Creating Wedding Terrariums: A Step-By-Step Guide

Terrariums are a popular choice for wedding décor, adding a chic natural touch to any theme, from desert to boho-chic. They are typically housed inside glass and metal cloches, jars, or bowls, showcasing miniature arrangements of fresh flowers, greenery, or even fairy lights and candles. With a little creativity, you can make these decorative pieces yourself, saving money and adding a unique stamp to your special day.

The process of creating a terrarium is straightforward and requires only a few inexpensive materials. Whether you opt for an open or closed design, the basic structure consists of gravel, moss, soil, and plants. The plants are typically small and thrive in high humidity and low light conditions. Succulents and cacti, for example, are popular choices but require a different approach due to their intolerance of high humidity.

The versatility of terrariums extends beyond their contents to their placement. While commonly used as centrepieces, they can also be hung above tables or used to line the wedding aisle, creating a unique and unforgettable look.

Use preserved flowers for a dreamy bohemian vibe

Preserved flowers can be a beautiful way to add a dreamy bohemian vibe to your wedding terrariums. Here are some tips and ideas to achieve this:

Choosing the Right Flowers

Select flowers that complement your bohemian wedding theme. Consider using dried flowers, such as eucalyptus or cedarwood, to add an earthy, bohemian touch. You can also incorporate seasonal blooms in tones of rust, olive, or blush to stay true to the season's vibes. Wildflowers, native blooms, and foraged foliage are also great options to embody the free-spirited and eclectic nature of a bohemian wedding.

Preparing the Flowers

To ensure the best results when preserving flowers, start the process while the petals are still vibrant and unstained. You can preserve the flowers using various methods, such as pressing, air-drying, or using silica gel. Pressing flowers is a simple DIY method where you arrange the flowers between pieces of wax paper and place them inside a heavy book to dry. Air-drying involves hanging the flowers upside down in a dry, temperate area for about a week. Silica gel is a porous sand that absorbs water and dries flowers in one to seven days, keeping their shape and color intact.

Designing the Terrarium

When creating your wedding terrarium, layer gravel, moss, soil, and plants. You can use a mix of leafy plants, succulents, and cacti, depending on whether your terrarium is open (dry) or closed (humid). Add decorative elements such as small figurines, shells, or other whimsical accents. If you want a bohemian touch, consider using vintage pieces, such as vintage rugs or furniture, to add color and character to your terrarium. Incorporate fairy lights or string lights to create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.

Displaying the Terrarium

Place your finished wedding terrarium in an area with plenty of natural light but away from direct sunlight. To maintain the terrarium, spray it with water every couple of weeks or when the soil feels dry. Keep an eye on condensation levels, and remove the top to air out the terrarium if it becomes too foggy.

Hang tiny terrariums above tables for a unique look

Hanging tiny terrariums above tables at your wedding will definitely be a show-stopper and a unique look that guests will remember. Here is a guide to help you create this look.

Firstly, you will need to source some hanging terrariums. You could opt for glass orbs, hanging geometric shapes, or small hanging vases. Ensure they have a secure hook or attachment at the top so they can be hung safely. You could even use hanging candle holders for this purpose.

For the table below, you will need to set up a sturdy structure to hang the terrariums from. A large, stable branch or a metal arch is a good option, ensuring it is securely anchored to the ground or the table. If you wish to hang them directly above the table, you will need to ensure the structure is tall enough to provide clearance for your guests. Alternatively, you could hang the terrariums at varying heights around the table, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.

Now it's time to get creative and fill your hanging terrariums. You can use a variety of materials such as moss, small rocks, and gravel to create a base. Add some soil and then carefully add your choice of plants. Succulents and air plants are a great option as they are low maintenance and look elegant. You could even add some fairy lights or small battery-operated candles to create a magical, glowing effect.

Finally, attach your hanging terrariums securely to the structure, ensuring they are evenly spaced and at the desired height. You could also add some trailing plants or flowers to the structure to create a whimsical, natural look. This unique hanging terrarium display will create a beautiful, intimate atmosphere and is sure to be a talking point for your guests.

Create live succulent terrariums for a horticultural project

Terrariums are a great way to bring a touch of nature indoors and are perfect for those who want to add some greenery to their space without requiring much maintenance. Creating a live succulent terrarium is a fun and simple horticultural project that can be done by anyone. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choose a Container

The first step in creating your terrarium is to select an appropriate container. You can use a variety of glass or clear containers such as old jam jars, fish bowls, mason jars, or even a fish tank. It is recommended to use an open container for succulents as they thrive in drier conditions. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate your plants without the leaves touching the sides.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. In addition to your container, you will need gravel, sand, or lava rock for drainage, activated charcoal to absorb excess moisture and prevent odours, potting soil, and, of course, your live succulents. You can also add decorative elements such as driftwood, shells, or other objects to create a unique scene.

Step 3: Prepare the Container

Start by layering the bottom of your container with gravel, sand, or lava rock to a depth of about 1-2 inches. This layer is crucial for drainage and will help prevent root rot. Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. You can sprinkle it over the drainage layer or mix it in, depending on the size of your container.

Step 4: Add the Soil and Plants

Now it's time to add the potting soil. Moisten the soil slightly before adding it to reduce dust. You'll want to add enough soil to accommodate the roots of your succulents, typically about 1.5-2 inches deep. Use your finger or a small tool like a chopstick to create shallow holes in the soil and gently place your succulents into the holes. Be sure to leave some space between the plants for airflow.

Step 5: Decorate and Care for Your Terrarium

Once your succulents are in place, you can add decorative elements to your terrarium to make it truly unique. Mist the plants with water, being careful not to overwater. Place your terrarium in a spot with plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the plants. Succulents don't require frequent watering, so be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Terrariums are a wonderful way to bring the beauty of nature into your home, and creating one can be a fun and rewarding project. With the right care, your live succulent terrarium will thrive and bring you joy for months or even years to come.

Make a floral fantasy with fresh flowers

Making a floral fantasy with fresh flowers is a fun and exciting task. Here is a detailed guide to help you create beautiful wedding terrariums with fresh flowers:

Planning and Preparation:

• Choose your flowers: Select 1-3 types of strong primary flowers with long and sturdy stems, such as roses, orchids, calla lilies, hydrangeas, peonies, or dahlias. Also, pick some secondary flowers and filler flowers like baby's breath and wax flowers.
• Decide on a color palette: Traditionally, wedding bouquets feature white and cream flowers, but feel free to choose any color scheme that matches your wedding aesthetic, location, or dress.
• Gather your supplies: You will need fresh flowers, flower shears or stem stripper, sharp scissors or a knife, thick gloves, buckets filled with fresh water, floral tape, and ribbon.
• Order timing: Plan to have your flowers delivered 2-3 days before your event to allow them to rehydrate and bloom.
• Flower care: When the flowers arrive, trim the stems at an angle and remove any foliage and thorns. Put the flowers in buckets of clean water for at least 6 hours to let them rehydrate. Store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Creating the Bouquet:

• Start with the center: Take 3-4 primary flowers with the largest blossoms and cross their stems, holding them right beneath the blossoms.
• Build the bouquet: Gradually add more primary flowers, rotating your hand to create a spiral shape.
• Fill in the gaps: Once you're happy with the primary flowers, add the secondary flowers 2-3 at a time, placing them in any empty spaces to create a balanced and rounded bouquet.
• Trim the stems: Finally, trim the stems to your desired length, usually around 6-7 inches.

Wrapping the Bouquet:

• First layer: Use floral tape to secure the bouquet by wrapping it several times around the stems, starting about 1-1.5 inches below the blossoms.
• Second layer: Choose a ribbon that matches your color palette and wrap it around the stems, covering the floral tape. Secure the ribbon with a knot, bow, or pearl-headed pins for a glamorous touch.

Extra Tips:

• Avoid making the bouquet too large. A good size for a bouquet diameter is 8-13 inches, no wider than the bride's waist.
• Always get more flowers than you need to account for mistakes or last-minute changes.
• If making the bouquet in advance, do it no earlier than 1-2 days before the wedding to ensure the flowers stay fresh.
• Store the finished bouquet in a container of water and keep it in a cool place or the fridge (remove any fruit first).
• Don't forget to delegate tasks and enlist help from your bridal party, family, and friends to share the workload.

Opt for a wooden frame for a geometric design without glass

Terrariums are usually made of glass, but you can opt for a wooden frame for a geometric design without glass. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a wooden frame terrarium for your wedding:

Materials and Tools:

• Wooden frame (you can build one or buy a ready-made geometric frame)
• Chicken wire or clear plastic sheet
• Gravel or small crushed stone
• Activated charcoal
• Sheet moss or live moss
• Potting soil
• Plants of your choice (small and slow-growing)
• Decorations (optional)
• Basic gardening tools (such as a trowel and small garden snips)

Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Frame

If you're building your own wooden frame, cut and assemble the pieces to create a geometric shape, such as a hexagon or pentagon. Make sure the frame is sturdy and secure. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made wooden geometric frame and decorate it to your liking.

Step 2: Add a Transparent Barrier

Since you won't be using glass, you can use chicken wire or a clear plastic sheet to create a transparent barrier within your wooden frame. This step is important to contain the soil and plants while still allowing light and air to pass through. Secure the chicken wire or plastic sheet to the wooden frame using staples or a strong adhesive.

Step 3: Create the Base Layers

Start by adding a layer of gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of your frame. This layer should be about 2 inches deep and will help with drainage. Next, add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the stones to control odours and improve drainage.

Step 4: Add Moss and Soil

Add a layer of sheet moss or live moss over the stones and charcoal. This step will help keep the potting soil from mixing with the lower layers. The moss also adds a pop of colour and texture to your terrarium. Now, add slightly damp, sterile potting soil on top of the moss. Make sure you use enough soil to comfortably accommodate your plant's roots.

Step 5: Plant Your Greenery

Choose small and slow-growing plants that thrive in humid and low-light conditions. Succulents, cacti, and tropical plants like mosses or air plants are great options. Remove the plants from their nursery pots and gently tease the roots apart if they are root-bound. Use a small trowel to create holes in the soil for each plant, and gently place them into the soil. Make sure to leave enough room for the plants to grow without touching the wooden frame.

Step 6: Decorate and Maintain

Add decorative elements like figurines, stones, or shells to personalise your terrarium. To care for your wooden frame terrarium, place it in a spot with plenty of natural light but away from direct sunlight. Spray the plants with water every couple of weeks or when the soil feels dry. Since your terrarium doesn't have a glass enclosure, you won't have to worry as much about condensation or fungal plant diseases. However, ensure you don't overwater, as this can cause mould growth.

Enjoy your unique and beautiful wooden frame terrarium, and feel free to experiment with different plants and decorations to create a one-of-a-kind display for your wedding!

Frequently asked questions