Creating Wedding Swags: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Wedding swags are a popular choice for wedding decorations, and there are many ways to make them. You can buy ready-made swags from online retailers like Amazon and Etsy, or you can make your own with materials like flowers, fabric, and greenery. When making your own swag, consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding, as well as the size and location of the swag. For example, you can create a floral swag using artificial flowers, a swag with a chiffon fabric drape, or a simple greenery swag using eucalyptus leaves. The options are endless, and you can personalise your swag to match your wedding style.

Choosing the right flowers

Define Your Wedding Theme and Colour Palette:

Match your flowers to your wedding theme and colours. For example, choose bright sunflowers and wildflowers for a whimsical garden wedding, or elegant roses and lilies in soft pastels for a classic ballroom affair. Play with shades and tones for a nuanced look, and consider incorporating greenery for a natural touch.

Consider Your Budget:

Before choosing your flowers, decide on a budget. The cost of flowers can vary depending on the type and elaborateness of the arrangements. If you're on a tighter budget, consider prioritising certain types of greenery or floral accents instead of pricier blooms.

Know the Basics of Wedding Flowers:

Familiarise yourself with popular wedding flowers such as roses, peonies, hydrangeas, lilies, and ranunculuses. Decide if you want fragrant blooms like lilacs, freesias, jasmine, or sweet peas. Knowing the basics will help you communicate effectively with your florist and make informed choices.

Use Your Wedding Colour Palette:

Think about your wedding colour palette to narrow down your flower choices. Consider flowers that come in a variety of colours, such as dahlias, carnations, mums, roses, tulips, and lilies. If you want an exact colour match, be specific when discussing your preferences with your florist, and provide paint chips or fabric swatches for reference.

Pick Flowers That Reflect Your Wedding Season:

Select flowers that are typically in season during your wedding month. For example, choose tulips and peonies for a spring wedding or dahlias and mums for a fall wedding. In-season flowers are generally more readily available and affordable. However, if you have your heart set on a particular flower that's out of season, your florist can advise on alternatives or sourcing options.

Match the Flowers to Your Wedding Style:

Choose flowers that reflect the style and aesthetic of your wedding. For a formal black-tie wedding, opt for traditional and elegant arrangements. If your wedding is more relaxed and informal, you can be creative with mix-and-match centrepieces and looser, garden-style bouquets. Consider the tone you want to set—white calla lilies for timeless elegance or bright pink ranunculus for a playful vibe.

DIY vs buying pre-made

When it comes to wedding swags, you can either make them yourself or buy pre-made ones. There are pros and cons to both options, so it's important to consider your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences before deciding.

DIY Wedding Swags

If you're crafty and enjoy DIY projects, making your own wedding swags can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can find various materials and supplies online or at craft stores. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of options, including artificial flowers, greenery, fabric drapes, and more. You can also find templates and design ideas online to help you get started.

However, DIY wedding swags can be time-consuming and may require additional tools or equipment, such as paper cutters, punches, and glue. The cost of materials can also add up, especially if you need a large quantity or want high-quality supplies. Additionally, if you're not experienced with paper crafts, you may encounter issues with printing, alignment, and cutting.

Buying Pre-made Wedding Swags

On the other hand, buying pre-made wedding swags can save you time and hassle. Online retailers like Amazon and Etsy offer a vast selection of ready-to-use wedding swags, with options to suit different themes and colour schemes. You can find simple and affordable options, as well as more elaborate designs with floral arrangements, fabric draping, and other decorative elements.

Purchasing pre-made swags can be more convenient, especially if you're short on time or don't want to deal with the stress of DIY projects. However, it's important to consider the cost, especially if you require a large quantity. Additionally, you may have limited customisation options, and finding a design that perfectly matches your vision can be challenging.

Both DIY and pre-made wedding swags have their advantages and disadvantages. DIY allows for more customisation and can be a fun project, but it may be time-consuming and costly. Buying pre-made swags saves time and effort but may be more expensive, especially for larger quantities. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to the project.

Using fabric

Swags are a great way to add colour and interest to a party or wedding ceremony. They can be draped across a rustic shutter or used as a backdrop for a wedding arch. Here is a guide on how to make swags using fabric.

Materials:

• Household twine or string
• Thin strips of coordinating fabric cut to about 4 1/2 inches long
• Strips of ribbon, lace, or burlap (optional)

Instructions:

• Tie a length of string across two points to make it easier to work with.
• Fold a strip of fabric in half and place it in front of the string.
• Bring the two tail ends up behind the string and back through the loop of fabric so they hang forward.
• Repeat this process with more fabric strips until you have your desired length, sliding the fabric pieces together as you go.
• Drape the swag where desired.

You can also add variety by mixing in strips of ribbon, lace, or burlap. This method can be used to create swags for wedding arches, backdrops, or to drape across other decor elements.

For a more natural look, consider using sheer fabric such as chiffon or organza. Etsy offers a range of fabric options in various colours and lengths, including 12, 18, 24, and 30-foot options.

Additionally, artificial flower swags are a popular choice for weddings and can be purchased or made using artificial flowers and greenery.

Swag placement

• Wedding Arches: One of the most popular places to use swags is on the wedding arch, creating a stunning backdrop for the ceremony. Place the swag at the top of the arch, draping it gently over the structure. This can be enhanced with flowers, greenery, or fabric to match your colour scheme.
• Doors and Entryways: Swag decor can be placed above doors and entryways to create a welcoming atmosphere. Whether it's the main entrance to the venue or a more intimate doorway, a swag adds a touch of elegance.
• Tables: For a romantic tablescape, consider placing a swag as a table runner. This can be done on the head table or guest tables. A smaller swag can also be draped over the front or side of a table, especially if you have a welcome sign or seating chart displayed.
• Backdrops: If you're taking photos at the venue, create a beautiful backdrop by hanging swags on a wall or backdrop stand. This will elevate your photos and provide a lovely setting for guests to pose in front of.
• Chairs: Swag decor can be draped over the backs of chairs, particularly the bride and groom's chairs, to add a touch of luxury.
• Lanterns and Centrepieces: For a whimsical touch, incorporate swags into your lantern or centrepiece displays. This can be done by draping the swag around the base or hanging it from the top of the lantern.
• Windows and Mirrors: Swag decor can frame windows and mirrors beautifully. Hang them at the top of the frame to draw attention to these features.
• Ceilings: For a dramatic effect, consider hanging swags from the ceiling. This works well with high ceilings and creates a sense of grandeur.
• Reception Desks: If you have a welcome or reception desk, a swag placed on or above it will enhance the area and make it more inviting for guests.
• Outdoor Settings: If your wedding has an outdoor component, swag decor can be used to accentuate natural features like trees, arbors, or trellises.

Remember, when placing swags, consider the overall balance and harmony of the venue's decor. You can mix and match different types of swags, such as floral, fabric, or greenery, to create texture and visual interest. Ensure that the swags are secure and won't obstruct any important views or pathways.

Colour schemes

Neutral Tones

Neutral colours such as white, cream, beige, and ivory are popular choices for weddings as they create a soft and elegant look. These colours can be paired with greenery, such as eucalyptus or lamb's ear, for a natural and organic feel. This colour scheme is versatile and can be used for a variety of wedding themes, including rustic, classic, or bohemian styles.

Pastel Palette

For a delicate and romantic touch, consider a pastel colour scheme. Colours like blush, dusty rose, sage green, and ballet pink are perfect for adding a hint of colour while maintaining a soft and ethereal aesthetic. These colours can be combined with white or ivory flowers and greenery to create a whimsical and dreamy atmosphere.

Bold and Vibrant

If you want to make a statement, opt for a bold and vibrant colour scheme. Rich hues like terracotta, burnt orange, and navy blue can be paired with neutrals like white or ivory to create a striking contrast. This colour scheme is ideal for autumn weddings, adding a touch of warmth and depth to your decor.

Muted Tones

For a subtle and understated look, consider a muted colour palette. Colours like dusty blue, mauve, and grey can be paired with cream or white to create a soft and elegant atmosphere. This colour scheme is perfect for weddings with a vintage, rustic, or minimalist theme, as it adds a touch of softness and subtlety to the overall aesthetic.

Seasonal Inspiration

You can also draw inspiration from the season of your wedding. For example, a fall wedding could feature swags in rich autumnal hues like orange, yellow, and burgundy, while a spring wedding might incorporate pastel shades of pink, purple, and ivory to reflect the colours of the season.

Frequently asked questions