Creating A Wedding Sash With Flowers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding sash with flowers is a fun and creative process that can add a unique and personal touch to your special day. You can make a sash with simple materials such as ribbon, fabric, and sewing supplies, and then add flowers and other decorative elements to create a beautiful accessory. This project is a great way to save money and ensure your sash perfectly matches your wedding gown and overall theme. You can follow online tutorials or attend a workshop to learn how to make a wedding sash with flowers, and even involve your bridesmaids for a fun pre-wedding activity.

Choosing the right fabric

When making a wedding sash with flowers, choosing the right fabric is crucial. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect material for your project:

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the look and feel you want for your sash. Satin is a popular choice for wedding sashes due to its smooth texture and elegant sheen. It is also easy to work with and can be decorated with flowers, beads, or other embellishments. Cotton is another option, especially if you want a more casual and comfortable sash. Ribbon is a quick and easy alternative, as a wide, thick ribbon doesn't require sewing and can still be decorated. Felt or fleece are also good no-sew options as they don't fray easily.

Color and Pattern

Consider the color and pattern of the fabric to complement the wedding theme and the wearer's outfit. Soft pastels or white are perfect for bridal showers, while bolder colors can be used for a birthday or other celebrations. You can also choose a color that matches the event's theme or the wedding color palette. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors and step away from traditional choices.

Fabric Weight and Drape

The weight and drape of the fabric will affect the overall look and feel of the sash. Heavier fabrics will create a stiffer sash, while lighter materials like chiffon or silk will give a softer, more fluid drape. Consider the time of year and the level of formality of the event when choosing the fabric weight.

Durability

Choose a fabric that is durable enough to hold up all the embellishments you plan to add. If you are gluing on flowers, beads, or other decorations, make sure the fabric can withstand the weight and adhesive. Test the fabric first if you are unsure, especially if using glue or other permanent adhesives.

Eco-Friendliness

If sustainability is important to you, opt for recycled or eco-friendly fabrics. Natural fibres like cotton or silk are more environmentally friendly than synthetic materials. You can also look for second-hand or upcycled fabrics to reduce your environmental impact.

Fabric Width

The width of the fabric or ribbon will impact the final appearance of the sash. A wider sash will be more visible and can accommodate more embellishments, while a narrower sash may be more subtle and delicate. Consider the proportions of the wearer's outfit and body when choosing the fabric width.

Joining the ends

• After cutting your ribbon to the desired length, you have several options to join the ends together:
• If you are short on time, use double-sided tape or instant hem tape for a quick fix.
• For a more durable solution, use a stapler to join the ends.
• If you have sewing skills and some extra time, sewing the ends together will provide the most secure and long-lasting finish.
• You can also use fabric glue as an alternative method to adhere the ends together.
• When joining the ends, ensure that the ribbon is not too tight or too loose. It should sit comfortably on your shoulder.
• If you opt for sewing, consider using a thread colour that matches your ribbon or fabric for a seamless finish.
• If you are using glue, apply a thin layer to both ends and press them together. Use clothespins or similar tools to hold the ends in place while the glue dries.

Tips for a Professional Finish:

• Before joining the ends, ensure that your ribbon is cut straight and evenly. This will ensure that the ends align perfectly when joined.
• If you are using a stapler, choose one that is designed for fabrics to avoid damaging the ribbon.
• When sewing, use a needle suitable for the type of fabric you are using.
• If you want to hide the seam, consider using a decorative element such as a piece of lace or a strip of fabric to cover the joined ends.
• If you have leftover ribbon or fabric, you can cut it into smaller pieces and use them to embellish the joined ends, creating a unique and cohesive look.

By following these steps and tips, you will be able to join the ends of your wedding sash with flowers securely and aesthetically.

Adding text

Once you have chosen the ribbon or fabric for your sash, cut it to the appropriate length, and joined the ends, it’s time to add your text. This is a great way to personalise your sash and make it unique.

Choose a saying or title to write on your sash, such as “Prom Queen”, “Pageant Winner”, or something humorous. Consider the colour of your fabric and select a pen or marker that will provide a good contrast. For example, if you have chosen a black fabric, a white-out pen will stand out. If you are working with another colour, opt for markers or paint.

Take your time when writing out the letters, going slowly and steadily to avoid any mistakes. You could also use puffy fabric paint to add texture to your text.

Adding flowers and other embellishments

Flowers

Flowers are a key part of any wedding sash. You can use fresh flowers, as taught by Flowers & Co.'s Wearables Workshop, or opt for artificial flowers. If you choose fresh flowers, be mindful of the time of year and opt for seasonal blooms. You can also add in your birth flower or that of a loved one to make your sash extra special.

Rhinestones, Beads and Sequins

A dab of glue and a sprinkle of rhinestones, beads or sequins can add a touch of glamour to your sash. You can sew these on individually or in strings, creating intricate patterns or edging the sash for a subtle sparkle. If you're using heavier embellishments, consider reinforcing the fabric with interfacing or a backing fabric.

Feathers

Feathers can add a fun and stylish touch to your sash. Try combining them with flowers for a whimsical effect.

Fabric Paint

If you have a steady hand, fabric paint can be a great way to add a personal touch to your sash. Use stencils or freehand designs to add flowers, symbols or even calligraphy.

Lace, Tassels and Fringe

Adding lace, tassels or fringe along the edges of your sash can create a decorative flair and make a big impact.

Layering Fabrics

Experiment with layering different fabrics, such as sheer tulle or lace over a solid base, to create depth and texture.

Colour

Don't be afraid to experiment with colour. Move away from traditional shades and see what works best for you.

Troubleshooting common issues

Choosing the right flowers

When it comes to choosing flowers for your wedding sash, it's important to consider what's in season. Opting for out-of-season flowers that need to be shipped in can be costly and increase your carbon footprint. Instead, explore seasonal blooms that can achieve a similar look at a fraction of the cost and with a negligible impact on the environment. Trust your florist to suggest alternative florals that align with your aesthetic and have the same texture and profile as your original choices.

Trends vs authenticity

While there's nothing wrong with incorporating trends into your wedding sash design, it's essential that your choices feel authentic to you. Forcing a popular type of flower or style that doesn't align with your love story and aesthetic can detract from the overall impact. Focus on choosing flowers that complement your colours and textures and enhance your creative vision, rather than blindly following the latest trend.

Variety of flowers

Using a variety of flowers in your wedding sash can add depth and nuance to your design. However, be careful not to overload your arrangements with too many different types of flowers, as this can weaken your vision and feel overwhelming. Instead, opt for a few select types of flowers and pair them with other elevated decorations, such as candles of varying layers and heights, for a sophisticated and refined result.

Height considerations

When creating floral centrepieces for your wedding, it's important to consider the height of the arrangements. While towering centrepieces can be dramatic, they may block your guests' field of view if not placed properly. To avoid this issue, keep the height of your centrepieces below 10 inches or above 30 inches. If you're hosting an outdoor reception, consider lower centrepieces to avoid potential injuries from wind or rain knocking them over.

Venue considerations

Flowers can transform a space, but it's crucial to complement the existing architecture of your venue. Add natural elements, such as greenery or florals in colours that enhance the surroundings, to create an immersive experience for your guests.

Cutting the fabric

If you're making your own wedding sash, deciding which way to cut the fabric is essential. Cutting the fabric on the bias (diagonally across the grain of the fabric) will give the sash stretch and allow it to hug the body, but may require multiple seams if your fabric isn't wide enough. Cutting the fabric straight may be simpler and result in fewer seams, but it may not conform to the body as well. Consider the importance of a smooth, long sash to the wearer and test different cuts with inexpensive fabric to determine the best approach.

Frequently asked questions