Creating Beautiful Wedding Flower Balls: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hanging flower balls are a great DIY addition to your wedding decor. They are easy to make and can be created in less than an hour. You can use silk or fresh flowers, and the effect of this hanging decor will be a striking addition to your event. You can make these flower balls in five simple steps. First, you need to wrap a foam ball with wire to give it structure. Second, you need to add a middle section by wrapping wire around the centre of the foam ball. Third, you need to add a ribbon to hang the flower ball. Fourth, you need to trim the flowers and attach them to the foam ball. Finally, repeat these steps to create as many flower balls as you need.

Wet the foam

Wetting the foam is a crucial step in making wedding flower balls as it ensures that the flowers stay fresh and hydrated for longer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, if you are using a solid foam or Styrofoam ball, pierce a small hole in it. This will allow the water to permeate the foam easily. You can use a thin tool like a skewer or a thin knife to make the hole.

Now, pour cold water into the foam. Keep pouring until the foam becomes dark green in colour. This indicates that the foam is fully saturated. If you are using wet foam, it is ready to use at this stage. However, if you are using Styrofoam, you might need to use more water to ensure it is fully soaked.

If you are using fresh flowers, it is important to soak the foam in water for around 10 minutes. This will ensure that the flowers have enough water to stay hydrated. After soaking, leave the foam for a couple of hours to allow any excess water to drain. This step is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the flowers.

Once the foam is adequately wet, it is time to move on to the next steps of assembling your wedding flower ball. Remember to work quickly if you are using fresh flowers, as you don't want them to wilt before your big day!

Secure the ribbon

To secure the ribbon, you will need floral pins, a ribbon of your desired length, and a foam sphere.

Start by cutting the ribbon to your desired length. Tie both ends of the ribbon into a knot and place it at the bottom of the foam sphere. Then, use floral pins to secure the ribbon to the foam sphere. Insert the pins into the bottom of the sphere and guide them around the ribbon, pushing them into the foam at regular intervals. This will ensure that the ribbon is securely attached to the foam and can bear the weight of the flower ball when it is hung.

If you are using a wire to secure the ribbon, cut a piece of wire and bend it around the ribbon. Then, use florist's tape to cover the knot and wire, securing the ribbon in place. Next, push the wire bit through the centre of the foam sphere and fold the excess wire into the ball. This method will ensure that the ribbon is securely attached and can support the weight of the flower ball.

Cut the flowers

To make wedding flower balls, you'll need to cut the flowers to the right size. This will ensure they fit nicely into your foam ball and give your decoration a neat finish.

Start by cutting the flowers from their stems. You can use wire cutters or scissors for this step. Cut the flowers about an inch from the head at an angle. This will allow the flowers to easily absorb water from the foam and stay fresh. Remove all the leaves from the stems. Then, trim the stems to 3 cm in length. If you're using silk flowers, you can skip this step and simply trim the buds, leaving 2-3 inches of the stem exposed.

If you're using a variety of flowers, try to cut them all to a similar size. This will create a more uniform look for your flower ball. You can always trim the stems again if they don't fit properly into the foam.

Once your flowers are cut, you'll be ready to start assembling your flower ball. Poke the stems into the foam ball, making sure to cover it entirely. You may need to use floral pins to secure the flowers in place, especially if you're using fresh flowers.

Poke flowers into the foam

Now it's time to add the flowers to your wedding flower ball! If you're using silk flowers, use wire cutters to trim the buds off their stems, leaving 2 to 3 inches of the stem exposed. This will allow you to pierce the ball and attach the flowers securely. Push the flower stems into the foam ball in between the wire wrappings, making sure each flower is secure and doesn't budge. If you feel that the flowers aren't attaching well, you can use hot glue to further adhere them to the foam form. Place the flowers close together to cover any gaps and leave about 1 to 2 inches between each flower, as the petals will cover the foam so that it's not visible through the flowers. Alternate between different types and colours of flower buds to create a varied and dimensional look.

If you're using fresh flowers, you will need to attach floral picks to the stems using floral wire. Then, use the sharp end of the pick to pierce the foam and attach the flower to the body of the foam form. Fresh flowers may require a little more care and attention when poking them into the foam, so take your time and ensure they are secure. As with the silk flowers, try to place the fresh flowers close together to create a full and vibrant effect.

For a cohesive look, ensure that the flowers you choose match your wedding colour scheme. You can create a beautiful, colourful display by alternating different types and colours of flowers. If you're using silk flowers, you could opt for silk roses, dahlias, or carnations. Fresh flowers such as spray roses, mini variegated pittosporum, and kangaroo paws also work well.

Once you've poked all the flowers into the foam and ensured they're secure, step back and admire your handiwork! Your wedding flower ball is now complete and ready to be hung at your wedding venue.

Hang the flower balls

Now that your flower balls are ready, it's time to hang them up! Here are some tips to help you with the process:

First, decide on the desired height of the flower balls. You can cut the ribbon accordingly, leaving a little extra length (about 1 to 2 feet) to allow for adjustments. This ribbon will be used to hang your flower balls from tree branches, hooks, or other suitable structures.

When cutting the ribbon, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. For a uniform look, ensure all the ribbons are of the same length. If you prefer a more whimsical or asymmetrical arrangement, vary the ribbon lengths accordingly.

Once you've cut the ribbon to the desired length, it's time to secure it to your flower ball. Slip one end of the ribbon under at least three of the wire wrappings, creating a loop. This ensures that the weight of the flower ball is evenly distributed when hung. Then, tie a simple double knot and trim off any excess ribbon if needed.

After securing the ribbon, you can hang your flower balls at your chosen locations. If you're hanging them from tree branches, simply drape the ribbon over a sturdy branch. For a more permanent solution, you can use hooks or hangers, ensuring they are firmly attached to a stable structure.

When hanging multiple flower balls, consider the spacing and arrangement. You can hang them at different heights to create a cascading effect or cluster them together for a more voluminous look. Play around with the spacing and arrangement until you achieve the desired visual impact.

Lastly, take a step back and admire your handiwork! Your hanging flower balls will undoubtedly add a touch of elegance and charm to your wedding or party venue, impressing your guests and creating a memorable atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions