Creating Paper Flowers For Your Wedding Invitations

Creating wedding invitations with paper flowers is a fun, creative, and budget-friendly way to add a unique, personal touch to your special day. In this guide, we'll cover everything from choosing the right paper and designing your invitations to assembling and decorating them with beautiful paper flowers. We'll also provide a step-by-step tutorial for making paper flowers, so you can impress your guests with your handcrafted creations.

How to make paper flowers using crepe paper

Paper flowers are a great way to add a unique, playful and colourful touch to your wedding invitations. Crepe paper flowers are an excellent choice as they are durable, long-lasting, and easy to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make beautiful crepe paper flowers:

Materials:

• Crepe paper (in various colours)
• Floral wire
• Floral tape
• Beads
• Glue/Mod Podge
• Scissors

Step 1:

Start by gathering your materials and cutting your crepe paper into the desired lengths. For smaller flowers, you can cut 12"-24" pieces, while for larger flowers, cut longer pieces (36" or more). You can also trim the edges of the crepe paper to create a zig-zag pattern, which will add a decorative touch to your flowers.

Step 2:

Create the flower centre and stem by taking a piece of floral wire (about 6" long) and threading a bead through it, leaving a 1" length of wire on one side. Fold the wire over the bead and twist it to secure the bead in place, forming the centre of your flower.

Step 3:

Take your "stem" and add a small amount of glue around the twisted base. Begin wrapping the glued area with the crepe paper, pinching and folding the paper as you go to create a fanned-out effect. Continue adding glue and wrapping the crepe paper around, building up the flower shape.

Step 4:

Once you have reached the desired size for your flower, pinch the base tightly and gently pull on the stem to tighten the flower centre around the bead. This will help give your flower a secure and compact shape.

Step 5:

Cut a piece of floral tape (about 12" long) and begin wrapping it tightly around the base of the flower and down the stem. This will help hold the flower together and give it a neat finish.

Step 6:

You can now shape and curve the petals of your flower by gently pulling and stretching the crepe paper. Be careful not to pull too hard, as crepe paper is delicate. You can also add a small amount of glue or Mod Podge to the stem and base of the flower to ensure the floral tape stays in place.

Step 7:

Repeat these steps to create a bouquet of crepe paper flowers in various colours and sizes. You can use these flowers to decorate your wedding invitations, adding a touch of whimsy and creativity to your special day.

With these simple steps, you can create beautiful crepe paper flowers that will be a unique and memorable part of your wedding invitations.

Choosing the right paper for your invitations

The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including your budget, the printing method, and the style of your invitations. Here are some tips to help you select the best paper for your special day:

Printing Process:

Before choosing your paper, consider how you will be printing your invitations. If you plan to print them at home, check your printer's specifications to determine the maximum paper weight it can handle. Most home printers can accommodate 80 lb (216 gsm) to 100 lb (270 gsm) cardstock, but it's always good to test it out first. On the other hand, if you're planning to use a professional print shop, consult with them about their equipment and capabilities. Different printing methods like offset printing, thermography, letterpress, and digital printing may also influence your paper choice.

Invitation Style:

The style of your invitations will also play a role in choosing the right paper weight. Flat invitation cards, which are a single sheet, typically use heavier cardstock of 80 lb or more. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, use lighter cardstock, usually between 65 lb and 100 lb, as they will be thicker after folding. If you're creating layered invitations or using pockets or wraps, you can mix and match weights, keeping the top layer lighter and attaching it to a heavier card.

Postage:

Another important consideration is the cost of postage. Invitations that weigh more than one ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep postage costs down, opt for lighter cardstock for your invitations. It's always a good idea to take a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Personal Preference:

Lastly, don't forget that it's your special day, and you can choose the paper that suits your taste and budget. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. You can also consider adding textures or choosing coloured cardstock to create a fun and cohesive look.

Paper Types:

There are various types of paper available for wedding invitations, each offering a unique look and feel. Here are some popular options:

• Card and Cover Stock: This is the most common choice for wedding invitations. It comes in different weights, with 120 lb being a typical weight for cover stock. It can have various finishes, such as satin, silk, glossy, or a smooth matte finish.
• Cotton Fiber: Cotton paper is the costliest option but offers a soft feel and a flawless surface. It's durable and responds well to ink, making it ideal for techniques like letterpress.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options provide a rustic and on-trend look, perfect for outdoorsy or DIY-themed weddings.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper: These translucent papers are great for creating depth and interest in layered invitations. However, they may require additional assembly and can affect postage costs.
• Parchment: Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled look, perfect for spring or intimate weddings.

Adding pressed flowers to your invitations

Pressed flowers are a beautiful, natural, and affordable way to elevate your wedding invitations. The process is time-consuming but can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips for adding pressed flowers to your invitations:

Pressing Flowers:

Firstly, you'll need to press your flowers. You can use a flower press or create your own DIY press with cardboard, loose-leaf paper, and books to weigh it down. “Dry” flowers, like hydrangeas and baby's breath, are excellent choices as they don't hold much water and tend to hold their colour. When pressing substantial flowers with large buds, such as roses, consider cutting them in half to speed up the drying process and create a unique, textured effect. Be sure to place ample dry paper between the layers of blooms to absorb moisture.

Adhering Flowers to Invitations:

Once your flowers are fully dried and pressed, it's time to attach them to your invitations. It is recommended to use rubber cement as an adhesive, as it is durable yet forgiving. Place your flowers on the invitation to decide on the arrangement, then start gluing. Protect your work surface with scrap paper and place the flowers face down to apply the adhesive. Use a brush to gently cover the back of the flower with glue. Once covered, use your fingers or the brush to lift the flower from the paper and place it on the invitation. Repeat this process until you're happy with the design.

Troubleshooting:

If petals tear or break, don't worry! You can still glue individual petals to your invitation. Additionally, if you use too much adhesive, you can easily rub away the excess with your fingertips as rubber cement dries clear. If any flowers "bleed" off the edge, you can trim them with scissors or an X-Acto knife.

Design Tips:

When designing your invitations, consider leaving ample white space to showcase your pressed flowers. You can also pair pressed flowers with fresh blooms or foliage to create depth and interest. Choose flowers that coincide with your wedding aesthetic and colour scheme. For a rustic wedding, opt for sunflowers, while anemones would be perfect for a contemporary celebration.

Other Uses:

Pressed flowers can also be used for more than just invitations. Add them to escort cards, table numbers, menus, programs, or signage. They are a versatile and elegant way to bring a natural flair to your wedding décor.

Using paper flowers for bridesmaids' bouquets

Paper flowers are a unique, playful, and colourful addition to any wedding. They can be used in many ways, from bouquets to invitations, and are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas for using paper flowers for bridesmaids' bouquets:

Choosing the Flowers

The type of paper flower you choose will depend on the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. For a rustic or vintage-style wedding, consider using book page paper flowers or sheet music paper for a unique and detailed look. For a more colourful and whimsical wedding, crepe paper flowers in bright hues could be a fun choice. You can also opt for elegant paper roses or anemones for a classic and romantic feel.

Making the Bouquets

Making paper flower bouquets can be a fun DIY project, and there are many online tutorials and templates available to guide you through the process. You can also involve your bridesmaids in the crafting process, making it a fun group activity. The basic materials you will need include paper, scissors or a paper cutter, floral wire, floral tape, wired floral leaves, and ribbon. You can find these supplies at craft stores or online.

Adding Personal Touches

Paper flowers offer a lot of room for creativity and personalisation. You can experiment with different colours, sizes, and types of paper to create unique bouquets for each of your bridesmaids. Add extra touches like baby's breath or eucalyptus for a more natural look, or incorporate beads, brooches, or other decorative elements for a more glamorous feel.

Drying and Preserving the Flowers

One advantage of paper flowers is that they can be created well in advance of the wedding and will last long after the event. To ensure your bouquets stay in good condition, consider treating the paper with a light spray of varnish or clear fixative to protect them from moisture and tearing. Store the bouquets in a cool, dry place until the wedding day.

Complementing the Bridal Bouquet

If you plan to carry a paper flower bouquet as the bride, you can coordinate the bridesmaids' bouquets to complement yours. This could be through matching colours, types of flowers, or overall style. For example, if you have a large, lush paper bouquet, the bridesmaids could carry smaller, simpler bouquets, or vice versa.

How to make paper flowers using origami

Origami is a fun and creative way to make paper flowers for wedding invitations. It is an inexpensive way to create everlasting blooms that can be tailored to your colour scheme and will add a unique and personal touch to your invites. Here is a step-by-step guide to making paper flowers using origami:

To begin, you will need to gather your supplies. For this project, you will require 3-inch by 3-inch origami paper, glue dots, and pipe cleaners. You can also use 6-inch by 6-inch square origami paper, or even try different types of origami paper for a unique look. It is recommended to use paper that is coloured on both sides, and at least 15 x 15 centimetres in size.

Now, you are ready to start folding! First, place one piece of paper on your work surface. Turn the paper so that it looks like a diamond. Then, bring the bottom corner of the diamond up to the top corner, forming a triangle, and run your fingernail along the crease. This first fold creates the base for your flower.

Next, you will fold the base in thirds. Rotate the triangle so that the longest side is at the bottom, and fold the right edge over to the left, and then the left edge over to the right. This will create a new, smaller triangle.

Now, it's time to unfold and flatten the base. Open the right edge of the paper and reverse the crease, then flatten. Repeat this step on the left side. This will give your flower its shape and volume.

For the next step, you will fold the paper like a kite, following the images provided in the sources. Open out the little flap and squash the two edges inwards, then flatten it out completely. This will create the stem and centre of your flower.

Finally, you will fold and curl the petals. Fold the right side of the right section behind itself, and repeat this step on the other three sides to create the petals. Gently open out the flower, and use a chopstick or pencil to carefully curl the petals.

And there you have it—a beautiful origami flower! You can experiment with different colours and sizes of paper, and even try more intricate designs once you've mastered the basic technique. Add a personal touch to your wedding invitations with these everlasting paper blooms.

Frequently asked questions