Evergreen Elegance: Crafting A Green Garland Wedding

Green garlands are a popular choice for weddings, with many DIY brides opting for this simple yet effective decoration. Whether draped over a doorway, wrapped around a bannister, or used as a table runner, garlands are a versatile and beautiful addition to any wedding venue. You can buy them ready-made or make your own using eucalyptus, lemon leaf, or Italian ruscus.

Choosing the right type of greenery for your garland

When choosing the right type of greenery for your garland, it's important to consider the tone of green, the size of the leaves, and the fullness of the garland. Some popular options include eucalyptus, willow leaf, rose banksia vine, and rose leaf garlands. These options offer a range of aesthetics to help create your desired wedding vibe.

For example, eucalyptus is an excellent choice for a boho-themed wedding or a summer celebration. Its soft green tone and well-known hardiness make it a perfect fit for a modern desert or earthy farm wedding. You can also mix and match different types of greenery to create a unique look. Salal, ruscus, and eucalyptus, for instance, can be combined to create a beautiful accent for your special day.

If you're looking for a versatile and timeless decoration, garlands are a great option. They can be draped, hung, or looped into a wreath, providing flexibility in how you style them. Whether you're going for a rustic, modern, or elegant look, garlands made from the right choice of greenery will enhance the beauty of your wedding décor.

Preparing your greenery and workspace

To make a green garland for a wedding, you will need greenery such as salal, ruscus, lemon leaf (salal), Italian ruscus, silver dollar eucalyptus, seeded eucalyptus, or baby blue eucalyptus. You can use a single type of greenery or incorporate multiple varieties for a textured look.

Before you begin, cut all your greenery into 8-inch pieces and separate them into piles for easy assembly.

You will also need 26-gauge paddle wire and wired twine. Gather your materials and tools, and prepare your workspace. You will need a flat surface to work on, and you may want to cover it with newspaper or a mat to protect it. Gather your greenery and tools, and keep them within easy reach.

If you are using fresh greenery, it is best to make your garland the day before or the day of your event, as it will only stay fresh for 2-3 days out of water. If you want your garland to last longer, you can choose evergreens such as pine, cedar, boxwood, magnolia, or spruce.

Assembling your first bunch

Now that you've gathered your greenery and set up your workspace, it's time to assemble your first bunch!

To start, gather 3-5 stems in a bunch. For a varied look, try using one stem of each kind of greenery. For example, you could use one stem of silver dollar eucalyptus, one stem of seeded eucalyptus, one stem of lemon leaf (salal), and one stem of Italian ruscus. Once you've gathered your stems, wrap the ends of them together with wired twine, leaving some extra length at the end for hanging. Don't cut the twine, as it will act as the spine of your garland. Bind the ends of the stems together a second time with 26-gauge paddle wire, wrapping it around 4-5 times or until it feels secure.

Now, place a second bunch of greenery about 2 inches down the spine of the first bunch, covering the stems. Attach this new bunch by wrapping the existing strand of paddle wire around the stems. Continue layering greenery bunches and securing them with wire until your garland has reached your desired length. Don't cut the wire or twine until your garland is complete.

A quick tip: after the first bunch is assembled, you don't need to wrap each new bunch of greenery stems with twine, only paddle wire. The twine will run the length of the garland and be secured with paddle wire as you add each new layer of greenery.

Layering greenery bunches to create your garland

To create a DIY green garland, you will need greenery, floral wire, and scissors or wire cutters.

Start by cutting your greenery into 8-inch pieces and sorting them into piles for easy assembly. You can use a variety of greenery, such as silver dollar eucalyptus, seeded eucalyptus, lemon leaf (salal), and Italian ruscus.

Once you have your greenery prepared, you can begin assembling your first bunch. Gather 3-5 stems, including one stem of each type of greenery you have chosen. Wrap the ends of the stems with wired twine, leaving some extra length for hanging. Do not cut the twine, as it will act as a spine for your garland. Secure the ends with paddle wire, wrapping it around 4-5 times or until it feels secure.

Now, you can continue layering your greenery bunches. Place a second bunch about 2 inches below the first, covering the stems. Attach this bunch by wrapping the existing strand of paddle wire around the stems. Repeat this process, continuing to layer and secure your greenery bunches until you reach your desired length.

When you are happy with the length of your garland, it's time to finish it off. Take your last greenery bunch and turn it in the opposite direction, tucking the stems into the leaves of the previous bunch. Secure this final bunch with paddle wire, then cut and tie the wire into a knot at the backside of the garland. Finally, cut the twine, leaving enough length for hanging.

Your DIY green garland is now complete and ready to be displayed!

Using your garland to create a wreath

To create a wreath from your garland, you will need wire cutters, floral wire, and a wreath frame.

First, cut your garland into a few smaller pieces. Then, coil the garland onto the frame, layering one piece on top of another, and wiring it together as you go. You can use a metal wreath form, or, if you are making a smaller wreath, simply shape the garland into a circle and wire it together.

Once you have finished, hold up the wreath to check for any loose pieces and wire them back in. You can then decorate your wreath with ribbons, baubles, or other decorations.

Frequently asked questions