Creating A Wedding Kissing Ball: A Step-By-Step Guide

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a popular decorative feature at weddings. They are typically made from fresh or artificial flowers and can be hung from arches, chairs, door knobs, pews, or aisles. They are also a unique way for flower girls to carry flowers, as they can hang from the wrist. To make a kissing ball, you will need a styrofoam ball, flowers (either artificial or fresh), ribbon, pins, and a glue gun. The process involves covering the styrofoam ball with flowers, creating a decorative ball that can be hung or carried.

Choosing a base: apples, potatoes, or Styrofoam balls

When it comes to choosing a base for your wedding kissing ball, there are a few options to consider: apples, potatoes, or Styrofoam balls. Each has its own advantages and will lend a different look and feel to your decoration.

Apples and potatoes were commonly used as bases for kissing balls during the Victorian era. These natural options were decorated with herbs, greens, and flowers and hung over doorways. Using apples or potatoes as a base is a great way to incorporate a natural, rustic element into your wedding decor. They can be a more sustainable option, especially if you have apples or potatoes readily available. However, it's important to note that fruit and vegetable cores may not last as long as other options, and you might need to consider preservation methods if you want them to last throughout your wedding celebrations.

On the other hand, Styrofoam balls have become a popular choice for kissing balls in more modern times. They provide a lightweight and durable base that can be easily decorated. Styrofoam balls can be found in various sizes, typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. They offer a versatile option, allowing you to create a uniform and consistent shape for your kissing ball. If you choose a white Styrofoam ball, you can spray-paint it green to ensure that none of the white shows through the decorations. Alternatively, you can completely cover the ball with your chosen clippings or flowers.

When deciding between apples, potatoes, or Styrofoam balls, consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve, as well as the longevity and ease of use of each option. Apples and potatoes may be more in line with a rustic or natural wedding theme, while Styrofoam balls offer a versatile and long-lasting base that can be decorated to match any wedding colour scheme or style.

Picking flowers: fresh or artificial

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a popular decorative feature at weddings. They can be made with fresh or artificial flowers, and are often hung from wedding arches, chairs, door knobs, and pew ends. They are also a cute way for the flower girl to carry flowers, hanging from her wrist.

There are pros and cons to both fresh and artificial flowers. Fresh flowers will smell wonderful and look beautiful, but they will need to be assembled closer to the wedding day to avoid wilting. Artificial flowers, on the other hand, can be crafted well in advance, and silk flowers, in particular, can be very convincing. They are also more durable and can be kept as a memento of the wedding day.

If you opt for fresh flowers, you could use a mix of blooms and greenery, such as carnations, roses, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, evergreen sprigs, juniper, holly, ivy, and fir. You can also add seasonal red berries for a festive touch. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own kissing ball with a styrofoam ball, glue, and a selection of fresh flowers.

Artificial kissing balls can be made with silk flowers, which are often crafted to look very realistic. You can choose from a wide range of blooms, including roses, sunflowers, dahlias, hydrangeas, and peonies. Like fresh flower kissing balls, you can make your own artificial kissing ball using a styrofoam ball, glue, and your chosen blooms.

Preparing flowers: separate from bunches, cut stems

Preparing the flowers is a crucial step in making a kissing ball. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, separate the flowers from their bunches. This will make it easier to work with individual stems and ensure even placement on the Styrofoam ball.

Next, cut the stems to the appropriate length. The recommended length varies depending on the source. Some suggest cutting the stems to about a 1/4" to 1/2" in length, while others recommend cutting about 2-3" sections or 4-6" sections. The length you choose will depend on the size of your kissing ball and the type of flowers you are using.

When cutting the stems, it is best to use a clean pair of garden snips, especially for thicker stems that require more force to cut. You can also use a sharp knife, but it is recommended to avoid using scissors, as they can crush the stems and impede water absorption.

Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle is ideal, as it maximizes the surface area in contact with the water, promoting better hydration for the flowers. Straight cuts are also acceptable, but they may not allow for as much water absorption.

After cutting, be sure to place the flowers in water (ideally lukewarm with fresh flower food) immediately. This will help to prevent wilting and prolong the life of your flowers.

By following these steps, you will have prepared flowers ready to be attached to your kissing ball base.

Attaching flowers: use pins or hot glue

When it comes to attaching flowers to your kissing ball, you have a few options: pins or hot glue. If you decide to use pins, you can choose from T-pins or floral U-pins. To use the pins, start by pushing a floral U-pin through the top of the Styrofoam ball and then removing it. Apply some glue to the holes and then place the pin back in, leaving about a 1/4-inch gap between the ball and the pin. This gap will be useful later when you want to attach a ribbon or wire for hanging.

If you opt for hot glue, use your glue gun to create small dents in the Styrofoam ball, adding a dab of glue before placing each flower stem. It's recommended to start from the top and work your way down in a line to ensure the flowers are evenly placed with no gaps. You can also combine methods, using the glue for the flowers and the pins for attaching a ribbon or wire for hanging.

Finishing touches: add ribbon, pine cones, berries, or foliage

Now for the fun part: adding the finishing touches to your kissing ball! This is where you can get creative and add your own personal flair. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

Ribbon

Adding a ribbon is a great way to give your kissing ball a polished look and make it easy to hang. Cut a length of ribbon—around 3 feet long—and double it in half. About 8 inches from the fold, tie an overhand knot to create the hanging loop. Adjust the length of the loop as needed. Then, tie the long ends of the ribbon around the foam ball and secure them in place with hot glue or pins. You can also add small bows made from ribbon and secure them to the ball with hot glue or floral pins.

Pine Cones

Pine cones can be added to your kissing ball for a natural, rustic look. You can use store-bought pine cones or collect them from your yard. To add variety, you can leave some natural, while spray painting or glittering others. Simply hot glue the pine cones onto the foam ball, filling any gaps between them with greenery or berry picks.

Berries

Adding berries to your kissing ball will give it a pop of colour and a festive feel. You can use artificial berry picks or fresh berries. If using fresh berries, try to include a mix of leaf shapes and colours, and include some with seasonal red berries. Cut the stems of the berry picks to around 1-2 inches in length and insert them into the foam ball, filling any gaps between the pine cones or other decorations.

Foliage

Foliage, such as evergreen clippings or artificial greenery picks, will add texture and fullness to your kissing ball. You can use a variety of different types of foliage, such as juniper, holly, ivy, fir, or boxwood sprigs. Cut the foliage into sections around 2-3 inches in length and insert them into the foam ball, alternating between different types of greenery to create an even pattern.

Feel free to mix and match these different elements to create a kissing ball that's unique to you. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment!

Frequently asked questions