How to Create a Floral Wedding Garland: A Step-by-Step Guide with Faux or Real plants.

Creating a special garland or floral swag for a standing candelabra is a beautiful way to decorate for bridal shower or wedding. These are photos of the flowers and candelabra swag I made for my daughter-in-law's bridal shower. I used fresh flowers from the San Francisco Flower Market, but you can find flowers at your local farmers market as well. I used ivy, roses, purple statice, lavender colored Veronicas and some yellow filler plants. I chose orange, yellow, red and fuschia colored fresh roses.

Adding a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your wedding decor is easily achieved with a lush and enchanting garland. Whether you prefer using faux or real foliage, fresh variegated ivy, asparagus fern cuttings, roses, and eucalyptus create a romantic ambiance and elevate the overall aesthetic of any venue. In this step-by-step guide, I walk you through the process of creating a stunning wedding garland/swag that will captivate your guests and create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Materials Needed:

Faux or real ivy vines

Faux or real roses (preferably in your desired color scheme)

Eucalyptus branches (faux or real)

Floral wire or thin floral tape

Wire cutters

Scissors

Ribbon or string (optional)

Glue gun (if using faux flowers)

Step 1: Prepare the Foliage and base.

If you're using real foliage, gather fresh ivy vines and eucalyptus branches either by foraging them from your own garden or from your local flower or farmers market. Trim them to the desired length using wire cutters or scissors. Remove any excess leaves from the lower portion of the stems, leaving only a few leaves near the top.

For faux foliage, unroll the ivy vines and eucalyptus branches, making sure they are straight and ready for use. Remove any visible tags or plastic ties.

Step 2: Preparing the Roses

If you're using real roses, trim the stems to a manageable length, leaving a few inches to work with. Remove any thorns and excess foliage, as they may interfere with the garland's shape. Place the roses in water to keep them fresh.

If you're using faux roses, carefully detach them from their stems. You may need to use wire cutters or scissors. Use a glue gun to attach the roses directly onto the garland later on.

Step 3: Constructing the Base

Take a piece of floral wire or thin floral tape and measure the desired length for your garland. It's recommended to create a longer garland to allow for draping and versatility. Cut the wire or tape accordingly.

Step 4: Attaching the Ivy and Eucalyptus

Begin by securing one end of the ivy or eucalyptus to the wire/tape using small pieces of floral wire or by wrapping the tape around the stem. Continue adding more foliage along the length of the wire/tape, securing each piece as you go.

Overlap the leaves and stems slightly, allowing them to intertwine and create a cohesive look. Aim for a balanced arrangement of ivy and eucalyptus throughout the garland.

Step 5: Adding the Roses

If you're using real roses, carefully insert the stems into the garland at regular intervals. Twist the wire around the stems to ensure they are securely attached.

For faux roses, apply a small amount of hot glue to the base of each flower and press it firmly onto the garland. Hold it in place until the glue sets.

Step 6: Final Touches and Hanging the Garland

Inspect the garland to ensure all elements are secure and evenly distributed. Trim any excess foliage or wire if necessary.

If you desire a hanging garland, attach a ribbon or string to both ends of the wire/tape. Alternatively, you can also drape the garland along tables, stair railings, or other decorative elements.

Creating a wedding garland or swag using faux or real ivy, roses, and eucalyptus is a beautiful way to enhance the ambiance of your special day. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can design a breathtaking garland that reflects your style and adds a touch of nature's beauty to your wedding or special event decorations. Remember to experiment with different color schemes and variations to create a unique and personalized garland that will leave a lasting impression on your both your guests and bride.