How to Make a Magnolia Branch Ceremony Backdrop

Tulle and Magnolias seem to us like a match made in heaven so we can’t get over how beautiful this ceremony backdrop turned out. The softness of the tulle and the defined shape of the branches make this the perfect addition to a rustic wedding. It would be a perfect ceremony backdrop, photo booth backdrop or wall decoration for a bridal suite or reception entrance. Indoor or outdoor, this backdrop will be as beautiful in stillness as it will be in the wind. We paired antique white tulle with blush tulle for a soft, warm effect, but you could work with any color to incorporate it into your wedding theme. You could also add lace or ribbon if you wanted to give it more variety. We hope this inspires you as much as it inspires us!

What You’ll Need: Cream and Blush Tulle / Flowering Magnolia Branches / Floral Wire / Scissors

First lay out the branches into the arrangement you want. You will need a large space to work where you can spread out. Using the floral wire, tightly bind the branches together where the ends meet the other branches.

You may need to use multiple wires in some spots.

Next, measure out the length of tulle that you will need. We made ours so that it would touch the ground, but if you want a shorter backdrop that would work too! Once you have chose a length, but your first piece of tulle to double that length. Fold the piece in half and loop it around a place on the branches, pulling the rest of the length through to create a knot. You will want to be sure you eventually cover the wires.

Step back to get a sense for how you want to space out your tulle.

Using one color, repeat your earlier steps of measuring, doubling, looping and pulling through.

It is alright if the tulle starts to bunch up, you will easily be able to untangle it later.

Next, adding the blush tulle, fill in the gaps you left between the antique white tulle.

You can leave the loops loose for a fuller look like we did or pull them tighter for a stronger hold on the branches.

Once you have all of your lengths attached to the branches, take a final piece of tulle and wrap the branches to soften the look of the loops on the branches.

Leave the end of the tulle that you used to wrap the branches loose at the end to float free!

Next, hang your backdrop and untangle the lengths of tulle if you need to. If any are too long, now would be a good time to trim them!

This would also make for a beautiful indoor decoration for a bridal suite or for an indoor reception or photo booth backdrop.

We also love the look of it against a barn door as a ceremony backdrop.

The nature of the texture of the tulle is such that it will catch and bunch with the other pieces, and we love how that adds to the fullness of this piece! If you want a much fuller look, add more lengths of tulle or start with thicker sections to begin with.