Creating Rustic Paper Flowers For Country Wedding Charm

Paper flowers are a unique, budget-friendly, and crafty way to decorate your wedding. They can be used to create a handmade, personalised touch, and can be used in a variety of ways, from bouquets and centrepieces to hanging chandeliers and cake decorations. You can even make a flower crown for the bride or bridesmaids to wear. There are many different types of paper flowers to choose from, such as crepe paper, coffee filter, and tissue paper flowers, and you can add your own creative flair with paint or other decorations.

Paper flower bouquets

Paper flowers are a beautiful and unique way to decorate your wedding. They're budget-friendly and add a handmade, personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas for creating paper flower bouquets:

Types of Paper to Use

You can use various types of paper to make your flowers, such as crepe paper, cardstock, coffee filters, or tissue paper. Crepe paper is a popular choice for a romantic look, and you can paint it with watercolours to add a creative touch. Textured cardstock can give your flowers a unique dimension, and you can also distress the paper with ink to add subtle details.

Flower Types and Templates

There are endless possibilities for the types of paper flowers you can create. Some popular options include roses, sunflowers, camellias, dahlias, gerbera daisies, and anemones. You can find free templates and tutorials online to guide you through the process. Lia Griffith, for example, offers a range of paper flower templates and tutorials, including a paper garden flower bouquet and a frosted paper rose bridal bouquet.

Assembly and Arrangement

Assembling paper flowers typically involves cutting out petals and shaping them with tools such as skewers or round ball shaping tools. You can curl the petals and add dimension by using different layers. Once you have created your flowers, you can arrange them into beautiful bouquets. You can also add stems to create a more realistic look.

Other Ideas

In addition to bouquets, you can use paper flowers in a variety of ways to decorate your wedding. You can create boutonnieres, floral garlands, centrepieces, cake accents, or flower crowns for the bridal party. For a unique touch, consider making extra-large paper flowers to use as photo props or backdrops.

Floral garlands

Materials

• Paper in your choice of colours
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• Needle and thread
• Branch or string for hanging

Step 1: Cutting the Flowers

Using your chosen paper, cut out the petals and leaves for your flowers. You can do this by hand or use a cutting machine. The number of petals you need will depend on the size and style of flower you want to create. A basic flower can be made with six petals, with three petals glued together and the other three folded and glued to form a 3D shape.

Step 2: Curling the Petals

Using a pencil or the handle of a paintbrush, curl the edges of the petals inwards. This step can be time-consuming, but it will give your flowers a beautiful, natural shape.

Step 3: Assembling the Flowers

Take your curled petals and assemble them into flowers. Glue three petals together, alternating the placement so they are not directly stacked. Then, take the remaining three petals, fold them, and glue them to the other petals. Repeat this process to create as many flowers as you need for your garland.

Step 4: Creating the Garland

To create the garland, thread your needle and alternate threading three leaves and one flower. Use hot glue to secure the flowers to the thread. Continue adding leaves and flowers until you have reached your desired garland length.

Step 5: Hanging the Garland

Finally, hang your garland! You can hang it on a branch, as a backdrop, or drape it across tables or doorways.

Paper flower garlands are a beautiful and affordable way to decorate for a country wedding. With some paper and a little creativity, you can create unique and personalised decorations that will wow your guests.

Hanging chandeliers

Hanging paper flower chandeliers are a perfect way to introduce an effortless, handmade ambiance to your wedding day. They are surprisingly simple to make and can be crafted from paper, fresh flowers, or both. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning hanging paper flower chandelier:

Planning and Materials:

First, decide on the colour scheme and size of your chandelier. You can use paper, fresh flowers, or a combination of both. If using fresh flowers, choose blooms that are in season and will last well without water. For paper flowers, consider using coloured or patterned paper to add a unique touch.

The materials you will need include:

• A floral hoop (19 inches in diameter is recommended) for the top tier
• A large wire wreath (24 inches in diameter is recommended) for the base
• Floral tape in natural hues like green or brown
• Fishing line, twine, string, or ribbon for hanging
• Crimp tubes and pliers to secure knots
• Scissors

Assembly:

• Attach the large wire wreath to the floral hoop: Cut four pieces of fishing line to the desired length and secure the two pieces together using knots, tape, and crimp tubes with pliers for added stability.
• Add greenery to the small floral hoop: Wrap lengths of greenery and foliage around the small floral hoop, securing them with floral wire and tape. Ensure the foliage hangs naturally and distribute it evenly with no gaps.
• Add greenery to the large wire wreath: Create layers of foliage on the base of your chandelier, wrapping each piece individually and securing them with floral wire and tape.
• Hang your chandelier: Suspend the structure using fishing line, twine, or ribbon, considering the height and attachment point (ceiling, exposed beam, etc.). Use three pieces of the same length for balance.
• Attach paper flowers to the large wire wreath: Intertwine the stems of your paper flowers through the greenery, creating unique clusters of blooms. Play with colours, sizes, and textures for a visually appealing design.
• Fill in gaps with small flowers and greenery: Use smaller paper flowers and vines to fill any empty spaces, considering balance, colour, and shape.

Your hanging paper flower chandelier is now ready to be displayed and admired at your wedding!

Centrepieces

Mason Jar Centrepieces

This idea comes from a DIY garden wedding in New York. Place your paper flowers in a mason jar to create a rustic and whimsical feel. You can use a variety of paper flowers in different colours and sizes to add interest and texture.

Woodland-Inspired Centrepieces

Create a woodland-themed centrepiece by combining paper flowers with natural elements such as twigs, moss, and sliced wood. This idea is perfect for a country wedding, bringing the outdoors in.

Floral Garlands

Use paper flowers to create garlands that can be draped over tables. This adds a whimsical and romantic touch to your centrepieces. Garlands can be made in various colours and styles to match your wedding theme.

Extra Large Paper Flowers

Make a statement with oversized paper flowers as centrepieces. These can be placed in vases or pots, or even attached to the tables for a unique look. They will definitely be a talking point for your guests!

Paper Flower Chandeliers

Hang paper flowers from the ceiling above each table to create a floating floral chandelier. This idea adds a touch of elegance and drama to your centrepieces. Combine with fairy lights or candles for a magical effect.

Paper Flower Bouquets

Create small bouquets of paper flowers as centrepieces. These can be arranged in vases or jars, or even tied with ribbon for a cute, country feel. Use a mix of flower types and colours to create a vibrant and textured display.

Cake accents

Paper flowers are a beautiful and unique way to add a personal touch to your wedding cake. Here are some ideas and instructions for using paper flowers as cake accents for a country wedding:

Types of Paper Flowers for Cake Accents:

• Crepe Paper Flowers: Crepe paper is a popular choice for paper flowers due to its texture and flexibility. You can create a variety of petals and shapes, such as roses, peonies, or anemones.
• Tissue Paper Flowers: Tissue paper can be used to create extra-large florals with vibrant colours. These can be used as a backdrop or prop for the cake table, adding a dramatic effect.
• Coffee Filter Flowers: Coffee filters can create lush and realistic flowers. They are perfect for centrepieces or bouquets and can be made with scissors, skewers, florist's tape, and coffee filters.

Instructions for Creating Paper Flower Cake Accents:

• Design and Planning: Decide on the type of paper flower you want to create, considering the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. Choose flowers that complement the cake design and size.
• Materials: Gather the necessary materials, including paper, scissors, floral wire, floral tape, ribbon, and any additional decorations.
• Creating the Flowers: Cut out petal shapes from the chosen paper. Form the base of the flower by folding a small square of paper into a triangle and wrapping it around a floral wire. Secure it with tape and add petals to create the desired fullness.
• Arranging the Flowers: Create a variety of flowers in different sizes and colours. Arrange them in a cascading pattern down the cake or cluster a few together for a more impactful look. You can also use them to decorate the dessert table.
• Final Touches: Add any extra details, such as leaves, baby's breath, or other embellishments. Ensure that the paper flowers are securely attached to the cake, and any wires or tapes are safely covered.

Using paper flowers as cake accents is a creative way to incorporate your theme and add a handmade touch to your country wedding. With careful planning and attention to detail, your cake will be a beautiful and memorable part of your special day.

Frequently asked questions