Creating A Wedding Vase: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding vases are an integral part of the wedding ceremony in many cultures. Native American wedding vases, for instance, are handmade by the groom's parents from clay found in a local river bed. The vase is then fired, cleaned, and polished before it is filled with a ceremonial liquid, such as nectar, water, or herbal tea, to symbolise the union of the couple. The shape of the vase is also symbolic, with the two spouts representing the couple, and the handle in the middle symbolising their unity. In modern times, glass vases are also commonly used at weddings, with cylinder and square vases being popular choices for DIY flower arrangements.

Choosing the right vase shape

The shape of the wedding vase is an important consideration, as it can impact the overall look and feel of your wedding decor and play a symbolic role in the ceremony. Here are some tips to help you choose the right vase shape for your special day:

Traditional Wedding Vase Shapes

The traditional wedding vase shape varies depending on cultural influences and personal preferences. In Native American wedding ceremonies, for instance, the wedding vase has two spouts, each representing the couple, and a looped handle symbolising their unity. The space created within the loop represents the couple's shared life and circle of life. This shape holds symbolic value and is believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds.

Height and Width

The height and width of the vase are important considerations, especially when choosing vases for centrepieces. Taller vases, such as cylinder or trumpet-shaped vases, are ideal for flowers with longer stems like roses and peonies. For flowers with hollow stems, like ranunculus, thinner cylinders of medium height are more suitable to provide stability. When using round tables, it is recommended to keep the total arrangement height between 20-35 inches to allow guests to see each other across the table.

Mix and Match

Creating a mix-and-match display with vases of different shapes and sizes can add interest and variety to your wedding decor. Combining different vase heights, such as tall cylinders with shorter square vases, can make a stunning visual impact. This eclectic approach allows for creativity and flexibility in your floral arrangements.

Simplicity

If you are a beginner at flower arranging, opting for simpler vase shapes like cylinders or squares can make the process more manageable. These classic shapes provide a blank canvas for your floral creations without adding unnecessary complexity. Additionally, these shapes do not require floral foam, which can be challenging for those new to flower arranging.

Practicality

Consider the practicality of the vase shape in relation to your chosen flowers. For example, flowers with fuller blooms like hydrangeas, roses, and peonies work well with vases that have a wider opening, such as trumpet-shaped vases. This allows for better support and arrangement of the flowers.

Selecting the right flowers

Consider the Vase Type and Size

The type and size of your vase will play a significant role in choosing the right flowers. For example, cylinder glass vases are versatile and simple, perfect for beginners. You can use them with flowers of various stem lengths; taller vases pair well with flowers that have longer stems, such as roses and peonies. If you're working with flowers that have hollow stems, like ranunculus, opt for thinner cylinders of medium height to provide stability.

Square glass vases are another popular and budget-friendly option for DIY arrangements. They are easy to work with and can create elegant centrepieces.

Trumpet vases are ideal if you want to create a more complex arrangement and have time to practice beforehand. They usually require floral foam and work well with flowers that have fuller blooms, such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies.

Know Your Flower Types

When selecting flowers, it's essential to consider their varieties and what each type symbolizes. For instance, traditional choices like roses and peonies exude elegance and romance. On the other hand, sunflowers and spider mums can add a touch of cheerfulness and whimsy to your arrangements. If you want to incorporate greenery, options like ivy, hanging amaranthus, and seeded eucalyptus create a natural hanging vine look.

Think About Colour and Theme

The colour of your flowers can enhance your wedding theme and overall aesthetic. For instance, a beach-themed wedding might feature vase fillers like shells and starfish, complemented by flowers in soft, coastal hues. An autumnal wedding could showcase silk fall leaves as fillers, paired with flowers in rich, warm tones.

Additionally, consider the colour of your tables and any other decorations you plan to include. For instance, if you're using square vases with hydrangeas and votive candles on 60" round tables, you might opt for white hydrangeas to create a bright, elegant display.

Plan for the Right Amount

Lastly, ensure you have enough flowers to fill your vases and create the desired impact. The number of flowers needed will depend on the vase's size and your chosen arrangement style. For example, a small pint-sized mason jar may only need 4-5 stems, while a quart-sized jar can accommodate 6-8 stems. If you're using multiple vases, vary the flower quantities to create visual interest.

Vase fillers

For a beach-themed wedding, you could use shells and starfish as vase fillers. For an autumnal wedding, you could use silk fall leaves.

If you're looking for something more natural, you could use natural, edible vase fillers such as fruits or vegetables. For example, fill a vase with lemons or limes for a bright pop of colour.

For a more elegant look, try using man-made vase fillers such as pearls or crystals. You could also use coloured sand or stones to match your wedding colours.

If you want to add a personal touch, you could use small pictures or mementos as vase fillers. This is a great way to showcase your personality and style.

Remember to choose vase fillers that complement your flowers and overall wedding theme. With a little creativity, you can make your wedding vases stand out and create lasting memories.

The significance of the wedding vase in Native American culture

The wedding vase is a significant part of Native American wedding ceremonies, marking the sanctity of marriage. The parents of the groom traditionally make the vase, which is then used in a ceremony where the couple drinks from it to symbolise the blending of their lives. The vase is then cherished by the couple in their home.

The wedding vase is made from clay found in a local river, which is then combined with temper (sand or silica) to give the clay body. It is then hand-built and fired in an open pit outside. The vase is cleaned and polished so that it can be used during the wedding ceremony. The shapes and decorative features of the vase are meant to symbolise the marriage that is to take place.

The wedding vase has two spouts, one representing the husband and the other the wife. The handle in the middle symbolises the unity achieved when the couple comes together on their wedding day. The space between the handle and the two spouts represents the couple's circle of life. The shared reservoir and rounded base of the vase symbolise the two individuals becoming one and their shared lives.

Before the wedding, the vase is filled with a special liquid, such as nectar created by a local medicine man, tea, or water. On the wedding day, the couple takes turns drinking from the vase, with the groom offering it to his wife first. In some tribes, the bride and groom drink from the vase at the same time to symbolise their union as one. If they are able to do this without spilling any liquid, it is believed that they will have a long life together.

How to personalise your wedding vase

Wedding vases are an important part of the wedding ceremony in many cultures. In Native American culture, the wedding vase is a sacred vessel used in the wedding ceremony to symbolise the unity of the couple. The shape of the vase, with its two spouts and looped handle, is meant to represent the couple and their shared life together.

Choose a meaningful liquid

The vase is traditionally filled with a special liquid, such as nectar created by a local medicine man, tea, or water. This liquid symbolises the union of the couple. You could personalise your vase by choosing a liquid that has a special significance for you and your partner. It could be a drink that you both enjoy or something that represents your cultural or family traditions.

Decorate the vase with meaningful symbols

You can add personal touches to the outside of the vase by incorporating decorative elements that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. This could include symbols, colours, or patterns that represent your cultural background, shared interests, or significant places you've visited together. These decorations will not only make the vase more visually appealing but will also give it a deeper personal significance.

Engrave the vase with your wedding details

Adding your names, wedding date, and a meaningful message or quote to the vase will make it a truly unique and cherished keepsake. You can choose a font and style that reflects your personality as a couple, making it a beautiful reminder of your special day.

Incorporate natural elements

If you have a special connection to a particular place, consider incorporating natural elements from that location into your vase. For example, you could use clay from a local riverbed, as is traditional in Native American wedding vases, or add dried flowers, sand, or shells from a beach that holds a special memory for you.

Make it interactive

Turn your wedding vase into an interactive keepsake by creating a time capsule. You and your partner can write letters to each other, predicting your life together and offering words of love and encouragement. Seal the letters in the vase, along with other meaningful mementos, and open them on a future anniversary to reflect on your journey together.

Frequently asked questions