Create Fragrant Pomanders For Your Wedding Day

Pomanders, also known as kissing balls, are a traditional decorative element at weddings. They are spherical in shape and symbolise love, unity, and fertility. They can be made using real or artificial flowers, or oranges studded with cloves. To make a flower pomander, you will need a styrofoam ball, flowers, ribbon, pins, and a hot glue gun. The process involves covering the styrofoam ball with flowers and securing them with glue and pins, before adding a ribbon for hanging. For an orange pomander, you will need oranges, cloves, and spices. The oranges are studded with cloves and left to dry, releasing a delicate fragrance. Pomanders are a beautiful and simple way to add a personal touch to your wedding decor.

Using a styrofoam ball as a base

Pomanders, also known as kissing balls, are a great way to decorate weddings. They can be hung from trees, suspended from garden hooks, or placed over the corner of chairs or church pews. You can even use them as centrepieces at receptions.

Step 1:

Take a styrofoam ball and push a floral U-pin through the top. You can use a 3" or 4" styrofoam ball, depending on your preference. Remove the pin and leave a tail of about 2-3 inches.

Step 2:

Prepare your flowers. If using artificial flowers, separate them from their bunches and cut the stems to about 1/4" or 1/2" in length. If using fresh flowers, you will need to dry them first.

Step 3:

Start affixing flowers to the styrofoam ball. You can use hot glue to create small dents in the styrofoam ball and then add a dab of glue before placing each stem. Alternatively, you can push the flowers directly into the styrofoam ball. If your flowers have a rubber/plastic nub on the back, push this into the styrofoam and then secure with a pin.

Step 4:

Continue adding flowers until the entire surface of the ball is covered. Be sure to place the flowers close together to avoid any gaps or styrofoam showing through.

Step 5:

Once your ball is completely covered with flowers, you can add any decorative accents you wish. You can also attach a ribbon to hang your pomander. Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in half, and push it through the styrofoam ball, either by itself or using a chopstick or skewer. Knot the ribbon securely, and your pomander is ready!

Choosing and preparing flowers

Pomanders, also known as kissing balls, are a beautiful addition to any wedding. They can be made with real or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. If you choose to use fresh flowers, be aware that they will only last a few days without preservation. Silk flowers are a durable and cost-effective alternative.

When choosing your flowers, consider the size and colour. Smaller flowers with easily detachable heads are ideal, as you will need a lot of them to cover the Styrofoam ball. The number of flowers will depend on the size of the ball and the flowers themselves. For a small pomander, you will need around 50 small flower heads.

If you are using artificial flowers, separate them from their bunches and cut the stems to a length of about 1/4" to 1/2". If you are using fresh flowers, you will need to prepare them by removing the stems and leaving only a short length attached to the flower head.

For a more luxurious look, you can add silk greenery or accent flowers such as baby's breath. You can also include decorative accents like spray glitter, stick-on rhinestones, or even small Lego pieces for a unique touch.

Once you have gathered and prepared your flowers, you are ready to start assembling your pomander.

Hanging pomanders

To make hanging pomanders, you will need the following supplies:

• Styrofoam balls (3", 4", or larger)
• Ribbon (preferably satin type, 1/2" to 1 1/2" wide)
• Fabric (about a yard for a 4" styrofoam ball)
• Silk flowers (many small flowers or larger flowers with stems)
• Silk greenery or accent flowers (such as baby's breath)
• Floral pins or fabric pins
• Hot glue gun
• Wire cutters
• Scissors
• Chopstick or BBQ skewer

• Trace circles onto the fabric. The size of the circles will depend on the size of the styrofoam balls. For example, for 4" balls, trace 4-inch circles.
• Cut out the circles, fold them in half, and put a dot of hot glue in the centre.
• Fold one side onto the glue, then add another dot of glue and fold the other side over.
• Poke a hole into the styrofoam ball, not too deep, and put hot glue inside the hole.
• Take the pointed edge of the fabric and push it into the hole.
• Make a line all the way around the ball with the fabric and then fill in the empty spaces.
• Find the top of your pomander and insert a floral pin or fabric pin. String the pin with a ribbon and tie a knot to secure it.
• Puncture a hole through the middle of the styrofoam ball using a chopstick or BBQ skewer.
• Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in half, and push it through the hole in the styrofoam ball.
• Pull the ribbon through the hole and knot it securely on the other side.
• Start adding flowers to the styrofoam ball by pushing the stems into the ball or using pins to secure them.
• Continue adding flowers until the entire surface of the ball is covered.
• Attach any decorative accents, such as a bow made from ribbon, to the top or bottom of the pomander using pins.
• Your hanging pomander is now complete!

Pomanders as centrepieces

Pomanders, also known as kissing balls, are a beautiful and versatile decorative element at weddings. They can be used as centrepieces at receptions, suspended from garden hooks, or hung off the corner of chairs or church pews. Here are some steps to create your own pomanders as centrepieces:

Firstly, gather your supplies:

• Styrofoam balls (commonly 3" or 4" in size)
• Artificial flowers of your choice (silk flowers are a popular option)
• Ribbon (satin or fabric ribbon, approximately 1/2" to 1 1/2" wide)
• Floral U-pins, T-pins, or hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Wire (optional)
• Scissors
• Chopstick or BBQ skewer

To begin creating your pomander centrepiece:

• Puncture a hole through the middle of the styrofoam ball using a chopstick or skewer.
• Cut a length of ribbon, allowing enough for the loop and to pass through the styrofoam ball. For example, if you desire a 12" drop, cut a 36" length of ribbon.
• Fold the ribbon in half, with the "good" side facing out. If using a chopstick, fold the edges of the ribbon over the end and push through the ball before knotting. If using a skewer, knot the ends of the ribbon first, then gently push the knot through the ball.
• Pull the knot out of the other side and secure with another knot or two to ensure the ball is held securely.

Now, it's time to add the flowers:

• Start affixing the flowers to the styrofoam ball. You can use hot glue or pins to secure the flowers. If using glue, create small dents in the ball and add a dab of glue before placing each flower stem.
• If using pins, push the pin through the flower near the centre, but not through the very middle to avoid damaging the flower.
• For flowers with multiple layers of petals, push the pin through a spot where the layers overlap for a more secure hold.
• Continue attaching flowers until the entire surface of the ball is covered. Be sure to lift the petals of already-affixed flowers to place the next flower close by, ensuring no gaps or styrofoam are visible.

Finally, add the finishing touches:

• Once the ball is completely covered in flowers, you can add decorative accents such as bows, rhinestones, or glitter.
• If you wish to attach a decorative bow, tie one with a length of ribbon and secure it to the pomander with a pin.
• You can now display your pomander centrepiece by placing it in a bowl or on a stand.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and elegant pomanders that will serve as unique centrepieces at your wedding, adding a touch of creativity and charm to your special day.

History of pomanders

Pomanders, also known as kissing balls, have been used as a decorative element in weddings since the 15th century. They are spherical in shape and symbolise love, unity, and fertility. The word "pomander" comes from the French term "pomme d'ambre", which means "apple of amber". This name was derived from the use of ambergris, a yellow substance produced in the stomach of a whale, as a perfume in the Middle Ages. People in the Middle Ages believed that bad smells caused illnesses, so they would carry pomanders to protect themselves from infection and to bring good luck.

The practice of using pomanders, or wearing a ball of perfume, became popular in Europe during the late Middle Ages. At this time, pomanders were used for protection against infection, disease, and pestilence, which were common due to poverty and a lack of medical knowledge. Pomanders were also used to cover up body odour before the invention of deodorant and modern toothpaste. People would carry satchels or small bags filled with sweet-smelling herbs, spices, and flowers. The wealthy would add expensive spices like cloves and cinnamon, or dried rinds of exotic fruits such as oranges and lemons.

Over time, the use of pomanders evolved from personal perfume to home fragrance. Bowls of sweet-smelling fruits and spices were left around the house, especially during holidays or when entertaining guests. This eventually led to the creation of the clove-studded oranges that are commonly associated with pomanders today. While often imagined in a colonial setting, pomander balls as we know them are actually a Victorian decoration.

Today, pomanders are still used as decorative accents in weddings and holiday celebrations. They can be made with fresh or artificial flowers and are often carried by flower girls, bridesmaids, and even the bride. In addition to their decorative value, pomanders continue to be associated with good luck, health, and protection against infection.

Frequently asked questions