Creating Dreamy Wedding Flower Balls: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hanging flower balls are a great DIY centerpiece or decoration for your wedding. You can make your own flower balls in less than an hour, and all you need are flowers of your choice, wet foam or Styrofoam, ribbon, and floral pins. First, soak the foam in cold water until it turns dark green so that the flowers stay fresh longer. Then, cut the ribbon to your desired length, tie a knot at both ends, and secure it to the bottom of the foam with the floral pins. Cut the flowers at a one-inch angle from the head, and poke them into the foam until it is entirely covered. Finally, hang the flower balls in your desired locations.

Choosing flowers: Select flowers that match your wedding colours

When choosing flowers for your flower ball, it's important to select blooms that complement your wedding colours. While your flowers don't have to match your wedding colours exactly, you should aim for a cohesive look that tells a visual story.

If you're having a hard time finding flowers in your chosen shade, consider focusing on other decorative elements to incorporate the colour. For example, if you've chosen blue as one of your wedding colours, you can play with different hues and textures to express the colour in various ways.

For a classic look, white flowers are always a good choice. They symbolise purity and innocence, and they go well with all dress colours. If you're worried about white flowers getting lost against a white wedding dress, add a collar of dark green leaves or other foliage to make the bouquet stand out.

If you want your flowers to coordinate with your bridesmaids' dresses, consider the colour of their gowns. You can either choose flowers that match or contrast with the dress colour. For instance, pairing black bridesmaid dresses with green bouquets creates a dramatic effect, while combining pink and green flowers evokes a romantic Victorian aesthetic.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and varieties of flowers to find the perfect combination for your wedding. Remember, the key is to create a harmonious look that ties in with your chosen wedding colours without being too matchy-matchy.

Preparing the foam: Wet the foam with cold water to keep flowers fresh

To prepare the foam for your flower ball centrepiece, you will need to use wet foam or Styrofoam. Start by pouring cold water into a bowl or bucket. Place the foam on top of the water and let it soak up the water naturally. It is important not to push the foam into the water as you want to avoid creating air bubbles. The foam will be fully soaked when it is fully submerged and no more air bubbles are appearing on the surface. The foam will also be a darker shade of green.

Once the foam is fully soaked, carefully lift it out of the water and place it on a towel. The foam will be heavy and will likely be dripping, so be careful not to squeeze out any water. If you are using wet foam, you can place it directly into your vase or container. If you are using a clear container, you will need to place the wet foam in a plastic bag or liner to contain the water. You can then fill in the sides with stones, coffee beans, or other small objects to hide the foam from view.

Trimming the flowers: Cut flowers at an angle, an inch from the head

Trimming the flowers is a crucial step in creating your flower balls. You'll want to cut the flowers at a slight angle, about an inch from the head. This technique ensures that the flowers can easily absorb water from the foam, helping them stay fresh and vibrant for your big day. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:

Start by gathering your flowers of choice. You can select flowers that match your wedding colour scheme or opt for a variety of blooms to create a vibrant display. Once you have your flowers, use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This angle will create a larger surface area, allowing the flowers to absorb more water and stay hydrated.

As you trim each stem, cut approximately one inch from the head of the flower. This will ensure that the flowers are the right size to fit into the foam securely. The angled cut will also create a neat and tidy appearance once the flowers are arranged in the foam. It is important to trim the flowers correctly to encourage water absorption and extend the life of your flower balls.

Take your time and be careful not to crush or damage the stems while cutting. You want to ensure that the flowers can easily draw water up through the stems. After trimming, remove any leaves or foliage that will be submerged in the water, as these can rot and affect the longevity of your flowers.

By following these instructions, you'll be able to create beautiful flower balls that will add a touch of elegance and glamour to your wedding décor. Remember to handle the flowers with care and trim them at an angle to encourage water absorption and keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant.

Attaching flowers: Poke flowers into the foam, covering it entirely

Now it's time to attach the flowers to the foam. Take each flower and poke it into the foam, making sure to cover the entire surface. This step may take some time, but it will ensure that your flower ball looks full and lush. Be sure to push the flowers in securely, so they don't fall out.

If you are using paper flowers, as recommended by The Artisan Life, you will need to use pins to secure the flowers to the Styrofoam ball. Start by making a lot of paper flowers—this will ensure that you have enough to cover the entire ball. Then, take two flowers, stack them together, and push a pin through their centre into the Styrofoam ball. Continue adding flowers, slightly crowding them together to eliminate any gaps. Try to offset the flowers as you add them to create a more natural, full appearance.

For fresh flowers, you will need to trim the stems before poking them into the foam. Cut the flowers about an inch from the head at an angle. This will allow the flowers to absorb water more easily and stay fresh for longer. You can use any type of flower you like, but be sure to choose flowers that match your wedding colours. Sunflowers or pink carnations are great options, or you can opt for a more elegant look with white flowers.

Creating your own flower balls for your wedding is a fun and easy DIY project. By carefully poking each flower into the foam, you will be able to achieve a beautiful and glamorous decoration that will impress your guests.

Hanging the flower balls: Secure the ribbon to the foam with floral pins

Hanging flower balls are a beautiful and glamorous addition to your wedding decor. They are easy to make and can be customised to your chosen wedding colours. Once you've prepared your foam ball, selected your flowers and cut your ribbon to the desired length, it's time to secure the ribbon to the foam with floral pins.

To attach the ribbon securely, start by tying both ends of the ribbon into a knot. Position the knot at the bottom of the foam ball, so that it is hidden from view. Then, take your floral pins and insert them through the ribbon and into the foam. You may need to use multiple pins to ensure the ribbon is securely attached. Floral pins come in different styles, lengths and materials, so choose a type that is suitable for your project. Straight floral pins, for example, are ideal for securing flowers and ribbons to foam bases.

When inserting the pins, it is recommended to do so at a slight angle. This will create a more stable hold and prevent the pins from slipping out. Work your way around the bottom of the foam ball, securing the ribbon as you go. You can also wrap the ribbon around the ball and secure it at the bottom with pins, creating a decorative effect.

Once the ribbon is securely attached, you can move on to the next step of poking the flowers into the foam. Finally, your hanging flower balls will be ready to display at your wedding venue, adding a beautiful and elegant touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions