No Midsummer celebration is complete without a floral headpiece. Here's our florist-approved guide to perfecting yours
Arguably one of the most emblematic Midsummer traditions is flower crown making. No Midsummer look is complete without a bouquet of natural sweet scented blooms worn over a head of tousled wavy locks.
Vogue Scandinavia sat down with Christoffer Broman, expert florist and founder of Christoffers Blommor in order to garner his top tips and tricks on making a floral masterpiece – perhaps even the best creation the land of the midnight sun has ever seen.
Size matters
Bigger doesn't always mean better and it’s important to first consider the size of both the flowers and greens, and the potential size of the overall crown, as you want your crown to both look great, but be wearable too. “The first time I did flower crowns I remember I did them a bit too big and used too many greens. Everyone looked more like trolls or something from Harry Potter,” laughs Broman.
Broman outside his shop in Gamla Stan.
Use your greens
The key for a good flower crown lies in the foundation, which in this case should be done with green leaves. “Make a green base. Cut the flowers and leaves short,” explains Broman. This helps to give thickness and volume to your crown while maintaining its proper shape and size. If you’re struggling with keeping yours in shape, then flower wire — the green kind that is used to prop up stems in vases or arrangements — should do the trick.
Choose your flowers properly
There aren’t specific flowers that are required for flower crown making, tradition states that picking from the natural-growing flowers of the region is what is best. In the city, this might prove tough, so Broman recommends using herbs that have a nice scent “Daisys, chamomile, and any other flowery flowers you can find works well.” If you’re opting for a florist, Broman suggests long-lasting flowers, such as chrysanthemum, thistle and solidago and don’t overthink the colours.
Photo: Benjamin Tarp
Consider going dry
“Something that I’ve seen trending and that is very practical to use are dried flowers,” says Broman. This way you can preserve your crown well past Midsummer. Depending on whether you want to start with fresh flowers and dry the crown after using it, or you want to start with dried flowers initially, the best way to dry them is to hang them by the stem upside down in a dry area of the house until they’re crisp and ready to use.
Do it for the bees
Alternatively, consider a greener approach to creating your crown. While flowers might be the classic option, they’re also the main source of food and nurture for bees, which are currently endangered and in risk of extinction. Opt instead for pure greens, such as myrtle and ivy for a delicate look, or leather leaf and dusty miller for fuller crowns. Flower-wise try zinnias, feverfew and marigolds, which don’t attract bees.
But remember, the day is about much more than creating the perfect wreath, Midsummer is about celebration, joy and community — so have fun with your crown and skål to summer.