Crafting The Perfect Wedding Basket: A Step-By-Step Guide

Baskets are a versatile addition to any wedding, adding a touch of charm and whimsy to your special day. They can be used for decorative purposes, such as flower girl baskets or unique table plans, or for practical reasons, like storing cards, programs, or even bug spray for guests. You can also use them to create a romantic dinner setting or as a cake stand. Making a wedding basket is a fun DIY project that can be personalized to match your style and theme. Whether you're going for a rustic, boho, or grandmillennial aesthetic, incorporating baskets is a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding.

Choosing a basket

Type of Basket

The type of basket you choose will depend on the purpose you have in mind. For example, a flower girl basket is typically a small, decorative basket with a handle and a cute design. If you're looking for a basket to hold wedding cards or favours, a larger basket with a wide opening, such as a wicker hamper, might be a better option. For a rustic or boho wedding, wire baskets are a great choice and can be used for serving food or displaying flowers.

Colour and Decorations

The colour of your basket can be chosen to match your wedding colour scheme or theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, a natural wicker basket with a wooden handle might be a good choice. If you want something more elegant or glamorous, you could opt for a basket with a pearl handle or a satin bow. Decorating the basket with flowers, greenery, or ribbons that match your colour scheme is also a great way to add a personal touch.

Size and Shape

Consider the size and shape of the basket based on what you plan to put in it. For example, if you're making a gift basket, choose a basket that is large enough to fit all the items you want to include. If you're using the basket for decoration, choose a shape that complements your overall wedding design. For instance, half-moon-shaped wicker baskets can be a unique and stylish option for holding flowers or other decorative items.

Reusable and Eco-Friendly

When choosing a basket, consider opting for a reusable option that can be loved long after the big day. Wicker, rattan, and seagrass baskets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and eco-friendly. Using baskets made from natural materials is a great way to add a touch of charm and whimsy to your wedding while also being kind to the environment.

There are many options available when it comes to choosing a basket for your wedding. By considering the purpose, colour, size, and reusability, you can select the perfect basket that aligns with your wedding vision.

Filling the basket

For a flower girl basket, the most popular fillings are petals, dried flowers, or other creative choices. The basket can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, bows, and greenery that matches the wedding décor theme. For a rustic wedding, the basket can be filled with florals, fruit, or even bottles with flowers as a centerpiece. For a boho wedding, a basket filled with florals and greenery will be a beautiful decoration. A wicker basket filled with hydrangeas can create an intimate and romantic wedding ceremony backdrop. For a unique cake display, a simple basket charger can be used instead of a traditional cake stand.

If the basket is meant to be a gift, there are many options for fillings. A popular choice is a wine gift basket, which can include a variety of wines, wine glasses, and wine bottle labels for decoration. Non-perishable hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gouda, crackers, nuts, smoked salmon, and chocolate can also be added. For a sweet touch, include cookies, candy, or crackers. For a more personal gift, consider creating a basket of wines for major milestones after the marriage, such as the honeymoon, first anniversary, first big purchase, or first baby.

Creative packaging

• Flower Power: Decorate your basket with fresh flowers, dried blooms, or petals that complement your wedding colour palette. This adds a whimsical, romantic touch to your basket and is perfect for a flower girl or as part of your table decor.
• Go Rustic: For a rustic or boho wedding, use wicker or woven baskets. Fill them with flowers, fruit, or even bottles with flowers for a rustic, eco-friendly vibe.
• Hang Them High: Create a stylish hanging basket marquee entrance with lightweight baskets filled with flowers. This makes for a stunning visual impact and can double as a safe ceiling decoration.
• Welcome with Warmth: Greet your guests with baskets filled to the brim with florals at the venue entrance. This creates a memorable first impression and sets the tone for your wedding.
• Signage and Focal Points: Use baskets to enhance your welcome signage by creating a gorgeous focal point. You can also use them to display seating charts or cards, adding a unique touch to your table plan.
• Think Beyond the Bouquet: For an alternative to traditional bouquets, bridesmaids can carry floral-filled basket bags, adding a whimsical touch to their look. These baskets can later be repurposed as decor or as a charming confetti toss display.
• Gifts and Treats: Wedding gift baskets can be creatively packaged with burlap, cellophane, or a large bow. Include a variety of items such as wine, cheese, crackers, candles, or cookies for a personal touch.
• Serve in Style: Baskets are perfect for serving food and creating a homey vibe. Use wire baskets for bread, wicker hampers for picnic-style dining, or baskets of buns at your wedding bar.
• Practical and Pretty: Wedding baskets can be both beautiful and functional. Use them to hold ceremony programs, fans, umbrellas, or bug spray for your guests' comfort.
• Sweet Favours: Wicker baskets can be used as wedding favours, doubling as decor and a practical gift that guests can take home.

Get creative and let your personality shine through! Whether it's with a unique table plan, a romantic dinner setting, or a charming flower girl basket, wedding baskets offer endless possibilities for creative packaging and styling.

Adding a personal touch

Choose a Theme

Select a theme that reflects your interests as a couple. This could be a rustic farmhouse theme, a romantic movie night, an adventurous picnic, or even a wine and paint night. Curate your basket with items that complement this theme. For example, if you choose a movie night theme, include a selection of DVDs or a streaming service gift card, gourmet popcorn, snacks, and a cosy blanket.

Include Personalised Items

Monogrammed or hand-painted items add a unique touch to your wedding basket. Consider personalising items such as champagne glasses, hangers, or even your wedding cake topper with your initials, wedding date, or a meaningful message. These items will not only be useful for your wedding but will also become cherished keepsakes.

Create a Signature Cocktail

Craft a signature cocktail that reflects your personality as a couple. Choose a drink that is unique to you and your partner, whether it's a fun twist on a classic cocktail or something entirely new. You can even rename a known cocktail with a personal reference that your friends and family will appreciate. This is a great way to add a creative and memorable touch to your wedding basket and the overall celebration.

Incorporate Sentimental Details

Include items in your wedding basket that hold sentimental value. This could be a personalised photo album chronicling your relationship, from your first date to your engagement. Alternatively, create a memory jar filled with labelled cards for special occasions, such as your first anniversary or first home, encouraging you to write down your thoughts and milestones. These sentimental touches will make your wedding basket even more meaningful.

Add a Touch of Luxury

Indulge in a few luxurious items to elevate your wedding basket. Consider adding luxurious towels, plush robes, or even gourmet treats and artisanal snacks. You can also include items like scented candles or essential oils to create a relaxing and romantic ambiance. These special touches will make your wedding basket feel even more extravagant and indulgent.

Making it practical

Baskets are a versatile addition to any wedding and can be used for a variety of practical purposes. Firstly, they are great for storage and can be used to hold items such as food, programs, cards, umbrellas, and bug spray, especially if there are weather changes. For a rustic touch, use wicker baskets to store buns at your wedding bar. Wire baskets are also a good option for serving food, such as bread.

Baskets can be used to create a unique table plan by placing seating cards in floral-filled baskets or using a large, hand-scribed scroll surrounded by woven basket foliage arrangements. They can also be used to elevate your welcome signage, creating a gorgeous focal point at the entrance to your reception.

For an outdoor wedding, baskets can hold ceremony programs and fans, and they can also be used to display and store loose petal confetti or confetti cones for a charming confetti toss. To make your bar area more memorable, decorate it with flower-filled baskets.

If you're having a picnic or summer celebration, bring food in hampers or use baskets on reception tables to create a stylish picnic vibe. For a romantic dinner setting, place a basket of delphiniums at the foot of the reception table.

Frequently asked questions