Creating Bird Seed Packets For Your Wedding Day

Birdseed toss has become a popular choice for weddings, particularly outdoor venues that don't allow confetti or flower petals. It is also a great alternative to rice, which is said to be harmful to birds. Making your own birdseed packets for weddings is simple and inexpensive. You can use netting, organza, envelopes, or paper bags, and decorate them with personalised labels, stickers, ribbons, or yarn.

Choosing the birdseed and packaging

When choosing birdseed for your wedding, it's important to consider the size of the seeds and the ease of tossing. You'll want to select seeds that are small enough to fit through the openings of your chosen packaging and that will be comfortable for your guests to throw.

A variety of seeds can be used, including wild birdseed mixes, safflower seeds, milo, millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. These seeds are readily available from online retailers and garden stores. It's best to store the birdseed in a cool, dry place before the wedding to maintain its quality.

For packaging, you have several options to choose from. Traditional fine-mesh netting or organza bags are popular choices, as they are simple and allow the seeds to be easily tossed. You can also opt for other fabrics such as calico, gingham, or satin polyester, which can add a unique touch to your wedding theme. These bags can be tied with ribbons, matching the colour scheme of your wedding.

If you're looking for something a little different, glassine envelopes or paper doilies tied with ribbons are attractive and inexpensive alternatives. You can decorate these with personalised labels or stickers, adding a special touch to your wedding favours.

Another unique idea is to use clear straws as "birdseed toss straws." You can fill these with birdseed and seal them with a tag or sticker, providing an interactive and eco-friendly option for your guests.

Whatever option you choose, consider the ease of tossing for your guests and the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

DIY assembly

The DIY assembly of birdseed packets for weddings is a simple and fun process. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating these eco-friendly favours:

Materials:

First, gather your materials. You will need squares of fine netting or organza fabric, birdseed, ribbon, and scissors. You can also use other fabrics such as calico, gingham, or satin polyester for a more personalised touch.

Assembly:

Place a square of your chosen fabric on a flat surface. Pour a small amount of birdseed into the centre of the square. Gather the corners of the fabric and tie them securely with a ribbon, creating a pouch. Ensure the ribbon is tied tightly enough to keep the birdseed inside but loose enough for guests to easily open the packets.

Decoration:

Cut additional ribbons into strips and tie them around the pouches for added decoration. You can also attach personalised tags or stickers to the ribbons with your wedding date, a cute message, or a "toss me" instruction for guests.

Display:

Display the birdseed packets at your wedding ceremony by placing them on chairs or in a decorative basket at the entrance. You can also add a cute sign, such as "Toss on the Lovebirds" or "Bird Seed for the Recessional," to encourage guests to participate.

Storage:

Birdseed favours should be stored in a cool, dry place before the wedding to prevent moulding. They typically have a shelf life of 2 to 3 months, sometimes longer.

Your guests will love participating in this eco-friendly tradition, and the birds will appreciate the post-wedding treat!

Displaying the birdseed packets

Displaying your birdseed packets is an important part of the guest experience at your wedding. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

One idea is to place a basket of the packets at the entrance to the ceremony, so guests can pick them up as they arrive. Alternatively, you could place one on each guest's chair or hand them out as guests arrive. This ensures that guests have easy access to the packets and are ready for the toss as you make your way back down the aisle.

Another option is to get creative with your display by using a cute frame and vase to showcase your birdseed packets at the ceremony. You could also consider placing one on each chair, adding a decorative touch to the wedding setup.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even create a dedicated table or area for the birdseed packets, with a sign explaining the tradition and its significance. This way, guests can help themselves and learn about this unique wedding ritual.

Adding a Personal Touch

To make your display even more special, consider adding personalised touches such as customised labels, stickers, or ribbons that match your wedding colours. You can also find pre-made options on Etsy, with adorable designs that are sure to impress your guests.

Remember to keep the display accessible and ensure that the packets are easy to open, so your guests can effortlessly participate in this fun tradition.

Eco-friendly alternatives

If you're looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional birdseed packets, there are several options to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Seed paper hearts – These are a beautiful and eco-friendly option for wedding favours. They can be scattered on the tables as decorations and guests can take them home to plant. You can also find similar products in the shape of hexagons or lotuses.
• Seed wedding favours – Instead of giving out packets of birdseed, you could opt for seed wedding favours. These can be personalised with your names and wedding date, and guests can take them home to plant in their gardens. This option is much better for the environment than traditional confetti.
• Plantable place cards – Wildflower place cards made from seed paper are a zero-waste option that serves as both a place card and a favour for your guests. They can be planted after the wedding, and some even come with instructions for guests who are unfamiliar with seed paper.
• Eco-friendly glassine paper bags – These bags are made from thick, recyclable, and biodegradable glassine paper, sourced from sustainable forests. They won't crumple, so they'll look great on your tables, and your guests can simply plant the whole pouch.
• Tree wedding favours – Native tree saplings wrapped in organic jute bags make unique and memorable wedding favours. Your guests can plant them and watch them grow, reminding them of your special day.
• Personalised metal straws – Reusable metal straws are a fabulous alternative to paper straws. You can have them engraved with your logo or initials and wedding date, and your guests can take them home as a useful keepsake.
• Natural reusable beeswax wraps – These are a fantastic, biodegradable alternative to cling film. Your guests can use them again and again, and they have natural antibacterial properties to keep food fresh.

Remember, when choosing eco-friendly wedding favours, consider practical presents that your guests will actually use. That way, you can minimise waste and ensure your celebration has a positive impact on the environment.

Storing and preserving the birdseed

Birdseed is a great, environmentally friendly option for weddings, providing a tasty treat for birds should the bags break. It is also usually approved by venues. Here are some tips for storing and preserving birdseed for your wedding.

Firstly, it is important to keep the birdseed dry and secure from unwanted wildlife. The best way to do this is to store the seed inside your home, perhaps in a basement or garage, in a dry and closed-off space. This will also ensure the seed is easily accessible. If you are storing the seed for a long period, it is best to opt for smaller quantities that the birds can consume within two to four weeks, depending on the season. This will prevent spoilage.

When it comes to containers, opt for metal or heavy plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids. These will prevent spillages and keep out critters. You could also use glassine bags, which are easy to fill and can be sealed with a personalised sticker. If you go for this option, be sure to store the bags in a dry place and consider adding a moisture absorber, such as a silica gel packet, to each bag.

Frequently asked questions