Create A Beautiful Open-Heart Wedding Wreath

Open-heart wreaths are a beautiful addition to any wedding, and you can make them yourself! Whether you're looking for a simple DIY project or a way to add a personal touch to your big day, creating your own open-heart wreath can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make a stunning open-heart wreath that will impress your guests and create lasting memories. From choosing the right materials to assembling the wreath, we'll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make your wedding extra special. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and add a unique touch to your celebration!

Choosing the right base

Material Options:

The first step is to decide on the material for your wreath base. Popular options include foam, wire, grapevine, and wooden wreath forms. Each material offers a different aesthetic and level of durability. For instance, foam wreath bases, like polystyrene or floral foam, are lightweight and easy to work with. They can be painted, glittered, or used as a base for floral arrangements. Wire wreath forms, on the other hand, offer a more flexible and versatile option that can be easily bent and shaped into the perfect heart outline. Natural grapevine wreaths provide a rustic and organic base, perfect for a more whimsical or bohemian wedding theme.

Size and Proportions:

The size and proportions of your wreath base will impact the overall visual appeal of your decoration. Consider the scale of your wedding venue and the area where the wreath will be displayed. A larger wreath may be more suitable for a grand entrance or a spacious hall, while a smaller, more delicate wreath could be a better fit for an intimate ceremony or reception. Ensure that the size of the heart shape is proportional to the surrounding décor and doesn't appear too overwhelming or too understated.

Colour and Decorations:

The colour of your wreath base will depend on your wedding colour palette and overall theme. White or neutral-coloured foam wreaths can be easily decorated to match your colour scheme. You can paint them, wrap them in fabric or ribbon, or cover them with flowers and greenery. If you opt for a natural grapevine or wooden wreath base, consider whether you want to leave it in its original state or add a coat of paint or stain to enhance the texture. Decorations such as ribbons, beads, or glitter can also be added to create a more ornate and glamorous look.

Durability and Longevity:

Consider the durability of the wreath base, especially if you plan to use it as a long-lasting decoration or keepsake. Foam wreaths, for example, may be more delicate and better suited for one-time use, while wire, grapevine, or wooden bases are generally more robust and reusable. If you're using fresh flowers, look for a base with a continuous water source, such as floral foam, to keep your flowers hydrated and fresh throughout the event.

Ease of Assembly:

Finally, choose a wreath base that is easy to work with and assemble. Some bases may come with built-in hooks or hangers, making it convenient to display your wreath. If you plan to attach additional decorations, ensure that the base can securely hold the weight of your chosen embellishments.

Remember to consider the overall theme, colour palette, and style of your wedding when choosing the right base for your open-heart wreath. With a bit of creativity and careful selection, your wreath will be a beautiful addition to your special day.

Picking flowers and foliage

Set Your Budget

The first step is to determine your budget for flowers. The amount you are willing to spend will influence the types and quantity of flowers you can use. Most couples spend around 8% of their total wedding budget on flowers, but this can vary depending on your preferences and the number of arrangements needed.

Find a Florist

Hiring a florist who understands your vision is crucial. They will help you select flowers that fit your colour scheme, season, and budget. Research florists in your area, look at their previous work, and read reviews to find one that suits your needs.

Gather Inspiration

Start by gathering wedding flower inspiration from various sources, such as real weddings, Pinterest, or wedding-themed movies. This will help you develop a sense of your likes and dislikes in terms of colour, shape, texture, and style. You can also browse local flower markets to see what's in season and discover new blooms.

Know the Basics

Familiarise yourself with popular wedding flowers, such as roses, peonies, hydrangeas, lilies, and ranunculuses. Consider whether you want fragrant blooms like lilacs, freesias, jasmine, or sweet peas. Knowing the basics will help you communicate effectively with your florist.

Use Your Wedding Colour Palette

Think about your wedding colour palette when selecting flowers. While they don't have to be an exact match, choose blooms that complement your colours. Dahlias, carnations, mums, roses, tulips, and lilies come in a wide range of colours, while peonies, lisianthus, hydrangeas, and anemones have a more limited selection.

Pick Seasonal Flowers

Selecting flowers that are in season will not only look better and be of higher quality, but it will also be more cost-effective. Consider the time of year you're getting married and choose flowers that are typically in bloom during that season. For example, spring offers a wide variety of flowers, including peonies, hydrangeas, and tulips, while autumn is filled with rich hues of sunflowers, dahlias, and ranunculus.

Match Flowers to Your Wedding Style

The flowers you choose should reflect the style and aesthetic of your wedding. For a formal black-tie wedding, opt for traditional and elegant arrangements. If your wedding is more relaxed and informal, you can be creative with mix-and-match or garden-style bouquets.

Consider Foliage

Don't forget about the foliage! The colour and type of foliage you choose will play a vital role in your overall colour palette and theme. For a winter wedding, consider evergreen leaves, while sunflowers are perfect for a fall wedding.

Be Mindful of Allergies

If you or your partner have any allergies to specific flowers, this will impact your choices. Be sure to communicate this to your florist so they can help you source and plan anti-allergen flowers.

Silk Flowers

If you're looking for a more cost-effective and long-lasting option, consider silk flowers. High-quality silk flowers can be incredibly convincing and eliminate the risk of allergies. They are also a great choice if you want a specific type of flower that may not be in season for your wedding.

Remember to keep your wedding dress, venue, and overall theme in mind when making your selections. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning open heart wreath that reflects your personal style and complements your special day.

Adding ribbon

Choosing the Right Ribbon

First, you'll want to select the perfect ribbon for your open heart wreath. Consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding when making your selection. You can choose from a variety of ribbon materials, such as luxury organza, satin, silk, or even glitter mesh. Opt for a colour that complements your wedding palette, whether it's soft pastels, vibrant hues, or classic white.

Preparing the Ribbon

Before you begin attaching the ribbon to your wreath, you'll need to cut it into the desired length. For a heart-shaped wreath, cutting the ribbon to around 45 cm in length will allow you to create voluminous bows without too much excess. If you're using multiple types of ribbon, try to cut them to similar lengths to maintain a cohesive look.

Attaching the Ribbon

Now it's time to attach the ribbon to your wreath! Start by tying your first bow onto the inner wire frame of your heart-shaped wreath form. You can use a simple shoelace-style knot to create the bow. Then, move to the outside of the wire frame and tie your second bow. Continue alternating between the inner and outer wire frames as you work your way around the wreath. This method will give your wreath an even and full appearance.

Trimming and Arranging

Once you've tied a few bows, take a moment to trim the edges of the ribbon to create neat ends. This will prevent loose threads from hanging off your wreath and keep it looking tidy. After trimming, gently push the bows together to add volume and create a lush, full look. Continue tying bows, trimming, and pushing them together as you work your way around the wreath.

Final Touches

As you near the end of your wreath, remember to leave enough space for your final bows. Once you've filled the wreath form, carefully examine it to ensure all bows are secure and no loose ends are protruding. You can also add other decorative elements, such as artificial flowers, to enhance the visual appeal.

Your open heart wreath is now complete and ready to be displayed at your wedding! This handmade decoration will surely impress your guests and serve as a beautiful memento of your special day.

Arranging flowers

Preparing the Flowers:

Before you begin, trim the stems of your chosen flowers and greenery as needed, and remove any plastic coating from the stems. Open up and spread out the stems and flowers to create a full and natural look. Play around with the placement of the flowers on the wreath before securing them, ensuring they all face the same direction.

Securing the Flowers:

Using hot glue, add your chosen focal flowers first. Roses are a popular choice and create a romantic look. Secure them by applying hot glue to the stems and placing them into the wreath, ensuring the glue does not poke through to the back.

Adding Greenery and Filler Flowers:

Once your focal flowers are in place, start adding additional flowers and greenery to fill out the wreath. You can use hydrangeas, dahlias, and smaller blooms to add texture and interest. Remember to step back and view the wreath from a distance to ensure you are happy with the placement and to identify any areas that need more flowers or greenery.

Creating a Full and Fluffy Look:

Continue filling in any empty spaces on the wreath to create a full and fluffy look. This is important to ensure the wreath looks elegant and abundant.

Adding Ribbon (Optional):

If you wish to add ribbon tails to your wreath, cut your chosen ribbons to the desired length, wrap them around the bottom of the wreath, and secure them with a knot. You can use different types and colours of ribbon to add texture and visual interest.

Your open heart-shaped wedding wreath is now complete and ready to be displayed!

Attaching flowers and foliage

Preparing the Flowers and Foliage:

Before you begin attaching the flowers and foliage to your heart-shaped wreath, it's important to prepare your materials. If you're using fresh flowers and greenery, start by trimming the stems to the desired length. Remove any extra plastic coating on the stems as well. Open up and spread out the stems and flowers to create a full and natural look. If you're working with artificial flowers, you may still need to adjust the stems and petals to achieve the desired fullness.

Placement of Flowers and Foliage:

Before you start gluing, it's a good idea to play around with the placement of your flowers and foliage. Place the flowers and greenery on the wreath, positioning them in a way that looks pleasing to you. Remember to face all the flowers in the same direction for a cohesive look. Step back occasionally to view the wreath from a distance, as this will help you see where you need to add more flowers or adjust the arrangement.

Attaching the Flowers and Foliage:

Once you're happy with the placement, it's time to secure the flowers and foliage to the wreath. Using hot glue, add a small amount of glue to the stem of each flower or foliage sprig. Then, carefully place the stem into the wreath, making sure it's securely attached without poking through to the back. Start with your largest or most prominent flowers, such as roses, and work your way through the different types of flowers and greenery you have. This will help you create a balanced and full-looking wreath.

Filling in Gaps:

After attaching your main flowers, continue filling in any gaps or empty spaces with additional flowers, greenery, or smaller floral elements. This step ensures that your wreath looks lush and complete. Remember to step back and view your wreath from a distance occasionally to identify any areas that need more attention.

Drying and Display:

Once you've finished attaching all your flowers and foliage, set aside your wreath to allow the hot glue to dry completely. When it's dry, your open heart wreath will be ready for display. You can hang it on a door, wall, or window, adding a beautiful and romantic touch to your wedding décor.

Feel free to experiment with different types of flowers and foliage to create a unique and personalized open heart wreath for your wedding. You can also change the colors to match your wedding theme or choose specific flowers that hold a special meaning for you.

Frequently asked questions