Creating Wedding Bows For Pews: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pew bows are a decorative addition to weddings, whether traditional or non-traditional, and can be made with ribbon, tulle, or both. They are usually placed on the side of the pews in a church, facing the aisle where the bride walks. The bows can be made on the day of the wedding or a few days before. To make a traditional pew bow, you will need a roll of ribbon that is approximately six inches thick, scissors, and invisible tape. For a tulle pew bow, you will need wired ribbon, tulle, scissors, and twist ties.

Making a traditional pew bow

Pew bows are a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony, and can be made at home with the right materials and a bit of creativity. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a traditional pew bow:

Materials:

• Ribbon: Satin or organza ribbon in the colour and width of your choice. The length will depend on the size of your desired bow.
• Tulle: This soft, fine netting adds volume and texture to your bow. Choose a colour that complements your ribbon.
• Wire: A thin, flexible wire will help you shape the bow and keep it in place.
• Fresh flowers: Optional, but adding fresh flowers can give a romantic and elegant touch to your pew bow.

Instructions:

• Cut your ribbon to the desired length, ensuring you have enough to create a bow with long tails.
• Create a loop with the ribbon and cross the right side over the left, forming an "X".
• Bring the right side under and through the loop, then pull tight to create your first knot.
• Create another loop with the right side and bring it over and around the left side, then pull tight to create a second knot.
• Adjust the loops and knots to form a bow shape.
• Cut a piece of wire and wrap it around the middle of the bow to secure it in place.
• Fan out the loops and adjust the tails to create a symmetrical shape.
• Cut a long piece of tulle and wrap it around the middle of the bow, covering the wire. Secure it with a knot or a dot of hot glue.
• If using fresh flowers, carefully cut the stems and secure them with wire or glue, hiding the stems within the tulle and ribbon.
• You can add further embellishments like pearls, brooches, or rhinestones to give your pew bow a unique touch.

By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you can create beautiful, traditional pew bows for your wedding ceremony.

Making a tulle pew bow

Pew bows are a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony, and with the right supplies, they are easy to make at home. Tulle pew bows are a popular choice for weddings, as they are often large and beautiful, and can be embellished with fresh or artificial flowers. The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need tulle, ribbon (satin or wired satin are popular choices), and optional flowers or other decorations. You will also need wire to secure your bow, and pliers to twist it with.

To begin making your tulle pew bow, cut your satin ribbon in half. Take one end of the ribbon and bend it back to create a loop, then pinch the centre and create a second, slightly larger loop. Continue this process, twisting the loop in the back and creating a new loop each time, making sure to increase the size of each loop. This will form a flower-shape. Once you are happy with the size of your loops, cut the tail and hold the bow tightly.

Now you will create a second layer with the tulle. Take the end of the tulle and create a loop, then twist it in the back and create a second, slightly larger loop. Continue making loops, increasing the size with each new loop. Once you have achieved your desired size, take your full-width satin ribbon and create a third layer, following the same looping method as before.

Finally, cut your streamers to the desired length, and secure your bow with the 20-gauge wire, twisting it tightly with pliers. If you wish, you can now add fresh flowers or other decorations to your tulle pew bow.

Adding extra details to the bow

Pew bows are a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony, and you can easily elevate them by adding some extra details to the bow. Here are some ideas to make your pew bows even more special:

Add a Personal Touch with Fresh Flowers

Embellish your pew bows with fresh or artificial flowers. This is a lovely way to incorporate the wedding colours and theme into your decorations. Simply secure the flowers with wire or twist ties, and you've got yourself a gorgeous floral accent.

Experiment with Different Colours

Why stick to one colour when you can have more? Using another colour of ribbon in the middle of your pew bows adds a pop of colour and makes them stand out. You can even match the wedding colours to make the bows more festive and cohesive with the overall theme.

Go Glamorous with Rhinestones

Add a touch of sparkle to your pew bows by attaching a rhinestone embellishment to the centre of each bow. This simple addition instantly elevates the look, making your bows glamorous and eye-catching.

Create a Dramatic Effect with Tulle

If you want to create dramatic, large bows, consider using tulle. Tulle pew bows are not only elegant but also allow you to play with different colours and textures. You can buy tulle by the roll, and the amount you need depends on the size of your bows. For instance, for an 8" diameter bow, you'll need 3.5 yards of tulle, while a 16" diameter bow will require 6 yards.

Mix and Match Materials

Combine different materials like ribbon and tulle to create unique and beautiful pew bows. You can follow a tutorial to make a layered bow with a satin ribbon and tulle loops, secured with wire. This way, you get the best of both worlds, creating a textured and visually appealing bow.

Using different coloured tails

Choosing the Right Colours

Start by selecting the colours that complement your wedding theme and venue. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding, including the bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen's attire, and any floral arrangements. You can either match the tail colour to one of these elements or choose a contrasting colour for a bolder statement.

Tulle Tails

Tulle is a popular choice for pew bow tails as it adds a soft, elegant, and flowing effect. You can find tulle in various colours, from pastel shades to vibrant hues. When choosing tulle tails, consider the length you prefer. Longer tails can create a more dramatic and luxurious look, while shorter tails can be more subtle and delicate.

Ribbon Tails

Ribbon tails offer a sleek and polished look to your pew bows. You can find ribbons in various colours, widths, and textures to suit your style. For a classic and elegant look, go for satin or grosgrain ribbons. If you want a touch of sparkle, opt for ribbons with a hint of glitter or metallic finish.

Combining Colours

Feel free to experiment with different colour combinations for the bows and tails. You can choose complementary colours, such as navy blue bows with light blue tails, or contrasting colours like pink bows with green tails. If you're feeling adventurous, try a multicoloured approach with a mix of different coloured tails for a vibrant and fun display.

Adding Embellishments

Enhance your pew bows with various embellishments to make them even more special. Consider adding faux pearls, rhinestones, or small silk flowers at the centre of the bow to create a focal point. You can also attach longer tails to the bows, allowing them to drape gracefully along the pews for a romantic and elegant touch.

Pre-made Bows with Different Coloured Tails

If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, you can purchase pre-made wedding pew bows with different coloured tails. Many online stores, such as Etsy and Amazon, offer a wide range of options. These bows are typically made of ribbon or tulle and come in various colours, sizes, and styles to match your wedding theme.

Attaching the bow to the pew

Now that you have made your bow, it's time to attach it to the pew. Here are some methods to do so:

Using Tape or Wire

Use invisible tape to stick the bow onto the pew. Crafting wire can also be used—simply tie it around the pew to keep the bow in place.

Using Hooks

Another option is to use stick-on hooks. Just make sure to get hooks that are designed to be removed from furniture.

Using Tulle

If you have made a tulle bow, you can use a length of tulle to tie the bow to the pew. Take a 3-foot length of tulle and slide one end under the pinned layers of the bow. Pull both ends upward, right in the center of the layers of tulle, and make a square knot.

Using Wire

If you have used wire to secure the bow, you can also use it to attach the bow to the pew. Twist the wire with pliers to make sure it is secured.

Frequently asked questions