Creating Fresh Flower Garlands For A Vibrant Indian Wedding

Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colours, elaborate ceremonies, and rich cultural traditions. One of the most iconic elements is the flower garland, which holds great significance and plays a pivotal role in the ceremony. In this guide, we will cover the steps to create a beautiful Indian wedding flower garland, including selecting the right flowers, preparing them, and stringing them together. We will also offer tips on maintaining and preserving the garlands, as well as creative ideas for incorporating them into your wedding decor.

Choosing flowers: Select fresh, high-quality flowers with spiritual significance, like jasmine, lotus, or tulsi

When choosing flowers for an Indian wedding garland, it is important to select fresh, high-quality blooms that hold spiritual significance. Three flowers that are commonly used in Indian wedding garlands and hold spiritual meaning are jasmine, lotus, and tulsi.

Jasmine is a fragrant flower that is deeply calming and comforting to the mind, body, and spirit. In Hinduism, jasmine is considered sacred to Lord Vishnu, the god of perseverance, and his consort, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Garlands made of jasmine are exchanged and worn by the bride and groom during Hindu weddings. The flower is also mentioned in the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, and has been an age-old practice to adorn statues of Gods and goddesses with jasmine garlands.

The lotus is another flower that holds spiritual significance in Hinduism. The Sacred Lotus, scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera, grows in the muddy waters of shallow pools throughout Asia. Its unique nanostructure allows it to emerge from the mud without any tarnish, which has led to its symbolic reference to rising above the world and attaining enlightenment. The lotus is also connected to Lakshmi, who is often depicted as seated on a lotus flower.

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a sacred plant in Hindu tradition. It is regarded as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulasi, who is considered an avatar of Lakshmi. Tulsi is often planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu houses and is worshipped daily, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tulsi garlands are also offered in veneration to Vishnu and his forms, Krishna and Vithoba.

When selecting flowers for an Indian wedding garland, choosing fresh, high-quality jasmine, lotus, or tulsi flowers would be a meaningful choice due to their spiritual significance in Hinduism.

Stringing techniques: Learn methods like braiding or using a needle and thread to string flowers together

To make a flower garland, you can use a needle and thread or try the braiding method.

Needle and Thread Method:

First, cut the flower stems to a uniform length, ensuring they are sturdy enough to withstand the stringing process. For flowers with thin stems, you can use a combination of twine and ribbon to secure them. Cut the stems to around 1/2" long or leave them a little longer, around 1-2" if you prefer. If you are using a needle and thread, opt for a sturdy needle and heavy-duty thread.

Arrange the flowers in the shape of the finished garland on a flat surface, covering the area with a towel to protect it from the needle. Thread the flowers through the head to the stem, compressing them slightly before moving on to the next flower. You can also thread flowers in pairs, facing them side by side, and add greenery or other filler flowers and foliage for added texture and colour. Continue this process until you have reached the desired length.

Braiding Method:

Hold two flower stems together so that the blooms face opposite directions. Wrap the thread around the middle of the stems twice and then make a knot to secure it. Position a new stem so that the bloom is aligned with one of the first two blooms. Make a loop with the thread and pull it taut over the new stem and the previous one. Repeat this process, adding flowers facing in alternating directions to create a varied pattern.

For both methods, you can finish the garland by tying a double knot to secure the ends. If you are creating a necklace, tie the ends together. For hanging garlands, leave excess thread at the ends for securing to hooks or nails.

Flower preparation: Remove excess leaves and thorns, trim stems to a uniform length, and pierce the base for threading

Preparing the flowers is an important step in making a flower garland for an Indian wedding. This process involves removing any excess leaves and thorns from the flowers. This step ensures that the flowers are smooth and easy to work with, preventing any unwanted pricks or a bulky appearance in the final garland. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging the petals.

The next step is to trim the stems of the flowers to a uniform length. This creates an even base for threading and ensures that the flowers sit securely and neatly on the string. The stems should be trimmed to a minimal length, less than half an inch. This helps in creating a neat and tidy garland, with the focus remaining on the beauty of the flowers.

Once the flowers are prepared, it is time to pierce the base of each flower for threading. Using a strong needle, carefully pierce through the base, creating a small hole. This step should be done with precision and a gentle hand to avoid damaging the flowers. The needle should be strong and suitable for piercing through the flower stems without bending or breaking.

After all the flowers are pierced, they can be carefully threaded onto a durable string or floral wire. It is important to ensure that the flowers are packed tightly together to create a full and lush garland. Alternating colours or types of flowers will add visual interest and make the garland more intricate and appealing.

Decorative elements: Enhance the garland's beauty with beads, pearls, ribbons, or small pieces of artificial jewellery

Decorative elements like beads, pearls, ribbons, and small pieces of artificial jewellery can enhance the beauty of fresh flower garlands for Indian weddings. Here are some ideas and suggestions for incorporating these elements into your garland design:

Beads and Pearls:

• Choose beads and pearls in colours that complement the flowers in your garland. For example, if you have white jasmine flowers, opt for pearl beads to enhance their delicate beauty.
• For a more colourful garland, mix and match beads in various shades. You can create a gradient effect by arranging the beads from light to dark or alternate them with flowers for a vibrant, playful look.
• If you prefer a more elegant and sophisticated look, opt for pearls. Their lustrous shine will add a touch of luxury to your garland.
• Small, delicate beads or pearls can be strung onto the thread along with the flowers, filling any gaps and adding texture.

Ribbons:

• Satin ribbons in a complementary colour can be used to create a luxurious finish. Consider using wider ribbons for a bolder statement.
• For a romantic and delicate touch, opt for sheer, lightweight ribbons that will add movement and fluidity to your garland.
• Ribbons can be used to create bows or decorative accents at intervals along the garland. They can also be used to secure the garland, providing a polished and elegant finish.

Artificial Jewellery:

• Small pieces of artificial jewellery, such as gold-plated or silver-plated pendants, can be attached to the garland for a luxurious and unique look.
• Consider using traditional Indian jewellery pieces, such as gold-plated bangles or small earrings, to add a cultural touch.
• Delicate chains or strings of artificial pearls can be draped along with the flowers, adding a glamorous and elegant touch to the garland.
• If you have a specific wedding theme, you can incorporate small decorative elements that tie into your theme. For example, if you have a beach wedding, you could add small seashell or starfish charms to your garland.

When adding decorative elements to your fresh flower garlands, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. These elements should complement the flowers and enhance the beauty of the garland without overwhelming it. Be creative and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance for your dream Indian wedding garland.

Maintenance and preservation: Keep the garland fresh with hydration, cool storage, and floral spray, and preserve it post-wedding through air-drying or resin encapsulation

Maintenance and preservation are key to keeping your flower garlands fresh and vibrant, especially if you're hoping to preserve them post-wedding. Here are some detailed tips to keep your garlands looking their best:

Hydration

A great way to keep your garlands fresh is to ensure they are well-hydrated. Before hanging your garland, fully submerge it in a bathtub filled with cold water. Leave it to soak overnight or for up to 24 hours. This allows the garland to absorb as much water as possible. After soaking, shake off the excess water, and it's ready to be decorated and hung.

Cool Storage

Heat is not a friend to fresh garlands. To keep them fresh for longer, store your garlands in a cool place before and after decoration. A cool basement or refrigerator are ideal storage spots. When it comes to hanging your garland, opt for cooler locations in the house, such as a drafty corner or a cold stairway. Avoid placing them near heat sources like vents, radiators, or direct sunlight, as these will cause your garlands to dry out faster.

Floral Spray

In addition to soaking your garlands, you can also spritz them with water every day to keep them hydrated. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and set it to a 'misting' setting. Spray the stems and the front of the garlands, paying attention to the branches and needles. This will slow down the drying and wilting process. You can also use an anti-desiccant or anti-wilt floral spray, which will help lock in moisture and prevent your garlands from drying out.

Air-Drying for Preservation

If you want to preserve your garlands post-wedding, air-drying is a simple and effective method. Start by stripping any excess foliage from the flowers and cutting the stems to your desired length, leaving at least 6 inches. Then, use a rubber band or twine to secure the stems together. Hang the garlands upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area, ensuring they are kept out of direct sunlight to retain their colour. The drying process will take about 2-3 weeks. Once dried, take down the flowers and spray them with unscented hairspray for protection.

Resin Encapsulation

Another preservation method is to use epoxy resin to encapsulate your flowers. This method requires a bit more preparation and speed, as you will need to work quickly once the resin is activated. First, dry your flowers using the air-drying method described above. Then, cover your work surface with newspaper or another protective covering. Measure equal amounts of resin and catalyst and mix them according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can either dip the flowers into the epoxy or pour the epoxy over the flowers in a silicone mould. The epoxy will set in about 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions