Hanging Flowers: Diy Guide For Your Wedding

Hanging flowers are a beautiful way to elevate your wedding decor and create a breathtaking floral setting. Whether you choose to display them above dining tables, hanging from the ceiling, or dotted around an outdoor marquee, they are sure to impress your guests and provide a spectacular backdrop for your special day. In this article, we will discuss the different types of hanging flower decorations, offer tips on how to create your own, and provide a step-by-step guide to making a DIY hanging flower installation. We will also explore the cost considerations and the importance of choosing the right type of flowers for this project.

Choosing the right flowers

Fresh vs. Dried Flowers

Gina Hardy, Head of Events at McQueens Flowers, recommends opting for dried flowers and foliage for hanging decorations. Fresh flowers may require a water source, which can be challenging for suspended arrangements. Dried flowers will last the duration of your event without needing water, ensuring they look their best throughout. However, if you have your heart set on delicate blooms, you'll need to adapt the mechanics of your hanging display to include a water source.

Flower Varieties

When choosing your flowers, consider the effect you want to create. For a whimsical, ethereal look, select flowers with wispy, delicate stems like ivy and wisteria. These varieties will gracefully dangle and create a cascading effect. For a bolder statement, choose sturdy flowers such as roses or pampas grass, which can hold their volume horizontally. You can also mix and match different flower types to create texture and visual interest.

Colour Palette

The colour of your flowers will depend on your wedding theme and the ambiance you want to evoke. For a glamorous vibe, abundance and colour are key. Bright, vibrant hues will create a bold, eye-catching display. If you're aiming for a more enchanted, whimsical atmosphere, opt for softer, ethereal colours like pastels or neutrals. White flowers, in particular, can create an elegant and romantic setting.

Flower Availability

Consider the seasonality of your chosen flowers. Certain blooms may be more readily available during specific seasons, so plan accordingly. For example, if you're having a spring wedding, opt for spring flowers like tulips or daffodils. Working with a florist can help you navigate flower availability and guide you towards the best options for your desired look.

Flower Size

The size of your flowers will impact the overall visual effect. Smaller, delicate flowers can create a romantic and intricate look, while larger blooms will make a bold statement. Consider the scale of your hanging display and choose flowers that complement the size and style of your arrangement.

Lighting and Infrastructure

Think about incorporating lighting elements into your hanging flowers to create a magical ambiance. You can include fairy lights, especially if you're having an evening ceremony, or opt for hanging flowers with industrial-style light bulbs for a unique touch. Additionally, consider the infrastructure of your venue. Ensure that the ceiling can support the weight of your hanging flowers, especially if you're planning a large installation.

Freshness of flowers

The key to creating beautiful hanging flower decorations for a wedding is to ensure the flowers are as fresh as possible. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Order Hardy Seasonal Flowers

If you're planning a summer wedding, opt for hardy seasonal flowers that can withstand the heat. The heat is the number one problem for fresh-cut flowers, so choosing the right varieties is essential.

Delivery and Storage

Have your flowers delivered as close as possible to the time of the ceremony. Ideally, get them delivered on the morning of the wedding rather than the day before. If possible, store the flowers in a refrigerator until right before the ceremony to prevent them from wilting or opening too much. Alternatively, place them in a cool, dark room, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and vents.

Water Temperature

When it comes to hydrating your flowers, water temperature matters. Avoid using cold or hot water. Cold water will shock the flowers, while hot water will dehydrate them. Instead, use warm water, which helps the flowers absorb water more easily and retain their form. The water level in the buckets or vases should be enough to cover about six inches of the stems.

Trim the Stems

Upon arrival, trim the stems diagonally to expose their watering channels. This allows the flowers to absorb water more effectively. After trimming, place the flowers in buckets or vases filled with warm water. If you're using greenery in your arrangements, remove any excess foliage that falls below the waterline.

Mist Arrangements

To keep your flowers fresh throughout the day, mist them with water at hourly intervals. This is especially important if your wedding is outdoors or in a warm climate.

Feed Your Flowers

You can use various solutions to feed your flowers and help them stay fresh. Many florists use a vinegar and sugar solution, but you can also ask your florist for their recommended flower food. You can also try commercial flower preservatives or create your own mix by combining apple cider vinegar with sugar to minimise bacterial growth.

Soda and Sugar

A unique trick to perk up your flowers is to add about 1/4 cup of lemon-lime soda to each vase or bouquet. The combination of acidity and sugar in the soda will give your flowers a boost. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice or vinegar for an acidity boost.

Vodka and Sugar

Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to your flower water to eliminate bacteria and feed the plants. If you prefer not to use vodka, you can also mix three drops of bleach with one teaspoon of sugar, as bleach will also help keep flowers fresh for longer.

Hairspray

Hairspray is another florist secret to keeping flowers looking fresh. Give your blooms a quick spritz, just like you would style your hair!

Dried Flowers

If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, consider using dried flowers for your hanging decorations. Dried flowers can be prepared well in advance and will last throughout the event without needing a water source.

Using a variety of colours and textures

When creating a hanging flower installation for your wedding, it's important to use a variety of colours and textures to add interest and depth to your arrangement.

For example, you could combine garden roses and ranunculus, as seen on the Sugar and Cloth blog, or opt for a mix of eucalyptus, delphiniums, dahlias, garden roses, and carnations. You could even create a whimsical flower cloud with separate bundles of blooms suspended in a group, incorporating baby's breath for a sophisticated and whimsical touch.

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own hanging flowers using dried blooms, which will last longer and can be prepared in advance. Choose flowers in a variety of colours, such as canary yellow, pastel pinks, purples, and whites, and complement them with greenery like eucalyptus or ivy.

To create your hanging installation, you'll need a framed chicken wire base, picture hanging wire, eye hooks, wire rope loop clamps, and fishing wire or clear tape to secure the flowers. Drill holes in each corner of the frame, screw in the eye hooks, and thread the picture wire through, creating a loop to hang the structure. Then, attach the loop ends to cup hooks screwed into the ceiling, ensuring the installation is level. Finally, wrap and knot the fishing wire or clear tape around the end of each flower stem and hang them sporadically from the chicken wire.

With a little time and effort, you can create a breathtaking hanging flower installation that will transform your wedding venue and leave your guests in awe.

Hanging flowers at different heights

Choose the Right Flowers

When selecting flowers to hang, opt for lighter varieties such as daisies or baby's breath. Heavy flowers like roses may not be suitable for hanging as they may not stay in place.

Use a Variety of Colours and Textures

Using a range of colours and textures will add interest and depth to your arrangement. This will create a whimsical and ethereal look.

Secure the Flowers at Varying Heights

When hanging the flowers, use fishing line or clear tape to secure them at different heights. This will ensure they stay in place and create a more dynamic display.

Plan the Placement Carefully

Consider the height of your display and how low you want the flowers to hang. Cut the hanging wire to the desired length, leaving a few extra inches for looping and tying. Ensure all wires and loops are the same length so that the structure hangs evenly.

Combine with Lighting

Combine hanging flowers with statement lighting to create a grand and immersive design. You can incorporate fairy lights, light bulbs, or chandeliers to add a magical glow to your wedding venue.

Check with Your Venue

Before installing hanging flowers, always check with your venue to ensure they can accommodate your decorations. There may be additional fees or special stipulations related to installing them.

Using fishing line or clear tape to secure flowers

Fishing line and clear tape are both great options for securing flowers in place for hanging flower installations at weddings.

Fishing line is a versatile tool for creating hanging points from almost anywhere. It can be used to hang flowers from columns or poles, or to bring greenery across a room. It can also be used to create a vine-like look on a brick wall. To do this, string the fishing line between brick clips, and then wrap or zip-tie the greenery to the line.

Clear tape, specifically gaffers tape, is another useful tool for hanging flowers. It can be used to hang flowers on windows or glass frames, or on wallpaper, painted walls, concrete, or wood walls. To use gaffers tape, cross two strips of tape in an X fashion on the piece of foliage. Then, take a round leaf, loop a piece of tape on the back, and place the leaf over the visible tape to hide it.

When using either fishing line or clear tape, it's important to consider the weight of the flowers and the strength of the hanging mechanism. For example, heavy flowers like roses may not be suitable for hanging with fishing line, as the line may need to be very strong to hold the weight. Similarly, gaffers tape is not very strong and is only suitable for attaching simple greens to a wall.

Frequently asked questions