Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, and every detail---from the venue decor to the attire---matters in creating the perfect atmosphere. One accessory that has become increasingly popular for weddings is the flower crown. Whether worn by the bride, bridesmaids, or flower girls, flower crowns add a touch of ethereal beauty and elegance to any wedding look. However, store-bought flower crowns can be expensive, and many couples may not have the budget for extravagant floral arrangements.
The good news is that you can create stunning flower crowns on your own, without breaking the bank. Making your own flower crowns allows you to personalize the design, choose flowers that fit your wedding's color scheme, and save money in the process. This guide will take you through the steps of making flower crowns for weddings on a budget, providing tips on materials, design ideas, and the essential tools you'll need.
Choosing the Right Flowers for Your Wedding Flower Crown
The first step in making a beautiful flower crown is choosing the right flowers. Your choice of flowers will set the tone for the crown, and you want them to complement your wedding theme, color scheme, and the overall vibe you want to create.
Budget-Friendly Flower Options
- Baby's Breath (Gypsophila): This delicate, airy flower is often used as a filler in wedding bouquets and arrangements. Baby's breath is inexpensive, and when used in flower crowns, it creates a soft, romantic look.
- Eucalyptus: The silvery-green leaves of eucalyptus are perfect for creating a lush, natural look. Eucalyptus branches are budget-friendly and last a long time, making them an excellent choice for DIY flower crowns.
- Lavender: Known for its fragrant aroma and calming color, lavender adds a lovely touch to flower crowns. It is also fairly inexpensive and long-lasting.
- Wildflowers: If you're looking for a rustic or bohemian vibe, wildflowers are a fantastic, budget-friendly option. They come in a variety of colors, and they can give the crown a carefree, natural appearance.
- Carnations: Carnations are affordable flowers that come in many colors, making them versatile for wedding flower crowns. They also hold up well over time, ensuring that your crown stays fresh throughout the ceremony and reception.
- Daisies: Simple yet cheerful, daisies are another budget-friendly option. Their white petals and yellow centers give a fresh and timeless look that suits a variety of wedding themes.
Flower Crowns with Artificial Flowers
If you're on an even tighter budget, you may consider using high-quality artificial flowers. Artificial flowers can often be found at craft stores and are much more affordable than fresh flowers. Plus, they last longer and can be reused for future occasions.
Some affordable artificial flower options include:
- Silk Roses: These come in a wide range of colors and sizes.
- Faux Peonies: Perfect for a lush, romantic look.
- Sunflowers: Ideal for a rustic or bohemian theme.
- Hydrangeas: These create a soft, voluminous look for larger crowns.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Creating your own flower crowns requires only a few basic tools and materials. By gathering everything in advance, you can streamline the process and make your DIY project more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Materials:
- Florist Wire: Florist wire is a versatile tool used to create the base of the crown. It's flexible enough to bend into a circular shape and strong enough to hold flowers in place.
- Florist Tape: This is used to secure flowers to the wire. Florist tape is stretchy and sticky, making it easy to wrap around stems and secure them to the wire.
- Hot Glue Gun (Optional): A hot glue gun can be helpful for attaching some flowers or accents if you're using artificial flowers, or for securing any particularly stubborn pieces.
- Flower Cutters or Sharp Scissors: You'll need a sharp pair of scissors or flower cutters to trim stems to the right length.
- Green Floral Wire or Ribbon: This is used to finish off the crown, either by wrapping it around the base or tying it to create an adjustable size. You can also use satin or silk ribbons for a more delicate look.
Optional Decorative Additions:
- Pearls or Beads: These add an elegant touch to your flower crown. You can attach them with floral wire or glue.
- Lace or Tulle Ribbon: If you want to add a vintage or romantic feel to the crown, consider weaving lace or tulle into the design.
- Leaves or Foliage: Adding greenery will make your flower crown feel fuller and more luxurious, even when using fewer flowers.
Measuring and Creating the Base of the Flower Crown
The first step in assembling your flower crown is to create the base, which will form the foundation for the flowers and foliage. It's essential to get the right size so that the crown sits comfortably on the head.
Steps for Creating the Base:
- Measure the Head: Start by measuring the circumference of the head where the crown will sit. Use a soft measuring tape or a piece of string, and mark the length with a pen.
- Cut the Florist Wire: Take the florist wire and cut a piece that matches the circumference of the head. Leave a little extra room at both ends (around 2-3 inches) for overlapping and securing the wire.
- Shape the Base: Bend the florist wire into a circle that matches the size of the head. Ensure it fits comfortably by gently bending the wire into shape. If you want a sturdier crown, you can add a second layer of wire to make the base thicker and more secure.
- Secure the Ends: Twist the ends of the wire together using the extra length to create a secure closure. If needed, you can tape over the twisted area with floral tape to prevent sharp edges from poking or scratching.
Arranging the Flowers and Foliage
Now that the base is ready, it's time to arrange the flowers and foliage. The arrangement is where you can get creative, choosing flowers, colors, and textures that match your wedding style.
Flower Arrangement Tips:
- Start with Greenery: Begin by placing greenery or foliage around the base of the crown. Eucalyptus leaves or ferns work beautifully and add volume to the crown without overwhelming the design.
- Positioning the Flowers: Place the larger flowers (like roses or peonies) in the focal areas of the crown, typically at the front or sides. Arrange smaller flowers (like daisies or lavender) around them, filling in the gaps to create a balanced design.
- Work in Layers: Arrange flowers in layers, starting from the center and moving outward. This helps to create a full, balanced look and ensures that the crown looks cohesive.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Less is often more when it comes to flower crowns. A few well-placed blooms can create a stunning effect without making the crown look too heavy.
Secure the Flowers:
Once you're happy with the arrangement, start attaching the flowers to the wire using florist tape. For each flower, trim the stem to about 1-2 inches and secure it by wrapping the florist tape around the base of the stem and the wire.
If you're using artificial flowers, you can use a hot glue gun to attach the blooms instead. Simply place a small amount of glue on the stem and press it firmly onto the wire base.
Final Touches and Adjustments
After you've secured all of your flowers and greenery, take a step back and examine the crown from all angles. Make sure that the flowers are evenly distributed, and adjust any pieces that may have shifted during the assembly process.
Finishing the Flower Crown:
- Add Extra Greenery: If you notice any gaps in the crown, fill them in with additional greenery or small flowers.
- Tie with Ribbon: To make the crown adjustable, you can tie a ribbon at the back, leaving enough length to secure it under the chin or to tie a bow at the back. This is especially helpful if the crown is intended for multiple wearers or needs to be adjusted for different head sizes.
- Spray with Floral Sealant (Optional): To keep your flower crown looking fresh for the entire event, you can lightly spray it with floral sealant, which will help preserve the blooms.
Caring for Your DIY Flower Crown
Once your flower crown is complete, it's important to take proper care of it to ensure it stays beautiful for the wedding day.
Preservation Tips:
- Keep it Cool: Store the flower crown in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help preserve the flowers and prevent wilting.
- Refrigerate if Necessary: If you're using fresh flowers, it may be helpful to refrigerate the flower crown the night before the wedding to keep it fresh.
- Handle with Care: When wearing the flower crown, be careful not to crush or damage the flowers. Ensure that the crown fits comfortably and securely on your head to avoid any discomfort.
Conclusion
Making your own flower crowns for a wedding is a fun and budget-friendly way to add a personal touch to the big day. By selecting the right flowers, using affordable materials, and following simple design techniques, you can create stunning crowns that look professional without the hefty price tag. Whether you're crafting a crown for the bride, bridesmaids, or flower girls, these DIY flower crowns will help you stay within budget while adding a beautiful, handmade element to the celebration.