Creating Flower Girl Wedding Wands: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flower girl wedding wands are a unique, budget-friendly alternative to bouquets or flower petals. They are a fun way to entertain your flower girl and can be personalised to match your wedding colour scheme. This simple DIY project can be made in just a few easy steps using a few materials: a large artificial flower, colourful ribbons, and a thin dowel. The flower girl will be able to wave the wand during the ceremony and keep it as a memento.

Choosing the right flowers

The type of flowers you choose for your flower girl wedding wands is important, and there are a few things to consider when making your selection. Firstly, think about the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. You'll want the wands to complement the bridal bouquet and any other floral arrangements you have planned.

If you're having a rustic-themed wedding, for example, with lots of greenery and natural elements, choose flowers in soft, muted colours such as blush pink, cream, and ivory. Roses, baby's breath, and eucalyptus would be perfect choices for this theme. For a more vibrant, summery wedding, opt for bright and bold flowers such as sunflowers, dahlias, or gerberas in colours like yellow, orange, and fuchsia.

The size of the flowers is also important. For a wand, you'll want to choose a large, statement flower that will be eye-catching and easy for your flower girl to hold. Some great options include artificial peonies, roses, or sunflowers. You could also opt for a smaller flower, such as a baby's breath, and group a few together to create a fuller look.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, artificial flowers are a great choice and will last long after the wedding is over. Fresh flowers are also an option, especially if you want to incorporate specific blooms that may not be available in artificial form. Just be sure to choose flowers that are in season to ensure they look their best and are readily available.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different types of flowers and colours to create unique and personalised wands for your flower girls. You could even add some extra touches, such as ribbons or pearls, to tie in with your colour scheme and give the wands a whimsical, fairy-like feel.

Selecting the right ribbons

Ribbons are an essential component of a flower girl wedding wand, adding colour, texture, and movement to the overall design. When selecting ribbons for your wands, there are several factors to consider to ensure they complement your wedding theme and create the desired effect.

Firstly, think about the colour scheme of your wedding and choose ribbons that coordinate with the chosen colours. Opt for shades that match or complement the flower girl's dress, the bridal party's attire, or the wedding decorations. You can also mix and match different colours to create a vibrant and playful look.

Secondly, consider the type of ribbon you want to use. Ribbons come in various materials such as satin, grosgrain, organza, or tulle, each offering a unique texture and appearance. For a luxurious and elegant look, satin or grosgrain ribbons are ideal. If you prefer a softer, more ethereal aesthetic, consider using organza or tulle ribbons.

The width of the ribbons is another important factor. Ribbons come in different widths, and you can create visual interest by combining various widths. For a delicate and dainty look, opt for thinner ribbons, while wider ribbons can make a bold statement. You can also layer multiple ribbons of different widths to add depth and dimension to the wand.

When selecting ribbons, consider their length as well. The ribbons should be long enough to create a flowing and graceful effect when the wand is waved. As a general rule, cut the ribbons to twice the length of the dowel for a generous and elegant drape. You can also vary the lengths of the ribbons to add visual appeal and create a whimsical look.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match different types, widths, and colours of ribbons to create a unique and personalised wand. You can even add additional elements such as lace, pearls, or sparkles to the ribbons for an extra touch of magic. Remember to choose ribbons that align with your wedding theme and reflect the overall style of your special day.

Cutting the flower stem

To make a flower girl wedding wand, you will need to cut the flower stem to 10 cm. This can be done by measuring the stem and cutting it with scissors or a hot glue gun. You can also use wire cutters or a knife, but these may be more dangerous, so proceed with caution.

If you are using artificial flowers, as recommended by Modern Wedding, you will want to cut the stem so that it is short enough to be glued to the dowel. This will form the base of your wand and will be held by your flower girl. Cutting the stem to the right length will ensure that the flower is securely attached and does not weigh down the wand, making it difficult for your flower girl to wave.

You can also trim the stem to neaten the wand and ensure that it looks tidy. A neat stem will also prevent any sharp edges that may catch on the ribbons or your flower girl's dress. If you are using fresh flowers, you may want to cut the stem at an angle to help the flower absorb water and stay fresh for longer. This will ensure that your flower wand looks beautiful throughout the wedding ceremony.

When cutting the flower stem, be careful not to damage the bloom or petals. It is also important to ensure that the cut is straight and even, creating a flat surface for gluing or attaching the flower to the dowel. A clean cut will also help to prevent the flower from wobbling or tilting on the wand. You may want to practice on a few stems before cutting the final one to perfect your technique.

Attaching the flower to the wand

To attach the flower to the wand, start by cutting the stem of your artificial flower to about 10 cm. Then, use hot glue to attach the stem to the dowel. You can also use a small finishing nail to hammer the flower in place if you prefer. This will secure the flower to the wand.

If you'd like to add extra security, you can wrap the dowel with ribbon. To do this, cut a strip of ribbon that is twice the length of the dowel. Glue one end of the ribbon to the bottom of the dowel and let it dry. Then, twist the ribbon around the dowel until you reach the other end, and secure it with another dot of hot glue.

Now, cut a few extra-long lengths of ribbon and attach them with hot glue underneath the flower. You can choose to tie these ribbons into a bow or leave them to dangle and flap in the breeze. These ribbons will add a whimsical and playful touch to the wand.

Feel free to personalise the flower and ribbons to match your wedding colour scheme. This will make the wand even more special and memorable for your flower girl.

Adding extra ribbons

Step 1: Determine the Length and Type of Ribbons

Before cutting your ribbons, decide how long you want them to be. For a more dynamic look, consider varying the lengths of the ribbons. You can use a mix of ribbons and crepe paper, ensuring that the crepe paper is cut to a similar width as your ribbons. For example, if you're using 1-inch wide ribbons, cut the crepe paper into quarters to match the width.

Step 2: Cut the Ribbons

Using sharp scissors, cut your ribbons to the desired length. Remember to double the length you want the ribbons to hang, as you will be folding them in half before attaching them to the wand. You can cut multiple ribbons at once by stacking them neatly and cutting through the layers.

Step 3: Fold and Stack the Ribbons

Take one ribbon at a time and fold it in half lengthwise. This will help you find the centre of each ribbon. Once you've determined the centre point, set the ribbon aside and continue with the rest of the ribbons. You should now have a stack of folded ribbons.

Step 4: Attach the Ribbons to the Wand

Take your wooden dowel, which should already have a small finishing nail hammered into one end. Remove the nail from the dowel and carefully push it through the centre of each folded ribbon, creating a stack of ribbons on the nail. Then, place the nail back into the hole in the dowel and push it most of the way in.

Step 5: Spread and Secure the Ribbons

Before hammering the nail all the way in, take a moment to spread out the ribbons evenly around the dowel. This will ensure that they hang nicely and don't get tangled. Once you're happy with the distribution, use a hammer to gently tap the nail the rest of the way in, being careful not to damage the ribbons.

By following these steps and choosing colours that match your wedding colour scheme, you can create beautiful and whimsical flower girl wedding wands with extra ribbons. Not only will they look delightful during the ceremony, but they'll also make wonderful keepsakes for your flower girls to cherish long after the wedding day.

Frequently asked questions