Creating A Wedding Arch Flower Swag: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a flower swag for your wedding arch is a fun and easy DIY project that can save you money. It's also a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding decor. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make a beautiful and elegant floral swag that will impress your guests.

Choosing your flowers

For a natural or forest-themed wedding, opt for flowers and greenery in earthy tones, such as eucalyptus, fern, and orchids. If you're having a traditional white wedding, you might prefer a classic flower choice such as roses, peonies, and hydrangeas.

When choosing your flowers, consider the following:

• Fresh or artificial: Fresh flowers are beautiful, but they may cause allergies and will only last for the day. Artificial flowers are a great alternative as they look realistic, are long-lasting, and won't cause any allergies.
• Colour: Ensure the colours of your flowers complement each other and fit within your wedding's colour palette.
• Size: A mix of larger and smaller flowers will create a beautiful, full swag.
• Variety: Play around with different types of flowers, leaves, and vines to create a unique and romantic design.
• Durability: If you're planning to repurpose your floral arch swag for your reception, choose flowers that are durable and won't easily wilt.

Remember, your floral arch swag should reflect your personal style and tie in with the rest of your wedding decor. Have fun and get creative!

Picking a theme

For example, a forest or natural-themed wedding would have a very different selection of flowers to a traditional white wedding. If you're having a beach wedding, you may want to opt for flowers that are native to the coast, and you can incorporate pebbles, shells, starfish, and other beach-inspired elements into your flower swag design for a natural, coastal look.

You can also choose flowers that are in season, which will bring extra beauty and warmth to your special day. In-season flowers will be brighter and more vibrant, and they will also last longer than non-seasonal blooms, ensuring your wedding decorations stay looking beautiful throughout the day.

So, take some time to consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding, and choose your flowers wisely to create a cohesive and elegant look that will wow your guests.

Adding greenery

Firstly, select a variety of green leaves, such as eucalyptus, or predominately green flowers like ferns. You will need enough greenery to fill your oasis tub, with some left over for the middle section. Cut the greens to different lengths to achieve a natural look, keeping them longer on the sides and shorter at the top and bottom. Angle the greens forward as you work towards the middle of the foam, and remember to include different shades and types of green for a more dynamic appearance.

Once you're happy with the greens, it's time to add the flowers. These will imitate the angles of the greenery and form the focal point of your swag. Again, vary the lengths of the flower stems, making them shorter in the centre to create a neat, enclosed shape. For flowers with shorter stems, use tape and wire to secure them discreetly. If you're using roses, remember to remove the thorns to avoid damaging the foam and risking injury.

Finally, apply a finishing touch of sealant to ensure your flower swag lasts. You can also add glitter or ribbons to match your wedding theme.

Using sealant

• Choose a floral sealant that is specifically designed for use on fresh or artificial flowers. This will ensure that it is safe for your flowers and will not cause any discolouration or damage.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when applying the sealant. Some sealants have strong fumes, so it is important to ensure that you are not inhaling too much of the scent.
• Follow the instructions on the sealant packaging carefully. Different sealants will have different application methods, so be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning.
• Apply the sealant evenly to all surfaces of the flowers, including the petals, stems, and leaves. This will ensure that all parts of the flowers are protected.
• Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling the flowers or displaying them. This will ensure that the sealant has time to cure and form a protective barrier.
• If you are using fresh flowers, be sure to apply the sealant as close to the wedding day as possible. This will ensure that the flowers look their best and do not wilt or brown.
• Test the sealant on a small section of the flowers first to ensure that it does not cause any discolouration or other unwanted effects. This is especially important if you are using artificial flowers, as some sealants may react with the materials used in their construction.
• Store your floral arch swag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help to extend the life of the flowers and prevent fading or discolouration.

Attaching the swag

First, you will need to decide where you want to attach your floral swag. These decorations usually work best in the corners of wedding arches, but you can also attach them to the middle of the arch, or anywhere else that suits your design.

Next, you will need to gather the right tools and materials. Most floral arch swag designs will come with zip ties and/or clips to help you attach the flowers to your arch. You can also use ribbon, or florist gauge wire, which you should already have from the previous steps.

If your arch is made from wood, you can attach your swag by wrapping wire around the wooden frame. For metal arches, zip ties are a better option, as they can be tightened securely around the metal. Clips can also be used to attach the swag to the arch, but make sure they are firmly in place, so your swag doesn't slip or fall.

If you are using ribbon to attach your swag, you can tie the ribbon to the arch and then use it to hang your swag in the desired position. This method may be more suitable for lighter swags, as ribbon may not be strong enough to support heavier designs.

Once you have attached your swag, take a step back and admire your handiwork! You have now created a beautiful floral arch swag that will wow your wedding guests and save you money on decorations.

Frequently asked questions