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

Floral wreaths are a stunning and unique addition to any wedding. They can be used as hanging decor, as scented aisle markers, or even as flower crowns for flower girls. They can also be used to decorate church doors, gates, pews, and chairs. When it comes to creating a floral wreath for a wedding arch, there are a few different methods you can use. One popular method involves using a floral foam wreath form and artificial flowers, while another method involves using a bendable PVC pipe and zip ties. Regardless of the method you choose, the key to a beautiful floral wreath is in the arrangement of the flowers and greenery.

Choosing your flowers

For a natural, rustic, or bohemian theme, a mix of greenery and florals is a great choice. Eucalyptus, ivy, and pampas grass are all popular options for a natural, wild look. You can add in some floral accents like peonies, ranunculus, or roses for a pop of colour. If you're going for a woodland theme, consider foraging greenery like eucalyptus from the Baltic Sea for an authentic, wild touch.

For a more glamorous, elegant look, a fully flower-covered wreath with hanging crystals will add a touch of sparkle and shine. Roses, peonies, lilies, and anemones are all elegant choices for a glamorous wedding. You can also opt for a monochromatic look with white or ivory flowers for a classic, pure aesthetic.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers and greenery to create a unique and eye-catching wreath. You can even add in some artificial fruit or ribbons for a whimsical touch. If you're using fresh flowers, be sure to place your order in advance to ensure you get the best selection.

The size of your wreath will also determine the quantity of flowers you need. As a general rule, it's good to have at least 8-10 boxes of flowers and 8 boxes of greenery for a full look. However, if you're making a giant wreath, you may need more to cover the larger surface area.

Remember, this is your special day, so choose flowers that speak to you and reflect your unique style!

Building the base

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials, including flower mud, wire mesh or chicken wire, zip ties, and, optionally, a two-piece arch. Having the right tools and materials will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Prepare the Flower Mud

Start by creating a sturdy base with flower mud. Take at least seven pieces of flower mud and pile them at the bottom of one side of your arch. The base should be thicker than the top to achieve a natural, tapered look and enhance stability.

Step 3: Secure the Flower Mud

Wrap the flower mud with wire mesh to hold it together. Use zip ties to secure the wire mesh around the flower mud, ensuring there are no sharp edges protruding. This step is crucial for safety and ensuring the structure's integrity.

Step 4: Repeat on the Other Side

Repeat the same process on the opposite side of your arch. Create a base with flower mud, secure it with wire, and then use zip ties to hold it in place. Continue this process until you have covered the entire arch pillar.

Step 5: Tips and Troubleshooting

Don't worry if your form has lumps and bumps at this stage. You will cover them with greenery and flowers later. Focus on creating a sturdy base that can support the weight of your floral decorations.

By following these steps, you will create a solid foundation for your flower wreath, ensuring it can withstand the weight of the flowers and greenery. This base will provide stability and structure to your wedding arch, allowing you to confidently move on to the decorative aspects of your project.

Adding foliage

Choose Your Foliage:

Before you begin, select the type of foliage you want to use. You can choose artificial or fresh foliage. If you opt for artificial foliage, you can find a variety of options, such as artificial eucalyptus, artificial ivy, and artificial berries. These can be easily sourced from craft stores or online. If you prefer fresh foliage, visit a wholesale flower market or your local florist to get the best and freshest options.

Soak the Floral Foam:

The next step is to prepare your wreath base. If you are using a floral foam wreath form, soak it in water. This step ensures that the floral foam can firmly hold the foliage and flowers you will be attaching.

Attach the Foliage:

Now, it's time to start adding foliage to your wreath form. Use floral pins to secure the foliage, making sure it covers the wreath form completely. You want to conceal the wreath form so that it is not visible underneath the foliage.

Add Variety:

For a more interesting and natural look, use different types of foliage. Play with various shades of green and textures to create depth and dimension. You can use larger leaves to create a fuller look at the bottom of the wreath, adding a sense of depth.

Fill in Gaps:

Once you have attached the main layer of foliage, go back and fill in any gaps or exposed areas. Use smaller leaves or sprigs of greenery to ensure that the wreath form is completely covered. This step ensures that your wreath looks full and lush.

Create a Focal Point:

When adding foliage, consider creating a focal point by using larger or more dramatic leaves. For example, you could use the longest clematis leaves as a centre point, adding trailing greenery around it to create a dynamic and natural look.

Finish with Final Touches:

Finally, take a step back and assess your wreath. Add any final pieces of greenery or foliage to ensure that everything is well-covered and secure. Look for any gaps or sparse areas and fill them in. Your foliage should grow up and out, giving your wreath a lively and natural appearance.

Remember, when adding foliage, you can be creative and choose colours and textures that complement your wedding theme and style. Whether you opt for artificial or fresh foliage, this step is crucial in creating a stunning floral wreath for your wedding arch.

Adding flowers

Firstly, decide on the placement of your largest flowers. These will be the focal point of your wreath, so consider positioning them slightly off-centre to create a cascading effect. You can also place them at different depths to build a visual centre for your flower arrangement.

Next, add your secondary flowers. These will complement your largest blooms and fill in any gaps. Anemones and ranunculus are popular choices for secondary flowers.

Continue adding lighter flowers to enhance the colour palette and small decorative flowers to create a delicate look. Intersperse sprigs of greenery and decorative flowers to add vertical impact and create a dynamic, natural look.

Finally, add any extra embellishments. Small round leaves or other decorations can be inserted into any remaining gaps to cover any exposed wreath base.

Your floral wreath is now complete and ready to be displayed!

Finishing touches

Now that you've assembled your wedding arch, it's time to add the final flourishes. This is where you can really let your creativity shine and tailor your arch to your unique style and wedding theme. Here are some ideas for the finishing touches:

• Ribbons and bows: Tie ribbons or bows to your arch in colours that complement your chosen flowers. This will add a whimsical and festive touch to your arch.
• Greenery: If you have any leftover greenery, use it to fill in any gaps and create a lush, natural look. You can also add some longer branches near the base of the arch to create a sense of asymmetry and movement.
• Flowers: If you have any remaining flowers, add them to your arch to create a fuller, more vibrant display. Play around with different positions and angles to create a dynamic and organic feel.
• Crystals: For a touch of glamour and sparkle, hang crystals from your floral wreath. This is perfect for a wedding with a glam theme.
• Personalised decorations: Add personalised decorations or accessories to your arch to make it even more special. This could include items that hold a special meaning for you and your partner.
• Lighting: Consider adding some soft lighting to your arch to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Fairy lights or candles can be a beautiful way to achieve this.
• Fabric: Drape fabric over your arch to create a soft and elegant look. Sheer scarves or chiffon fabric can be a lovely way to achieve this, and you can choose a colour that complements your wedding palette.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to the finishing touches. You can let your imagination run wild and truly make your wedding arch your own. Enjoy the creative process and have fun crafting your dream wedding decor!

Frequently asked questions