Embellishing Wedding Invites: Ribbons And Creative Techniques

Wedding invitations are more than just a design printed on paper. There are many ways to embellish them and make them stand out. One way to do this is by using ribbon. Ribbon can be added as an embellishment in several ways: taped, tied, wrapped, or used as a decorative band for a pop of colour. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create elegant ribbon-embellished wedding invitations.

Using ribbon to create a decorative band

Choosing the Right Ribbon

Select a ribbon that complements the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. Satin ribbons are a popular choice for wedding invitations as they add a touch of elegance and richness. Consider the width of the ribbon as well; a wider ribbon will create a bolder statement, while a narrower ribbon will be more subtle.

Preparing the Ribbon

Cut the ribbon to the desired length, ensuring it is long enough to wrap around your invitation suite comfortably. If you are using a thicker ribbon, you may need to cut it at an angle to create a clean finish. You can also use different types of ribbon together to create a layered effect, as seen in the example from Paper Source, where a wider satin ribbon is paired with a narrower ribbon with a knot.

Adhering the Ribbon

There are several ways to adhere the ribbon to your invitations. One method is to use double-sided tape, which provides a strong hold while remaining relatively flat. You can also use a glue stick or liquid glue, but be cautious as they can be messy and may soak through the ribbon. Another option is to use a tool like the Baby Xyron, which turns the ribbon into a sticker, creating a smooth and quick application.

Tying the Ribbon

When wrapping the ribbon around your invitation suite, ensure that it is pulled tight enough to keep the suite together securely. You can secure the ribbon at the back of the invitation with double-sided tape, glue, or adhesive dots. If you want to add a decorative touch, consider tying the ribbon in a bow or knot before securing it.

Final Touches

Once the ribbon is in place, you can enhance the look further by adding embellishments such as rhinestones, crystals, or a monogram tag. These extra details will make your invitations truly unique and special.

Creating decorative bands with ribbon is a simple yet effective way to embellish your wedding invitations. It adds a touch of elegance and texture, making your invitations stand out. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can achieve a beautiful and cohesive look that will impress your guests.

Tying a ribbon around a scroll invitation

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need your invitation scroll, a sheet of vellum paper, a meter of ribbon in your chosen colour, a paper trimmer, sharp scissors, and an adhesive such as double-sided tape or glue.

Print your invitation wording onto the vellum paper. Use a laser printer if possible, as inkjet ink can smudge. If you must use an inkjet printer, allow ample drying time.

Next, use the paper trimmer to cut your printed vellum to the desired size. Place your invitation wording on top of the scroll, ensuring it is centred.

Now, take your ribbon and place it on a flat surface. Starting at the bottom of the invitation, carefully roll both sheets together to form a tube shape. Aim for a tube that is approximately 4.5 cm wide, but this does not need to be exact.

Place your scroll in the middle of the ribbon. Hold the scroll closed, and wrap the two ends of the ribbon towards you until they meet. Securely tie a knot in the ribbon.

Finally, tie a neat bow. A simple way to do this is by using the "bunny ears" technique. Trim off any excess ribbon, and, as a finishing touch, cut an inverted "V" into the end of the ribbon.

And there you have it! A beautifully embellished scroll invitation, perfect for a wedding. This method is a simple yet stunning way to present your invitations, and you can easily adapt it by changing the colour of the ribbon to match your wedding theme.

Using a machine to turn ribbon into a sticker

Step 1: Prepare the Ribbon

Cut the satin ribbon into 6-inch strips. You can also pull the whole ribbon spool through the Xyron and then cut the strips. This will save you some time.

Step 2: Feed the Ribbon into the Xyron Machine

Carefully guide the ribbon through the Xyron machine. Make sure not to move too quickly to avoid bunching or folding. The Xyron will apply an adhesive to one side of the ribbon, turning it into a sticker.

Step 3: Apply the Ribbon to the Invitation

Remove the waxy backing from the Xyron adhesive. Place the ribbon, adhesive side down, onto the invitation. Wrap the ends of the ribbon around the back of the invitation and secure them in place. You can use Zots or a thin line of quick-dry adhesive for a secure hold.

Step 4: Add a Knot or Bow (Optional)

If you want to add a bit of extra flair, cut a 6-inch strip of a thinner ribbon and tie a knot in the center. Place this knotted ribbon over the wider ribbon, wrapping the ends around the back, and secure it with Zots.

Step 5: Mount the Invitation

For a more luxurious feel, mount the embellished invitation onto a backing card. This adds layers, textures, and colors to your invitation suite.

Using a machine like the Xyron Create-A-Sticker simplifies the process of turning ribbon into a sticker and ensures a smooth and mess-free application. It's a quick and easy way to add a pop of color and elegance to your wedding invitations.

Layering different types of ribbon

For example, you could use 1 1/2" satin ribbon as a decorative band and then layer a 1/4" satin ribbon on top. First, cut the wider ribbon into 6" strips and guide it through a Baby Xyron, a machine that turns almost anything into a sticker. Pull off the waxy backing from the Xyron adhesive and place the ribbon (adhesive side down) onto each printed invitation. Wrap the ends of the ribbon around the back of the invitation and secure.

Next, cut 6" strips of the narrower ribbon and tie a knot in the centre. Place the knotted ribbon over the wider ribbon, wrapping the ends around the back of the invitation, and secure with Zots.

Using ribbon to secure invitation layers together

Ribbon Punched Layers:

Punching holes through the invitation layers and threading ribbon through them is a unique way to secure the layers together. Here's how you can do it:

• Use a 1/4 inch ribbon stitch punch to create holes through all the invitation layers.
• Thread a 1/4 inch double-faced satin ribbon through the holes.
• Tie the ribbon into a decorative knot or bow. This method adds a decorative flare to your invitations without the need for sticky adhesives.

Ribbon Bound Booklet Invitation:

If you're looking for something more off-beat, try this ribbon binding method for a folder invitation:

• Punch a hole through both sides of a booklet folder using a standard hole punch.
• Thread your chosen ribbon through the holes.
• Tie the ribbon into a knot or bow to secure the folder closed.

Additional Tips:

When adhering ribbon to your invitations, avoid using glue sticks, double-sided tape, or liquid glue as they can be messy, time-consuming, or create visible ridges. Instead, consider using a tool like Baby Xyron, which turns the ribbon into a sticker, creating a smooth and elegant finish.

When working with ribbon, take your time and practice if needed. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Frequently asked questions