Creating A Wedding Bell Wand: Easy Diy Guide

Wedding bell wands are a fun, safe, and memorable alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They are also easy to make and can be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme. To make a wedding bell wand, you will need thin wooden dowels, ribbon, bells, eye hooks, and jump rings. The dowels can be spray-painted or stained, and the ribbons can be cut and tied to the dowels in a variety of ways to create a simple or fancy wand. Bells can be attached using twine, thread, or ribbon, and eye hooks can be added for a more secure finish. These wands can be used as wedding favours or souvenirs, and guests can wave them during the ceremony and reception exit, creating a colourful and enchanting atmosphere.

Choosing the right materials

Dowels:

The base of your wand is a thin, wooden dowel, typically measuring around 12 to 14 inches (30.48 to 35.56 centimeters) in length and ¼-inch (0.64 centimeters) in width. You can find these at your local hardware store or craft store. If you can't find pre-cut dowels in the desired length, you can buy longer ones and cut them yourself using a miter saw. Consider the colour of the dowels and whether you want to leave them as is, paint them, or stain them. For a natural stain, you can use a mixture of vinegar and coffee to achieve a rustic look.

Ribbons:

Select ribbons that complement your wedding colours and theme. Experiment with different widths, textures, and materials like satin and sheer. Cut the ribbons to the desired length, usually around 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) to create a full wand. You will need approximately 4 to 5 pieces of ribbon per wand.

Bells:

Choose bells that match your colour scheme and the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Standard, trumpet-shaped bells work better than ball-shaped jingle bells for this project. Silver or gold bells are common choices, with silver pairing well with cool colours like blue, green, and purple, and gold complementing warm colours such as red, orange, and yellow. The size of the bell is also important. Aim for bells that are about 1½ inches (3.81 centimeters) tall.

Eye Screws and Jump Rings:

Eye screws are used to attach the ribbons and bells to the dowel. Thinner eye screws are easier to twist into the dowel, and you may need pliers to secure them tightly. Jump rings, about 12mm in size, can be used to connect the bells to the eye screws.

Twine or Thread:

A short piece of gold or silver twine, approximately 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) in length, can be used to attach the bell to the wand. Alternatively, you can use clear thread or fishing line if you don't want the twine to be visible.

Additional Tools:

To make the process easier, gather some basic tools like a thumbtack or a small drill with a tiny drill bit to create a hole in the dowel before twisting in the eye screws. You may also want scissors for cutting the ribbons and pliers to help with tightening the eye screws.

Preparing the wooden dowels

The wooden dowels will serve as the base of your wedding bell wand. You can purchase long dowels and cut them down to size, or buy pre-cut dowels that are already 12 to 14 inches (30.48 to 35.56 cm) long and 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) wide. If you're cutting the dowels yourself, a miter saw is a great tool for this task. Each 48-inch dowel can be cut into four 12-inch sections, and you can also ask someone at the hardware store to cut them for you.

Once you have the dowels cut to the desired length, you can choose to leave them blank or add some colour. One option is to spray paint them with a neutral shade such as white, silver, or gold. Alternatively, you can stain the dowels with a natural mixture of vinegar and steel wool, or a combination of vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds. To stain the dowels, fully submerge them in the mixture for several hours, stirring occasionally to ensure an even colour distribution. After removing them from the mixture, rinse and dry the dowels thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

To make it easier to attach the eye hooks, it's recommended to first create a hole at the top of each dowel using a thumbtack or a small drill with a tiny drill bit. This will prevent the wood from splitting when you twist in the eye hooks.

Adding colour to the dowels

There are several ways to add colour to the dowels for your wedding bell wands. You can choose to spray paint them a neutral colour such as white, silver, or gold. Alternatively, you can stain the dowels using a natural stain, such as a mixture of vinegar and steel wool, or vinegar and coffee. For a richer, more rustic colour, you can also try a homemade stain made from vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds. Simply soak the dowels in the mixture for a few hours, then rinse and dry them. This will give the dowels a unique, grey-brown colour.

Attaching the ribbons

Take your first ribbon and feed one end through the eye screw, tying it in a secure double knot. Continue adding ribbons to the eye screw, working from the widest ribbon to the thinnest. As you add more ribbons, the eye screw will start to fill up, so be sure to leave enough space for the final ribbon and the bell.

Once you have tied on all your ribbons, it's time to attach the bell. Cut a shorter piece of ribbon, around 12 inches long, and thread it through the bell, ensuring it is centred. Then, tie the ribbon to the eye screw with a double knot. You can finish off with a bow if you like, or even a double bow for a more elaborate look.

And that's it! You have now created a beautiful wedding bell wand for your guests to wave as you walk by or drive away.

Finalising the bells

Now that you have chosen your bells, it's time to finalise them! This process will involve tying the bells to the wand and making any necessary adjustments. Here are the steps you can follow:

Firstly, cut a piece of ribbon that is around 12 inches long. This ribbon will be used to tie the bell to the wand. Thread the ribbon through the bell, ensuring that it is centred. Once centred, tie the ribbon in a double knot around the bell. You can use a standard, trumpet-shaped bell or a ball-shaped jingle bell for this.

Next, thread the ribbon through the eye screw on the wand. Pull the ribbon through until the bell is at the desired height. Tie the ribbon in a secure knot, and then tie it into a bow. You can trim the ends of the ribbon if they are too long. If you prefer, you can also create a double bow for a more elaborate look.

If you want to add more bells to your wand, simply repeat the above steps. You can also experiment with different types of bells, such as silver or gold, to create a unique and personalised wand.

Once you have tied on all the bells, take a step back and admire your handiwork! You now have a beautiful wedding bell wand that is ready to be waved at your wedding ceremony. These wands can also be used as favours or souvenirs for your guests, adding a special touch to your big day.

Feel free to customise your bell wands further by using different colours, ribbons, and decorations. You can even print a personalised message on the ribbon or add the married couple's names for an extra special touch.

Frequently asked questions