Smilax Vines DIY Guide: How Much Smilax Do I (You) Need? + Approximate Coverage

Smilax Vines are a favorite among professional florists, but guess what? You don't need to be a pro to create magical, Pinterest-worthy decorations. Whether you're a bride, a proud mom, or a floral enthusiast planning your first big event, this guide is for you.

Here we share real-life photos of Smilax Vines installations by our clients in different seasons, venues, and styles — along with easy-to-follow tips, material lists, and estimated quantities based on our box sizes: 

• Box Medium: (8lbs. - 10lbs. / 70 ft. - 80 ft.)

• Box Large: (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft.)

• Box XL: (25lbs. - 30lbs. / 210 ft. - 260 ft.)

 

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1. Staircase Banister with Floral Accent

• Perfect for: Weddings or welcome table setups.
  
  
• What You Need: 
  
  • Floral wire 
    
  • Zip ties 
    
  • Floral tape 
    
  • Scissors 
    
  • Step ladder
    
    
• Tips: 
  
  • Start layering the vines from the base and let them trail naturally. 
    
  • Add a mix of focal flowers near the curve or central point for added drama and color.
    
    
• Smilax Used: 1 Box L (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft. )
  
  
• Surface Coverage: Approx. 10 ft length x 6 ft drop x 2 ft depth

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2. Ceiling Greenery Canopy with Hanging Lanterns

• Perfect for: Romantic floating garden effect, vibrant nature
  
  
• What You Need: 
  
  • Zip ties, 
    
  • floral wire, 
    
  • ladders or scaffolding, 
    
  • battery-operated lanterns or LED candles
    
    
• Tips: 
  
  • Focus on even spacing. Don’t over-secure the vines—let them dip and drape naturally between anchor points to maintain flow and movement.
    
    
• Smilax Used: ~6 Boxes XL (25lbs. - 30lbs. / 210 ft. - 260 ft.) = ~1500 ft
  
  
• Surface Coverage: Approx. 40 ft width x 25 ft depth canopy

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3. Hanging Smilax Chandelier - Indoor Venue

• Perfect for: Indoor venues, backyard weddings, or tented receptions

• What You Need:

  • Ceiling hook or strong beam

  • Green floral wire or zip ties

  • Step ladder

  Tips:

  • Let the vines hang naturally for that effortless look.

  • Combine with string lights or candles above the table for cozy elegance.

• Smilax Used: 1 Box M (8lbs. - 10lbs. / 70 ft. - 80 ft.)

• Surface Coverage: Approx. 3 ft diameter x 2 ft thickness, 10ft chandelier perimeter

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4. Arched Church Doorway Installation

• Perfect for: Ceremony entrance, church doors, barn entrances

• What You Need:

  • Heavy-duty zip ties or green florist tape

  • Floral chicken wire or a pre-shaped garland base

  • Step ladder

• Tips:

  • Start from the top center and work your way down each side.

  • Allow some vines to cascade for a soft, romantic feel.

• Smilax Used: 1 Box L (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft.)

• Surface Coverage: Approx. 12 ft height x 11 ft width x 1.5 ft thickness

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5. Tent Entrance Archway (Full Coverage - Medium Density)

• Perfect for: Luxury weddings, galas, statement entrances

• What You Need:

  • Floral chicken wire or lightweight mesh for base

  • Zip ties or pipe cleaners

  • A team of at least 2 people

  • Extension ladder

• Tips:

  • Work in sections: top, then left, then right.

  • Use longer pieces on the top to create flow.

• Smilax Used: ~ 2 Boxes L (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft.) 

• Surface Coverage: Approx. 12 ft height x 20 ft width x 4 ft thickness

 

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6. Balcony Railing with Chandelier Focal Point

• Perfect For: A classic design for elegant ballrooms and indoor weddings.
  
  
• What You Need: 
  
  • Green floral wire, 
    
  • zip ties, 
    
  • scissors, 
    
  • step ladder
    
    
• Tips: 
  
  • Add fullness at the center and both corners. 
    
  • Let vines trail freely for a flowing, romantic look that complements the height and lighting.
    
    
• Smilax Used: 2 Boxes L (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft.) = 300 ft
  
  
• Surface Coverage: Approx. 25 ft length x 3 ft drop x 2 ft thickness

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7. Bar Backdrop & Overhead Decor

• Perfect for: Creating a photo-worthy drinks station or focal point at a reception.
  
  
• What You Need: 
  
  • Chicken wire or floral mesh, 
    
  • zip ties, 
    
  • wall hooks or nails, 
    
  • floral tape
    
    
• Tips: 
  
  • Cluster fullness at the top corners and let vines trail downward from shelves or ceiling lines. 
    
  • You can even tuck small blooms or candles into the backdrop for added interest.
    
    
• Smilax Used: 2 Boxes L (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft.) = 300 ft
  
  
• Surface Coverage: Approx. 12 ft width x 10 ft height x 2 ft depth
  
  

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8. Vertical Wall Backdrop Installation

• Perfect for: Ceremony backdrops, photo booths, welcome walls

• What You Need:

  • Floral netting or mesh backing

  • Command hooks or staple gun (for wood)

  • Floral wire or green twist ties

  Tips:

  • Let some vines hang longer at the bottom for a cascading effect.

  • Add a neon sign or framed signage for extra flair.

• Smilax Used: 1 Box L (15lbs. - 20lbs. / 120 ft. - 150 ft.)

• Surface Coverage: Approx. 10 ft height x 8 ft width x 3 ft thickness

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🌿 Important Designer Note:

• The total amount of Smilax vines required may vary depending on the fullness and density desired for each installation.
  
• For lighter, more airy designs, less product may be needed. For lush, full and layered looks — especially for weddings, tent entrances or photo backdrops — we recommend allowing extra footage to achieve optimal volume and flow.
  
• Always plan your order based on your design style and the visual impact you wish to create.

🌿 Helpful Reminders:

• Every design is flexible! Use more or less Smilax depending on the look you want.

• Smilax is bendy and easy to work with, perfect for DIY installations.

• Always have floral wire and scissors on hand.

🌿 Flowers & Foliage That Pair Beautifully With Smilax

Fresh Flowers

• Roses – Classic focal flowers available in many colors, perfect for wedding arches & bouquets. 

• Ranunculus – Delicate, layered petals add softness and volume. 

• Anemones – Bold center detail for contemporary designs.

• Alstroemeria – Long-lasting blooms bring subtle pattern and color. 

• Lisianthus – Elegant, ruffled form that pairs beautifully with greens. 

• Hydrangeas – Large clusters that fill space and complement trailing vines. 

• Lilies – Statement flowers that contrast smilax texture.

Foliage & Greenery

• Italian Ruscus – Glossy foliage great for lush sweeps on arches and tables.

• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus – Soft silvery tone with aromatic appeal. 

• Seeded Eucalyptus – Textured greenery to support smilax’s natural vibe.

• Jasmine Vine – Adds delicate secondary vine interest. 

• Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) – Ethereal filler that amplifies smilax coverage.

• White Lisianthus – Soft, romantic filler blooms that accent smilax. 

• Huck Greenery – Dense leaves for texture contrast with smilax. 

Extras for Style

• Assorted Carnations & Pompoms – Budget-friendly texture and color pops. 

• Assorted Filler Flowers (Limonium, Hypericum Berries, Scabiosa) – Add dimension and visual interest.

• Bouquets & Designer Mix Boxes – Curated combinations ready to pair with smilax for event design. 

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💡 Tip: Combine smilax with both focal blooms (like roses or hydrangeas) and textural fillers/greenery (like eucalyptus or ruscus) to create layered depth and a lush, cohesive look in installations or hand-tied designs.

✨ Ready to create your own dreamy decor?

👉 Choose your box size (M, L, or XL) and start decorating like a floral designer!

✈️ GreenChoiceFlowers: Farm-fresh Smilax vines shipped to your door.