Crafting Wedding Chair Flowers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding chair flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding ceremony and reception. They can be used indoors or outdoors and hung on chairs or pews. You can make these floral arrangements yourself, and there are many ways to do it. You can use mason jars and wire, or floral wire and ribbon, to hang flowers on the chairs. You can also use flower boxes, which can be reused for other occasions.

How to attach flowers to wedding chairs with mason jars and wire

Flowers add a burst of colour to your wedding and are a great way to creatively tie in your wedding theme. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach flowers to wedding chairs with mason jars and wire:

Step 1: Measure and cut the wire

Measure your wire around the neck of the mason jar, adding an extra 8 inches so you can make two loops for hanging. Cut the wire.

Step 2: Make the first wire loop

Make your first wire loop, leaving extra wire at the end. Twist the wire tightly.

Step 3: Make the second wire loop

Measure the wire again around the neck of the top of the jar, ensuring the loops are on opposite sides. Make your second loop and twist the wire tightly to secure it around the mouth of the jar.

Step 4: Attach the ribbon

Place the ribbon through the first hoop and tie a knot, leaving extra ribbon hanging. Loop it around, leaving enough ribbon to hang from the chair. Then, string the ribbon through the second hoop and tie another knot. Cut the ribbon ends at an angle.

Step 5: Prepare the flowers

Cut the flower stems to varying lengths. Remove the green leaves from the flower stems.

Step 6: Arrange the flowers in the mason jar

Place one blue hydrangea in the mason jar. Add four roses around and intertwine them through the hydrangea bloom. Continue adding the carnations and then the purple stock. Finally, add the myrtle greens, measuring the length against the mason jar for height.

Step 7: Add water and hang

Add 3 inches of water to the jar to keep the flowers hydrated. Hang the filled flower mason jar on the corner of the chair.

Tips:

• If your wedding is outdoors, use shepherd's hooks to hang the mason jars if the chairs don't have a place to hang them.
• You can also use containers like ceramic vases or antique punch glasses to hold the flowers. Attach these to the chairs with ribbon.
• For a rustic wedding, use raffia instead of ribbon to attach the flowers or containers to the chairs.
• For a simple arrangement, remove the green leaves from the stems, cut them to your desired length, and slip them into the jar at an angle.

How to create a floral aisle decoration

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Firstly, you'll need to gather your supplies and flowers. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• 3 stems of romantic antique pink garden roses
• 3 stems of sword fern
• 3 stems of Victorian Lacey leather greenery
• 1 stem of Blue Hydrangea
• 4 stems of Rose Faith
• 3 stems of Stock Purple
• 3-4 stems of Moonshade Fancy Deep Purple Carnations
• 3 stems of Myrtle Greens
• Ribbon of your choice
• 3-4 Silver Branches (optional)
• 16 oz. Mason Jar
• Floral wire
• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• Green floral tape
• 4 sets of chiffon ribbon, approximately 1.5 inches wide x 4.5 feet long
• 1 spool of thin ribbon

Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers and Greenery

Start by removing any foliage or thorns from your flowers and greenery that may fall below the water line. Once your flowers are properly hydrated, begin to lay out your flowers and greens to make it easier to arrange them.

Step 3: Create Your Floral Arrangement

Now, it's time to create your miniature floral arrangement. You can use any combination of flowers that you like. For example, you could use a large burgundy rose and two smaller roses in soft pink and white as your main flowers. Arrange your flowers however you like, and then use floral wire to secure them in place. Don't forget to trim off any excess wire with your wire cutters!

Step 4: Add Accent Flowers

This is where you can add some personality to your arrangement! Take some smaller flowers and add them to your main floral arrangement as accents. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, so feel free to experiment with different combinations until it feels right. Once you’re happy, secure them with floral wire and trim off any excess wire.

Step 5: Add Greenery

Every floral arrangement needs a touch of greenery! Add small branches of leaves to your arrangement to create elements of texture and interest. You can use as many or as few branches as you like, depending on how full you’d like your arrangement to be. Secure the greenery with floral wire, making sure that every piece is locked in tight.

Step 6: Wrap the Stems

Now, wrap all the flower and greenery stems with green floral tape to lock your arrangement in place and create a professional finish. Trim any excess tape with scissors.

Step 7: Create the Ribbon Accent (optional)

If you want to add a ribbon accent to your arrangement, take two chiffon ribbons (approximately 1.5 inches wide x 4.5 feet long) and place them together. You can use two different colours for variety. Fold the ribbons in half, bunch them together in the middle to form a small loop, and then tie them together with a thin ribbon.

Step 8: Add the Ribbon to the Floral Arrangement (optional)

If you've created a ribbon accent, it's now time to combine it with your floral arrangement. Tie the thin piece of ribbon around the flower stems, attaching the ribbons to the arrangement. Double-knot to hold it in place. The chiffon ribbons should create a cascading effect, like an elegant waterfall. You can use the excess thin ribbon to secure your decoration to the back of a chair.

Step 9: Secure Your Arrangement to a Chair

Finally, secure the finished arrangement onto a chair with wire. For more stability, consider wiring both the top and bottom of the arrangement. It may be helpful to have someone hold the arrangement in place while you’re wiring the flowers.

How to prepare wholesale flowers and greenery

Preparing wholesale flowers and greenery is a crucial step in creating beautiful wedding chair flowers. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Processing the Flowers and Greenery:

Start by removing any unwanted foliage or thorns from the stems. This includes any leaves that may fall below the water line when the flowers are hydrated. It's important to do this before placing the flowers in water to reduce the risk of contamination and to ensure the flowers can absorb water effectively.

Hydrating the Flowers:

Proper hydration is essential to keep your flowers fresh and vibrant. Follow the care instructions provided with your wholesale flowers to ensure they receive the correct amount of water. This step may involve cutting the stems at an angle and placing them in water for a few hours or overnight to allow them to drink up.

Laying Out the Flowers and Greenery:

Once your flowers and greenery are prepared and hydrated, it's time to lay them out. Spread them on a table or flat surface, arranging them by type and colour. This step will make it easier to visualise your design and select the right combination of flowers and greenery for each arrangement.

Creating the Base Structure:

When you're ready to start arranging, begin by creating a base structure for your chair flowers. Using greenery, form an "X" shape with three stems of sword fern. This will serve as the foundation for your arrangement and add texture and volume.

Adding Greenery:

Continue building your arrangement by adding more greenery. Layer in some Victorian lacey leaf, ensuring you balance the texture and size evenly. Focus more on the front of the arrangement, as the back will be wired to the chair and won't be as visible.

Incorporating Statement Flowers:

Now, it's time to add your chosen statement flowers. In the example provided, romantic antique pink garden roses were used, creating a beautiful contrast with the greens. You can choose any type of flower that fits your colour scheme and theme.

At this point, you can also add unique elements like the ming fern, which offers fullness and amazing texture. Remember, a little goes a long way with certain types of greenery!

Securing the Arrangement:

Once you're happy with the composition, it's essential to secure the arrangement by wiring the stems together. This will ensure that your chair flowers stay intact and don't fall apart during the wedding. Trim the stems to the same length for a neat finish.

Creating Smaller Bouquets:

To add interest and dimension to your chair flowers, create a smaller bouquet using some of the same elements. For example, you can use a garden rose, ming fern, and Victorian lacey leaf. Wire these stems together and trim them to one length.

Combining the Bouquets:

Now, take the smaller bouquet and turn it upside down. Insert the stems into the larger bouquet, wiring them together to create a solid piece. Adjust the stems as needed to ensure a natural-looking arrangement.

Attaching the Arrangement to the Chair:

Finally, secure the finished arrangement onto the wedding chair using wire. For added stability, consider wiring both the top and bottom of the arrangement to the chair. It's helpful to have someone hold the arrangement in place while you work.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning wedding chair flowers using wholesale flowers and greenery.

How to make a ribbon accent

To make a ribbon accent for your wedding chair flowers, you will need two chiffon ribbons, each approximately 1.5 inches wide and 4.5 feet long. You can use two different colours for variety, or opt for matching ribbons—it's up to you!

Place your two ribbons together and fold them in half. Bunch the ribbons together in the middle to form a small loop, then take a separate, thin piece of ribbon and tie the two pieces together. Leave plenty of excess ribbon on either side, as you will use this to secure the ribbons to the main floral arrangement.

Once you've secured your ribbons together, it's time to attach them to your floral arrangement. Tie the thin piece of ribbon around the flower stems, double-knotting to hold it in place. The chiffon ribbons should create a cascading effect, like an elegant waterfall. You can use any remaining thin ribbon to secure your wedding chair decor to the back of a chair.

If you're looking for a different style of ribbon accent, you could try making a ribbon rose bouquet. To do this, you'll need a ribbon that is at least 1 inch wide (or wider) for the main flower, and a separate ribbon for the accent flower. You'll also need decorative beads, feathers, a needle and thread, heavy gauge floral wire, thin floral wire, and floral tape. Cut around 3 to 4 feet of satin ribbon and begin folding 90-degree corners, always keeping the satin side facing up. Leave a small square opening in the centre as you fold. Once you've finished folding, twist the end of the ribbon and push it through the square opening, pulling it through to the other side. Continue twisting in the same direction, and you will see the flower start to take form. Sew the ends of the ribbon together, then trim the remaining end. Wrap the flower with floral tape, covering the ribbon ends and sewn parts.

How to keep flowers hydrated

Keeping flowers hydrated is essential to maintaining their freshness and vibrancy, especially when using them for wedding decorations or bouquets. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your flowers stay properly hydrated:

Water Temperature

It is crucial to use water at the right temperature. Avoid using cold water, as it can shock and wither the blooms. Similarly, hot water will dehydrate them. Instead, opt for warm water, which flowers can easily absorb, helping them retain their form and enhancing their longevity.

Storage Conditions

Store your flowers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and drafty areas. While flowers need sunlight to grow, cut flowers are different; sunlight and direct air will accelerate their wilting. Keep them in a well-ventilated room, away from vents or strong drafts, to prevent premature withering.

Trimming and Placement

Upon receiving your flowers, trim the stems diagonally by about 1-2 inches to expose their watering channels. Then, place the flowers in a bucket or vase filled with warm water, ensuring the water level is high enough to cover at least 6 inches of the stems. Any foliage submerged beneath the waterline should be trimmed away to prevent bacterial growth.

Hydration Techniques

• Sugar and Acid: Add a packet of flower food or a few teaspoons of sugar to the water. You can also use a vinegar and sugar solution (apple cider vinegar is recommended) to minimise bacterial growth and keep flowers fresh.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Pour about 1/4 cup of lemon-lime soda into the water. The combination of acidity and sugar will perk up the flowers.
• Vodka: A few drops of vodka mixed with a teaspoon of sugar will fight bacteria and feed the flowers.
• Bleach: Alternatively, mix three drops of bleach with one teaspoon of sugar to achieve a similar effect.
• Hairspray: A quick spritz of hairspray on the flowers will help keep them looking fresh.

Transporting Bouquets

If you're taking photos with the bouquets, try to bring the vases along. When the bouquets are not in use, place them back in the water to stay hydrated. If it's hot outside, store them in a cool room, away from direct sunlight, to prevent wilting.

Frequently asked questions