Kissing Balls: Alternative to Flower Baskets or Traditional Flower Arrangements

kissing ball

No, a kissing ball isn’t a fancy ballroom party where guests go about kissing each other. Kissing balls were actually popular handmade Christmas decorations during the Victorian age, a practice that pre-dated hanging mistletoe on a doorway. Kissing balls of old were made of pine needles, evergreen boughs, and flowers arranged around a potato or apple. Today, kissing balls are made of brightly colored flowers and have a number of uses: as an alternative to bouquets, as decorative ornaments for any occasion, and as traditional Christmas decor. The use of kissing balls in weddings is a very recent development. At first it was because many churches did not allow flower girls to drop petals on the aisle because of the damage they do to the carpet, but then more and more brides started noticing how adorable their flower girls looked when they carried little balls of flowers.

kissing ball seashell


What I like about kissing balls is that it allows for more creativity in terms of materials and usage. You don’t always have to use flowers on a kissing ball. This one is made out of seashells and can be carried by bridesmaids or even the bride herself. Great for beach weddings!

kissing ball berries


Yultide brides may want to consider using Christmas-y ornaments in their kissing balls, like berries, frosted pine cones, or faux pine needles.

kissing ball centerpiece
Photo credit

You can also use kissing balls as table centerpieces for the reception. At the flower girls’ table, you can provide hooks or branches where they can hang their kissing balls before running off to play.

kissing ball aisle decor 2

You can also use these as aisle decor for outdoor garden weddings or church weddings. Your florist can probably provide the hooks; if not, you can get them at any gardening supply store.

Continue reading here: Origami Wedding Flowers

Was this article helpful?

0 0