Large bows can be a beautiful and inexpensive addition to your wedding. They can be used to decorate the bridal suite door, the end of pews, or the aisles for an outdoor wedding. They can also be used to decorate chairs, wreaths, bouquets of flowers, and basket handles. Making a bow is simple and only requires a few materials, such as ribbon, wire, and scissors. Wired ribbon is a popular choice as it allows you to create voluminous decorations without complicated tying. You can also add flowers to your bow decorations for pews and chairs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Wired ribbon, organza ribbon, tulle, wire, florist wire, paper, floral ribbon, silk ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, velvet ribbon, pipe cleaner, glue, cardstock, scissors, ruler, pencil |
Use | Decorating pews, gazebos, chairs, champagne glasses, wedding arches, head table, wedding favours, gifts, wreaths, bouquets, basket handles, flower girl baskets, aisle markers, hair accessories |
Size | The wider the ribbon, the bigger the bow. Bows can be made in a variety of sizes, from small to large |
Steps | Cut ribbon, make loops, pinch centre, wrap with wire, pull loops apart, twist ribbon, pull out tails, trim ribbon ends |
What You'll Learn
How to make a basic bow for wedding gifts
Making a basic bow for wedding gifts is a simple process that can add a decorative touch to your presents. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful bow:
Materials
You will need the following materials to get started:
- Wired edge ribbon (at least 3 yards)
- Florist wire (4 inches)
- Scissors
Step 1: Create the First Loop
Start by cutting a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. This length will give you a nice-sized bow, especially if you're using 1-inch thick ribbon. Adjust the length accordingly if your ribbon is thicker or thinner. Make your first loop, leaving 7-8 inches from the tail of the ribbon to the loop.
Step 2: Continue Making Loops
Keep making loops of the same size (7-8 inches in length) until you have at least 5 loops on either side of the ribbon. Cut the ribbon so that the remaining tail faces the opposite direction of the beginning tail. This will give your bow a symmetrical look.
Step 3: Pinch and Wrap the Center
Pinch the center of the loops so that both sides are of equal length. Wrap the pinched center with your florist wire to secure the loops in place.
Step 4: Pull the Loops Apart and Adjust
Gently pull the loops apart to form the bow shape. You can twist and adjust the ribbon loops to achieve your desired look. Finish this step by pulling the tails out to create the tail of the bow.
Step 5: Trim the Ends (Optional)
Once you're happy with the shape and size of your bow, you can trim the ends of the ribbon if desired. You can cut the ends at an angle to give them a neat and finished appearance.
With these simple steps, you can create beautiful bows to adorn your wedding gifts. Feel free to experiment with different types of ribbon and add your creative touches to make your bows unique and memorable!
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Using wired ribbon for large bows
Wired ribbon is a great option for making bows, especially for weddings, as it is easy to shape and can hold its form. The wire helps the ribbon maintain the shape of the loops and tails, making it a good choice for decorative bows.
To make a large bow with wired ribbon, you will need a roll of wired ribbon, florist wire, scissors, and a hot glue gun. The length of the ribbon will depend on how big you want the bow to be, but a longer piece of ribbon will create a larger bow.
Step 1: Creating the Loops
Begin by making a loop with the ribbon. The tail of the ribbon to the loop should be around 7-8 inches long. Continue making loops of the same length until you have at least 5 loops on either side. Cut the ribbon so that the remaining tail is facing the opposite direction of the first tail.
Step 2: Securing the Centre
Pinch the centre of the loops so that both sides are the same length. Wrap the pinched centre with florist wire to secure the loops in place.
Step 3: Adjusting the Loops
Pull the loops apart to create the bow shape. Twist and adjust the ribbon to get the desired result. Pull the tails out to create the tail of the bow.
Step 4: Adding the Tail Piece
Take a separate piece of ribbon and fold it in half. Tie this piece to the centre of the bow using a chenille stem, yarn, twine, or floral wire. You can also use hot glue to secure it in place.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Fluff up the loops of the bow and gently bend the tails to give them a soft, elegant look. You can cut the ends of the ribbon tails into dovetail shapes by folding them in half vertically and cutting at an angle.
Tips for Using Wired Ribbon
- Wired ribbon can be tricky to work with, so it is important to know how to handle it.
- When cutting wired ribbon, ensure you use sharp scissors.
- Wide ribbon with wire on each side will help create a voluminous bow.
- Experiment with different types of wired ribbon to create unique bow looks.
- You can use wired ribbon to make a variety of bow styles, including basic bows, looped bows, fancy bows, and rose-shaped bows.
- The type of ribbon you choose will impact the look of your bow. For example, a thicker material like velvet or burlap will create a more formal-looking bow, while a thinner material like organza will result in a softer, more casual bow.
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Decorating pew ends with bows
Pew bows are a beautiful and elegant decorative touch for weddings, adding a festive atmosphere to the ceremony. They are symbolic of weddings and signify that a celebration is about to take place. You can decorate pew ends with bows by following these steps:
Materials
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a roll of ribbon, approximately six inches thick, scissors, and some form of adhesive, such as invisible tape, crafting wire, or pew clips. You can purchase pew clips from a wedding or craft supply store, and they are a preferred method by churches as they do not damage the pews.
Making the Loops
Take three yards of ribbon and create a loop by folding the ribbon over itself. The next loop should be at an angle to the first, not lined up on top. Continue making loops, twisting the ribbon to the right and then to the left, ensuring each loop is the same size and holding the centre of each loop as you go. You will need about 12 loops in total.
Tying the Bow
Once you have your loops, wrap the centre with ribbon or florist wire, tying a knot or bow to keep the loops steady. You can then adjust the loops by pulling on them and fanning them out, pulling some forward and some backward to give the bow dimension.
Attaching the Bow
Finally, attach the bow to the pew using your chosen method. If using pew clips, slide the lower hook through one of the knots on the back of the bow, and tie a small bow around the hook to hide it. Then, hang the larger hook over the armrest or side of the pew, fluffing the bow to conceal the upper hook. If using tape or wire, simply stick or tie the bow to the pew, ensuring it is secure.
Additional Details
You can add extra details to your pew bows, such as a beautiful rhinestone embellishment in the centre or using a different colour ribbon in the middle to add more colour. These bows can also be reused to decorate the reception hall or given as mementos to the wedding party.
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Making bows for champagne glasses
One way is to use wired ribbon, which is a simple and cost-effective way to create a gorgeous, voluminous bow without any complicated tying. Wired ribbon is a great option as it is easy to shape and manipulate, and it holds its form well. You will need around 2 to 3 yards of ribbon, depending on the size of your bow and the number of loops you wish to create. Start by cutting your ribbon to the desired length, leaving a little extra to create a neat finish at the end. Then, create a loop at one end, leaving a 7-8 inch tail, and continue making loops of the same size until you have at least 5 loops on either side. Cut the ribbon so that the remaining tail faces the opposite direction of the first tail. Pinch the centre of the loops so that both sides are even, and secure with florist wire. Gently pull the loops apart to create a full bow, and finish by adjusting the tails as desired. To attach the bow to the champagne glass, simply wrap the stem with a piece of clear, double-sided tape and tie the ribbon around it.
Another creative way to decorate champagne glasses with bows is through glass etching. This method requires a bit more equipment and preparation but can create a beautiful and permanent design. You will need glass etching cream, etching stencils, and clear champagne flutes. Start by selecting a bow stencil and placing it as close to the rim of the flute as possible. Follow the instructions on your etching cream to transfer the design onto the glass. You can create more intricate designs by combining different stencils and using the hover and press method to position them in the desired spots. This method allows you to place stencil images in areas that may be obscured by the stencil borders. Once you have finished etching the design, be sure to thoroughly clean the glass.
With either of these methods, you can add extra flair by incorporating flowers or other ornaments. For the wired ribbon bow, you can attach a rose or other large bloom, along with baby's breath or filler flowers, using floral wire. For the etched glass design, you can hang small, ornate ornaments from the bow to create a unique and festive look.
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Using bows to decorate a gazebo
Bows are a great way to decorate a gazebo for a wedding, adding an eye-catching pop of colour and texture to the setting. Here are some ideas for using bows to decorate a gazebo:
Choose the Right Ribbon
The first step is to select the right ribbon for your bows. Opt for a ribbon that complements the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. Consider the width and texture of the ribbon, as well as the material. Wired edge ribbons are a popular choice for wedding bows as they hold their shape well and are easy to work with.
Drape the Gazebo with Ribbon
Use the ribbon to drape and decorate the gazebo structure. You can wrap the ribbon around the gazebo posts, tying it in the middle with a bow. Alternatively, for a more elegant look, drape the ribbon over the entire roof of the gazebo, letting it cascade down the posts. You can also use the ribbon to hang decorative elements like flowers or lanterns.
Create Large Bows
Make large bows using the steps outlined earlier. These bows can be attached to the gazebo structure, either on the posts or between the arches. For a simple and classic look, create a basic bow with long tails, using florist wire to secure it to the gazebo. For a more dramatic effect, create a cluster bow with multiple loops and layers.
Combine with Other Elements
Combine bows with other decorative elements to create a cohesive and stunning gazebo display. Fresh flowers or garlands can be intertwined with the ribbon, adding a natural and colourful touch. String lights, lanterns, and chandeliers can also be incorporated to provide a romantic glow.
Personalise with Signs or Banners
Add a personalised touch by including signs or banners in your gazebo decoration. These can be used to display meaningful messages or quotes that reflect the couple's interests and style. Banners can be hung between the arches of the gazebo, with bows attached at each end for an extra decorative touch.
By following these steps and using your creativity, you can transform a gazebo into a magical and unforgettable setting for your wedding ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a roll of wired edge ribbon (at least three yards), florist wire, and scissors.
Make one loop with the ribbon, ensuring that the length from the tail to the loop is 7-8 inches. Continue making loops that are the same length until you have at least five loops on either side.
Pinch the centre of the loops so that both sides are the same length, and then wrap the pinched centre with florist wire. Pull the loops apart to form the bow, and twist the ribbon to get the desired shape. Finish by pulling the tails out to create the bow's tail.
First, determine how you will be attaching the bows to the pews. Most pews have a place to loop a ribbon. Measure the place you'll be looping the ribbon, and cut the ribbon accordingly. Fold the ribbon in half and make a loop that is slightly larger than what you need to attach it to the pew. Tie a simple knot, and spread the two ribbon ends apart.
Cut a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. Make a bunny-eared loop and twist the longer end twice so that it becomes rope-like. Make a second bunny ear with your ribbon, ensuring that the loops are the desired size and that the tails are even. Fold the left loop over the right and bring it back through the centre hole. Pull it tight to create a knot, and adjust the loops and tails as needed. Trim the ends if desired.