Creating A Wedding Floral Haar: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding garlands, or 'jaimalas', are an important part of Indian wedding ceremonies. They are often made of flowers and are exchanged between the bride and groom, symbolising the first time the couple is joined together. The type of flowers used varies depending on the region and season, with popular choices including roses, orchids, carnations, and marigolds. When creating a wedding flower garland, it is important to consider the colour scheme, the availability of flowers, and the symbolism of different blooms.

Characteristics and Values of a Wedding Flower Haar

Choosing flowers by season: Opt for evergreen flowers like orchids, roses, carnations, and marigolds

When choosing flowers for a wedding flower haar, it's important to consider the seasonality of the blooms to ensure their availability and freshness. Opting for evergreen flowers like orchids, roses, carnations, and marigolds can be a wise choice, as they are available year-round and can be sourced from various parts of the world.

Orchids, with their exotic beauty and incredible diversity, can be found in a wide range of environments, from the equatorial tropics to the Arctic tundra. They are relatively easy to source due to their adaptability and the fact that they can be grown in greenhouses or fields. Orchids have specific care requirements, such as ample light and humidity, and their availability may be influenced by extreme weather conditions in their growing regions.

Roses, another evergreen option, are also grown in many areas worldwide, including Ecuador and Colombia, where the ideal combination of soil, rain, and sunlight allows for year-round production. They are a popular choice for weddings due to their beauty and versatility.

Carnations, a classic choice for weddings, are also available year-round. They come in a range of colours and can be used as focal or secondary flowers in arrangements. Mini carnations, in particular, are a popular choice for adding colour and texture to wedding bouquets and centrepieces.

Marigolds, the cheerful annuals that bring a burst of gold, copper, and brass to summer and autumn gardens, are another option for wedding flower haars. While marigolds typically bloom during warmer months, they can be grown in greenhouses to extend their availability. Marigolds are known for their ability to thrive in full sunshine and tolerate hot summers, making them a resilient choice for weddings during those seasons.

When planning a wedding, it's advisable to consult with florists or flower suppliers to confirm the availability of your chosen flowers during the desired season. By opting for evergreen flowers like orchids, roses, carnations, and marigolds, you can create stunning wedding flower haars that are both timeless and elegant.

Colour schemes: Pick flowers that complement the colour of the wedding outfits

When creating a flower haar, it's important to consider the colour of the wedding outfits. Matching the flowers to the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses can enhance the overall aesthetics and create a cohesive and visually appealing look. Here are some tips to help you choose the right flowers for your wedding haar:

If the bridesmaids' dresses are in warm tones, choose flowers in soft pastels or rich earthy tones to complement them. Alternatively, if the bridesmaid dresses feature multiple colours, select flowers that incorporate those hues. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing coral and cream, the flower haar could feature those colours, as well as toned corals and blue tones, with purples added to the mix.

For a white or ivory wedding dress, any colour palette will work well. However, if your dress is off-white or champagne, opt for warm shades like peach, blush, or soft pastels. If there is a coloured accent on your dress, such as a sash or embroidery, incorporating that colour into your haar will create a cohesive look.

The style and silhouette of your wedding dress should also be considered. For a romantic, flowing gown, choose loose, cascading bouquets with soft flowers. If your dress is sleek and modern, a more structured bouquet with clean lines and contemporary flowers may be a better choice.

Remember, while it's not necessary for the flowers to match the bridesmaids' dresses exactly, achieving a harmonious look is important. Consider the overall colour scheme of your wedding and select flowers that complement the attire.

Attire and garland: If your attire is simple, choose a heavier garland with red roses or jasmines

If you're wearing a simple outfit, a statement garland can be a great way to add a touch of glamour to your wedding look. Red roses or jasmines are both classic choices for bridal flower garlands and can be used to create a beautiful and elegant statement piece.

To make a garland with red roses, you will need the following materials:

• Red roses
• Green leaves and decorative ferns
• A piece of beaded chain
• Needle
• Thread (at least 24 inches)

Start by carefully plucking the petals from the roses. Then, roll the petals and insert the needle into them, continuing to add petals in a circular direction. Once the needle is filled, push the petals to the end of the thread. Next, add the rolled leaves or ferns of your choice.

To create a heavier garland, you can add more petals and leaves, focusing on symmetry and ensuring that the colours face each other. For a touch of contrast, alternate the colours of the rose petals and add layers of leaves and ferns.

Finally, join the ends by tying a knot and add the beaded chain to finish the garland.

If you prefer jasmines, you can follow a similar process, adjusting the steps to suit the different flower type. Jasmines have a beautiful fragrance and are often used in Indian weddings, so they would be a lovely choice for a traditional wedding.

Remember to choose flowers that are fresh and have not fully bloomed, as this will give your garland a firmer structure and ensure that it stays fresh for longer.

Wedding theme: Discuss your wedding theme with your florist to find matching flowers

When it comes to your wedding, it's important to consider how your floral choices can complement your theme and bring your vision to life. Here are some tips to help guide your discussion with your florist:

Define Your Wedding Theme

Before meeting with your florist, clearly define your wedding theme. Are you envisioning a rustic outdoor celebration or a glamorous black-tie affair? Perhaps you're drawn to a particular colour palette or specific cultural traditions. Communicate your overall vision, including any specific themes or motifs you wish to incorporate.

Colour Palette

The colour palette of your wedding plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic. Discuss the colours of your wedding with your florist, including any specific shades that are part of your theme. Florists can then suggest flowers in those colours or advise on how to incorporate them harmoniously. For instance, if you're having a red and white-themed wedding, your florist can create a stunning red and white rose jaimala, adding a touch of elegance to your special day.

Cultural Traditions

If your wedding includes cultural traditions, ensure your florist is aware of them. For example, if you're exchanging flower haars during a traditional Indian wedding ceremony, your florist should be well-versed in the significance of various flowers and colours to ensure they align with your customs.

Personal Preferences

In addition to your wedding theme, don't hesitate to discuss your personal preferences with your florist. Are there particular flowers that hold a special meaning for you and your partner? Do you have any favourite flowers or scents that you'd like to incorporate? By sharing these details, your florist can create arrangements that are not only visually stunning but also infused with personal significance.

Venue and Decor

Consider the venue and overall decor when selecting your flowers. The chosen venue may have specific floral arrangements or themes that it specializes in, or there may be restrictions on the types of flowers that can be used. Discuss with your florist how the flower haar and other floral arrangements can enhance the venue and tie in with the existing decor.

Remember, your florist is an expert in their field and can offer valuable advice and suggestions. Be open to their ideas and guidance, as they can help bring your wedding theme to life in the most beautiful and creative ways.

Flower symbolism: Understand the emotions that different flowers represent before making your choice

Flowers have long been used as a means of expression, with their unique symbolism adding depth and meaning to various occasions. The language of flowers, or floriography, has been recognised for centuries in many countries throughout Europe and Asia. The symbolic meaning of flowers is still a potent nonverbal communication tool today.

Red Roses — The classic symbol of love and romance. Red roses are often the first choice for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to express your love.

White Lilies — White lilies symbolise purity, morality, compassion, and sympathy. They are often used in funerals and memorial events to signify the departed's purity and to offer comfort to the mourning.

Sunflowers — With their bright yellow petals and cheery blooms, sunflowers represent joy, positivity, warmth, devotion, and happiness. A sunflower bouquet is perfect for bringing joy to someone's day and showing your appreciation.

Daisies — Daisies symbolise innocence, new beginnings, and purity. These simple yet lovely flowers are associated with childhood and carefree days, making them ideal for celebrating life changes and fresh starts.

Orchids — Orchids are a symbol of elegance, beauty, luxury, and strength. Their exotic beauty conveys respect and affection, making them a popular choice for special events and occasions that call for sophistication and elegance.

Lavender — Known for its calming aroma and gentle purple colour, lavender represents calmness and tranquility. It is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it an ideal gift for someone going through a stressful time.

When selecting flowers, such as for a wedding bouquet, it is essential to consider the symbolism of different flowers to ensure they align with the intended message and occasion.

Frequently asked questions