Creating The Perfect Wedding Gift Bow

Making a wedding gift bow is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your presents. It's easier than you think and can be made with a variety of materials such as ribbon, paper, or even floral arrangements. You can use any kind of ribbon, like silk, grosgrain, or velvet, and any width will work—just remember that the wider the ribbon, the bigger the bow. With a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful bow to adorn your wedding gifts and make them stand out.

Characteristics	Values
Ribbon type	Wired ribbon, silk, grosgrain, velvet, paper, floral, organza, tulle, twine
Ribbon width	Wider ribbon makes a bigger bow
Ribbon length	15-20 inches for a nice-sized bow with 1-inch thick ribbon, adjust length for ribbon thickness
Ribbon colour	Any colour, but consider choosing one that matches your wedding aesthetic or gift box
Ribbon cut	Cut ribbon ends diagonally or in a V-shape to prevent fraying
Additional materials	Scissors, glue, gift box, florist wire, wrapping paper, cedar or pine sprig

Classic gift bow

Materials

Ribbon (any kind, such as silk, grosgrain or velvet)
Ruler
Scissors
Gift
Tape (optional)

Method

Cut a length of ribbon. The longer the ribbon, the bigger the bow. For a medium-sized bow, cut a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. Adjust the length according to the thickness of the ribbon.
Spread the ribbon on a flat surface.
Fold the ribbon to form two loops at each side. Bring these two loops together to form one loop in the centre.
Cross the top left loop over the top right loop.
Fold the left loop behind the right loop. Then pull it through the bottom loop.
Pull the top two loops together tightly to form a knot at the centre of the bow.
Trim the ends of the ribbon to neaten. Cut either a diagonal or a V-shape to prevent fraying.
Attach the bow to the gift by looping it through a ribbon attached to the gift, or by taping it in place using double-sided or doubled-up tape.

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Top bow for a gift box

Materials:

Ribbon (preferably wired)
Scissors
Gift box

Steps:

Cut a long length of wide ribbon. To get the desired ribbon length, wrap the ribbon loosely around the length of the box, then its width. This is the basic length, then add another 60cm (24 inches) to the length, for making the bow with.
Choose a colour of ribbon to suit the gift box.
Lay the ribbon across the top of the box, facing vertically. Wrap the ribbon around the length of the box first, and hold it at the base of the box.
Check that the wrong side of the ribbon is facing the box. Twist the ribbons around each other by 90 degrees to pull each end of the ribbon horizontally.
Fix the ribbon if needed. Twist the ends to keep the wrong side of the ribbon facing the box, then pull the ends up and over the centre of the box. Pull tightly to keep the ribbon firm.
Make loops from each of the ribbon ends. Tie a bow by folding the right loop over the left and folding it underneath the left loop. Pull towards you, then pull tightly.
Bring the left loop over the right loop, then slide the left loop through the hole under the right loop. This forms the knot. Pull tightly.
Trim the ends of the ribbon to neaten. Cut either a diagonal or a V-shape to prevent fraying.

Tips:

Wired ribbon is great for making big bows as the structured edges allow you to mould the bow into a dramatic size or shape.
When cutting ribbon, it's helpful to cut a bit more than needed so you can form a full, attractive bow.
The wider the ribbon, the bigger the bow.
You can always cut long tails shorter, but if your bow tails are too short, you'll have to start over.

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Side bow for a rectangular gift box

A side bow for a rectangular gift box is a great way to add flair to your present. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

First, choose a ribbon that complements the wrapping paper of your rectangular gift box. Consider using wired ribbon, which will allow you to mould the bow into a dramatic size or shape, or a vibrant colour to make it stand out.

Next, cut a piece of ribbon that is long enough to wrap around the box with some excess. You can always cut off any excess ribbon later, but it's easier to work with longer pieces. Place the ribbon vertically in the centre of the box, leaving a tail at the bottom.

Now, start wrapping the ribbon around the box, crossing at the centre of the box on each side. Make sure the ribbon overlaps neatly at the edges and that the tail at the bottom remains in place. Continue wrapping until you have covered all four sides of the box.

Once you've wrapped the box, cut off any excess ribbon, leaving a tail that matches the one at the bottom. Pick up both tails and tie them into a centre knot. You can then fluff and curl the ends of the ribbon by folding the ends together lengthwise and cutting at an angle.

Finally, attach your bow to the centre knot. You can use tape or wire to secure the bow, depending on your preference. Adjust the loops and tails of the bow to achieve your desired look.

Your gift is now ready to be presented! This classic bow style is a timeless way to elevate your gift-giving experience.

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Flat bow

Step 1:

Begin by cutting a piece of ribbon that is twice the length of your desired finished bow size. Lay the ribbon out on a flat surface.

Step 2:

Fold the ribbon into a loop and glue the ends together. You can use any type of glue that works with fabric, such as a hot glue gun or fabric glue.

Step 3:

Flatten the ribbon in the center, right over the glued seam. Secure the flattened section in place with a small amount of glue.

Step 4:

Cut a small piece of ribbon from the same roll. It should be long enough to wrap around the center of the bow. Wrap this piece of ribbon around the center, covering the seam, and glue the ends together at the back.

And there you have it! A beautiful, flat bow that will add a professional and elegant touch to your wedding gift. You can attach it on its own to a gift or add it to a length of already wrapped ribbon.

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Chair bows

Materials:

Ribbon (any kind, such as silk, grosgrain, or velvet)
Ruler or tape measure
Lighter (optional, to seal the ribbon ends)
Scissors

Instructions:

First, measure the size of your chairs to determine the length of ribbon needed. Contact your rental company to get the exact measurements.
Decide on your ribbon style: a simple knot or a bow. For a knot, you will need less ribbon than for a bow.
Cut your ribbons to size. Calculate the number of chairs you will have based on your guest count, and then cut strips of ribbon accordingly.
Tie the ribbons around the back of the chairs. You can choose to tie bows around every chair or just those down the center aisle.
To make a simple knot, wrap the ribbon around the chair and tie a single knot.
To make a bow, follow these steps:

Create a "bunny-eared" loop with the ribbon, twisting the longer end two times so it becomes rope-like, ensuring the same side of the ribbon is facing up.
Make a second "bunny ear" loop and adjust both loops to your desired size.
Fold the left loop over and around the right loop, then bring it back through the center hole, similar to tying a shoe.
Pull the loops tight to create a knot, and adjust as needed.

Once you are happy with the bow, trim the ends of the ribbon if desired.

Additional Tips:

Keep an eye out for sales on ribbon at craft stores to save money.
Get creative and add extra details to your chair bows, such as faux flower stems or brooches.
Be strategic about the number of chairs you put sashes on. Even if you don't do every chair, the effect can still be lovely.
Choose a ribbon colour and style that complements your wedding theme and aesthetic.