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Episode 120: Francoise Weeks                                

Botanical Brouhaha Expert Discussion Panel: No. 82

Question:

What advice can you share on the mechanics behind floral tie backs?

Fleurie Flower Studio for Botanical Brouhaha Expert Panel 82

Fleurie Flower Studio

Botanical Brouhaha Expert Panel 82 Answers:

We treat floral tie-backs like giant wrist corsages and use a lot of glue! 🙂

Jennie Love (Love ‘n Fresh Flowers)

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There are many ways to do this best.

When using many flowers for a tie-back, I think the best way is with a floral cage.  The best one (size-wise) would be the Smithers-Oasis Floral cage with the plastic backing and grid cage surrounding.  It is best to use the smaller size rather than Grande size.  The big one is an eye-sore – you end up filling with so many flowers just to cover the mechanics of foam and plastic.  The plastic backing as on the cage is highly recommended so that you avoid getting the fabric wet.  It is best attached with zip ties using the 2 holes at the top and bottom of the cage, plus around the neck of the handle.

For mid size tie-backs, flowers can be accomplished using a large slanted bouquet holder. It is large enough to hold an amazing amount of flowers.  The weight of the soaked holder is so much lighter than the cage, and it is so much easier to place.  Simply slip the handle of the bouquet holder into the tie, it can just cradle in, and zip tie the bottom of the handle to the structure.  The key to secure attachment is to tie in at least 2 spots so there’s no wiggling.  Good mechanics is NO WIGGLING.

Hitomi Gilliam AIFD (Design 358)

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We typically use oasis cages, or oasis garlands for tie backs if there is floral content in the design. If you are simply using a green garland no oasis is needed. If we have a fabric curtain that we are tying back we typically wrap that in plastic as we are designing. Once the design has stopped leaking we remove the plastic from under the design. This keeps the curtain from getting wet with oasis stained water.

Holly Chapple (Holly Heider Chapple Flowers)

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While not something the British often request, I would always recommend using the good old fashioned traditional materials. No soggy balls of foam, no tricks or cheats, just good old wiring and tying with beautiful ribbons. I would also recommend letting nature do the thinking for you – use vines, natural structures like Willow and climbers with not too many flower heads, and be ready to offer a fail-safe with some twine. I like to leave trailing fronds to accentuate the lines in fabrics and in the room, with sprigs and twigs reaching up to create height and lift. Tie backs also need not be huge, let the lines do the talking and the effect can be stunning.

Jo Rodwell (Jo Flowers)


To see more from the Botanical Brouhaha Expert Panel, click here!

  1. Kris says:

    This came just when I needed it! So informative and timely.

    I have another question I wonder if you could answer in the future – Chuppas:: How would I attach garland all the way around a square chuppa that will then be reused on the head table?

    Thank you for your wonderful, helpful website. Not only do I find inspiration for my work, I also find help in mechanics, design, and business.

    • Amy McGee says:

      Hi Kris,

      So glad you’re finding BB to be helpful for your business! Watch for the answer to your garland question before the end of the summer. Thanks for reading BB!

      Best,
      Amy

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