Creating Topiary Trees: A Wedding Diy Guide

Topiaries are a beautiful addition to any wedding, whether you're looking for something classic and timeless or a fun pop of colour. They can be used as centrepieces, to line the aisle, or placed near the sign-in table. While real topiaries are an option, artificial topiaries are a great way to save money and experiment with different colours and arrangements. You can even make your own topiaries with silk flowers and moss, or use real sticks and faux greenery balls to create a more natural look.

Choosing between real and artificial topiary trees

Topiary trees are a popular choice for wedding centrepieces, and you can choose to make them from real or artificial materials. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between real and artificial topiary trees for your wedding:

Cost

If you're working with a tight budget for your wedding, artificial topiary trees can be a more cost-effective option. Creating your own artificial topiaries using silk flowers and other inexpensive materials can significantly reduce expenses. On the other hand, real topiary trees often require purchasing live plants, which can be more costly.

Time and Effort

Creating artificial topiary trees can be a fun DIY project, allowing you to experiment with different colours and arrangements. However, it does require time and effort to source the materials and assemble the topiaries. Real topiary trees may save you time in terms of assembly, but they need advance planning, especially if you want to grow your own. Live topiaries can take up to six months to fill their frames, so you'll need to start well ahead of your wedding date.

Maintenance

Artificial topiary trees are low-maintenance and can be stored and reused for other occasions. They don't require watering or sunlight and can be easily packed away without worrying about smashing or damaging the flowers. Real topiary trees, on the other hand, demand care and attention to keep them healthy and thriving. They need regular watering, sunlight, and specific conditions to flourish, which can be challenging, especially as your wedding approaches.

Versatility

Artificial topiary trees offer greater versatility in terms of design and customisation. You can choose from a wide range of colours, flower types, and arrangements to match your wedding theme and decor. Real topiary trees are limited to the types of plants and flowers available, and you'll need to consider factors such as lighting and seasonality when selecting live plants.

Environmental Impact

If you're conscious about sustainability and reducing waste, real topiary trees may be a more environmentally friendly option. Artificial topiaries often use non-biodegradable materials, contributing to waste if not properly disposed of or reused. Live topiaries, on the other hand, are natural and can be replanted or incorporated into your home or garden after the wedding.

Ultimately, the decision between real and artificial topiary trees depends on your personal preferences, budget, time constraints, and the overall theme of your wedding. Both options can create beautiful centrepieces, and with some creativity and planning, you can achieve stunning results that impress your guests and make your big day truly special.

Selecting the right flowers

Flower Type and Arrangement

Topiary arrangements are usually tall with a slim middle and a rounded or peaked top. Flowers with strong stems or plants with a strong base are ideal for creating this structure. Lily plants and flowers, or birds of paradise, are commonly used for topiary due to their rigidity and ability to hold the arrangement upright. If you prefer a more natural look, consider using climbing vines such as ivy to create a two- or three-dimensional frame. This method takes time, so be sure to plan well in advance.

Colour and Variety

The beauty of creating artificial topiary is that you can experiment with a wide range of colours and flower varieties. You can choose to use a single type of flower or mix and match different designs. If you're feeling creative, you can even incorporate ribbons, paint, or other decorative elements to personalise your topiary trees.

Fresh vs Artificial Flowers

Fresh flowers and plants will require more care and attention, especially if you plan to keep them after the wedding. Artificial flowers, on the other hand, can be prepared well in advance and require less maintenance. They also give you the freedom to experiment with different colours and arrangements without worrying about the flowers wilting or dying. However, fresh flowers can add a natural and elegant touch to your wedding, and some couples may prefer the authenticity they bring.

Size and Proportion

Consider the size and proportion of your topiary trees in relation to your venue and wedding theme. For example, if you're using topiaries to line the aisle or driveway, opt for taller, slimmer designs that won't obstruct the view. If you're placing them on dinner tables, choose arrangements that are tall enough to be seen but not so large that they hinder conversation.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of flowers for your topiary trees comes down to your personal taste. You may want to choose flowers that hold a special meaning for you or your partner, or perhaps you want to incorporate your favourite blooms. For instance, if peonies are your favourite flower, you can create stunning pink peony topiaries, as described by a DIY bride.

Remember, topiary trees are a creative and unique way to decorate your wedding, and the possibilities are endless. By considering the practical factors and letting your creativity flow, you can select the perfect flowers for your topiary trees.

Decorating the pot

There are many ways to decorate the pots of your topiary trees. If you are using artificial topiary, you can glue ribbons around the pot or paint it. You can also add some real dirt to the top of your clay pots to make your topiary trees look real. If you are using a moss-covered pot, you can secure the moss by gluing it to the floral foam using a glue gun.

If you are using a metal craft bucket, put it upside down in your decorative pot and use gorilla glue to glue the edges in the pot and let it dry for 24 hours. The glue will expand around the edges of the pot and that is normal.

You can also use plastic pots that look real or terra cotta pots. If you are using a terracotta clay pot, you can put some sand in the bottom to make it heavier.

Arranging the flowers

If you are using real flowers, you will need to plan ahead, as it can take time for your flowers to grow and fill their frames. You will also need a green thumb to keep them healthy and thriving until the big day.

Step 1: Choose Your Flowers

Decide on the type of flowers you want to use. This could be based on your favourite flower, your wedding colours, or simply what is in season and available. If you are a beginner, it may be easier to design with one type of flower. If you are feeling more confident, you can use multiple types of flowers to create a more complex and varied arrangement.

Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers

If you are using artificial flowers, you will need to cut them from their stems and group them into small clusters. If using real flowers, you will need to carefully remove the leaves from the stems, leaving only the blooms.

Step 3: Attach Your Flowers

Take your prepared flowers and attach them to your structure. For artificial flowers, you can use hot glue to secure the flowers to a Styrofoam shape. For real flowers, you will need to use floral foam or floral tape to attach the blooms to the structure.

Step 4: Fill in the Gaps

Continue adding flowers until your structure is completely covered. For artificial flowers, you may need to cut some of the plastic interior netting to make the flowers fit tightly. For real flowers, fill in any gaps with additional blooms or greenery.

Step 5: Embellish Your Display

Once your flowers are attached, you can add some final touches to your display. For artificial flowers, you might add leaves or a bow. For real flowers, you could add some trailing greenery or a few loose blooms around the base.

Step 6: Care and Maintenance

If you have created an artificial flower display, be sure to cover it or store it somewhere dust-free until your wedding day. For real flowers, they will need plenty of sunlight and water to stay fresh and healthy. Do your research on the specific needs of your chosen flowers to ensure they thrive in the lead-up to your wedding.

Finishing touches

The final touches to your topiary trees will depend on the type of topiary you have decided to make. If you are using artificial flowers, you will need to add some final flourishes to the Styrofoam base. If you are using a live topiary, you will need to consider how to care for your plants.

Artificial Topiary Finishing Touches

If you are using artificial flowers, you will need to add some final touches to the Styrofoam base. Once you have covered the Styrofoam in flowers, you can add some leaves or a bow to finish the job. You could also add some moss to the top of the pot to cover any visible floral foam.

Live Topiary Finishing Touches

If you are using a live topiary, you will need to consider how to care for your plants. Live topiaries require plenty of sunlight and water to thrive. Different types of plants have different needs, so be sure to do your research on the type of plant you are using. If you are using a two-dimensional frame, you will need to ensure that the frame is secure within the pot, as moss can cause the display to topple over due to its weight.

Frequently asked questions