Creating A Rustic Burlap Aisle Runner For Your Wedding

A wedding is a magical event, and the bride's walk down the aisle is the most romantic moment of the day. The ceremony decor adds another layer of timeless romance and reinforces the wedding theme. A burlap wedding aisle runner is a great way to add a rustic chic touch to your wedding decor, especially for a countryside ceremony or a barn venue. You can buy a burlap aisle runner or make your own with some simple materials and a bit of creativity. In this article, we will focus on how to make a burlap wedding aisle runner, providing a step-by-step guide and offering tips for a flawless execution.

Choosing the right burlap

Quality and Weave

Look for premium-quality burlap with a tight weave. This will ensure that your aisle runner looks elegant and feels sturdy. A tight weave will also help prevent scuffs and tears, especially if you plan to use it outdoors or on a rough surface.

Width and Length

Burlap fabric typically comes in bolts or rolls of various widths and lengths. For a wedding aisle runner, you will likely need a width of around 36 to 40 inches. As for the length, measure the aisle where you plan to use the runner and add a few extra feet to ensure it's long enough. You can always cut the burlap to size, but it's better to have a little extra than not enough.

Color and Embellishments

Burlap comes in various colors, including natural, white, and ivory. Choose a color that complements your wedding theme and décor. If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider embellishing the burlap with lace, ribbon, or monogrammed initials. You can also paint or stencil designs onto the burlap for a personalized touch.

Price and Availability

Burlap is generally an inexpensive fabric, but prices can vary depending on the quality and source. Check online retailers, craft stores, and fabric suppliers to find the best price and selection. Buying in bulk or from a specialty retailer may also offer cost savings.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before purchasing burlap, be sure to read reviews from other customers who have used the fabric for similar projects. This will give you valuable insights into the quality, durability, and ease of use. Ask other DIY enthusiasts or wedding planners for recommendations on where to find the best burlap for aisle runners.

Remember, taking the time to select the right burlap will ensure that your wedding aisle runner looks stunning and stands up to the wear and tear of your big day.

Adding a monogram

Designing Your Monogram

Start by designing your monogram and names in fonts that you like. You can be creative here and choose fonts that reflect your style and personality. Consider whether you want a simple, elegant font or something more playful and whimsical. You can also play around with different sizes and layouts to find the perfect combination.

Cutting Out Your Design

Once you have designed your monogram and names, it's time to cut them out from vinyl using an electronic craft cutter or a craft knife. If you're using an electronic cutter like a Cricut machine, simply upload your design and let the machine do the work. If you're cutting by hand, take your time and be as precise as possible. Remember, you can cut out your design in any colour of vinyl you like!

Adhering the Vinyl to the Burlap

Now it's time to attach your vinyl design to the burlap. Carefully position your vinyl in the desired location on the burlap, taking into consideration the overall look you're trying to achieve. Once you're happy with the placement, use black craft paint to fill in your design. The black paint will show up beautifully against the burlap and really make your monogram pop!

Minimising Paint Seepage

To avoid paint seeping under the vinyl, use a pouncer brush and apply the paint in an up-and-down motion. This will help ensure that your design looks neat and crisp.

Finalising Your Runner

After painting, carefully remove the vinyl to reveal your stunning monogram! Now, continue arranging the words on the burlap until you're happy with the layout. Don't forget to protect the surface underneath with cardboard or newspaper, as the paint will likely seep through the burlap. Allow the paint to dry completely before sewing multiple pieces of burlap together to create your desired length.

Storing and Using Your Runner

Once your paint is dry and your runner is complete, roll it up and store it until the big day. This will help minimise wrinkles and ensure your runner looks perfect for your wedding. On the day, use garden anchor pins to hold the runner in place, placing them through the burlap and into the ground every few feet.

Your monogrammed burlap wedding aisle runner is now ready to wow your guests and add a personal touch to your special day!

Using stencils

Planning the Design:

• Start by deciding on the design you want for your stencils. A popular choice is to include a monogram of the couple's initials along with their names. You can also choose decorative elements or meaningful quotes that reflect your wedding theme.
• Select fonts that complement your wedding style and create a design that fits the width of your chosen burlap fabric.

Creating the Stencils:

• Use an electronic craft cutter, such as a Cricut machine, to cut out your design from vinyl. You can also use a craft knife if you don't have access to an electronic cutter.
• If you're using a craft knife, print out your design and carefully cut out the letters or shapes to create a stencil. This method requires patience and a steady hand.
• Remember that you can use any colour of vinyl, as the paint will be the prominent colour.

Painting the Burlap:

• Prepare your workspace by covering the surface underneath the burlap with cardboard or newspapers. Burlap is a porous fabric, and the paint will seep through.
• Adhere the vinyl stencil to the burlap in the desired location. Use a paintbrush or a sponge pouncer brush to apply black craft paint inside the stencil.
• The pouncer brush is particularly effective at minimizing paint seepage under the vinyl. Go straight up and down with your brush strokes for the best results.
• Remove the vinyl stencil carefully after the paint has dried completely.
• Repeat this process for each stencil, arranging the words or designs on your burlap to achieve the desired look.

Assembling the Runner:

• Once all the painting is done and dried, it's time to assemble the aisle runner. Sew multiple pieces of burlap together to create a runner that is long enough for your aisle.
• Roll up your completed aisle runner until the big day to minimize wrinkles and maintain its beauty.

Setting up the Runner:

• On your wedding day, unroll the aisle runner and secure it in place. You can use garden anchor pins, placing them through the burlap and into the ground every few feet.
• Alternatively, use double-sided carpet tape, especially at the ends of the runner, to prevent tripping.
• For an outdoor wedding, consider having groomsmen or family members roll out the runner just before the processional to keep it pristine.

Your stencilled burlap wedding aisle runner will be a beautiful and memorable addition to your rustic or barn wedding!

Securing the runner

Securing your burlap wedding aisle runner is an important step in the installation process. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your runner stays in place during the ceremony:

• Garden anchor pins : These can be placed every few feet through the burlap and into the ground to hold the runner in place. This is an effective method, especially for outdoor weddings.
• Double-sided carpet tape: This is useful if you're worried about the runner slipping on a smooth surface. Apply the tape along the edges and middle of the runner to secure it in place.
• Rope off the aisle: If you don't want guests walking on the runner before the processional, you can rope off the aisle with ribbon. This will ensure the runner stays pristine and in place until the ceremony begins.
• Weights: You can add weights at the corners and midpoint of the runner to prevent it from blowing away in the wind or shifting during the ceremony. The weights can be decorative, such as rocks, or you can use small sandbags or weights specifically designed for this purpose.
• Timing: If you're concerned about the runner being trampled or moved out of place, you can have it rolled out just before the processional begins. This will ensure it looks perfect when the bride makes her entrance.
• Aisle decorations: Adding decorations along the edges of the runner can help to weigh it down and keep it in place. You can use flowers, petals, or other decorative items that fit your wedding theme.

Remember to consider the type of flooring or ground where the runner will be placed, as this will impact the best method for securing it. With these tips, you can ensure your burlap aisle runner stays in place and creates a beautiful walkway for the bride's grand entrance!

Decorating the aisle

A DIY burlap wedding aisle runner is a great way to add a rustic touch to your wedding, especially if you're having a barn or outdoor wedding. Here are some tips and ideas for decorating the aisle:

Choosing the Right Burlap

When choosing the burlap for your aisle runner, opt for a premium, tight-weave variety to ensure it holds up against high heels. You can find burlap in different widths, ranging from 36 inches to 48 inches. Consider the length of your aisle when deciding how much burlap you need and whether you'll need to sew multiple pieces together.

Adding Embellishments

If you want to add some extra elegance to your burlap aisle runner, consider embellishing it with lace, ribbon, or stencil work. You can add lace or ribbon along the sides of the runner for a delicate touch. Stencil work, such as monograms or the couple's names, can be added using vinyl and craft paint. Cut out your desired design from vinyl and adhere it to the burlap before painting. Black paint tends to show up the best on burlap.

Final Touches

Once your paint is completely dry, roll up your DIY aisle runner to minimise wrinkles. On the day of the wedding, use garden anchor pins to hold the runner in place. Place them every few feet through the burlap and into the ground. If you're concerned about guests tripping, consider using double-sided carpet tape, especially at the ends of the runner. Alternatively, you can have the runner rolled out just before the processional to keep it looking neat and avoid any trampling.

Other Decorating Ideas

If you want to go beyond the burlap runner, there are several ways to decorate the aisle itself. Flower petals, potted plants, or wildflower boxes lining the aisle can add a romantic, organic touch. Ribbons in bright hues or a striped runner can create a whimsical, nautical feel. For a showstopping effect, consider commissioning a calligrapher to inscribe your runner with love quotes in different languages.

Frequently asked questions