Creating Beautiful Indian Wedding Garlands: A Step-By-Step Guide

Indian weddings are known for their vibrant and colourful decorations, with floral garlands being a staple of the festivities. The exchange of garlands, known as the Jaimala or varmala ceremony, symbolises the couple's union, mutual consent, respect, and acceptance of each other. The type of flowers used in the garlands varies across different Indian regions and cultural practices, with roses, marigolds, jasmine, lotus, orchids, and chrysanthemums being popular choices. Making your own garland can be a creative and meaningful task, allowing you to express your personality and cultural heritage through the selection of flowers and decorative elements.

Choosing the right flowers

Regional Traditions and Cultural Practices

The type of flowers used in Indian wedding garlands can vary depending on regional traditions and cultural practices. For example, North Indian weddings often feature colourful garlands made of roses, marigolds, and jasmine, adorned with decorative elements like beads, pearls, and ribbons. In South Indian weddings, jasmine, lotus, firecracker flowers (kanakambara), and tulsi (holy basil) are commonly used, as they hold spiritual significance. Meanwhile, East Indian weddings, particularly Bengali weddings, may opt for red and white roses, marigolds, and tuberoses. Understanding the cultural significance of different flowers can help you make an informed choice.

Symbolic Meaning of Flowers

Each flower carries its own meaning and symbolism, so choosing the right ones can add depth and significance to your garland. For instance, roses symbolise love and passion, making them a classic choice for Hindu wedding ceremonies. Marigolds are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, while jasmine is revered for its sweet scent and divine connotations. Tulsi, or holy basil, is considered sacred and brings blessings and protection to the couple. Selecting flowers that align with the themes and values important to your wedding can enhance the overall symbolism of the garland.

Colour and Visual Appeal

The colour of the flowers you choose will contribute to the overall aesthetic of the garland and can be coordinated with the wedding attire and decorations. Consider the visual impact you want to create. For example, vibrant colours like red, orange, and yellow can add a lively and festive touch to the ceremony. Alternatively, softer colours like white, pink, or peach can create an elegant and romantic atmosphere. Mixing and matching different coloured flowers can also add contrast and visual interest to your garland.

Availability and Durability

When choosing flowers for your garland, consider their availability, especially if you are looking for specific varieties or colours. Opt for flowers that are in season and readily accessible to ensure they are fresh and of good quality. Additionally, select flowers that are durable and long-lasting, as you want them to remain fresh and vibrant throughout the ceremony. Look for flowers with sturdy stems and healthy petals, and avoid those that are fully bloomed, as they may not last as long.

Personal Preference and Creativity

Ultimately, your garland should reflect your personality and the theme of your wedding. Experiment with different flower combinations, colours, and decorative elements to design a unique garland. You can mix traditional and modern elements or incorporate your favourite flowers to make it more personalised. Remember, the key to a stunning garland lies in attention to detail and allowing your creativity to shine.

Selecting the materials

Selecting the right materials is crucial when crafting an Indian wedding garland. The key ingredients are fresh flowers, which can vary depending on the regional traditions and cultural practices of the couple.

In North Indian weddings, garlands are often made of colourful roses, marigolds, and jasmine, reflecting the region's vibrant culture. These flowers are usually adorned with decorative elements like beads, pearls, and ribbons, adding a touch of splendour. On the other hand, South Indian weddings feature garlands made of jasmine, lotus, firecracker flowers (kanakambara), and tulsi (holy basil), chosen for their beauty and spiritual significance.

If you're looking for specific flower suggestions, wild roses, jasmine, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and carnations are all excellent choices. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also carry cultural and symbolic value. For example, mango leaves are often included in garlands used in Hindu weddings as they are believed to bring purity and ward off negativity.

In addition to flowers, you will need a sturdy string or thread and a big needle for threading the flowers. The length of the string or thread will depend on the desired length of your garland. You may also want to include decorative elements such as beads, pearls, and mango leaves to add more colour and cultural significance to your garland. Don't forget essential tools like scissors and pruning shears for cutting the flowers and stems.

To ensure the freshness of your garland, it is recommended to have floral preservatives and a spritzer for hydration. Proper storage and transportation are also important, so consider using breathable containers to keep the garland fresh and intact, especially during transport.

Stringing the garland

To string the garland, start by measuring and cutting a length of thread that is twice as long as you want the garland to be, plus an extra 12 inches. For example, if you want a 48-inch garland, cut a piece of string that is 108 inches long. Thread one end of the string through the eye of a needle and pull it through until both sides are of equal length. Create a very large knot with the loose ends about three inches from one end.

Next, cut off the heads of your chosen flowers at the base of their stems. The type of flowers you use will depend on the regional traditions and cultural practices of the wedding. For example, North Indian weddings often feature colourful garlands made of roses, marigolds and jasmine, adorned with decorative elements like beads, pearls and ribbons. In contrast, South Indian weddings typically use jasmine, lotus, firecracker flowers and tulsi (holy basil) for their garlands.

Once you have your flowers ready, insert the needle through the centre of a flower from the stem end, up through the middle of the blossom. Gently push the blossom down the thread until it is snug against the knot. Repeat this process with the next flower, pushing it down the thread until it is pressed snugly against the first flower. Continue adding flowers in this manner until you have reached the halfway point of your garland, or about 24 flowers.

Now, you will change the direction in which you thread the flowers. Insert the needle through the centre of the next flower from the blossom end, down through the stem end, and push it down the thread until it is snug against the previous flower. Make sure that the blooms are packed tightly together, leaving about 3 inches of thread at the needle end of the garland.

Finally, tie the ends of the garland together firmly to form a circle, using a double or triple knot. Carefully clip off the needle and any loose thread ends. Mist the flowers with water and store the garland in a cool, dark place until it is ready to be worn.

Tying the knot

Now that you have selected your flowers and prepared them, it's time to start assembling your garland. Measure and cut a length of durable thread—twice the length of your desired garland, plus 12 extra inches. For example, if you want a 48-inch garland, cut a piece of string that is 108 inches long. This extra length is important to ensure you have enough thread to work with and to accommodate the volume of flowers.

Thread one end of the string through the eye of a needle and pull it through until both sides of the thread are of equal length. Tie the loose ends together in a large knot, creating a sturdy base for your garland. This knot will also ensure that the flowers do not slip off the thread. It is recommended to leave a three-inch gap between the knot and the end of the thread.

Now, you can start stringing the flowers. Cut off the flower heads at the base of the stems. Insert the needle through the centre of a flower, from the stem end, and push it up through the middle of the blossom. Gently slide the flower down the thread until it rests snugly against the knot. Repeat this process for the next flower, pushing it down the thread until it is pressed against the first flower. Continue adding flowers in this manner until you have half of your total amount strung onto the thread.

At this point, you will change the direction in which you thread the flowers. Insert the needle through the centre of the next flower, but this time, go from the blossom end down through the stem end. Push the flower down the thread until it is snug against the previous flower, with the blooms touching. Continue threading the remaining flowers onto the garland in this way, ensuring that the blossoms are packed tightly together. There should be about three inches of thread left at the needle end of the garland.

Finally, it's time to secure your garland. Tie the threads at both ends firmly together to form a circle. Double or triple knot the threads to ensure that your garland is securely fastened and can bear the weight of the flowers. Carefully clip off the needle and any loose ends of thread. Your garland is now ready to be worn or displayed! To keep it fresh, mist the flowers with water and store the garland in a cool, dark place until the wedding ceremony.

Storing the garland

Before Assembly:

• Store the flowers in a cool, shaded place before assembling the garland. The ideal temperature is around 2°C to 3°C (36°F to 38°F). You can use a floral cooler or set your refrigerator to this temperature range.
• Alternatively, store them in a cool basement or garage if you don't have access to a floral cooler or refrigerator.
• Avoid direct sunlight and heat, as they can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.
• Keep the flowers hydrated by soaking the stems in water. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for water absorption.
• If possible, submerge the entire garland in water overnight or for up to 24 hours before assembly. This will help the greenery absorb as much water as possible and stay fresh for longer.

After Assembly:

• Mist the garland regularly with water to keep the flowers hydrated. Use a spray bottle set to a 'misting' dispersion and pay attention to the stems, ensuring they remain moist.
• Avoid excessive handling. The more the garland is touched and moved, the faster the flowers will deteriorate.
• Store the garland in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as incandescent light bulbs.
• If you need to transport the garland, place it in a breathable container and keep it cool during transit.
• Use floral spray designed to keep flowers fresh. These sprays create a protective barrier on the petals, helping to lock in moisture.
• If you want to preserve the garland as a keepsake, there are several methods you can use, including air-drying, pressing, silica gel, resin encapsulation, or creating a shadow box display.

Frequently asked questions