Create Wedding Bunting Easily With These Simple Steps

Bunting is a simple yet striking decorative idea for your wedding. It can be used to transform and revive a space, whether you're hosting your wedding in a barn, marquee, hotel or hall. Making your own wedding bunting is a fun and creative way to keep costs down. You can use any fabric for your bunting, such as quilters cotton, hessian, doilies, lace or paper, and you can make it double-sided for a more polished look. You can also make photo bunting, which is a great way to personalise your wedding decor.

Choosing a fabric

The fabric you choose for your wedding bunting will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you're going for a vintage or rustic look, you might want to consider using fabric with a floral pattern or a pretty, shabby chic design. You could also use glittery material or bold colours for a more statement look.

If you want to create a harmonised scheme, choose fabric in tones of the same colour. Or, for a unique look, you can mix and match different colours and materials. Consider using coordinating fabric in similar tones with different patterns for a pretty, mismatched floral effect.

For a simple and affordable option, quilters cotton is a good choice as it comes in a wide range of designs and is a suitable weight for bunting. Avoid designs with large patterns, as these may not have the desired visual effect. Fat quarter bundles are a great way to get a variety of coordinating fabrics that will work well together.

If you want to add a personal touch, you could use meaningful fabric from old clothes or bedding. This is a great way to involve your nearest and dearest in the wedding preparations and create a unique and memorable decoration.

Cutting the fabric

The first step to making your bunting is to decide on the length of your finished product. The finished flags will be 15cm wide, with a 10cm gap between each one. So, if you want a 2-metre-long bunting, you will need 14 flags (200/25=14, rounded up).

Next, cut a length of cotton tape in a colour that coordinates with your chosen fabric. The length of the tape should be the same as your desired finished bunting length, plus 30cm of extra tape on each end for tying it up. The flags will be stitched to this tape.

Now, you can start cutting your fabric. You will need two pieces of fabric for each flag, so cut the fabric into rectangles measuring 25x20cm. You can use any fabric you like, but a pretty cotton print is a good option. If you are using a template, trace around it and cut it out, then pin the template centrally on top of your fabric, with the right sides (RS) together. Cut around the template through both layers of fabric.

Unpin the template, then pin the two triangles of fabric together. Using a 1cm seam allowance, stitch the two fabric triangles together, starting from one short straight edge, then down the side, up the other side, and finally, up the other short straight edge. Remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread.

Trimming the Fabric

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 is turned RS out. Be very careful not to cut the stitches. Taper the fabric edge to about 2mm below the stitching so that there is less fabric outside the seams on both sides.

Sewing the fabric

To make double-sided bunting, you will need to sew two pieces of fabric together for each flag. Start by placing your fabric pieces right sides (RS) together and pinning the 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.

Using a 1cm (3/8") seam allowance, stitch the two fabric triangles together. Sew down one top short edge, then down the side, up the other side, and finally, up the other short straight edge. Remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread. Leave the top edge open.

Trim the seams to reduce the fabric bulk at the bottom point of the flag. This will help the flag to lie flatter and have a sharper point once it’s turned RS out. Snip the bottom point of the fabric about 2mm (1/16") below the stitching, being careful not to cut the stitches. Taper the fabric edge to this point, reducing the amount of fabric outside the seams on both sides.

Turn the triangles RS out and press with a lightly heated iron so that the seams lie flat against the edges. The short straight sides at the top of each side will allow the flag to lie more neatly within the cotton tape when you assemble the bunting, so be sure to press these neatly into place, too.

Repeat these steps to make as many flags as you need for your desired bunting length.

Adding photos

Choosing Photos:

Start by selecting the photos you want to include in your bunting. You can use digital images or scan older photos to create a digital folder. Choose pictures that tell a story and evoke memories. Try to include photos with your guests, so they can relate to the decorations and spark conversations. Consider using photos of your loved ones, special places, or meaningful moments.

Photo Editing:

Use an online photo editor to give your photos a unified look. Apply vintage, sepia, black-and-white, or monochrome filters to create a cohesive theme. You can also experiment with coloured filters, such as sepia, to add a unique twist. Play around with different effects until you find the style that suits your wedding theme.

Printing Photos:

Upload your edited photos to a photo printing website. Order the photos in the required size, such as 6x4 inches, and choose a suitable border style. Keep in mind that you'll need about 5-6 photos per meter of bunting, so order accordingly. If you end up with extra photos, don't worry; you can use them elsewhere in your wedding decor.

Materials and Tools:

For this project, you'll need string, ribbon, or wool, as well as a hole punch, scissors, and tape (such as sellotape and double-sided tape). Consider using cream ribbon and lace for a vintage look or coloured ribbons for a playful effect. You might also want to invest in a glue gun for extra security.

Assembling the Bunting:

Start by punching holes in the top corners of each photo. Cut your string, ribbon, or wool to the desired length, measuring the spaces where you want your bunting to hang. Organise your photos in the order you'd like them to appear and group them into sets for each string of bunting. Thread the photos onto the ribbon and secure them at the back with a piece of tape.

Extra Tips:

If your bunting will be visible on both sides, you can stick two photos back-to-back with double-sided tape before threading them onto the ribbon. This way, you'll have a different photo on each side for guests to enjoy. You can also clip the photos onto the string with mini clothes pegs, or get creative by using fabric, doilies, beads, bows, or buttons to separate and decorate the photos.

Displaying the Bunting:

Bunting is incredibly versatile. Hang it indoors to liven up corners, drape it around tables, use it above doorways, or create a romantic outdoor archway. You can also add personalisation to your bunting with letters, numbers, or sweet messages. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and materials to create a unique and eclectic look.

Hanging the bunting

Now that you've crafted your wedding bunting, it's time to hang it up! Here are some tips and ideas for hanging your DIY wedding bunting:

Planning the Layout:

Before you start hanging, it's a good idea to plan out where you want your bunting to be displayed. Measure the spaces you want to decorate and cut your string, ribbon, or rope accordingly. Mark the spots where you'll need to attach the bunting, such as hooks or nails, to ensure an even and secure display. Consider mixing your bunting with other hanging decorations like lighting, pom-poms, streamers, or fairy lights for a whimsical effect.

Indoor Spaces:

If you're decorating an indoor space like a barn, hall, or marquee, drape your bunting across the ceiling, or hang it along the walls. You can also use bunting to frame doorways, windows, or the entrance to your venue. For a unique touch, add bunting to the backs of chairs or use it as a backdrop for your cake table. If you have a photo display, you can incorporate bunting into this area as well.

Outdoor Spaces:

For outdoor weddings, bunting can be attached to trees or draped between poles or tents. Decorating outdoor tents or marquees with bunting and fairy lights creates a magical atmosphere. You can also line a pathway with bunting to create a charming walkway and a perfect spot for wedding photos.

Personalisation:

Add a personal touch to your bunting by incorporating letters, numbers, or meaningful messages. You can also include photographs in your bunting, creating a wonderful trip down memory lane for you and your guests. This is a great way to get your guests interacting and can be a fun conversation starter.

Final Touches:

Once your bunting is hung, take a step back and admire your handiwork! Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it's securely attached and evenly spaced. Your bunting will add a delightful touch to your wedding venue, and you can be proud that you crafted it yourself!

Frequently asked questions