Create A Magical Wedding With Table Lantern Garland

Wedding table decorations can be expensive, so why not try making your own? A DIY table garland is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful and elegant centrepiece that will wow your guests. In this guide, we'll show you how to make a stunning table garland using greenery, candles, and a few other easily sourced items. So, whether you're a craft expert or a beginner, read on to learn how to make your own wedding table lantern garlands.

Choose your greenery

When it comes to choosing the greenery for your wedding table lantern garlands, there are several options to consider. The type of greenery you choose will depend on the style you are aiming for, the colour palette of your decor, and the season of your wedding.

A popular choice for wedding garlands is eucalyptus, which comes in several varieties, including seeded, silver dollar, and feather. Its soft green tone and famous hardiness make it a versatile option for a range of wedding themes, including earthy, boho, desert, or farm celebrations. Other types of greenery that work well for garlands include willow leaf, rose banksia vine, rose leaf, salal (lemon leaf), bay leaf, nandina, plumosa, and different types of ruscus.

Combining different types of greenery can create a beautiful contrast in texture and shades of green. Alternatively, using just one type of interesting greenery, such as bay leaf or silver dollar eucalyptus, can also make for a stunning garland. If you're looking for a full and lush garland, consider using leafy greens such as bay leaf, or combining multiple varieties of greens. For a minimalist look, opt for longer stems of Ruscus, Nandina, or Plumosa draped down the length of the table.

When choosing your greenery, consider the width of your tables. If you have thinner tables, you may want to opt for a thinner garland, while a wider table may call for a thicker garland to fill the space. Don't forget to take into account the space needed for your guests' glasses and plates.

Prepare the pots

To prepare the pots for your wedding table lantern garlands, start by gathering a collection of empty plant pots or paint cans. You can use acrylic, ceramic, or plastic pots, depending on what you have available or what suits your wedding theme. Once you have your pots, give them a coat of spray paint in your chosen colours. You can use metallics or other warm shades to add a nice touch to your wedding decor. Depending on the material of the pots, you may need to apply a couple of coats of paint for an even finish. Be sure to follow the instructions on the spray paint can for drying times between coats.

Take your time with this step, as you want to ensure the paint is thoroughly dry before proceeding. The last thing you want is smudged or tacky paint ruining your hard work! Once the paint is dry, you can start filling your pots. Add damp soil to each pot, filling them to about three-quarters full. This will provide a stable base for your succulents and moss, which you will arrange on top of the soil.

When filling your pots, be mindful of the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. You can fill some pots with just moss, creating a soft and trailing effect, while others can be filled with a combination of succulents and moss for added depth and texture. Play around with different arrangements until you find a composition that pleases you. Remember to leave space in the centre of each pot for the candles, which should be tall enough to ensure the flame is well away from the greenery and the pot itself.

After you've arranged the succulents and moss to your liking, add a final touch by placing two tall candles in the centre of each pot. The candles should be secure and stable to prevent any accidents. You can now stand back and admire your handiwork! These prepared pots will serve as beautiful centrepieces for your wedding tables, adding a natural and elegant touch to your special day.

Create the garland

Now that you have your materials, it's time to start creating your wedding table lantern garland. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your lanterns: If you are using metal lanterns, you may want to spray paint them to match your wedding colour scheme. Choose a paint suitable for the lantern material and follow the instructions on the can. Allow ample time for the paint to dry.
• Gather your greenery: For a wedding table garland, you'll want to select varieties of greenery that won't wilt quickly and will last throughout the day or evening. Look for sturdier leaves, such as eucalyptus, willow, ivy, or moss. You can also add in some delicate foliage sparingly for a touch of variety.
• Create greenery bundles: Start by making bundles of your chosen greenery. Use floral wire to attach the stems together. The size of the bundles will depend on the desired width of your garland. For a wider garland that covers more table space, make thicker bundles. For a narrower garland, create long, thin bundles. It's a good idea to place a test bundle on your table to get a sense of the length and thickness before finalising the rest.
• Combine the bundles: To form the garland, take two bundles and overlap them, securing them together with floral wire or green floral tape. Position the second bundle halfway down the first, covering the wire and stems of the first. Repeat this process, attaching new bundles and overlapping the stems to conceal any wires or tape. Continue until you've reached your desired garland length.
• Finish the garland ends: Take 2-3 remaining bundles and attach them together, creating a final grouping that will serve as the end of your garland. Place this group of bundles at the end of the garland, with the stems facing in the opposite direction of the line you've created. Tuck the stems under the leaves as far as possible to achieve a seamless, natural look. Secure the stems with wire or tape.
• Add sprigs and fill gaps: Use single sprigs of greenery to fill in any gaps along the garland, especially where the opposite-facing stems meet. This step helps to cover any exposed wires or tape and create a fuller, more cohesive garland. Use longer pieces to add width and shorter sprigs to fill in areas without adding extra bulk.
• Incorporate the lanterns: Position your lanterns along the garland, spacing them out evenly. You can place the lanterns on top of the greenery or gently weave the garland through the lantern structure if it has openings. Ensure the lanterns are secure and won't topple over.
• Add extra decorations: Consider adding extra decorations to your garland, such as flowers, fairy lights, or small decorative items that fit your wedding theme. Be mindful of the overall weight and balance of the garland, especially if it will be placed on a table.
• Display your garland: Your wedding table lantern garland is now ready to be displayed! Place it on the reception tables, ensuring it is secure and won't slide or topple. If using candles or fairy lights, light them just before the event to create a magical atmosphere.

By following these steps, you'll have a beautiful, personalised garland that will impress your wedding guests and add a unique touch to your special day.

Add succulents and moss

Wedding table garlands are a beautiful addition to your décor and can be made using flowers, greenery, or succulents. If you're looking to add a natural, rustic, or woodland touch to your wedding tablescape, consider incorporating succulents and moss into your garlands. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create stunning table garlands with these elements:

Choose Your Greenery

Select a variety of succulents in different sizes, shapes, and shades of green. You can opt for pale succulents for a modern or cozy natural feel. Combine these with moss, which serves as an excellent base and filler for your garland. The combination of succulents and moss will lend a unique texture and visual appeal to your garland.

Gather Your Materials

In addition to the succulents and moss, you will need other types of greenery, such as eucalyptus, willow, ivy, or fern. These will add depth and complement the main elements of your garland. Remember to choose greenery that is sturdy and won't wilt too quickly, ensuring that your garland stays fresh throughout your wedding day.

Prepare the Base

Spray paint a collection of empty plant pots or paint cans in colours that match your wedding theme. You can use metallics to add warmth or choose contrasting colours for a unique look. Fill these pots about three-quarters of the way with damp soil. This will serve as the base for your succulents and moss.

Create the Garland

Combine your chosen greenery, succulents, and moss to form a garland that curves gracefully along the length of your table. Weave the elements together, creating a wild and natural design. You can add in some trailing ivy for a romantic, rustic touch. Play with different textures and shapes to make your garland visually interesting.

Add the Finishing Touches

Place the succulents and moss on top of the soil-filled pots, moulding the moss to fill any gaps. Add candles to the centre of each pot, ensuring they are tall and secure. You can use tea lights or taller candles, being mindful of the flame's proximity to the greenery. Place some smaller succulents along the length of the garland to add depth and interest. If any pot tops are visible, soften them with extra moss for a trailing effect.

Final Adjustments and Display

Light the candles to see how they look within the garland, adjusting their position if needed. Add some smaller tea lights between the pots and at the front of the garland, being mindful of any trailing foliage. Space the pots along the garland, either randomly or symmetrically, depending on your preferred style. Stand back and admire your beautiful, nature-inspired creation!

Place candles

Candles are an important part of your wedding table lantern garland. They add a romantic, elegant touch to your centrepiece and can be chosen to match your wedding colour scheme.

Firstly, you'll want to ensure you have a variety of candle sizes. For the centre of your garland, opt for two tall candles, which will sit in the centre of the succulent and moss arrangement. The height of these candles is important—they should be tall enough that the flame is well away from the greenery and pots to avoid any fire hazards. Tea lights are also a great addition to your garland. Place these smaller candles in between the larger pots and at the front of your garland. Again, be mindful of the proximity of the flames to any foliage—you don't want any trailing leaves to catch light!

Candle safety is an important consideration for your wedding table display. Ensure that the candles are secure and won't fall over. You should also be mindful of any young children who may be at your wedding and consider omitting candles from their tables. If you are concerned about the safety of an open flame, you could opt for LED candles, which can be just as effective and romantic.

Finally, consider the style of candle you want. You could opt for simple, elegant designs, or choose something more decorative to match your wedding theme. For example, if you are having a rustic-themed wedding, you could choose wooden wick candles. Or, if you are having a beach-themed wedding, you could choose blue candles to represent the ocean.

Frequently asked questions