About Flower Garlands

Hawaiian Leis

• Early Polynesian travelers brought the lei custom to the Hawaiian Islands from Tahiti. Leis are completed garland circles that are worn around the neck like a necklace. Originally, leis consisted of leaves, seeds, shells, feathers and nuts in addition to flowers, and some might even have included animal bones or teeth. Leis are now considered a symbol of Hawaii, and if you visit there, you'll be adorned with a lei as a welcome. Leis are ideal for guests attending a Hawaiian-themed party or wedding.

Fresh-Flower Garlands

• Fresh-flower garlands are often used at weddings and in wedding reception halls. Fresh flowers typically used to make up a flower garland include lemon leaf, pepperberry, magnolia foliage, gerberas, and seeded or willow eucalyptus. Add foliage such as baby's breath, conifer or ivy, and add miniature lights for a special effect. Decorate a garden arbor or table with a fresh-flower garland for a special occasion.

Silk-Flower Garlands

• Silk-flower garlands can last for generations as keepsakes of a special occasion. Make sure you choose colors that match the theme of the event. You can purchase garlands ready-made or make your own. For the latter, separate flowers from the main stem. Trim all the smaller stems to three inches in length. Position a second flower on the first flower's stem, just beneath the first flower, and tape the stems together. Repeat until you've made a string of flowers.

Paper-Flower Garlands

• If you're creative and enjoy craft projects, you may want to make your own paper-flower garland. Use a flower-shaped punch to cut out flowers from card stock of your color choice. Punch a hole in the center of each flower with a hole puncher. Put two flower cutouts together, on in front of the other, and thread flower pairs a few inches apart on a long ribbon. Fold each paper-flower duo in half to make it three-dimensional.