MW-Logo_#white
Menu
  • Find A Supplier
  • Blog
  • Galleries
  • Categories
  • Wedding Dresses
  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding DIY
  • Honeymoons
  • Wedding Planning Tools
  • Advertising With Us
  • Modern Wedding Academy
  • Login

Tips and Articles by category

Dresses
Cakes
Flowers
Honeymoon Ideas
DIY
Photography
Venues
Wedding Themes
Invitations
Wedding Ideas
Music
Videos
Wedding Hair and Makeup Ideas
Cars
Destination Weddings
Speeches
Gift Registries
Wedding Favours
Grooms

FIND A LOCAL WEDDING SUPPLIER

Reception Venues
Dress Retailers
Dress Designers
Cakes
Photography
Bridesmaids
Flowers
Video
Hair
Theming and Styling
Entertainment and Music
Makeup
Ceremony
Celebrants
Rings
Cars, Transport
Invitations
Bridal Accessories
Destination Weddings
Gifts and Gift Registries
Shoes
Accommodation
Honeymoons
Beauty Services
Hire
Hens & Bucks Parties
Flowers Girls/Page Boys
Caterers
Bomboniere
Alternative Bouquets
Planner
Photo Booths
Formal Wear
Speciality Services
Finance
Groom and Groomsmen

DIY Floral Garland Tutorial!

Modern Wedding Posted: December 1, 2016

Many couples are choosing less traditional weddings, which allows them to get creative with their wedding décor, making the day feel even more one-of-a-kind. Using the natural beauty of flowers to elevate the look of your bridal table is one way of expressing your personal style. We have put together an easy step-by-step tutorial the secrets of creating a stunning floral garland, overflowing with colour and texture that will make your bridal table one to be envied.

intro

M A T E R I A L S

  • Flowers
  • Foliage
  • Secateurs
  • Scissors
  • Buckets
  • Water
  • Oasis Garland Floral Foam

foliage

P R E P .

Foliage

Cut a selection of 10-15cm and 5cm length stems. Remove any foliage 2-3cm from the bottom of the stems. Cut each stem at a sharp angle to easily insert into the foam.

Flowers

Repeat the same process for the flowers but using only 10-15cm stems. Keep the flowers and foliage in water until ready to use.

floralgarlanddiy-steps1-2 floralgarlanddiy-steps3-4 floralgarlanddiy-steps5-6

F L O R A L   F O A M

  1. Measure length, height
    and width of your table. Cut the floral foam to size leaving enough space for
    your guests’ plates, glasses and cutlery. Immerse the floral foam in water allowing it to free float and sink
    below the surface. Do not force it
    to submerge as it creates air pockets which can impede uptake of water
    by the flowers. Remove the floral foam from the water, drain briefly and place it on a plastic-covered working surface before adding the flowers.
  2. Working on one half of the foam garland, insert the longer stems of feijoa foliage horizontally into each side before adding the smaller pieces. Stems need to be inserted at least 2cm to ensure they are secure. Repeat this step on the other end of the garland. See images 1 to 3.Note: For the lengths of garland that overhang the edge of the table, you will need to add foliage all the way around the foam so that no foam is visible.
  3. Insert the ruscus foliage in between the feijoa foliage in the same way as step 2. Repeat this step on the other end of the garland. See images 4 and 5 above.
  4. To enhance the look of the garland, add a few small stems of orange and green cumquats. To maintain balance, it is important to remember that if you add a piece of cumquat to the left side, you will also need to add a piece to the right side. Remember to leave some foam free to insert your flowers. See image 6 above.

flowers-steps1-2 flowers-steps3 flowers-steps4-5

A D D I N G   F L O W E R S

  1. The draping flowers and foliage,  like amaranthus and peppercorn, will establish the direction and shape of the garland as well as adding softness and colour. In addition to the table-top display, both plants with their draping habits, will look most impressive when used on the table-to-floor sections of the garland. See image 1 above.
  2. Transitional flowers are used to fill spaces between the draping and focal flowers. Before adding the transitional flowers, imagine where the focal and soft-stemmed flowers will fit. Remember to work on one half of the garland first and then focus on the other half. See image 2 above.
  3. Soft-stemmed flowers are delicate and not as easy to insert into floral foam. Do not cut the stems of the tulips too short as their stems can sometimes snap when inserting, but do cut the ends at a sharp angle. If the stems snap, simply recut and insert. When placing the flowers, imagine there is a continuous wavy line running down the middle of the garland and place the flowers accordingly. See images 3 and 4 above.
  4. Focal flowers are the most beautiful of the blooms. Group them in odd numbers, usually three, and by size, using one large, one medium and one small flower. If the flowers are particularly large, you can simply use one bloom. Dahlias have a ‘face’ and need to be placed with their face looking outwards. Again, imagine the continuous wavy line running down the middle of the garland before adding the dahlias. Take care not to cover any of the soft-stemmed flowers. Move from one side of the table to the other to insert the blooms and make sure the placements look attractive from each side of the table. Once you are happy with the placement of the dahlias, begin adding clusters of roses to cover up any foam, break up blocks of foliage, or create additional focal points. See image 5 above.
  5. Take time to look at the garland from both sides of the table and make any adjustments. Trim any stray pieces of foliage or add extra flowers or foliage to cover any exposed foam. Check the 90 degree angle where the garland goes over the table edge to the floor and make sure nothing has become dislodged.

T I P !

When working on the construction of the garland, think of it having a right and left end, with the flowers running in opposite directions from the centre of the garland – on the right side  all the flowers should be directed right toward the floor; on the left side the direction should be left toward the floor. It is best to focus on one half of the garland at a time before repeating what you have done on the other side.

mpp_4540-edit

Tadaa!

For more DIT tutorials and tips, check out our DIY archive online or pick up the latest Modern Wedding DIY Magazine at the Modern Wedding magazine shop or at selected newsagents, Coles and Woolworths.

mw-x-small

Styling Gail MacDiarmid Photography Mark Potter Photography Furniture and rugs Vintage Patina

Previous Blog
Next Blog

Find a wedding supplier

OR
  • like us on facebook
  • follow us on instagram
  • follow us on pinterest
Colour Wheel

Blog Categories

Planning Tools

Checklist Budget Manager Guest List Seating Planner Supplier Shortlist
Visit Modern Wedding's profile on Pinterest.

Your next read!

Top 2025 Wedding Destinations

Are you considering getting married in 2025? Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, your closest loved ones, and the kind of vibe that makes everyone whisper, “This is the […]

The Best Pre-Wedding Treatments For Picture-Perfect Skin

Me Clinics are on hand to share some of their top recommended pre-wedding treatments for your best wedding day skin.

7 Reasons You Should NEVER Wear Your Engagement Ring to Bed

Your engagement ring is one of your most cherished possessions, a symbol of love and commitment. But did you know that wearing it to bed could be causing damage – […]

Laura’s Bridal Weight Loss Journey With Super Fast Diet

After getting engaged to the love of her life, Laura found that she was struggling with weight gain. With a busy schedule already filling up her life, the added stress of planning a wedding wasn’t helping! With only eight weeks to go until the big day, Laura is feeling fabulous after losing 9kg’s with Super Fast Diet

Win An Iconic Luxury Wedding At The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

NOTE: THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED Say “Je t’aime” at one of Australia’s most iconic hotels! Modern Wedding and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth are offering an extraordinary opportunity to win a […]

Top Wedding Trends for 2025

2025 is here, and with it comes a whole new wave of wedding trends that are set to dazzle brides, grooms, and guests alike. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement […]

More Blogs

Popular Galleries

  • Real Weddings
  • Dresses
  • Cakes
  • Flowers
  • Theming & Styling

From Our Blog

  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding Fashion
  • Wedding Themes
  • Wedding DIY
  • Wedding Hair & Beauty

Wedding Tools

  • Seating Plan
  • Guest List
  • Check List
  • Budget

ModernWedding.com.au

  • Wedding Tools Login
  • About
  • Advertising Information
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
Modern Wedding

Copyright © 2025 Modern Wedding PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Website by The DMA.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Our other brands: Luxury Wedding Blog / Sydney Wedding Blog