Franklin Dean
Wedding rice bags are a fun and inexpensive way to celebrate the newlywed couple. Traditionally, rice is thrown at the couple as a sign of prosperity and fertility, but you can also use birdseed if you're worried about harming birds. Making your own wedding rice bags is easy. All you need are pre-cut mesh sheets, lavender and other fragrant herbs, ribbons, rubber bands, spoons, a bowl, baskets, and white rice. You can also add small coloured beads or flower petals to the rice bags for a pop of colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Pre-cut mesh sheets, lavender and various other fragrant herbs, ribbons, rubber bands, spoons, a bowl, baskets, and white rice |
| Preparation | Strip off the unscented leaves and the stems from the herbs. Cut the large chunks of herbs into smaller sizes. Add in some rice to the mixture and combine with your hands. |
| Filling | Place around two to three spoonfuls of rice and herbs into the mesh sheets. |
| Display | Take at least two large baskets and place them near the doors of the wedding venue. Add the rice bags here, and tie ribbons on the basket. |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When making a wedding rice bag, it is important to choose the right fabric. The fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of the bag, as well as its function. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the fabric for your wedding rice bag:
Type of Fabric
There are many types of fabric that can be used for wedding rice bags, each offering a different look and feel. Common fabric choices include:
- Organza: This is a lightweight, sheer fabric often used for wedding rice bags. It gives the bags a delicate and elegant appearance. Organza bags are commonly used for favour bags, jewellery pouches, and gift wrapping.
- Muslin: Muslin is a plain-woven cotton fabric that is soft, breathable, and slightly translucent. It is an excellent choice for creating a natural, rustic look for your wedding rice bags. Muslin bags can also be decorated or printed on for a more personalised touch.
- Cotton: Cotton fabric, similar to muslin, is breathable and soft. It is a versatile choice and can be used to create a variety of bag styles, from simple drawstring pouches to more elaborate designs. Cotton is also a good option if you want to print or embroider designs onto your bags.
- Satin: Satin fabric gives the bags a luxurious and elegant look. It has a smooth and shiny surface that can enhance the appearance of your wedding rice bags. Satin bags are often used for jewellery pouches or more formal wedding favours.
- Burlap: Burlap, also known as jute, is a coarse and durable fabric that gives a rustic or natural look to your wedding rice bags. It is an excellent choice for outdoor or country-themed weddings. Burlap bags are commonly used for favour bags or DIY craft projects.
Colour and Pattern
The colour and pattern of the fabric will also play a role in the overall design of your wedding rice bags. White is a popular colour choice, as it symbolizes purity and elegance, making it ideal for weddings. However, you can also choose coloured fabrics or fabrics with patterns to match your wedding theme or add a unique touch. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding and choose fabrics that complement the overall aesthetic.
Fabric Weight and Texture
Consider the weight and texture of the fabric, as this will impact the look and feel of the bag. Lightweight fabrics like organza or sheer cotton will give a delicate and airy appearance, while heavier fabrics like burlap or canvas will result in a more sturdy and textured bag. The texture of the fabric can also add interest and dimension to your bags, especially if you are using natural fabrics with visible fibres or weaves.
Fabric Width and Length
When choosing the fabric, consider the size of the rice bags you want to make. Fabric typically comes in bolts or rolls of specific widths, such as 45 inches or 54 inches. Choose a fabric width that will allow you to cut out multiple bag pieces efficiently, minimising waste. Additionally, consider the length of fabric required based on the number of bags you need to make and the size of each bag.
In conclusion, choosing the right fabric for your wedding rice bags involves considering the type of fabric, colour, pattern, weight, texture, and the amount of fabric needed. By selecting the appropriate fabric, you can create elegant, rustic, or personalised bags that align with your wedding theme and style.
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Measuring and cutting
The first step in making a wedding rice bag is to purchase the required materials. You will need pre-cut mesh sheets, lavender, various fragrant herbs, ribbons, rubber bands, spoons, a bowl, baskets, and white rice. The mesh sheets will hold the rice, while the herbs will add a pleasant scent to the rice. You can buy the cheapest type of rice available since it will not be eaten. The amount of materials you need will depend on the number of guests you are expecting.
Once you have gathered all the materials, it's time to prepare the herbs and rice. Remove any unscented leaves and stems from the herbs and cut the large chunks into smaller pieces. Combine the herbs and rice in a bowl, using your hands to mix them together. You will know you have added enough herbs when you can smell the rice. You can also use potpourri instead of fresh herbs.
Now it's time to fill the bags. Place two to three spoonfuls of the rice and herb mixture into the mesh sheets, leaving an inch or two of space at the top for tying the bags. You can also add small coloured beads or flower petals that match your wedding colours to give the rice bags a pop of colour.
Finally, close off the mesh sheets using rubber bands, making sure they are not too tight so that the bags can be easily opened later. Take a piece of ribbon and create delicate bows on each rice bag. To display the rice bags, use two large baskets and place them near the doors of your wedding venue. Add the rice bags to the baskets and tie ribbons on them. You can also add lace sheets to the bottom of the baskets for a touch of colour.
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Cutting and sewing
Now that you've gathered your materials, it's time to cut and sew your fabric. Before you begin, make sure you have sharp scissors and a ruler or measuring tape to measure and cut accurately. You want to ensure your bag is the right size for its intended use.
Lay out your fabric, and measure it to the desired size. Cut the fabric according to your measurements. If you're not confident with sewing, don't worry! A basic straight stitch using a sewing machine or hand sewing will do the trick. Sew the fabric together into your desired shape, leaving one end open for filling.
- Choose a natural fabric such as cotton or linen, which will hold up well with heat.
- Measure twice, cut once! Double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes.
- If you're hand sewing, use a simple straight stitch to secure the fabric.
- Leave one end of the bag open so you can fill it with rice or other fillings.
Now that your fabric is cut and sewn, you can move on to the next step of filling your wedding rice bag!
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Filling the bag
Next, place two to three spoonfuls of the rice and herb mixture into the mesh sheets. Be sure to leave an inch or two at the top of the bag to make it easier to tie closed. You can also add small coloured beads or flower petals that match the wedding colours to add a bit of colour to the rice bags.
If your wedding venue is home to a lot of birds, you may want to substitute the rice with birdseed, as in some states, throwing rice is illegal as it can harm native birds.
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Heating or chilling the bag
Heating or chilling a wedding rice bag is a simple process. To heat the bag, simply place it in the microwave for around 2.5 to 4 minutes, depending on your desired temperature. Be cautious, as heating the bag for too long may cause the rice to burn and create an unpleasant smell. Alternatively, you can place the bag in an oven set to 200°F for approximately 15 minutes.
If you wish to chill your wedding rice bag, place it in the freezer for several hours to create a soothing cold pack. This is an excellent option for those who are heat-sensitive or looking to cool down during hot weather.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pre-cut mesh sheets, lavender and other fragrant herbs, ribbons, rubber bands, spoons, a bowl, baskets, and white rice.
Strip off the unscented leaves and stems from the herbs and cut the large chunks into smaller sizes. Add rice to the mixture and combine with your hands. You can also add potpourri.
Place 2-3 spoonfuls of the rice and herb mixture into the mesh sheets, leaving an inch or two of space at the top. You can also add small coloured beads or flower petals.
Close the mesh sheets with rubber bands and tie a piece of ribbon into a delicate bow. Display the rice bags in large baskets near the doors of the wedding venue.
If rice throwing is illegal in your state, you can substitute the rice with bird seeds, especially if the wedding venue is home to a lot of birds.
