Crafting A Wedding Money Bag: Creative Ways To Gift Cash

A wedding money bag is used by guests to present token monetary gifts to the bride in exchange for a dance at the wedding. You can make a customised money bag at home for your wedding or as a gift for a bride-to-be. You can also use the bag to carry small essentials like makeup and your phone. To make a wedding money bag, you will need satin fabric, lace trim, satin ribbon, and imitation pearls or gemstones. Cut the satin fabric into a rectangle measuring 15 inches by 25 inches, and place the lace trim along the longer sides. Fold the rectangle in half, sew along the sides, turn the bag right side out, and sew a tube at the top. Embellish the bag with imitation pearls or gemstones, and use the satin ribbon to close the bag.

Choosing the fabric

When choosing the fabric for your wedding money bag, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of fabric you choose will depend on the overall style and theme of your wedding. If you're having a more formal wedding, you might want to choose a fabric like satin or silk, which gives a sleek and elegant look. For a more rustic or casual wedding, you could opt for a fabric like cotton or canvas.

Another thing to consider is the colour. If you want the bag to match your wedding colours or theme, make sure the fabric is available in the shade you need. For example, if you're having an ivory-themed wedding, you can find satin or silk in that colour. You could also choose a fabric with a pattern or print that complements your wedding style.

The weight and texture of the fabric are also important factors. You'll want to choose a fabric that is durable and can hold up to being carried around and potentially stuffed with money and other items. At the same time, you'll want to pick a fabric that feels nice to the touch and complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Finally, think about any embellishments or decorations you want to add to the bag. If you plan to add lace, pearls, or other details, make sure the fabric can handle those additions. For example, a delicate fabric might not be suitable if you want to sew on heavy embellishments.

• Satin: This fabric has a smooth, glossy surface and a soft, luxurious feel. It's often used for wedding decorations and clothing, giving a sophisticated and elegant look.
• Silk: Silk is a natural fabric known for its softness and shine. It's a luxurious choice for a wedding money bag and can be easily embellished with lace and pearls.
• Cotton: Cotton fabric is breathable, durable, and easy to work with. It's a good choice if you want to add embellishments or if you're looking for a more casual, rustic, or eco-friendly option.
• Canvas: Canvas is a sturdy, durable fabric often made from cotton or linen. It's a good choice for a more casual wedding and can be decorated with paint or embroidery.

Remember to consider the colour, weight, and texture of the fabric, as well as any embellishments you plan to add, to create a wedding money bag that fits your vision perfectly.

Cutting the fabric

To make a wedding money bag, you will need to cut a rectangle from your chosen fabric. The size of the rectangle will depend on how big you want your bag to be. For a standard-sized bag, cut a rectangle that measures 15 inches by 25 inches. If you prefer a smaller bag, you can cut the fabric to a size of your choice.

Lay the fabric on your work surface with the right side facing up. This is important as you will be folding the fabric later, and you want to ensure the right side is visible on the outside of the bag.

Now, cut two pieces of lace trim, each 25 inches long. The lace trim will be attached to the long sides of the fabric rectangle, so ensure the length of the lace matches the length of the fabric. If you are using a different type of trim or embellishment, adjust the length accordingly.

Place the lace trim along the long sides of the rectangle, with the lace facing inward on the fabric. This means that when you fold the fabric, the lace will be on the inside of the bag. Pin the lace in place to secure it and make it easier to sew.

At this point, you can also cut any additional pieces of fabric or trim if you plan to add more embellishments to your bag. It is always a good idea to cut all your fabric pieces first, so you have them ready when you start assembling the bag.

Adding lace trim

• Purchase or source some lace trim that complements the colour and style of your bag. You will need two pieces of lace trim, each measuring 25 inches in length.
• Lay your chosen fabric for the bag on a flat work surface, with the right side facing up.
• Place the lace trim along each of the 25-inch sides of the fabric rectangle. Position the lace inward, so it lays on the fabric.
• Carefully pin the lace trim in place to secure it and ensure it doesn't shift while you sew.
• Now it's time to sew! Using a needle and thread, carefully sew along the edge of the lace trim, working your way down the sides of the rectangle. Remember to leave a 1-inch opening at each top edge of the bag.
• Once you've sewn both sides, it's time to turn your bag right side out. This will bring the lace to the outside of the bag, beautifully sewn into the side seams.
• Fold inward 1 inch of fabric at the open, top end of the bag. Sew along the rough edge of this fold to create a neat tube.
• Cut two pieces of satin ribbon, each 24 inches long. These will form the drawstrings for your bag.
• Take a sewing bodkin and slide one end of the ribbon through the eye. Repeat for the other piece of ribbon.
• Gently slide the bodkins through the tubes at the top of the bag. This will allow you to thread the ribbons through and create a functional drawstring.
• Remove the bodkins, and give the ribbons a gentle tug to close the top of the bag. Adjust the ribbons as needed.

By following these steps, you will have successfully added lace trim to your wedding money bag, creating a sophisticated and elegant accessory for your special day.

Sewing the bag

To make a wedding money bag, you will need to cut a rectangle of satin fabric measuring 15 inches by 25 inches. This will serve as the base for your bag. If you want a bigger bag, you can adjust the measurements accordingly.

Next, cut two pieces of lace trim, each 25 inches long. Place your satin fabric rectangle right-side up on your work surface and lay the lace trim along the 25-inch sides, with the lace facing inward. Pin the lace in place to secure it.

Now, it's time to sew! Fold the rectangle in half to create a 15-inch by 12.5-inch rectangle. Sew along the two side seams, making sure to sew through the edge of the lace trim as you work. Leave a 1-inch opening at each top edge. This will form the sides of your bag.

Turn the bag right side out. The lace trim should now be visible on the outside of the bag, neatly sewn into the side seams.

To create a neat finish at the top of the bag, fold inward 1 inch of fabric at the open end. Sew along the rough edge of the fold to create a tube. This will also serve as a channel for your drawstring.

Cut two pieces of satin ribbon, each 24 inches long. Using a tool like a bodkin can be helpful for the next step. Slide one end of each ribbon through the tubes at the top of the bag. Remove the bodkin and tug on the ribbons to close the top of the bag securely.

Your wedding money bag is now complete! You can further embellish the bag with imitation pearls or gemstones, or add a personal touch with embroidery or other decorative elements.

Embellishing the bag

Now for the fun part: Embellishing the bag!

The lace trim should be sewn into the side seams and on the outside of the bag. You can further decorate the bag with imitation pearls or gemstones, applying a little bit of glue and pressing them against the bag at random places. You can also slide a satin ribbon through the eyes of sewing bodkins and then through the tubes at the top of the bag. Tie the ends together to form a drawstring.

If you're looking for more ideas, you could try a small green ribbon tied around an ivory-coloured bag. You could also incorporate a small green clover, either by sewing or ironing it on. If you're feeling creative, you could even print an Irish blessing on the bag.

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