Creating Wedding Rice Cones: A Step-By-Step Guide

Throwing rice at weddings is a centuries-old tradition symbolising fertility and prosperity, with guests showering the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony. In some cultures, other items are thrown, such as wheat, candies, sugared nuts, coins, dried fruit, and flower petals. In modern times, throwing rice inside a church or temple is often forbidden due to the mess it creates, and some couples opt for environmentally friendly alternatives like seeds, dried flowers, or biodegradable confetti. Making wedding rice cones is a fun and easy DIY project that can add a unique touch to your special day.

Choosing your paper and cutting it into rectangles

The first step to making wedding rice cones is choosing your paper. You can use any paper of your choice. However, it is important to ensure that the paper is thick enough to hold the rice and durable enough to withstand some handling.

Once you have chosen your paper, it is time to cut it into rectangles. The size of the rectangle will depend on the size of the cone you want to make. For a small cone, cut the paper into a 6-inch square, as recommended by The Knot. If you prefer a larger cone, cut the paper into a 9cm by 9cm rectangle, as suggested by Akamatra.

When cutting your paper, use a ruler to ensure straight lines and precise measurements. It is also a good idea to cut a few extra rectangles in case you need to make any adjustments or have any mistakes.

After cutting your paper to size, you will then follow the steps to form the paper into a cone shape.

Preparing the ribbon

Cut your ribbon into pieces of about 12cm. You can cut your ribbon pieces longer and make bows if you prefer. If you are using a broad ribbon, you may not want to make bows, just a stroke of colour.

Using a lighter or candle, carefully pass the ends of the ribbon pieces above the flame to prevent them from tearing.

Now, take a piece of ribbon and hold it over the meeting point of the two paper corners. Then, staple the three layers (ribbon, paper, paper) together.

Finally, make a simple knot with the ribbon. This way, the staple underneath is no longer visible.

Shaping the paper into a cone

Next, you will need to create a "dog-ear" fold. To do this, measure 1 inch in from one edge of the square and, using a ruler, create a straight line by folding the paper from the 1-inch mark to the bottom corner.

Then, take the opposite edge of the paper and bring it towards the crease you just made, creating a cone shape. Secure this in place with some adhesive, such as hot glue.

At this point, you can decorate the cone with stickers or stamps, or leave it plain. You could also add a ribbon to the cone by stapling it to the overlapping edges of the paper.

Securing the cone with a stapler

Once you've cut your paper into 9cm x 9cm rectangles and cut your ribbon into 12cm pieces, it's time to secure your wedding rice cone with a stapler. Using a lighter or candle, carefully pass the ends of the ribbon pieces above the flame to prevent tearing. Then, hold the paper by two of its corners so that it forms a lozenge shape. Take the right corner and bring it over the left one with a rolling motion. Don't grease the paper, simply allow the corners to overlap and gently slide the left corner underneath the right one.

Make sure that the bottom of the forming cone is well-closed—you can pinch it to secure it. Hold the cone with one hand and place a piece of ribbon over the point where the two corners of paper meet. Now, take your stapler and staple through the three layers: ribbon, paper, and paper. You can use a simple knot in the ribbon to hide the staple underneath. If you'd like, you can cut longer pieces of ribbon and make bows, or use a broad ribbon for a stroke of colour.

Filling the cones with rice, petals, or lavender

Now that you've made your cones, it's time to fill them! You can fill your wedding cones with rice, rose petals, or even lavender buds to create a soothing smell. If you're using rice, make sure it's uncooked. You can also get creative and mix different fillings together, such as rice and rose petals.

When filling the cones, be careful not to overfill them. You want to leave some space at the top so that the contents don't spill out when your guests go to throw them. A good rule of thumb is to fill the cones about three-quarters of the way full.

If you're using fresh petals, it's a good idea to prepare them ahead of time and let them dry out slightly. That way, they won't wilt or get soggy in the cones. You can spread them out on a tray or baking sheet and let them air dry for a few days before your wedding.

For rice, you can fill the cones ahead of time and store them in a cool, dry place. If you're using petals or lavender, it's best to fill the cones closer to your wedding day to ensure maximum freshness.

Once your cones are filled, you can set them out for your guests. Place them in a basket at the head of the aisle or on every two or three seats so they're easily accessible. Don't forget to include a note in your program asking your guests to shower you with the contents of the cones as you make your exit!

Frequently asked questions