Creating Beautiful Flower Cones For Your Wedding Day

Flower cones are a creative and versatile addition to any wedding, whether hung from chairs, fences, or trees, or used as part of the bridal party's attire. They can be made with a variety of materials, from cardstock to newspaper, and filled with blooms, petals, or confetti. With a few simple steps, you can create beautiful flower cones to elevate your wedding decor and provide a unique and personalised touch.

Choosing the paper for your cones

Type of Paper

You can use various types of paper to make your flower cones, such as cardstock paper, decorative paper, newspaper, or printable scrapbook paper. Cardstock paper is a good option if you want a sturdy and durable cone. Decorative paper, such as patterned or coloured paper, can add a stylish touch to your cones. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, consider using newspaper or recycled paper. Printable scrapbook paper allows you to print custom designs or patterns onto your paper, which can be a great way to personalise your cones.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the paper you choose can enhance the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider selecting a colour that complements your wedding colour palette or choosing a pattern that reflects your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might opt for Kraft paper or paper with a rustic design. If you want a romantic and elegant look, consider choosing paper with a metallic finish or delicate floral patterns.

Thickness and Weight

The thickness and weight of the paper are important considerations, especially if you plan to fill your cones with heavier items such as dried flowers or confetti. A thicker and more durable paper, like cardstock, can handle more weight without tearing. If you opt for a thinner paper, be mindful of the amount and weight of the contents you put inside the cones.

Personalisation

Personalising your flower cones can add a unique and thoughtful touch to your wedding. Consider using a custom stamp or sticker to decorate the centre of the cone, or print custom designs or messages on the paper. You can also incorporate meaningful elements, such as using pages from your favourite book or sheet music that holds a special significance.

Availability and Cost

When choosing your paper, consider the availability and cost of the material. Some specialty papers may be more expensive or difficult to source, especially in large quantities. Opt for paper that is readily available and fits within your budget, especially if you need to make a large number of cones.

Remember, the paper you choose for your flower cones should align with your wedding style and vision. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different options to find the perfect choice for your special day.

How to dry flower petals

There are many ways to dry flower petals, and the method you choose will depend on the type of flower, the time you have available, and the intended use of your petals. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry flower petals for your wedding flower cones:

Choosing the Right Flowers

Firstly, it's important to select the right flowers for drying. While you can dry almost any flower, some will work better than others. Look for flowers in full bloom that are in good condition, without any signs of wilting or damage. Hybrid tea roses, floribunda roses, and grandiflora roses are great options as they have sturdy stems and thick petals.

Preparing the Flowers

If you are picking flowers from your garden, it is best to do so in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot. Remove the petals from the flowers, and discard any damaged or rotten petals. If you are drying roses, you may also want to remove the leaves and thorns before proceeding to the next step.

Air-Drying

Air-drying is one of the simplest and most popular methods for drying flower petals. Spread the petals out on a clean, dry surface, such as a baking sheet or parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. Place them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. It can take several days to a couple of weeks for the petals to fully dry, depending on the ambient temperature. Once they are dry, they will be brittle to the touch.

Using an Oven

If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use your oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 40 degrees Celsius. Place the petals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer. Check on the petals regularly to prevent burning, as they can dry out quickly in the oven. The time it takes to dry will depend on the type of flower, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. Once they are dry and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool before storing them.

Using a Microwave

Another quick and easy method is to use a microwave. Place a single layer of petals on a paper towel and cover them with another paper towel. Microwave for 30-second intervals, checking the petals each time, until they are dry and crisp.

Using Desiccants

If you want to dry your petals quickly while preserving their shape and color, you can use a desiccant such as silica gel, rice, or borax. Place a layer of the chosen desiccant in a container, then gently place the petals on top. Cover the petals completely with more desiccant and seal the container. Leave it undisturbed for about a week to allow the desiccant to absorb the moisture from the petals.

Storing Your Petals

Once your petals are fully dried, store them in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight. This will help maintain their scent, color, and shape.

With these steps, you'll be able to dry and preserve flower petals to create beautiful and romantic wedding flower cones for your special day!

How to make the cones

Making flower cones for a wedding is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make these beautiful decorations:

Materials:

First, gather your materials. You will need paper, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, and glue (hot glue or regular glue will work). You can use any type of paper you like, such as cardstock, decorative paper, newspaper, or even book pages for a unique touch. If you want to get creative, you can also add embellishments like twine, ribbon, pearls, glitter, or stickers.

Cutting and Folding:

Once you have your materials, start by cutting your paper into squares. The size of the square will depend on the size of the cone you want. For smaller cones, cut the paper into 5.5" x 5.5" squares. For larger cones, cut the paper into 6" x 6" squares.

Now, it's time to start folding! Lay the paper on a flat surface. If using glue, apply it to one corner of the paper. Fold one corner towards the middle of the page, creating a nice point at the bottom. Then, wrap the opposite corner in to meet it, making sure there is a decent overlap. If you're using tape, you can tape the sides now to secure the cone shape.

Securing the Cone:

If you're using hot glue, apply it to the seam and press and hold for a few seconds to secure the cone shape. For an extra secure hold, you can also use a hole punch to make two holes on opposite sides of the seam and thread twine through to tie the cone shut. This will make it easier to transport the cones and ensure they don't unravel.

Embellishments and Filling:

Now comes the fun part—adding your personal touches! You can embellish your cones with twine, ribbon, pearls, or stickers. If you want to hang the cones, glue a piece of ribbon to each side to create a handle.

Finally, fill your cones with flowers, confetti, or any other tossable item of your choice. If using fresh petals, you can dry them in advance by removing the petals from the flowers and microwaving them in 30-second intervals on a paper towel until they are flat and dry.

Displaying the Cones:

You can display the cones in a variety of ways. Place them in a basket at the head of the aisle or on chairs for guests to easily grab. For outdoor weddings, hang them on fences, trees, or along the aisle. For indoor weddings, hang them on doorknobs or tie them to chairs.

And that's it! You now have beautiful, handmade flower cones ready for your wedding. Enjoy this creative process and the wow factor it will bring to your special day!

Filling the cones

Now that you have your flower cones ready, it's time to fill them with beautiful blooms or petals! Here are some tips and ideas for filling your cones to create a romantic and elegant touch for your wedding:

Choosing the Right Flowers or Petals:

• Select flowers or petals that complement your wedding colour scheme. Opt for blooms that are in season to ensure they look fresh and vibrant.
• Consider using dried flower petals. You can dry the petals yourself by removing them from the flowers when they begin to fall off or dry naturally. Spread them on a paper towel, place another paper towel on top, and microwave in 30-second intervals until flat and dry. Store them in sealed bags until your big day.
• Roses work especially well for drying and come in a variety of colours.
• If you're using fresh flowers, choose varieties that will hold up well outside of water, such as roses, carnations, or baby's breath.
• Place a large petal at the bottom of each cone, and then fill the rest with more crushed petals or confetti. This makes it easier for your guests to toss the contents.
• If using fresh flowers, consider creating small bouquets that fit snugly inside the cones. You can use floral tape or a small amount of hot glue to secure the stems together.
• For a whimsical touch, create paper flower confetti by cutting petal shapes from crepe paper. Roll a petal onto itself to form a rosebud and secure it with floral tape. Keep adding petals until you achieve the desired fullness, securing each one with tape. Trim the ends as needed.
• Fill your cones with rose petals, baby's breath, lavender, or a mix of blooms that match your wedding colours.
• If using confetti, consider adding a touch of glitter or sequins for extra sparkle.
• You can also add personalised touches to your cones, such as a sticker or stamp with your wedding monogram or a special message.

Remember to fill your cones as close to your wedding as possible, especially if using fresh flowers or petals, to ensure they look their best. Have fun creating these beautiful wedding favours!

Hanging or displaying the cones

Outdoor Wedding

If your wedding is outdoors, you can hang flower cones on the trees or tie them to the fences to create a romantic ambiance. You can also hang them along the aisle or display them as part of the reception decor. For a whimsical touch, consider using biodegradable confetti or flower petals that guests can toss during the ceremony.

Indoor Wedding

For an indoor wedding, bring the beauty of spring indoors by hanging flower cones on doorknobs leading to the ceremony location. You can also hang or tie the cones to the chairs, adding a unique touch to your wedding decor. Place a basket of cones at the head of the aisle or on every two or three seats for guests to use during the ceremony exit.

Creative Display Ideas

When displaying the cones, consider using a confetti cone holder, which is a tray with holes to support the cones. You can also add a personal touch by including a note in your program, asking guests to shower you with confetti or flower petals as you exit the ceremony. Another creative idea is to use the cones as an alternative to traditional bouquets for the bridal party.

Hanging Instructions

To hang the cones, you can attach a ribbon or string to each cone. Hot glue or tape can be used to secure the ribbon to the cone. Ensure that the ribbon or string is long enough to hang the cones at the desired height. You can also punch holes in the cones and thread the ribbon or string through for a neat finish.

Frequently asked questions