Lighted Branches: Diy Wedding Décor With A Natural Twist

Lighted branches can be a whimsical and pretty addition to your wedding décor, whether lining the aisle or adorning your reception hall. You can easily make your own lighted branches with a few simple steps. First, gather branches, preferably fallen ones, and strip the leaves. You'll also need large decorative pots, spray foam insulation, and strands of white Christmas lights. Place the branches in the pots, using the spray foam to hold them in place. Cover the foam with moss, then wrap the lights around the branches for a beautiful, glowing display. You can also add lights to a wedding arch made of branches for a magical evening effect.

Use willow branches to make a wedding arch

A willow arch is a beautiful, natural addition to any wedding. They are a versatile decoration, adding an enchanted feel to the ceremony and can be decorated with flowers or vines to suit any wedding style.

Step 1: Source Your Willow Branches

Willow branches can be collected and cut yourself, or you can buy them fresh-cut. You will need several long branches, at least 6 feet in length, with a minimum of 2-4 feet of flexible ends.

Step 2: Prepare the Branches

Strip the branches of any auxiliary branches, leaves, and twigs until you are left with a single pole. You can use pruning implements or a simple pocket knife for this step. Aim for branches with a diameter of between half an inch and two inches, and select the straightest ones.

Step 3: Assemble the Arch

Bundle four of the branches together, securing them with thick wire. Wrap the wire around the bottom of the bundle and then at 12-inch intervals up to 6 feet. You will need two of these bundles to form the sides of the arch. Place the bundles on either side of the entrance, 2-3 feet apart.

Step 4: Form the Arch

Bend the top ends of the branches to meet in the middle and form an arch. You can wire these together. Then, take one of the branch ends and wind it around a branch on the other side and wire them together. Repeat with the other branches.

Step 5: Decorate

You can leave the willow arch as it is or decorate it with flowers, vines, or fairy lights.

Tips:

• If you are using fresh-cut willow, order at least two weeks before your event and aim for delivery seven days before.
• If you are using artificial willow branches, you can buy them with built-in fairy lights.

Add flowers, moss or berries to the arch

Flowers, moss, and berries can be added to a wedding arch in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you get started:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin decorating your arch, there are a few things to consider and prepare:

• Obtain the arch: You can buy, rent, or build a wedding arch depending on your budget and preferences. If you're crafty, building your own arch can be a fun project, but make sure you have someone to help you set it up on the day of the ceremony.
• Anchor the arch: Ensure that your arch is securely anchored to prevent it from toppling over. You can use buckets filled with sand, gravel, or rocks, or opt for quick-setting cement for a sturdier solution.
• Choose your flowers and greenery: Select a variety of flowers and greenery that fit your theme and color scheme. Real flowers will need to be obtained the day before or the day of the wedding and kept in water. Alternatively, you can use fake flowers and greenery, which offer more flexibility in terms of timing.
• Prepare the flowers: If using real flowers, remove the lower leaves from the stems to make arranging them on the arch easier.

Adding Flowers, Moss, and Berries:

Now, it's time to add the flowers, moss, and berries to your arch:

• Use an oasis: If working with real flowers, soak oasis blocks in water and secure them to the arch with cable ties. Insert your greenery and flowers into the blocks, making sure the stems are firmly wedged in. Start with the largest flowers and fill the gaps with smaller ones.
• Attach flowers and greenery: For fake flowers and greenery, use green floral wire to attach them to the arch. Hold the stems parallel to the arch and wrap the wire around the pole and stem. Start from the end of the stem and work your way up. You can also create bundles of 5 to 7 flowers and attach them together for a quicker process.
• Add moss: Cover any exposed areas, such as the base of the arch or the buckets anchoring it, with moss. This adds a natural and whimsical touch to your decor.
• Incorporate berries: Berries can be added as part of your floral arrangements. Include them in your bundles or weave them into the greenery and flowers attached to the arch.
• Create a backdrop: Consider adding curtains or fabric draping to your arch for a romantic touch. You can also incorporate fairy lights or string lights for a magical sparkle.
• Make a flower garland: Create a flower garland by threading flowers onto a long piece of string. Drape or wrap the garland around your arch for an extra pop of color and texture.

Feel free to get creative and adapt these ideas to match your unique style and vision for your wedding arch. Enjoy crafting this beautiful centerpiece for your special day!

Use a large decorative pot to hold the branch

To make lighted branches for a wedding, you can use a large decorative pot to hold the branch. This is a simple way to create a beautiful décor element that makes a statement and is easy to make. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, gather your branches. Look for fallen branches in a nearby wooded area, and select a sizable branch that will make a nice "tree". Strip the leaves from the branch and ensure it fits well in your chosen large decorative pot. You can find lightweight pots that look like stone at your local hardware store.

Next, you will need spray foam insulation and a friend to help. Have your friend hold the branch in place in the pot. Carefully spray the foam insulation around the base of the branch, as it expands quickly. Allow this to dry completely. You can then cover the foam by hot-gluing moss over it.

Finally, you can wrap the twinkle lights around the branch. Use strands of white Christmas lights, and you have a beautiful, whimsical "twinkle tree" for your wedding décor.

Wrap twinkle lights around the branch

Wrapping twinkle lights around the branch is a simple way to create a beautiful, whimsical effect at your wedding. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this look:

Step 1: Gather Your Branches

Look for fallen branches in a nearby wooded area, or ask a family member if you can collect some from their property. You'll want branches that are on the larger side, with an interesting shape that will make a nice "tree." Strip the leaves from your chosen branches.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pots

For this step, you'll need large decorative pots, one for each branch. You can find lightweight pots that look like stone at your local hardware store. First, have a friend hold the branch in place in the pot. Then, carefully spray the foam insulation to hold the branch in place. Allow this to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Add Moss

To create a natural, rustic look, cover the foam insulation with moss. You can use hot glue to secure the moss in place and create a base for your twinkle lights.

Step 4: Wrap the Twinkle Lights

Finally, it's time to wrap the twinkle lights around your branch! Choose strands of white Christmas lights, with 50 to 100 lights per strand, and gently wrap them around your branch, creating a beautiful, glowing "tree." You can use these as decor for your reception hall or line them along the aisle for a whimsical touch.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to add extra stability to your branches, consider using floral foam sheets or cylinders inside the planter to hold the branch in place before covering it with moss.
• For a wedding in the evening, consider using battery-powered lights to ensure your "twinkle trees" shine throughout the event.
• Play with different types of lights and branches to create a unique look. For example, you could use warm white LED lights or multicolored lights to add a touch of color.

Use a battery-powered light source

Using battery-powered lights is a great way to ensure your wedding decorations are versatile and safe. You can find battery-powered fairy lights in most craft stores or online, and they are a simple way to add a whimsical, romantic touch to your wedding.

If you're creating a wedding arch, you can intertwine the battery-powered lights with flowers and foliage to create a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. This will also ensure your arch is safe and secure, without the need for a power outlet nearby.

Battery-powered fairy lights can also be wrapped around branches to create "twinkle trees", which can line the aisle or decorate the reception hall. These lights are easy to manipulate and can be wrapped around branches of any shape and size. You can also place the branches in a vase or planter, wrapping the lights around the twigs and filling the vase with decorative gems or moss to hide the battery pack.

Battery-powered lights are a great option if you're looking to create a magical, illuminated display at your wedding, without the hassle and potential hazards of power cords and outlets. They are versatile, safe, and can be used to create a variety of different looks, from rustic charm to elegant glamour.

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