Creating Wedding Topiary Trees: A Step-By-Step Guide

Topiaries are bushes and small trees that are clipped into ornamental shapes. They can be used as centrepieces at weddings, either real or artificial, and can be an effective way to save money on wedding decorations. Artificial topiaries can be made with a variety of materials, including silk flowers, foam, moss, and pots. Real topiaries can be made with boxwoods or ivy, and shaped with or without a frame.

Choosing the right flowers

When it comes to creating wedding topiary trees, choosing the right flowers is essential to achieving the desired look and feel for your special day. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your floral arrangements:

Colour Scheme

The colour of your flowers can be chosen to match or complement your wedding colour palette. For example, if you're aiming for a romantic and elegant aesthetic, soft pastel blooms such as pink peonies or blush dahlias could be a perfect choice. On the other hand, bold and vibrant flowers can make a statement and add a pop of colour to your topiary trees. Consider using bright citrus trees, such as mini kumquat or small orange trees, for a unique and memorable touch.

Seasonality

Taking into account the season in which your wedding will take place can help guide your flower choices. For example, if you're getting married in the summer, you might want to take advantage of the vibrant, lush foliage that's in season. Include plenty of greenery in your floral arrangements, such as ivy or climbing vines, to create a natural and organic look. In the fall, embrace the rich colours of the season with autumn leaves and branches, adding a fiery pop of colour to your topiary trees.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the flowers you choose for your wedding topiary trees should reflect your personal taste and style. If you have a favourite flower, consider making it a focal point of your floral arrangements, just as one bride chose peonies because they were her favourite. You could also incorporate meaningful details, such as using flowers that are native to the area or reflect the cultural heritage of the couple.

Size and Proportion

When selecting your flowers, consider the size and proportion of the blooms in relation to the overall design of the topiary trees. If you're aiming for a simple and elegant look, small and delicate flowers might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you want to make a bold statement, choose large, textured blooms that will add depth and visual interest to your displays.

Availability and Cost

The availability and cost of certain flowers should also be considered when making your selection. If you're working with a tight budget, opt for more readily available or seasonal flowers, as these are likely to be more affordable. Creating artificial topiary trees with silk flowers is another cost-effective option, allowing you to experiment with different colours and arrangements without breaking the bank.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the perfect flowers for your wedding topiary trees, creating beautiful and memorable displays that reflect your unique style and personality.

Decorating the pot

Paint the Pot

You can paint the pot in any colour you like. For example, you could choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or the flowers you plan to use. Be sure to let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Ribbons

Another way to decorate the pot is by gluing ribbons around it. You can use ribbons in colours or patterns that complement your wedding colour palette or theme. Again, make sure the glue is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Moss

After decorating your pot with paint or ribbons, you can fill it with moss. This will give your topiary a natural, organic look. Simply place the moss into the pot until it is full. You can secure the moss with glue if needed.

Flowers or Greenery

To add a pop of colour or a touch of nature to your topiary, you can include flowers or greenery in your pot. You can use real or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. Place the flowers or greenery into the moss-filled pot, making sure they are secure.

Other Decorations

There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating your topiary pots. You can add other decorations such as small wood stumps, candles, or gold candle holders. Get creative and choose decorations that reflect your style and the overall theme of your wedding.

Using a frame

Step 1: Choose the Right Plants

When creating a topiary, selecting the right plant is crucial. Look for something that is evergreen, full, and easy to shape. Boxwoods are a popular choice due to their small green leaves and dense coverage. Ivy is also a great option if you are using a topiary frame, as it can be easily woven in and out of the mount to create the desired shape.

Step 2: Select Your Frame Type

You can choose between a two-dimensional or three-dimensional frame for your topiary. A two-dimensional frame is simpler and involves wrapping a climbing vine around it. On the other hand, a three-dimensional frame is filled with sphagnum moss, and the climbing vine is placed through and around it.

Step 3: Prepare the Frame

If you opt for a two-dimensional frame, simply place the frame into the middle of a pot and start wrapping your chosen climbing vine (such as ivy) around the wire. Ensure that you cut any leaves on the vine as you wrap it around the frame, and always wrap in a single direction.

For a three-dimensional frame, start by securing the frame within a pot. Saturate sphagnum moss with water and fill the frame with it. Then, use a small dowel or your finger to create a few holes in the moss, and place the roots of the climbing vine within these holes. Finally, wrap the frame with the vines.

Step 4: Care for Your Live Topiary

Live topiaries require care and attention to ensure they remain healthy until your wedding day. They will need plenty of sunlight and water, and you should research the specific needs of the plant type you have chosen. It can take up to six months for live topiaries to fill their frames, so be sure to plan well in advance.

Step 5: Get Creative with Artificial Topiaries

If you prefer, you can create artificial topiaries using silk flowers and a Styrofoam shape. Decorate your pot with ribbons or paint, and fill it with moss and a wooden dowel. Cut the silk flowers into small clusters and glue them to the Styrofoam until it is completely covered. Finish by placing the Styrofoam display onto the dowel and adding leaves or a bow.

Artificial topiaries offer the advantage of experimenting with different colours and arrangements, and they can be created well in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches.

Selecting the best plants

Evergreen and Full Plants

When selecting plants for your topiary trees, opt for ones that are evergreen and have a full, dense appearance. This ensures that your topiaries will look lush and healthy. Boxwoods, for instance, are a popular choice due to their small green leaves and ample coverage.

Ease of Shaping

Consider choosing plants that are easy to shape and manipulate. Boxwoods, again, fit this criterion as their flexible branches can be carefully pruned and shaped into various designs, such as cones or balls. Ivy is another excellent option, especially if you're using a topiary frame. Ivy's pliable vines can be easily woven in and out of the frame, allowing you to create the desired shape effortlessly.

Matching Your Theme or Colour Scheme

Think about your wedding theme and colour scheme when selecting plants. If you're going for a rustic or woodland theme, mini topiaries or citrus trees can add a charming touch. For a more modern or elegant affair, consider pairing white blooms and greenery, such as cherry blossom branches or white blossom trees, to create a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere.

Timing and Maintenance

Take into account the time you have before your wedding and the level of maintenance required for the plants. If you're opting for live topiary, some plants can take up to six months to fill their frames, so plan accordingly. Artificial topiary, on the other hand, can be created well in advance and requires minimal maintenance, ensuring one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches.

Personal Preference and Availability

Ultimately, choose plants that you personally love and that are easily accessible. Whether it's your favourite flower or a plant that holds a special meaning for you, incorporating them into your topiary trees will make your wedding decorations even more unique and memorable.

Maintenance

Maintaining your wedding topiary trees is a simple process but will require attention to detail. Here are some tips to keep your topiaries in pristine condition:

• Artificial Topiaries: Artificial topiaries are a great choice if you want to create your arrangements well in advance of your wedding. To maintain them, cover your topiaries or store them in a dust-free area. When packing multiple artificial topiaries together, ensure they are packed loosely to prevent the flowers from being smashed, but tight enough that the bases don't move.
• Live Topiaries: Live topiaries will require a green thumb to keep them healthy until your wedding day. Ensure your live topiaries receive plenty of sunlight and water. Different types of plants have different needs, so research the specific plant you are using to provide proper care.
• General Tips: Keep a good pair of shears on hand for maintenance. Regularly inspect your topiaries for any pests or signs of disease and treat them immediately. The frequency of trimming will depend on the type of plant and the complexity of the design. More intricate designs will require more frequent trimming to maintain their shape. Stop trimming your topiaries two months before the first frost to protect them from the cold.

By following these maintenance tips, your wedding topiary trees will look their best and wow your guests on your special day.

Frequently asked questions