Creating Bird Seed Bags: Wedding Favor Idea

Birdseed is a popular alternative to rice at weddings, and it's easy to make your own birdseed bags. You can choose from a variety of materials, including fabric, paper, netting, organza, or plastic, and decorate them with stickers, ribbons, or personalised tags. The type of bag you choose will determine the method of assembly, but the process is generally simple and inexpensive.

Choosing the type of bag: fabric, paper, or plastic

When making birdseed bags for weddings, you can choose from fabric, paper, or plastic bags. Each option has its own advantages and can be customised to match your wedding theme. Here is a more detailed look at each type of bag:

Fabric Bags

Fabric bags, such as those made from fine-mesh netting, organza, calico, gingham, or satiny polyester, offer a traditional and elegant option. The seeds may not be visible through the fabric, but this will not be an issue once guests start tossing the birdseed. Fabric bags can be easily made by cutting and sewing the material, and then tying the corners with a ribbon. You can also choose different fabrics to match your wedding theme, such as a country wedding or a contemporary event.

Paper Bags

Paper bags, such as glassine envelopes, provide an attractive and inexpensive option. They can be decorated with personalised labels, stickers, or ribbons to add a unique touch. Paper bags are also easy to fill and can be sealed with glue or stickers. This option is ideal for those who want a simple and eco-friendly alternative to traditional rice tossing.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are a durable and see-through option for birdseed bags. They can be sealed with glue or by melting the plastic, ensuring the birdseed stays fresh and secure. Plastic bags can also be customised with ribbons or stickers to match your wedding theme. However, it is important to note that plastic bags may not be as environmentally friendly as fabric or paper bags.

When choosing the type of bag, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as the ease of making and customising the bags. All three options are great choices, and you can add your personal touch to create unique birdseed bags for your special day.

Preparing the bag: cutting, tracing, and sewing

The first step in making bird seed bags for your wedding is to choose the type of bag you want to make. You can opt for fabric or paper bags, depending on your preference and the theme of your wedding. If you want a more traditional look, go for squares of fine netting or organza, which are classic choices. For a country wedding, calico or gingham fabric would be a charming choice, while satiny polyester would be ideal for a contemporary event.

Once you've decided on the material, cut a piece of fabric or paper that is slightly larger than the desired width of your bird seed bag opening. It's important to allow for a seam allowance, so be sure to add a little extra to the width. This extra fabric or paper will be used to create a neat finish when joining the sides of the bag together.

Now, carefully trace the shape of the bag opening onto the fabric or paper. Again, don't forget to include the seam allowance in your tracing. If you're using fabric, you can pin the material together and cut both layers simultaneously to ensure they are identical.

The next step is to cut out the shape of the bag opening with scissors. Take your time with this step to ensure a precise cut, as this will affect the overall appearance of the bag. After cutting, you may want to neaten any raw edges, especially if you've chosen a fabric that frays easily.

Now it's time to sew the bag together. If you're using paper, carefully fold and glue the edges to create a neat seam. For fabric bags, use a needle and thread to sew the sides together, creating a strong and durable finish. You can sew by hand or use a sewing machine if you're more experienced.

Finally, trim the corners of the bag opening if necessary. This step will give your bird seed bags a polished look and ensure that the corners are not too bulky.

Filling the bag: birdseed, rice, or flower petals

Filling the bag is the most important part of making bird seed wedding favours. The filling is what will be thrown at the newlyweds as they walk down the aisle, so it's important to choose something that is eco-friendly and safe for the venue and guests.

Birdseed is a popular choice for outdoor weddings, as it is eco-friendly and beneficial for the birds. You can find a variety of bird seeds at your local pet or home improvement store, or online. When selecting birdseed, be sure to choose a mix that has small enough seeds to fit inside your chosen packaging.

Rice is another traditional option, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. However, rice-throwing is usually limited to indoor weddings, as it is not advised to throw rice from a moving vehicle or in an outdoor setting.

Flower petals are also a beautiful choice for wedding tosses. They are eco-friendly and can add a pop of colour to your wedding photos. You can use fresh or dried flower petals, but be sure to choose flowers that are not toxic to birds or other wildlife.

Once you have chosen your filling, simply fill your bags or containers of choice. For fabric bags, you can usually just pour the filling inside and tie it closed with a ribbon. For plastic bags, you may want to seal them with glue or by melting the edges together. Be sure to fill the bags close to your wedding date, as birdseed and flower petals can spoil or lose their colour over time.

Now your bird seed bags are ready for your guests to toss and shower the happy couple with love and well-wishes!

Sealing the bag: glue, ribbon, or melting

When making bird seed bags for weddings, there are several ways to seal the bag, each with its own unique look and feel. Here are some common methods:

Glue

A quick and easy method to seal your bird seed bags is by using glue. This is especially useful if you've opted for plastic bags. Simply apply a small amount of glue to the opening of the bag and press firmly to seal. You can then decorate the bag with a ribbon. This method ensures the seeds remain securely inside the bag until your guests are ready to toss them.

Ribbon

Ribbon is a versatile and attractive way to seal your bird seed bags, and it works for both fabric and plastic bags. Cut a length of ribbon that is long enough to tie a bow. If using fabric bags, simply fill the bags with seeds, gather the corners, and tie the ribbon securely but not too tightly. For plastic bags, seal the opening with glue first, and then tie the ribbon around the bag. You can create a cute bow to add a whimsical touch to your wedding favours.

Melting

If you're using plastic bags, melting is an option to create a permanent seal. After filling the bags with seeds, use a hairdryer or heat sealer to carefully melt the opening of the bag closed. Be cautious not to overheat the plastic, and ensure proper ventilation during this process. Melting the bags creates a secure closure, ensuring the seeds won't spill out.

No matter which method you choose, always ensure that the bags are easy for your guests to open when it's time to toss the birdseed. You can also add personalised tags or stickers to the bags, providing a cute message or instruction for your guests.

Decorating the bag: printing slogans, stickers, or tags

Once you've chosen your bag, you'll want to decorate it to make it clear that it's a birdseed bag for guests to use. Here are some ideas for printing slogans, stickers, or tags:

Printing Slogans

You can create a design of your choice and print them out with the right measurements for your birdseed bags. For example, you could print out a cute slogan like "Toss on the Love Birds" or "Bird Seed for the Recessional". Make sure to print out your design on cardstock so that it is sturdy and can be glued onto the bag.

Stickers

Stickers are a great way to decorate your birdseed bags and can be an easy way to seal them shut as well. You can find stickers in various shapes and sizes, such as heart-shaped or bird-shaped stickers, to match your wedding theme. Etsy is a great place to find stickers, with shops offering custom designs and colours.

Tags

Tags are a popular choice for birdseed bags, and you can find many options online. For example, you can find seed paper tags in various shapes and sizes, such as bird or heart shapes. You could also opt for custom-designed seed paper tags with your wedding date and names printed on them. Another idea is to use a standard gift tag and stamp it with a custom design, such as "Happily Ever After" or "Mr. & Mrs.".

Remember to choose decorations that match your wedding theme and colours, and have fun with the process!

Frequently asked questions