Creating Wedding Floral Hoops: A Step-By-Step Guide

Floral hoops are a gorgeous alternative to traditional bouquets for brides and bridesmaids and can also be used as wall decorations or hung on doors. They are lightweight, delicate, and asymmetrical, and can be made with a variety of flowers and foliage. This DIY project is easy, versatile, and can be made to fit any wedding budget.

Choosing your flowers

The types of flowers and foliage you choose for your floral hoop are entirely up to you. You can select flowers that are in season, or opt for silk flowers if you want your hoop to last longer. You could also choose flowers that match your wedding colour scheme or theme.

If you're unsure about which flowers to choose, FiftyFlowers sells DIY flower combo packs that are thoughtfully curated by colour or style. The Royal Romantic Wedding Flower Pack, for example, includes garden roses, light pink spray roses, hypericum berries, and silver dollar eucalyptus greens.

If you're buying fresh flowers, you'll need to give the stems a fresh diagonal cut and place them in water to rehydrate for 4-12 hours before you start creating your hoop. Keep the flowers out of the heat and sun while rehydrating.

For roses, you'll want to remove all the thorns and leaves with a floral knife and add a slanted cut to the end of the stem. You'll also need to remove 3-5 guard petals. Place them in fresh water until you’re ready to start creating your hoops.

Picking a hoop

Size

The first thing to consider is the size of the hoop. Hoops can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter. If you're using the hoop as a backdrop or decoration, you may want a larger hoop that makes a statement. If you're using the hoop as a bouquet or centrepiece, a smaller hoop might be more appropriate.

Material

The material of the hoop is also an important consideration. Hoops can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, bamboo, and even gold or silver. The material you choose will depend on the overall look you're going for and your budget. Metal and gold hoops, for example, might be more expensive but will add a touch of luxury to your design.

Shape

While most hoops are circular, there are also hexagonal and triangular options available. If you're looking for something a little different, these shapes can add a unique touch to your design.

Colour

When it comes to colour, you have a few options. You can leave the hoop as is, or you can paint it to match your wedding colour scheme. Spray paint is a quick and easy way to change the colour of your hoop and add a personal touch.

Source

Finally, you'll need to decide where to source your hoop from. You can find hoops at craft stores, online retailers, and even some florists. If you're looking for a unique hoop, you might want to check out local boutiques or speciality stores.

Remember, the hoop you choose will serve as the foundation for your floral design, so take the time to select one that fits your vision and will showcase your flowers beautifully.

Preparing your flowers

The first step in preparing your flowers is to give each stem a fresh diagonal cut. Place the stems in water and leave them to rehydrate for 4-12 hours, keeping them out of the heat and sun.

For roses, remove all the thorns and leaves with a floral knife, and add a slanted cut to the end of the stem. Remove 3-5 guard petals. Place the roses in fresh water until you’re ready to start creating your hoops.

For other flowers, refer to the instructions provided by the supplier for specific cleaning instructions.

Next, cut the stems off the roses, leaving about a 3/4″ stem nub. Insert a 22-gauge floral wire through the base of the stem, threading it through about 4″-5″, then bend to meet the other end of the wire. Wrap the entire length of wire in floral tape, pulling on it to activate its stickiness. Repeat this process for all the roses you plan on using.

Now it's time to plan your design! Look at different flower combinations and layouts to get inspired and come up with your own unique creation. Lay the flowers out on your hoop first to create a plan before you start assembling.

Attaching the flowers

Start by using the floral tape to adhere the eucalyptus leaves to the hoop. Don’t worry if the tape peeks through, as you can always fill in any gaps with smaller pieces of foliage later.

Add the largest roses or flowers first, then slowly fill in with the rest, wrapping the wires around the hoop. When you’re finished, cut off any excess wire.

Final touches

Since most of these hoops will be hanging flat against a wall or door, it helps to design the hoop on a flat surface. However, hold it up regularly to see what it will look like when it’s hanging.

Cut small pieces of the berries and the eucalyptus to fill in any holes, cover up tape, and finish off your design. Add some glue to a scrap piece of cardboard and dip the ends of the leaves and berries into the glue. Adhere them to other flowers, the hoop, tape, or stems to fill in any gaps and add extra security.

Attaching flowers to the hoop

Now that you have gathered your supplies and prepared your flowers, it's time to start attaching the flowers to the hoop! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful floral hoop for your wedding:

Step 1: Start with your greenery. Trim small pieces of greenery and form them around your hoop to get an idea of the shape you want to create. Secure the greenery to the hoop using floral wire. Continue adding and securing greenery until you achieve the desired fullness. This will serve as a base for your flower arrangement.

Step 2: Add the largest flowers. Using a hot glue gun, carefully attach your largest focal flowers to the hoop and/or greenery. These will be the centrepiece of your arrangement, so place them in a way that is visually appealing and balanced.

Step 3: Fill in with secondary flowers. Select your secondary flowers, such as tulips or garden roses, and lay them out on the hoop to plan their placement. Once you're happy with the arrangement, use hot glue to secure these flowers in place.

Step 4: Finish with filler greens. To complete the look, add a few more filler greens, such as eucalyptus leaves or other types of foliage. You can use floral tape or hot glue to attach them to the hoop and fill in any gaps in your design. Feel free to play around with the placement of the greens to achieve the desired look, whether it's symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Step 5: Secure and adjust. Once all the flowers and greens are attached, cut off any excess wire or tape that may be visible. Make sure all the elements are securely attached to the hoop and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your floral hoop is looking its best.

Remember to plan out your design before attaching the flowers, and feel free to refer to online resources or tutorials for specific flower types and arrangements. Enjoy creating your beautiful floral hoop!

Finishing touches

You're nearly done! The final steps to creating a beautiful floral hoop are simple but important.

Filling in the Gaps

Check your design for any gaps or holes. If you spot any, cut small pieces of your chosen berries and eucalyptus to fill them in. You can also use these to cover up any visible tape. Simply dip the ends of the leaves and berries into some glue and stick them onto the flowers, the hoop, or the tape. Continue adding small pieces until you are happy with the design.

Hanging the Hoop

Finally, decide how you want to hang your hoop. You can use a ribbon, string, or even add a bow or other elements to jazz it up. If you're hanging the hoop on a wall or door, it might be a good idea to design it on a flat surface, so you can hold it up regularly to see what it will look like when it's hanging.

And there you have it! A gorgeous floral hoop, perfect for a wedding or bridal shower.

Frequently asked questions