Crafting Bunting Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bunting is a versatile wedding decoration that can be used to create a festive atmosphere and amplify the décor of your wedding venue. It can be made from a variety of materials, such as fabric or paper, and can be hung indoors or outdoors to create a striking visual display. In this discussion, we will explore the creative process of making bunting wedding invitations, from choosing the right materials to assembling the final product, ensuring that your invitations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also fun and unique. We will also cover some alternative methods for creating bunting and provide tips on how to incorporate it into your wedding theme for a memorable celebration.

Choosing a bunting style: paper or fabric?

When it comes to choosing a bunting style for your wedding invitations, you have two main options: paper or fabric. Each material has its own advantages and unique aesthetic, so it's important to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve for your special day. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding between paper and fabric bunting for your wedding invitations:

Paper Bunting

Paper bunting is a versatile and cost-effective option that can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your wedding invitations. Here are some advantages of choosing paper bunting:

• Ease and speed of creation: Paper bunting is generally quicker to make than fabric bunting, especially if you're comfortable with crafting and have the right tools. It's a simple process that involves cutting triangles from decorative cardstock or paper, then stringing them together.
• Decorative flexibility: Paper bunting lends itself well to decorative ideas that require writing or printing. For example, you could use paper bunting to create unique seating plans, guest books, or props for your wedding photos. You can easily print or write table names and guest names on the paper pennants.
• Variety of colours and patterns: Paper comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, allowing you to match your wedding colour scheme or theme. You can choose from solid colours, scrapbooking paper with intricate designs, or even use materials like lacy white doilies or colourful oilcloth for a unique look.
• Durability: While paper bunting may not last as long as fabric bunting if used outdoors, it is still a durable option for indoor displays. If you handle it with care, paper bunting can be a beautiful addition to your wedding decor.

Fabric Bunting

Fabric bunting has a soft, textured look and feel that can add a romantic or rustic charm to your wedding invitations and decor. Here are some advantages of choosing fabric bunting:

• Durability and longevity: Fabric bunting is generally more durable than paper bunting, especially if you opt for hemmed fabric triangles. Fabric bunting is less likely to tear or crease and can be reused for future celebrations or decorations.
• Visual impact: Fabric bunting, especially when made from bold or colourful materials, can create a statement visual display. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, burlap, linen, and lace, to create a rustic, elegant, or bohemian vibe.
• Versatility: Fabric bunting can be used in a variety of ways beyond the invitations themselves. You can drape it around your reception hall, use it as a backdrop for photos, or incorporate it into your table settings or centrepieces.
• Customisation options: With fabric bunting, you have the option to customise your triangles by sewing two pieces of fabric together to create a double-sided pennant. This adds a touch of sophistication to your invitations and ensures that they look perfect from any angle.

Ultimately, the choice between paper and fabric bunting depends on your personal preference, the overall style of your wedding, and how you plan to use the bunting. Both options offer a range of creative possibilities to make your wedding invitations and decor truly unique and memorable.

Picking colours and patterns

When it comes to picking colours and patterns for your bunting wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall theme or colour scheme of your wedding. Do you want the invitations to match the colours of your bridesmaids' dresses, or the flowers? Perhaps you want them to be in the same colour scheme as your wedding venue, or to reflect the season. For example, a spring wedding might call for pastel colours, while a summer wedding could be more vibrant and bold. You could also choose colours that reflect your personality and that of your partner.

Once you've decided on a general colour scheme, it's time to get more specific. A good rule of thumb when creating a colour palette is to choose one or two main colours, then select one or two secondary colours, one of which should be neutral. This will help to blend the focal colours seamlessly. For example, you could choose a light peach as your main colour, a darker shade of peach as your secondary colour, and then a neutral cream to tie it all together. Finally, you can add an accent colour, like gold or silver, which you can use sparingly for a bit of extra sparkle.

If you're feeling creative, you could try mixing and matching different patterns and fabrics for your bunting. Consider using floral fabrics for a vintage or shabby chic look, or go for bold colours and glittery materials to make a statement. You could even use different shapes for your bunting, such as semi-circles or hearts, to add a unique touch. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your personal style and the tone you want to set for your big day. So, take your time, play around with different colours and patterns, and most importantly, have fun with the process!

Making it double-sided

Making bunting wedding invitations is a fun and creative way to keep costs down. You can make your invitations double-sided by sewing two fabric triangles together to make a single double-sided pennant. This way, your bunting will look good from both sides.

To make your bunting double-sided, cut out two identical triangular pieces of fabric. Place the two pieces of fabric with their right sides together and pin a flag template centrally on top. Cut around the template through both layers of fabric. Unpin the template, then pin the two triangles of fabric together. Sew the two fabric triangles together, using a 1cm seam allowance. Leave the top open and remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end to secure the thread.

Once you've sewn the two sides together, trim the seams to reduce the fabric bulk at the bottom point of the triangle. This will help the flag lie flatter and have a sharper point once it's turned right side out. Snip the bottom point of the fabric about 2mm below the stitching, being careful not to cut the stitches. Taper the fabric edge to this point, so there is less fabric outside the seams on both sides.

Turn the triangles right side out and press them with an iron so that the seams lie flat and neat. The short straight sides at the top of each triangle will allow the flag to lie more neatly within the cotton tape when you assemble the bunting, so make sure to press these sides into place as well.

If you're using one-sided material and want to hang your bunting so that both sides are visible, you can sew two fabric triangles together to create a double-sided pennant. This will ensure that your bunting looks good from all angles.

Cutting and assembling

To make bunting wedding invitations, you will need to cut and assemble the bunting and the invitations.

• Choose your fabric: You can use any fabric you like for your bunting, such as cotton, hessian, lace, paper, or even doilies. Consider the colour and pattern of the fabric to match your wedding theme.
• Cut the fabric: Decide on the size and shape of your bunting flags. You can use a template to ensure all your flags are the same size. Cut out your fabric accordingly, allowing for a seam allowance if you plan to sew the flags.
• Sew the flags: If you are using fabric that frays, such as cotton, sew the edges of the flags. You can sew two fabric triangles together to create double-sided flags. Leave the top open and remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end to secure the thread.
• Assemble the bunting: Fold a length of cotton tape in half lengthwise and press to create a neat crease. Pin the flags to the tape, spacing them evenly, and then sew them in place. You can also use other methods to attach the flags, such as eyelets and ribbon, or double-sided sticky tape.

Assembling the invitations:

• Proofread your invitations: Check for any errors in spelling, dates, times, and other details. Have someone else read through the invitations as well to catch any mistakes.
• Confirm guest names and addresses: Ensure that the names and addresses of your guests are spelled and written correctly on the envelopes.
• Place the invitation suite in the correct order: Typically, the invitation card goes first, followed by the reception card, response card, and any other enclosure cards. Place this assembled suite under the flap of the inner envelope or directly into the outer envelope, with the text facing up.
• Calculate postage: Take a fully stuffed envelope to the post office to weigh and confirm the correct amount of postage needed.
• Send out your invitations early: It is recommended to send wedding invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. This gives guests enough time to make travel arrangements and RSVP by the specified date.

Adding personal touches

Bunting wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some ideas to make them unique:

Fabric and Colour Choices:

Choose fabrics and colours that reflect your wedding theme and style. If you're having a rustic wedding, consider using hessian, burlap, lace, or tweed. For a vintage-style wedding, opt for floral prints, gingham, or colourful oilcloth. You can even use old clothes or bedding with meaningful fabric. If you want a more elegant and sophisticated look, stick to a single-colour palette.

Personalised Messages:

Add a sweet message or your initials and wedding date to the bunting. This could be a fun way to incorporate your love story or a favourite quote. You can also use bunting to spell out words like "Love" or "Just Married" for photo props or decorations.

Creative Shapes:

Think beyond the traditional triangle shape. Consider using semi-circles, paper hearts, flowers, or any other shape that suits your fancy. Curved bunting creates a pretty scalloped effect when hung close together, adding a unique and soft finish to your invitations.

DIY Stamps and Motifs:

If you're feeling crafty, create your own bunting stamps or motifs to decorate plain wedding invitations. Use a single-colour ink pad to stamp a bunting motif in your chosen colour palette. This adds a DIY touch and ties in with the bunting theme.

Guest Involvement:

Involve your guests in the bunting-making process. Ask your nearest and dearest to contribute fabric scraps or old handkerchiefs, which you can use to create unique bunting flags. This adds a personal and nostalgic touch to your invitations.

Mix and Match:

Don't be afraid to mix and match colours, fabrics, and textures. Combine bold colours with neutrals, or pair different patterns in similar tones for a mismatched yet coordinated look. You can also mix bunting with other hanging decorations like lighting, pom-poms, or streamers for a festive atmosphere.

Remember, bunting wedding invitations are a fun way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your wedding celebrations.

Frequently asked questions