Creating Iced Branch Wedding Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating iced branch centrepieces for a wedding is a simple process that can be done on a budget. The branches can be decorated with glitter, paint, or fake snow, and adorned with hanging votive candles, flowers, or crystals. The branches can be placed in tall glass vases, with or without water, and decorated with rocks, pine cones, or beads. For a winter wedding, the branches can be covered in glue and rolled in vase filler or glitter to create an iced look.

Choosing branches: Select bare branches, or branches with leaves, such as eucalyptus or olive branches

When choosing branches for your iced wedding centrepiece, you can select either bare branches or branches with leaves. If you opt for bare branches, you can consider manzanita branches, which are often used in wedding centrepieces due to their strength when dried. This makes them ideal for hanging items such as votive candles, crystals, or flowers. Alternatively, you can choose branches with leaves, such as eucalyptus or olive branches. These options will add a touch of greenery to your centrepiece and can also be decorated with paint or glitter for a more glamorous look.

Eucalyptus branches are a popular choice for wedding centrepieces as they offer a beautiful, ethereal appearance. Their leaves range from dark green to a warm brown colour on the underside, adding texture and visual interest to your display. Olive branches are another elegant option, symbolizing peace and victory. They typically feature silvery-green leaves with a soft, greyish bloom, which can complement a variety of wedding themes.

When selecting branches, consider the size, height, shape, and colour to ensure they align with your wedding style and theme. You can choose from a variety of natural, hand-clipped branches or opt for artificial branches if you prefer. Remember to plan the number of centrepieces you will need to determine the quantity of branches required.

Selecting a vase: Opt for tall glass vases, or cylinders, to display the branches

When selecting a vase for your iced branch wedding centrepiece, opt for tall glass vases or cylinders to display the branches. These will help to elevate the overall look of your centrepiece and create a dramatic and elegant effect.

Clear glass vases are ideal for displaying iced branches as they allow guests to see through the centrepiece, opening up the room and creating a sense of space. Tall, thin vases or cylinders can also help to balance out the width of the branches, especially if you are using larger branches.

If you are using a heavy branch, you may want to consider a vase with a wider base to ensure stability. Alternatively, you can use a smaller bud vase placed inside a larger cylinder vase and fill the space between them with something decorative, such as rocks or beads.

For a woodland or rustic theme, you could fill the vase with larger rocks or pebbles, or even use styrofoam to secure the branches in place. For a more glamorous look, fill the vase with coloured vase filler, such as diamonds or glitter. This will add a touch of sparkle and shine to your centrepiece.

Battery-operated lights or fairy lights can also be added to the bottom of the vase for a spectacular effect. Floating candles or hanging candles can also be used to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

Using fillers: Colorfill diamond vase filler, or rocks, can be used to fill the vase and hold the branches in place

To make iced branch wedding centerpieces using fillers, you can follow these steps:

First, determine the number of centerpieces you need, which will help you decide how much filler to buy. Colorfill diamond vase filler is a good option and is available at craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart. It is fairly inexpensive, costing around $2.50 - $3.50 per pound, and you can save money by buying in bulk. One pound of filler can cover 1-2 tree branches, depending on their size and height.

Next, spread out some plastic and pour the filler onto it, ensuring an even spread. This will help you get better coverage on your branches and prevent a mess. Take your branches and spray them with tacky glue, which can be purchased at any craft store or home improvement store. Place the glued branch onto the filler and sprinkle handfuls of it over the branch. Alternatively, gently press the branch into the filler until you achieve the desired coverage. Repeat this process for all the branches and let them dry.

For the final step, place the iced branches into tall glass vases filled with additional filler to hold them in place. This will give your centerpieces an elegant look. You can also add battery-operated lights at the bottom of each vase for some extra flair.

Another method for creating iced branches is to cover the branches with glue and then roll them in the filler or glitter. Allow it to set for about 45 minutes, and then work on the opposite side of the branch. Wait another half hour, and your ice-covered branches will be ready.

Adding decorations: Hang crystals, votive candles, or flowers from the branches

Adding decorations to your iced branch centrepiece is a great way to elevate your wedding decor and bring your theme to life. Here are some tips for hanging crystals, votive candles, or flowers from the branches:

Hanging Crystals

If you're looking to add some sparkle to your centrepiece, hanging crystals are a perfect choice. To hang crystals from your branches, you can use fishing line or thin ribbon that complements your wedding colours. Secure the crystals to the branches using thin wire or clear string. You can also use crystal strands or garlands that can be draped over the branches for a cascading effect.

Votive Candles

Votive candles can add a romantic and enchanting touch to your centrepiece. To hang votive candles from the branches, use thin wire or clear nylon thread to suspend the candles in glass holders. Ensure the branches are strong enough to bear the weight and always use flame-less candles to prevent any accidents. Battery-operated LED candles are a safe option and will ensure your centrepiece glows throughout the reception.

Flowers

Flowers can add a pop of colour and a whimsical touch to your iced branch centrepiece. To hang flowers, use thin wire or floral tape to secure the stems to the branches. You can also use floral wire to create small loops that can be hung from the branches, allowing the flowers to appear as if they are floating. Baby's breath, for example, is a delicate flower that can add a whimsical and ethereal touch to your centrepiece.

Other Decorations

In addition to crystals, candles, and flowers, there are other decorations you can hang from your iced branches:

• Hanging terrariums with small plants or candles inside
• String lights or fairy lights draped over the branches for a magical glow
• Pearl bead garlands draped or hung from the branches like icicles
• Small ornaments or hanging decorations that fit your wedding theme or colour palette

Painting branches: Spray paint branches silver or purple for a unique look

Painting branches silver or purple is a great way to add a unique look to your wedding centrepieces. If you're going for an enchanted forest theme, for example, silver branches can add a polished look, while purple branches can add pops of colour.

To paint your branches, you will need the branches themselves, spray paint in your chosen colour, and plastic sheets to protect your working area from the paint. You can also use glue for a fuller, more glittery effect.

First, lay out your plastic sheets. Then, spray the branches with your chosen colour, ensuring that you cover all angles for an even finish. If you want to add extra sparkle, cover the branches with glue and then sprinkle glitter over the top. Leave the branches to dry.

For a cost-effective way to display your painted branches, consider using tall glass vases or cylinders. You can fill these with rocks or beads that complement your colour scheme. For an extra touch of magic, add fairy lights or hanging candles.

Frequently asked questions