Easy Indy 500 Inspired Wreath

Last year, I was asked to make an Indianapolis 500 themed wreath for an event at where I work. I did a little research and looked at some pictures of past wreaths, and came up with a fairly simple to make wreath. In the process of my research, I learned about the history, and the tradition of the wreath.

If you are having an Indy 500 party this year, wouldn’t this make a great addition to your Indy 500 themed decor? What better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend and the Indy 500!

Background: Indy 500 Winner’s Wreath

The Indianapolis 500 is an annual Indy-Car Series race, traditionally held on Memorial Day. The first Indy 500 was held in 1911. The race has many traditions such as the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the race and the winner drinking milk from a milk bottle after the race. Another post race tradition is to present the winner with a wreath.

The winner’s wreath tradition at the Indy 500 started in 1960 with winner Jim Rathmann. But even before that, winners of other motor races were presented with wreaths. The tradition probably stems all the way back to early Olympic Games, where wreaths of laurel or olive branches were placed on the heads of winners.

Who makes the wreaths is also part of the tradition. The current maker has been making the wreaths since 1992. She is a florist in nearby Yorktown, and was selected to make them by the former maker. Check out her website to see pictures of some of the official wreaths that she has made. Each wreath she makes for the race has 33 orchids, and 33 checkered flags (one for each driver). It is also adorned with red, white and blue ribbon, and has the words “Borg Warner” on it, as that is the name of the trophy presented to the winner.

Notes:

The wreath that I made is NOT AN EXACT REPLICA of the official wreath. My wreath is inspired by the original, traditional wreaths used at the Indy 500.  I wanted it to be large enough and durable enough for people to “wear” it and take pictures, so I left the orchids off. Silk Flowers can be expensive. If you want people to wear your wreath, keep that in mind you are purchasing or making your base wreath. when that wreath size is measured from the outside, not the inside.  I had to go to the store and “try them on”. Yes, I got some looks, 👀 but I recommend it if you want people be able to wear it.

Materials Needed

(I purchased all of my materials at Hobby Lobby)

• Plain “Greenery” Wreath
  If you want people to be able to wear it, make sure the inside diameter is large enough for people to people to wear. (click to see 2021 winner). The one I used was a 30″ wreath.
  You could also make this, with a wire wreath form and a greenery garland.
• Red, White, and Blue Mesh Ribbon about 4-6″ wide
• Checker board ribbon
• 8-12 10″ zip ties

Instructions

First, you need 8-12 pieces of the checkered ribbon cut 4″ to 5″ long, (cut at a 45 degree angle). I didn’t measure, but to make sure each one was about the same length, I cut the first one, and then used it as a template to cut the rest.

Then, using zip ties, attach the ribbons to the wreath. Pinch and twist the ribbon at every point you attach it to the wreath, to make it “puff out”. Centered a checkered ribbon at the pinch, and use a zip tie to pull it all tight. I did this all the way around, and the end I cut the red white and blue ribbon and tucked in the ends (you can tuck them behind the ribbon, or use the greenery to hide them).

And that’s it. You can add the traditional silk orchids for a more authentic look, or you could add bow. Anything you like!

Start your engines!