Creating Rustic Burlap Favor Bags For Your Wedding

Burlap wedding favour bags are a great way to add a rustic, vintage flair to your wedding. They are simple and inexpensive to put together, and you can fill them with anything you like. You can buy them in bulk online, or make your own using a few simple supplies. Burlap drawstring bags, doily tape, and a favour of your choice (such as mints, coffee beans, or small gifts) are all you need to create a memorable token of appreciation for your wedding guests.

Choosing the right size for your bags

Choosing the right size for your burlap wedding favour bags depends on several factors, including the type of items you plan to put inside, the desired presentation, and the number of guests you intend to accommodate. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the appropriate size:

Small Burlap Bags:

Small burlap bags are ideal for holding tiny gifts, treats, or favours. They typically measure between 3 to 6 inches in width and length. These bags are perfect for items such as candies, chocolates, cookies, small jewellery pieces, or even personalized notes. The miniature size adds a whimsical touch to your wedding favours and is excellent for creating a rustic or vintage vibe.

Medium Burlap Bags:

Medium-sized bags offer more capacity and are suitable for slightly larger items. They usually range from 7 to 10 inches in width and length. These bags can accommodate favours like mini potted plants, succulents, candles, small bottles of wine or champagne, coffee or tea blends, and other similar-sized gifts. Medium bags provide a balance between size and presentation, making them a versatile option.

Large Burlap Bags:

Large burlap bags, often measuring 12 inches or more, are perfect for creating a bold statement with your wedding favours. They can hold items such as monogrammed towels, boutique sweets, gourmet chocolates, small gift bottles, and other bulkier gifts. If you plan to include multiple items or create a luxurious presentation, larger bags are the way to go.

When selecting the bag size, it's essential to consider the number of guests you will be accommodating. For instance, if you have a large guest list, opting for smaller bags with a single treat or favour might be more feasible and cost-effective. On the other hand, if you have a more intimate gathering, you can splurge on larger bags with multiple items inside.

Additionally, the shape of the bag can also play a role in your decision. Burlap bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, square, and drawstring pouches. The shape you choose can influence the overall presentation and the type of items that will fit comfortably inside.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the weight of the items you plan to put in the bags. If you're including heavier favours like small bottles or potted plants, ensure you select a burlap bag with sufficient strength and durability to withstand the weight.

Using the right materials

Burlap is a rustic and stylish material that can add a touch of glamour and vintage flair to your wedding. When choosing the right materials for your burlap wedding favour bags, here are some things to consider:

Type of Burlap

Burlap, also known as jute, is a natural fibre made from the plant known as *Corchorus olitorius*, which is a type of nettle. It has a unique, coarse texture that gives it a rustic look and feel. When choosing burlap for your wedding favour bags, consider the colour and weight of the fabric. Burlap comes in various shades of brown, from light beige to dark brown, and you can choose the one that best matches your wedding theme. It is also available in different weights, ranging from lightweight to heavyweight. If you're looking for a more durable option, go for a heavier weight burlap.

Bag Size

The size of the bag will depend on what you plan to put inside. For small gifts or favours, such as candies or cookies, you can choose small or medium-sized bags. If you want to include larger items, like mini bottles of wine or potted plants, opt for bigger bags. Standard bag sizes range from 3" x 4" to 10" x 14", but custom sizes are also available.

Bag Style

Burlap bags come in various styles, including drawstring bags, tote bags, and pouches. Drawstring bags are a popular choice for wedding favours as they can be easily closed and secured with a drawstring. Tote bags, on the other hand, are ideal for beach or destination weddings as they can hold larger items and have handles for easy carrying. Pouches are perfect for small gifts and can add a rustic touch to your wedding favours.

Embellishments

To enhance the appearance of your burlap bags, consider adding embellishments such as lace, doily tape, or ribbons. For a rustic chic look, combine burlap with lace, or add a touch of elegance with a satin ribbon. Doily tape is a great way to secure the bag while adding a decorative element. You can also personalise the bags with custom tags, charms, or stickers that match your wedding theme.

Quantity

When choosing the quantity of bags, consider the number of guests you plan to invite. It is generally a good idea to order a few extra bags to accommodate any last-minute additions or unexpected guests. Many retailers offer bulk discounts when purchasing larger quantities, so be sure to compare prices and look for deals.

Additional Materials

Depending on the style of your bag, you may need additional materials such as string, gift tags, or tissue paper. If you opt for drawstring bags, ensure you have enough string or twine to secure the bags tightly. Gift tags can be a lovely way to add a personal touch, and tissue paper can be used to line the bags or wrap delicate items.

Adding decorations

Burlap wedding favor bags are a great way to add a rustic, vintage flair to your wedding. Here are some ideas for adding decorations to your burlap bags:

Doily Tape

Cut doily tape to the desired length and secure it to the bag. This adds a delicate, lacy touch to your favor bags. You can choose doily tape in the color of your choice to match your wedding theme.

Ribbon and Charms

Thread a ribbon through a small charm, such as a love charm, and tie it to the bag. This adds a whimsical and romantic touch. You can also use ribbon to decorate the bags by tying bows or creating interesting knots.

Stamps and Stencils

Use stamps or stencils to add designs or words to your bags. You can find stamps or stencils with wedding-themed designs, such as hearts, flowers, or phrases like "Love is Sweet." Ink pads with colors that match your wedding theme can be used to stamp designs onto the bags.

Twine and Tags

Attach gift tags to the bags using rustic jute twine. You can leave the tags blank or write personalized messages for each guest. This adds a cute, rustic touch to the favor bags.

Flowers and Greenery

Add a small sprig of fresh or dried flowers or greenery to each bag. This is a lovely way to incorporate your wedding colors and theme into the decorations. You can also use artificial flowers if you prefer.

Personalized Stickers

Create personalized stickers with your names, wedding date, or a special message for your guests. These stickers can be placed on the bags, adding a unique and custom touch.

Filling the bags with gifts

Burlap wedding favor bags can be filled with a variety of gifts to surprise your wedding guests and leave them with a memorable impression. Here are some ideas for filling the bags with gifts:

Edible Treats

Fill the burlap bags with fresh coffee beans, tea blends, specialty candy, macarons, homemade cookies, exotic fruits, nuts, or boutique sweets. For a nautical or navigational-themed wedding, consider filling the bags with high-end sea salt, saltwater taffy, or individually wrapped exotic spices. You can also opt for mini bottles of wine or champagne for a touch of elegance.

Personalized Items

Include personalized items such as keychains, coasters, mini photo frames, or monogrammed items like keychains, hair ties, or bottle openers. You can also add a handwritten note or thank-you card expressing your gratitude for your guests' presence at your wedding.

Mini Potted Plants

Add a touch of nature to your wedding favors with mini potted plants or succulents. These can serve as a lasting reminder of your love and will bring greenery to your guests' homes.

DIY Kits

Include interactive DIY kits in the favor bags, such as mini herb garden kits or DIY bath bomb sets. Your guests will enjoy assembling and using these kits long after the wedding.

Useful Items

Consider adding practical items such as pocket-sized hand sanitizers, mini sewing kits, or luggage tags. These items will come in handy for your guests and show that you've considered their needs.

Local Treats or Souvenirs

If you're having a destination wedding or have a special connection to a particular place, include local treats or souvenirs in the favor bags. This will give your guests a taste of the location and create a unique and memorable experience.

Customized Snack Packs

Create personalized snack packs by filling small burlap bags with a mix of salty and sweet snacks, such as popcorn, pretzels, mini chocolate bars, or nuts.

With a variety of options to choose from, you can customize the gifts to match your wedding theme and your guests' interests.

Tying the bags with string or ribbon

Firstly, cut your chosen string or ribbon to the correct length. You can do this by wrapping the string or ribbon around the bag and then cutting it to size with scissors, leaving a little extra to tie a bow or knot. If you are using string, you could also cut it to the desired length and then thread it through the bag, tying a knot at one end to secure it.

If you are using string, you could simply tie the bags with a double knot, as shown in the video. If you are using ribbon, you could tie a double knot and then a bow to add a more decorative finish. You could also add a charm to the ribbon, threading it through before you tie the knot. Charms such as a small heart or a love token would be a cute addition to your wedding favour bags.

You could also experiment with different types of knots to add interest to your bags. For example, you could try a square knot, a fisherman's knot or a decorative bowline knot.

Frequently asked questions