Creating Wedding Chair Flowers: A Simple Guide

Wedding chair flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding ceremony and reception. Whether you're looking to decorate the chairs lining the aisle or the chairs at the head table, creating DIY wedding chair flowers is a fun project that will add a personal touch to your special day. In this article, we'll show you how to make wedding chair flowers using fresh flowers and greenery, as well as some alternative methods using mason jars and ribbon. We'll also provide tips on choosing the right flowers and arranging them to create elegant floral displays. So, whether you're a craft connoisseur or a DIY newbie, read on to learn how to make stunning wedding chair flowers that will wow your guests.

Choosing flowers and greenery

Flowers and greenery are the stars of your wedding chair decorations, so it's important to choose them carefully. You can opt for fresh flowers or artificial ones, depending on your preference and budget. Fresh flowers will need to be processed and hydrated before use, while artificial flowers can be more cost-effective and long-lasting.

When selecting flowers, consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. You can choose flowers that complement your bridal bouquet or go for something entirely different. Some popular options for wedding chair flowers include roses, hydrangeas, carnations, garden roses, and baby's breath. The type of flower you choose will also depend on the size and shape of your arrangement. For example, if you want a fuller, more textured look, you might opt for flowers with smaller, more delicate petals.

Greenery is essential to adding depth and interest to your floral arrangements. It can also help to fill out the arrangement and make it look more lush. Some options for greenery include sword fern, Victorian Lacey leather, myrtle greens, and ming fern. When choosing your greenery, consider the types of leaves and their colours. You might opt for a mix of different greens to add variety to your arrangement.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of flowers and greenery. You can also add in other elements like ribbon or silver accents to give your wedding chair flowers a unique touch. Ultimately, the choice of flowers and greenery is a personal one, so select options that speak to your style and vision for your wedding day.

Once you've chosen your flowers and greenery, you'll need to prepare them for the arrangement. This includes cutting the stems to the appropriate lengths and removing any foliage or thorns that may be visible. You'll also want to ensure that your fresh flowers are properly hydrated before proceeding to the next steps of creating your wedding chair decorations.

Arranging flowers and greenery

Firstly, you'll need to prepare your flowers and greenery. Remove any thorns and foliage that sits below the water line. You'll want to ensure your flowers are well-hydrated at this stage. Then, lay out your flowers and greenery on a table. This will make it easier to arrange them.

Now, you can start building your arrangement. A good place to start is with the greenery. Create an 'X' with three stems of sword fern, and then layer in the Victorian lacey leaf, ensuring you balance texture and size. Focus on the front of the arrangement, as the back will be attached to the chair.

Next, add your statement flowers. In this example, we're using romantic antique pink garden roses. Add a stem of ming fern for fullness and texture. You can experiment with different combinations of flowers and greenery until you find an arrangement you like.

Once you're happy with the arrangement, it's time to secure it with floral wire. Wrap the wire around the stems, and then trim off the excess with wire cutters. Repeat this process for a smaller bouquet, and then attach the smaller bouquet to the larger one by turning it upside down and inserting the stems. Secure the two together with wire, and adjust the stems so the arrangement looks natural.

Finally, wrap green floral tape around the stems to lock the arrangement in place and create a professional finish.

Adding accent flowers

For example, you could use smaller flowers from your flower box set to add accents to your main floral arrangement. You could also add some greenery, such as small branches of leaves, to create texture and interest. If you're using mason jars, you can add silver branches or Ting Ting for a silver accent.

Once you're happy with your accent flowers, secure them with floral wire and trim off any excess wire with wire cutters. You can also use green floral tape to lock your floral arrangement in place and create a professional finish.

Securing flowers to the chair

Now that you have your flowers ready, it's time to secure them to the chair. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of flowers and the chair. Here are some step-by-step instructions for different methods:

Using wire

This method involves using wire to secure the flowers directly to the chair. You will need floral wire, wire cutters, and pliers. Cut the wire to the desired length, then wrap it around the stems of the flowers and the chair, twisting tightly with pliers to secure it in place. For extra stability, wire both the top and bottom of the arrangement. This method is ideal for wholesale flowers and greenery arrangements.

Using mason jars

Another way to secure flowers to chairs is by using hanging mason jars. First, measure the wire around the neck of the jar, adding extra length for two loops. Cut the wire and create the first loop, leaving extra wire at the end. Twist it tightly, then make a second loop on the opposite side of the jar. Secure the wire around the mouth of the jar and snip off any excess. Place a ribbon through the loops and tie knots, leaving enough ribbon to hang from the chair. Finally, add water and flowers to the jar and hang it on the corner of the chair.

Using ribbon

If you're using ribbon to secure your flowers, start by creating a ribbon accent. Take two ribbons of your chosen colour and length, place them together, and fold them in half. Bunch them together in the middle to form a small loop. Then, take another piece of thin ribbon and tie the two pieces together. Attach this ribbon accent to your floral arrangement by tying it around the flower stems. The ribbons should create a cascading effect. Use the excess ribbon to secure the arrangement to the back of the chair.

Using floral tape

For an extra secure hold, use floral tape to wrap around the flower and greenery stems. This will also give your arrangement a neat, professional finish. Cut the tape to size and wrap it around the stems, covering any visible wire. This method can be used in combination with any of the above methods.

Keeping flowers fresh

Wedding flowers are a beautiful addition to any ceremony, but they can quickly wilt and die if not cared for properly. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your wedding chair flowers fresh and vibrant throughout your special day.

Keep Them Hydrated

Ensure your flowers are well-hydrated by keeping them in water whenever possible. Use warm water, as hot water will dehydrate the flowers, and cold water will shock and wither the blooms. The water level should be approximately six inches up the stems, and any foliage that falls below this waterline should be trimmed to avoid bacterial growth.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Before the wedding, store your flowers in a cool, dark area. Sunlight and direct heat will cause the flowers to decay faster, so avoid placing them near windows or vents. Keep them in a bucket of water, and if possible, make fresh cuts along the stems each time you put them back in the water to brighten their colour.

Feed Your Flowers

Flowers love food! You can use a commercial flower food packet, or make your own solution by mixing apple cider vinegar with sugar to keep bacterial growth at bay. You can also add a few drops of bleach and a teaspoon of sugar to the water to help your flowers stay fresh longer.

Secret Weapons

Some unexpected items can work wonders for your flowers. Try adding a quarter cup of lemon-lime soda (not a sugar-free or flavoured variety) to each vase of flowers for a boost of acidity and sugar. Alternatively, a few drops of vodka with a teaspoon of sugar will eliminate bacteria and feed your flowers.

Final Touches

A quick spritz of hairspray can also help keep your flowers looking fresh. And don't forget to ask your florist for advice – they may have their own secret weapons, like a flower preservative spray, to keep your blooms looking their best.

Frequently asked questions