bud Vase Accents: Fill minimalist bud vases with flowers and place them alongside pillar candles for a warm and inviting rustic-chic tablescape.
• Dramatic Elegance in Dusty Blue & Navy: Combine towering candelabras with an abundance of elegant flowers for a breathtaking and luxurious centrepiece.
• Vineyard-Inspired Wine Bottle Decor: Transform wine or champagne bottles into unique candle centrepieces by using floral foam and flowers, with the bottle top serving as a pillar candle holder.

Safety Tips

When using candles as part of your wedding table wreath, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Keep flowers and greenery away from direct flame.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Use heat-resistant surfaces for your candles.
• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lighting and burning candles.
• If your venue does not allow open flames, opt for battery-operated flameless candles to achieve a similar romantic effect without the safety concerns.

Frequently asked questions