Floral Arch

Floral Arch

are a lovely way to embellish an entryway, whether it's the entrance to the ceremony, the reception, or any other event. By simply weaving together an array of your favorite flowers, you can create a fantastic frame for the occasion and a gorgeous backdrop for photos!

This arch has a base of green ivy, which makes it easy to fasten bunches of blue hydrangeas, ribbon tied wheat, hops, and lilies securely. Make small arrangements with the same flowers for chair swags, napkin decor, or even the bride and groom's car.

Here are the materials you will need to make one arch:

• three 6' (1.8 m) lengths of ivy
• two large bunches of wheat (16 to 20 stems each)
• natural colored raffia
• eight blue hyd rangeas
• sixteen white lilies
• five stems of hops
• 3 yd. (2.7 m) of 1 1/2” (4 cm) wide sheer ribbon
• floral wire
• floral snips

STEP 1. Lay the three lengths of ivy side by side. Beginning at one end, firmly wire the strands together to form a strong, lusciously full base for the other elements.
STEP 2. Break the wheat to make small lengths. Form small bunches of six or seven stems each. Tie each bunch with a short length of raffia.
STEP 3. Cut the stems of the hydrangeas, lilies, and hops to about 3” (7.5 cm) in length. Starting at one end of the ivy base, wrap in the flowers and sheer-ribbon bows with wire, creating an attractive sequence as you go.
(The sequence shown in the photo on page 24 is hydrangeas, lilies, and hops, followed by a bow with two bunches of wheat.)

STEP 4. Continue working in sequence until you have filled in the entire length of the floral arch.

reminders
To make a full bow, form three loops with the sheer ribbon. Wire the base of the loops, leaving a length of ribbon for the tail. Cut the wire and wrap in place.