Crafting Paper Garland For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding decorations can be expensive, but a DIY paper garland is an easy, eco-friendly, and affordable way to add a unique touch to your special day. Whether you're looking to add a pop of colour, a whimsical accent, or a sophisticated flourish, a paper garland is a versatile option that can be customised to suit any wedding theme. From tracing and cutting circles to folding, gluing, and stringing them together, making a paper garland is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. So, if you're looking for a fun craft project to add a personal touch to your wedding, read on for a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful paper garland.

Choosing paper and other materials

When making a paper garland for a wedding, the materials you choose will depend on the type of garland you want to create, as well as the overall style or theme of the wedding. Here are some things to consider when choosing your materials:

Paper Type:

• The type of paper you choose will impact the look and durability of your garland. For a delicate and eco-friendly option, consider using old book pages. This gives a vintage and elegant feel, especially if you use pages from a classic novel or a book with sentimental value.
• For a vibrant and festive look, go for coloured cardstock. This type of paper is sturdy and comes in various colours, allowing you to create bright and whimsical garlands.
• If you want a more elegant and soft look, try using scrapbook paper. This type of paper often has beautiful patterns and designs that can add a touch of sophistication to your garland.
• Tissue paper is another option, perfect for creating lightweight and airy garlands. It comes in various colours and can be easily found in craft stores.

Other Materials:

• String or Twine: You will need something to hold your paper shapes together and hang your garland. Choose between string, twine, or wool thread depending on the desired look.
• Adhesive: Use glue or tape to secure your paper shapes. For glue, consider the drying time and whether you want a permanent or temporary hold.
• Tools: Scissors are a must for cutting out your paper shapes. You may also need a pencil for tracing and a ruler for straight lines.
• Embellishments: To add extra detail to your garland, consider using ribbons, twine, or even stringing lights through your paper shapes. For a wedding, you could incorporate fresh flowers or foliage for a natural and romantic touch.

Remember to choose materials that align with your budget and the time you have available for crafting. With the right combination of paper and additional materials, you can create a beautiful and unique paper garland for your wedding.

Cutting out images or shapes

Firstly, gather the necessary materials, including paper with recurring patterns or images, a pair of sharp scissors, and a pencil or pen. If you plan to create circular garlands, as suggested by Of Houses and Trees, you will also need something circular to trace around, such as a glass jar or a small bowl.

Once you have your materials, decide on the images or shapes you want to cut out. If you're creating a themed garland for a wedding, consider using heart shapes, florals, or any design that aligns with the wedding's colour palette or theme. Trace or draw the chosen shape onto the paper, ensuring you fit as many shapes as possible onto each page to minimise waste.

Now, it's time to start cutting! Carefully cut out each shape, trying to stay as close to the drawn line as possible. Take your time with this step, as neat edges will give your garland a more polished look. Repeat this process until you have enough cut-outs for your desired garland length, keeping in mind that you may need more than you initially estimated, depending on the chosen shape and garland density.

If you're creating circular garlands, Of Houses and Trees suggests carefully tearing the pages from the book after tracing, to create a more rustic, eco-conscious look. However, you can also cut the circles out before removing them from the book if you prefer a cleaner edge.

For added interest and dimension, consider cutting out multiple sizes of the same shape or mixing and matching different shapes that complement each other. For example, if you're creating a floral garland, cut out various sizes of flowers and leaves to give your garland a more natural, whimsical appearance.

Remember, the key to a beautiful paper garland is often in the variety and precision of the cut-outs, so take your time with this step and enjoy the process of bringing your wedding garland to life!

Stringing paper together

Now that you have decided on the paper and string for your garland, it is time to put it all together.

First, cut out the images or shapes you want to use. If you are using book pages, you can use a circular object to trace circles on the pages. Try to fit as many circles on each page as possible to reduce waste. Carefully cut out each circle, or shape, and don't worry about making it perfect. If you are using patterned paper, cut out the images or shapes you want to use and the order you want them to appear.

Next, fold each circle in half so that the traced side is facing out. This way, any remaining pencil marks will be hidden once the halves are glued together. Grab a folded circle and glue one of the sides. Then, stick another folded circle on top, lining up the folded edges. This will be the centre of your orb. Continue gluing the circles together until you have enough for one orb.

Now, lay a piece of twine against the folded edges between the two pieces that still need to be glued together. Carefully hold the twine in place and glue the orb closed. Repeat this process until you are happy with the length of your garland. Remember, you can space each orb as closely or as far apart as you like.

Finally, decide where you want to hang your garland. You can use it to decorate your wedding backdrop, food bar, or the lovebirds' table. Get creative and hang your handmade garland anywhere you like!

Hanging the garland

Around the menu board

Arrange a paper garland around your menu board to add a touch of sophistication and elegance. This will likely be one of the first things your guests will see when they arrive at the reception, so make it memorable.

On the cake table

A garland wrapped around the cake table sets the perfect stage for the star of the reception – the wedding cake! Use paper with recurring patterns or images that match the decor on your cake for a cohesive look.

On the bride and groom's chairs

String a garland to connect the bride's and groom's chairs to symbolise their union. You could also intertwine garlands along the legs of the ceremony chairs.

Overhead

Take your wedding decor to new heights by hanging garlands overhead. This idea is perfect for decorating the space over long reception tables. Just ensure the garlands are hanging high enough for guests to stand under, yet low enough to be noticed when seated.

On a ceremony arch

The arch will be the focal point of your ceremony, so highlight it with a gorgeous garland. Allow the garland to fall and drape over the arch naturally to achieve an organic look.

Using paper flowers or cranes

Paper flowers and cranes are a beautiful and creative way to decorate your wedding. They can be used to create stunning backdrops, adorn tables, or add a whimsical touch to any space. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

Paper Flower Garlands:

• The House That Lars Built: Create eco-friendly paper flowers that will add lasting colour to your wedding, without the need for water.
• Happy Happy Nester: Transform your wedding venue with a paper garland featuring rosettes and leaves. Perfect for a spring wedding.
• A Beautiful Mess: Bring pretty spring florals to your summer wedding with a delicate crepe paper flower garland.
• Craft Your Happiness: Upcycle coffee filters into beautiful flowers and string them along with twinkle lights.
• Jam Paper: Create a stunning and cost-effective tissue paper flower garland for your wedding decor.
• The Craft Train: Make a fun and colourful paper flower garland using cupcake holders.
• Dream A Little Bigger: Brighten your summer wedding with a paper tropical garland featuring vibrant flowers and leaves.

Origami Paper Cranes:

Origami paper cranes carry a special meaning in Japanese culture, symbolising peace and prosperity. For your wedding, you can create garlands with hand-folded cranes hung on strings. These can be used as backdrops, table decorations, or hung from trees or the ceiling to create a magical atmosphere. You can also display them flat or pull them open slightly for a wider, three-dimensional effect.

To make the garlands, you will need origami paper, string or twine, and optionally, beads to secure the cranes. Fold the paper into cranes, and then use a needle to thread them onto the string. Space the cranes evenly, and you can add beads to secure their positions. Finally, tie loop knots at each end of the string for easy hanging.

With a bit of creativity and patience, you can craft beautiful paper flower or crane garlands that will surely impress your wedding guests and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions