Creating Magical Wedding Wands: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding wands are a fun and safe alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They are easy to make and can be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme. Wedding wands are made using wood dowels, ribbon, screw eye hooks, jump rings, and bells. The process involves cutting the dowels to size, staining them, attaching the bells and ribbons, and then tying knots to secure them in place. These wands can be used by guests during the ceremony and reception exit, creating a colourful and festive atmosphere. They are also a great option for couples looking for a unique send-off idea that doesn't require cleanup.

Choosing the right materials

Wedding wands are a fun and creative way to celebrate your big day and can be a great DIY project. When making your own wedding wands, choosing the right materials is essential to ensure they look beautiful and function as intended. Here are some tips to help you select the best materials for your wedding wands:

Wooden Dowels:

The base of your wedding wand is the wooden dowel. Opt for dowels that are around 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. You can find these at your local hardware store or buy pre-cut packs at craft stores. If you want a more rustic look, consider staining the dowels with a homemade mixture of vinegar, steel wool and tea. This will give them a richer colour and hide any imperfections. Don't forget to measure and cut the dowels to your desired length!

Ribbon:

Ribbon is a key component of wedding wands, adding colour and movement. Choose ribbons that complement your wedding colour scheme. You'll need approximately 12 inches of ribbon for each wand, depending on how long you want the ribbon to be. Feel free to mix and match different types of ribbon, such as satin, lace, and tulle, to create a unique look. Layering ribbons of different lengths and widths will make your wands more visually interesting.

Bells:

Adding small bells to your wedding wands will create a delightful jingle as your guests wave them. Look for medium-sized bells that can be easily attached to the end of the dowel. You can usually find these in craft stores or the wedding section of department stores. If you prefer a quieter option, you can opt for wedding wands without bells.

Eye Hooks and Jump Rings:

To secure the ribbon and bells to the dowel, you'll need screw eye hooks and jump rings. The eye hooks should be screwed into the end of the dowel, and the jump rings can be used to attach the bells. Make sure to choose eye hooks that are the appropriate size for your dowels, such as 13/16 inch.

Fairy Lights and LED Lights:

If you want your wedding wands to glow, consider adding fairy lights or LED lights. These can be found in craft stores or online. LED foam sticks are a popular choice for wedding wands, providing a colourful and bright display.

Personalisation:

You can also choose to personalise your wedding wands by including your wedding hashtag, a special message, or your names and wedding date. This can be done through custom printing or engraving on the wands themselves or by adding custom tags.

By carefully selecting these materials and adding your own creative touches, you can make beautiful wedding wands that will dazzle your guests and create lasting memories.

Preparing the wooden dowels

To make wedding wands, you will need wooden dowels that are 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. You can buy these pre-cut in packs at craft stores or from a local hardware store. If you buy them from a hardware store, they usually come in 48-inch lengths, which you will need to cut into four 12-inch sections each. You can ask the staff at the hardware store to cut them for you, or you can do this yourself at home with a miter saw.

Before you start cutting, it's a good idea to stain the dowels to give them a richer and more rustic colour. You can make a homemade stain using vinegar, steel wool and tea, or you can buy a pre-made stain. To stain the dowels, simply place them in the stain mixture for a few hours, stirring occasionally to ensure an even colour. Then, rinse and dry them thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Another useful tip when preparing the wooden dowels is to use a thumbtack to create a hole at the top of each one. This will make it much easier to screw in the eye hooks, which will be used to attach the ribbons and bells. You can then screw in the eye hooks by hand or with the help of pliers. It's important to choose thin eye hooks that are the right size for the dowels, as thicker ones may split the wood.

Once the eye hooks are in place, you're ready to start adding the ribbons and bells to create your wedding wands!

Attaching the bells

Once you have your materials, you can begin the attachment process. Take a jump ring and open it gently, being careful not to bend it out of shape. Thread the jump ring through the loop of the bell, and then close it securely. Repeat this process to attach a second bell to each jump ring.

Now that your bells are securely attached to the jump rings, you can attach them to the wedding wands. Take the end of the wand with the eye screw hook, and gently open another jump ring. Thread this jump ring through the eye screw, and then close it securely. Now your bells are attached to the wand!

You can attach the bells to all of your wands in this manner, creating a beautiful and cohesive look for your wedding celebration. The gentle jingle of the bells will add a magical touch to your special day, and your guests will love waving these wands as you make your grand exit.

Cutting the ribbons

First, decide on the length of your ribbons. Most sources suggest cutting your ribbons to 12-inch lengths, but you can adjust this measurement based on your desired ribbon length and the overall look you want to achieve. If you want a more layered appearance, you can vary the lengths slightly to create a cascading effect.

Next, consider the number of ribbons per wand. For a fuller look, you can add 4-5 pieces of ribbon per wand, but you can certainly add more or fewer ribbons depending on your preference. If you're using multiple colours, you can either mix them together on each wand or create specific colour schemes for a more varied display.

When cutting the ribbons, it's essential to use sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts and prevent fraying. You may also want to lightly seal the edges of the ribbons with a flame or clear nail polish to prevent them from unraveling. This step will ensure that your wedding wands look neat and well-crafted.

After cutting, it's time to tie the ribbons to the eye screw or hook at the end of the wand. Double knots are recommended to secure the ribbons in place. Start with the widest ribbon or fabric first and work your way to the thinner ones to create a layered effect. You can also add bells or other small decorations to the end of the ribbons for added charm and a bit of whimsy.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with the process! You can create different variations of wedding wands with unique combinations of colours, textures, and lengths to make them truly your own.

Tying the ribbons

You can make your wedding wands as simple or intricate as you like. For a more complex look, you can add multiple layers of ribbon and vary the lengths to create a sense of movement. You can also experiment with different types of ribbon, such as lace or tulle, to add texture and visual interest.

When choosing your ribbons, consider the colour scheme of your wedding and whether you want the wands to match or complement the other decorations. You can also mix and match different patterns and widths of ribbon to create a unique look.

Once you've finished tying the ribbons, give the wand a wave to make sure it's secure and to admire your handiwork!

Frequently asked questions