Tying The Perfect Bow For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are often adorned with bows to add a romantic and luxurious touch. There are several ways to tie a bow on a wedding invitation, and the type of bow created will depend on the ribbon used and the method of tying. The most popular types of ribbon used for wedding invitations are satin, organza, and silk. The width of the ribbon is also important, with 15mm and 25mm ribbons being ideal for creating beautiful, romantic bows. In this article, we will explore the different methods of tying a bow on a wedding invitation, including the popular 'Dior' bow and the traditional bow with loops. We will also provide step-by-step guides to help you create the perfect bow for your special day.

Choosing the right ribbon: satin, organza, silk, wired, or non-wired

When it comes to choosing the right ribbon for your wedding invitations, there are several types to consider: satin, organza, silk, wired, or non-wired. Each type of ribbon has its own unique characteristics and can add a different touch of elegance to your invitations. Here are some things to consider when choosing between these options:

Satin

Satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it has a smooth, shiny surface that gives a luxurious look and feel. It is often double-sided, with a contrasting pattern or colour on one side, adding a unique touch to your invitations. Satin ribbons are easy to work with and can be cut, shaped, and tied into bows without fraying, making them a convenient option for DIY wedding stationery.

Organza

Organza ribbon is known for its sheer, lightweight, and shiny appearance. It is made from thin, plain-woven fabric, originally woven from silk, but now also available in other synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Organza ribbons add a fairy tale-like, soft, and romantic effect to your wedding invitations. They are durable and long-lasting, making them a versatile choice for various wedding crafts and decorations.

Silk

Silk ribbon is the epitome of sophistication and luxury. It is often used to create a sophisticated and elegant look for wedding invitations. Silk ribbons come in various forms, such as hand-dyed, raw-edge, or chiffon, each adding a unique texture and style to your invitations. Silk is a natural fabric that can be easily incorporated into your wedding stationery, providing a soft and refined finish.

Wired

Wired ribbons are a great option if you want to add structure to your bows. The wire helps the bow hold its shape, and if it gets squashed, it can easily be reshaped. Wired ribbons are usually made from materials like satin or organza, giving you the benefits of those fabrics along with the added structure.

Non-wired

Non-wired ribbons, also known as standard ribbons, are far less structured than their wired counterparts. They are made from materials like satin, organza, or silk but without the internal wiring. Non-wired ribbons are a good option if you prefer a more flexible and flowing look for your bows. They can be easily tied into loose, effortless-looking knots or bows.

Using a bow maker or a fork for thin ribbon

A bow maker is a great tool to make perfect bows for your wedding invitations. It is especially useful when working with thin ribbon, as it can be tricky to get the right shape and size without one. The good news is that you don't necessarily need a bow maker; a simple household fork can be used in exactly the same way to achieve the same result.

To start, you will need to cut a length of ribbon. The length will depend on the size of your invitation, but generally, for a thin ribbon, you will want to keep the length relatively short to avoid overwhelming the invitation. A sharp pair of scissors is essential to ensure clean cuts. You can also heat-seal the ends of the ribbon with a flame or use a product like Fray Check to prevent fraying.

Now, take your ribbon and your bow maker/fork. Place the centre of the ribbon against the middle prong of the fork or bow maker. This will create two loops, one on either side of the centre prong. Adjust the loops to your desired size and ensure they are even.

Next, take a small piece of wire and thread it through the centre prong, under the ribbon, and twist to secure the loops in place. You can then remove the fork/bow maker and adjust the loops as needed. Bring the two loops together and join them at the centre with a small dot of glue.

Finally, take a small piece of ribbon, create a centre loop, and glue it to the centre of the bow to hide the wire and finish the look. And there you have it—a perfect bow for your wedding invitation!

How to make a Dior bow

There are two main types of bows used for wedding invitations: the Dior bow and the traditional bow with loops. This is how you make a Dior bow:

First, ensure you have sharp scissors to get clean cuts on your ribbon. You can also heat-seal the ribbon with a flame or brush the ends with Fray Check to prevent fraying.

A bow maker or a fork can be used to make a Dior bow with narrow or thin ribbon. A bowmaker tool will help you make perfect bows every time, but if you don't have one, you can use a fork in the same way.

If you're using wired ribbon, start by taking a length of ribbon and folding it into a horizontal concertina with a loop on each side. Then, pinch and gather the centre, securing it with a piece of wire. Twist the ribbon and shape the loops on each side, then bring the ribbon tails into shape. Finally, create a centre loop from a small length of ribbon and glue it in place.

If you're using non-wired ribbon, follow similar steps, but instead of using wire to secure the centre, you can simply tie a knot or use glue or tape to secure it.

Using pre-made bows: quick and easy

If you're short on time, using pre-made bows is a quick and easy way to decorate your wedding invitations. These bows are easy to glue onto your stationery with a glue gun or a strong adhesive like Gem-Tac.

Pre-made bows come in a variety of luxurious wide ribbon styles that are ideal for wedding invitations. You can also find smaller bows to decorate placecards and wedding favours. For instance, 7mm ribbon bows are perfect for these smaller items.

To add a bit of sparkle to your invites, choose pre-made bows with a diamante centre. These will add a dazzling finishing touch to your wedding stationery.

If you're looking for something a little more playful, consider pre-made polka dot bows. These can add an element of fun to your wedding crafts and card-making.

By using pre-made bows, you can save time and still achieve a beautiful and elegant look for your wedding invitations.

Finishing touches: adding sparkle with diamante

Adding a hint of shimmer and sparkle to your wedding invitations is a creative way to elevate your DIY wedding stationery. Finishing touches such as diamante embellishments will add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your wedding invites.

There are many ways to add sparkle with diamante, from using diamante rhinestone sheets to individual diamante embellishments. For a simple yet effective approach, try using self-adhesive diamante rhinestone sheets, which can be cut to size and wrapped around your invitation. For a more intricate look, individual diamante embellishments can be glued to the invitation, with a variety of shapes and sizes allowing for a unique design.

For a cohesive look, diamante embellishments can be used across all wedding stationery items, from the invitations to the RSVP cards and save-the-dates. This is a great way to add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your wedding stationery suite. When selecting your diamante embellishments, consider the overall theme of your wedding. For example, a winter wonderland wedding might feature more silver or ice-blue diamantes, while a rustic wedding could incorporate diamantes in a warm gold tone.

When creating your own wedding invitations, it's important to have the right tools. Sharp scissors are essential for clean cuts, and a glue gun or strong adhesive will ensure your diamantes stay in place. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can design elegant and luxurious wedding invitations that are sure to impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions