Wreath Making: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Wreath making is not simply attaching flowers to a circular frame. A well-made wreath has structure, proportion, balance and material logic. Whether you are building with artificial foliage, dried stems or seasonal greenery, the quality of the finished piece depends on technique — not just creativity.

If you are new to wreath making, this guide covers:

• The different types of wreaths you can make

• The materials professionals actually use

• How to make a wreath step by step

• Artificial vs dried construction differences

• Modern wreath styles (full, half, asymmetrical)

• Time, cost and common mistakes

• When buying a professionally made wreath makes more sense

By the end, you will not just understand how do you make a wreath, but how to construct one properly.

What Is Wreath Making?

At its core, wreath making is the structured layering of decorative materials onto a circular base to create a balanced display.

Historically, wreaths were built from fresh evergreens. Today, wreaths are commonly made using:

• Artificial foliage and flowers

• Dried and preserved stems

• Seasonal decorative accents

• Mixed material combinations

Modern wreath making spans spring, summer, autumn and Christmas styles — plus everyday artificial wreaths — and each material type requires different handling, structure and durability considerations.

Choosing the Right Wreath Base 

Your base determines structure and longevity.

Grapevine Base (Best for Beginners) 

• Natural texture

• Easy stem insertion

• Forgiving for mistakes

• Ideal for dried and artificial wreaths

Metal Hoop 

• Clean, modern aesthetic

• Works well for asymmetrical designs

• Requires full wiring technique

Straw Frame 

• Traditional dense style

• Requires complete coverage

If you plan to hang a wreath on the front door, proportion matters. Our guide on What Size Wreath Do I Need for My Front Door? explains ideal sizing for balance and impact.

Materials You Actually Need

For most DIY wreath projects:

• 26–28 gauge florist wire

• Wire cutters

• Hot glue gun (for detail pieces only)

• Twine (optional reinforcement)

• Decorative stems (artificial or dried)

For a 55cm wreath, expect to use:

• 60–100 stems depending on density

• 2–3 greenery textures

• 1–2 focal flower types

Underestimating materials is the most common beginner mistake.

How Do You Make a Wreath? Step-by-Step 

If you are wondering how do you make a wreath, follow this structured approach.

Step 1: Prepare All Materials First 

Before attaching anything:

• Cut stems to 8–15cm

• Separate focal flowers from filler foliage

• Remove damaged petals

• Pre-cut wire lengths

Professional wreath makers always prepare first. It prevents uneven spacing later.

Step 2: Secure the First Bundle 

• Place a small bundle flat against the base

• Wrap florist wire tightly 3–4 times

• Pull firmly before twisting

• Trim excess

This first bundle sets direction. Always work consistently clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Step 3: Overlap for Depth

Each new bundle should overlap the previous stems by roughly one third. This:

• Hides wiring

• Creates natural layering

• Prevents visible gaps

This overlapping technique is fundamental in professional wreath making.

Step 4: Build with Structure in Mind

A well-made wreath has:

• Depth variation (some stems sit slightly forward)

• Textural contrast (eucalyptus + berries + florals)

• Balanced weight distribution

Avoid over-packing one side unless creating an intentional asymmetrical design.

Step 5: Add Detail and Reinforce

Use hot glue only for small detailing where wiring is awkward. A good wreath should feel secure if you gently lift and lightly shake it — nothing should shift.

Full vs Half vs Asymmetrical Wreaths

Modern wreath making includes multiple styles.

Full Wreath

Coverage around the entire base. Most traditional and balanced.

Half Wreath 

Coverage on one side only. A cleaner, modern look that works especially well on metal hoops.

Asymmetrical Wreath

Weighted toward one side with intentional negative space. This style looks effortless when done well, but it requires balance so the wreath still feels visually stable.

Artificial Wreath Making vs Dried Wreath Making

Material behaviour matters.

Artificial Wreath Making 

Artificial stems:

• Hold structure permanently

• Can be reshaped

• Withstand storage

• Perform better on exposed doors

Professional tips:

• Bend wired stems for natural flow

• Avoid perfect symmetry

• Mix foliage textures

• Leave small pockets of negative space

Artificial wreaths are ideal for long-term front door styling.

Dried & Preserved Wreath Making 

Dried stems are fragile and require proper preparation.

If you are working with preserved florals, understanding how to preserve flowers correctly is essential before construction. Our guide How to Preserve Flowers: A Complete Guide to Making a Dried Flower Wreath covers drying and sealing methods in detail.

With dried materials:

• Use thinner bundles

• Wire tightly

• Avoid humid environments

• Seal lightly after completion

Dried wreaths suit sheltered front doors or interior styling.

How Long Does Wreath Making Take?

For beginners:

• 60–90 minutes for a basic artificial wreath

• 90–120 minutes for dried wreaths (more delicate handling)

Rushing leads to uneven layering. Professionals often build in stages, stepping back regularly to assess balance.

DIY Cost vs Buying 

DIY wreath making typically involves:

• Base (£10–£20)

• Stems (£40–£80 depending on fullness)

• Wire & tools

Total materials can exceed £60–£100 for a high-quality finish. Buying a professionally constructed artificial or dried wreath can often offer better material value and a more balanced design, especially if you are new to the process.

Common Wreath Making Mistakes 

1. Using overly thick bundles

2. Not overlapping stems correctly

3. Choosing the wrong base size

4. Hanging wreaths too low on doors

5. Using weak wire

Avoiding these instantly improves results.

When It Makes Sense to Buy Instead 

Wreath making takes time, materials and practice. If you prefer a professionally balanced finish without trial and error, explore our collection of artificial and dried wreaths designed for seasonal front door styling.

Artificial wreaths are ideal for year-round exposure.
Dried flower door wreaths offer natural texture for sheltered entrances.

Follow for Seasonal Wreath Inspiration 

We regularly share seasonal wreath styling, artificial arrangement techniques and front door inspiration across Instagram and TikTok.

FAQs

How do you make a wreath step by step? 

Prepare stems first, secure small bundles to the base with wire, overlap consistently and build around the frame in one direction.

What is the easiest type of wreath making for beginners? 

Grapevine bases with artificial florals are the most forgiving starting point.

Do you need a wreath making kit? 

Kits can help beginners, but selecting your own materials allows better quality control and style choice.

How many stems are needed for a 55cm wreath? 

Typically between 60 and 100 stems depending on fullness.

Can you hang a wreath on the front door all year? 

Yes. Artificial wreaths perform best for full exposure, while dried wreaths suit sheltered doors.