Creating Dreamy Wedding Flower Kissing Balls

Flower kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a popular decorative feature at weddings. They are balls or spheres of flowers designed to look and smell beautiful. They can be made from fresh or artificial flowers and are often used as an alternative way for the flower girl to carry flowers. To make your own flower kissing ball, you will need a styrofoam ball, artificial flowers, ribbon, floral pins, glue, and glue sticks. First, cut the stems of your flowers to a length of around 1/4 to 1/2 and push a pin through the top of the styrofoam ball, before removing it and applying glue to the hole. Next, place the pin back in, leaving a small gap, and repeat this process until the ball is covered in flowers. Finally, string a wire or ribbon through the pin at the top, and your flower kissing ball is ready to hang.

Choosing flowers: real or artificial?

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a popular choice for wedding decor. They can be made with fresh or artificial flowers. So, how do you choose between real or artificial blooms? Here are some things to consider:

Real Flowers

Real flowers are a classic choice for weddings and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your kissing balls. They have a natural beauty and fragrance that artificial flowers cannot replicate. If you opt for real flowers, you can choose blooms that are in season for your wedding, adding a unique and fresh touch to your decor. Consider fragrant options like roses, carnations, and gerbera daisies for a romantic scent.

However, real flowers require careful handling and refrigeration to stay fresh, especially if your wedding is outdoors or in hot weather. They are also more delicate and can be tricky to transport and store, which is something to keep in mind if you're crafting your kissing balls ahead of time.

Artificial Flowers

Artificial flowers have come a long way and can now look incredibly lifelike. They are a durable and low-maintenance option, which means you can craft your kissing balls well in advance without worrying about wilting or damage. Silk flowers, in particular, offer a luxurious look and feel, and their longevity means you can keep them as mementos of your special day.

Artificial flowers also provide more colour options and are generally more affordable than real flowers, especially if you're using rare or out-of-season blooms. However, they may not have the same natural beauty and scent as real flowers, which could be a factor for some couples.

Ultimately, the choice between real or artificial flowers depends on your personal preference, budget, and the overall look you're aiming for. Real flowers offer natural beauty but require more care, while artificial flowers provide durability and a wider range of options.

Styling options: hanging vs handheld

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a popular choice for wedding decor. They can be made from fresh or artificial flowers and are designed to look and smell beautiful.

When it comes to styling, there are two main options: hanging or handheld. Hanging kissing balls are a traditional choice and are often used to decorate wedding arches, the backs of chairs, door knobs, and the ends of pews or aisles. They can also be hung from a ribbon around the flower girl's wrist, offering a sweet and unique alternative to a bouquet. For a hanging kissing ball, you will need to attach a ribbon or wire to the top of the ball. The length of the ribbon will depend on how and where you want to hang it.

On the other hand, handheld kissing balls are a more modern option and can be carried by individuals in the wedding party. These usually have shorter ribbons or wires attached, making them easy to hold. Handheld kissing balls are a fun and unique way to incorporate flowers into your wedding party and can be tailored to match the colour scheme or theme of your choice.

Both options offer a versatile and elegant way to style your wedding. Hanging kissing balls can create a romantic atmosphere, especially when hung at different heights, while handheld kissing balls offer a more interactive and personalised experience for your wedding party.

Materials needed: styrofoam, glue, pins, ribbon

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a beautiful addition to any wedding. They can be hung from arches, chairs, door knobs, and pews, or carried by the flower girl.

To make your own kissing balls, you will need the following materials:

Materials:

• Styrofoam: You will need a 3" or 4" styrofoam ball to act as the base of your kissing ball.
• Glue: A hot glue gun with glue sticks will be used to adhere the flowers to the styrofoam ball.
• Pins: Floral U pins or T-pins are essential for securing the flowers and ribbon to the styrofoam.
• Ribbon: Choose a ribbon that complements your wedding colour palette. The ribbon will be used to hang the kissing ball or as a decorative touch.

With these materials, you can create beautiful flower kissing balls for your wedding.

Steps to make: glue flowers to styrofoam ball

To make flower kissing balls for a wedding, you'll need a styrofoam ball, artificial flowers, ribbon, floral U pins, T-pins, a hot glue gun, and glue sticks.

• Take your styrofoam ball and push a floral U pin through the top. Remove the pin and cover the holes with a small amount of glue. Place the pin back in, leaving a 1/4" gap between the styrofoam ball and the pin. This gap will be used to attach a ribbon or wire for hanging later.
• Separate the artificial flowers from their bunches and cut the stems to a length of about 1/4" to 1/2".
• Starting from the top, use your glue gun to create small dents in the styrofoam ball, adding a dab of glue before placing each stem. Continue this process until the entire styrofoam ball is covered. Alternatively, you can use T-pins or floral U pins instead of hot glue, depending on the size of your flowers and styrofoam ball.
• Work in a line from the top down, ensuring that the flowers are evenly spaced with no gaps.
• Once the styrofoam ball is completely covered with flowers, string your wire or ribbon through the floral U pin at the top. The length of the ribbon will depend on how you plan to use the kissing ball. Shorter ribbons are suitable for those carrying the kissing ball, while longer ribbons are better for pew decorations.

You can now use your flower kissing balls as decorations at your wedding!

Finishing touches: add ribbon, greenery, or other decorations

Once you have crafted your kissing ball, you can add some finishing touches to make it extra special. Here are some ideas for adding ribbon, greenery, or other decorations:

Ribbons:

• Choose a ribbon of your choice that complements the colour of your flowers. You can use a single colour or mix and match different shades to create a unique look.
• Cut the ribbon to your desired length, depending on how you plan to use the kissing ball. For example, shorter ribbons are ideal for pomanders that will be carried by individuals, while longer ribbons are better for pew decorations.
• String the ribbon through the floral U-pin at the top of the kissing ball. You can also use wire if you prefer.
• Create a loop with the ribbon and secure it with a knot or a bow. This will be used to hang the kissing ball.
• You can also add streamers or bows made from ribbon to give your kissing ball a festive and elegant look.

Greenery:

• Add some greenery to your kissing ball to give it a more natural and organic feel. You can use artificial or fresh flowers, such as eucalyptus, boxwood, or fern leaves.
• Greenery can be used to fill in any gaps between the flowers, adding texture and creating a fuller appearance.
• If using fresh greenery, cut the stems to about 1/4" to 1/2" in length and glue them into the styrofoam ball, similar to how you attached the flowers.
• You can also mix and match different types of greenery to create a unique and rustic look.

Other decorations:

• Consider adding some sparkle to your kissing ball with glitter, rhinestones, or small decorative ornaments.
• For a romantic touch, incorporate some hanging candles or LED lights into your design.
• If using the kissing ball as a table centerpiece, pair it with a candle ring wreath for an elegant and enchanting tablescape.
• For a bolder look, use a combination of different types and colours of flowers to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Remember, the finishing touches are all about personalising your kissing ball and making it your own. Get creative and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions