Creating Large, Beautiful Wedding Bows For Your Special Day

Tulle is a versatile and inexpensive fabric that is commonly used in weddings. It can be used to add a touch of elegance and glamour to the décor, as well as the bride's attire and floral arrangements. Making large tulle wedding bows is a simple DIY project that can add a pop of colour and texture to the occasion. All you need is some tulle, wire, and scissors, and you can create beautiful bows to decorate pews, chairs, or benches. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making large tulle wedding bows, from assembling the bow to finishing and customizing it.

Choosing the right tulle fabric

Tulle is a lightweight, sheer fabric that is often made from nylon or silk. It is known for its soft texture and the way it flows and drapes, making it perfect for creating elegant wedding bows. When choosing the right tulle fabric for your wedding bows, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of tulle, its quality, and the desired look.

The most common types of tulle fabric include nylon, polyester, silk, cotton, and blended tulle. Nylon tulle is widely used due to its durability, affordability, and softness. It also comes in a variety of colours, making it easy to match your wedding theme. Polyester tulle shares similar advantages in terms of durability and affordability, and it is a popular choice for decorative items. Silk tulle, on the other hand, is the most luxurious and expensive option. It is ideal for crafting wedding dresses and veils due to its softness and delicate nature. Cotton tulle is lightweight, breathable, and offers exceptional softness, making it perfect for summer weddings or casual wear. Blended tulle combines different types of tulle fabric to create a unique texture and enhance certain properties.

When selecting tulle fabric, it is essential to consider the quality. High-quality tulle should be soft, comfortable, and durable. It should also have good drapability, allowing it to fall naturally and gracefully. Sheer tulle with a delicate and transparent appearance adds an ethereal touch to any wedding décor or outfit. Additionally, breathability is an important factor, especially if you plan to use tulle for outdoor weddings or in hot weather. Nylon and polyester tulle are usually lightweight and breathable, making them suitable for warm-weather weddings. Silk tulle, however, tends to be heavier and less breathable, so it may not be the best choice for outdoor events in hot climates.

The desired look and style of your wedding bows will also influence your choice of tulle fabric. If you want a subtle and ethereal appearance, illusion tulle is a perfect choice. It is a lightweight and fine netting that complements various wedding gown styles. Italian tulle, known for its luxurious softness and drape, is often selected for longer veils that flow gracefully. For a vintage-inspired look, Russian veiling (also known as French veiling) is a fine and delicate material made from a blend of nylon. Lace veils add a touch of vintage charm, while chiffon veils create a light and breezy effect, making them ideal for destination or beach weddings.

When choosing tulle fabric for your wedding bows, consider the type of tulle, its quality characteristics, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. By selecting the right tulle fabric, you can create elegant and dreamy wedding bows that align with your wedding theme and style.

Measuring and cutting the tulle

To make large wedding tulle bows, you will need to start by measuring and cutting the tulle. Tulle is an inexpensive fabric that comes in a variety of colours, making it a popular choice for wedding decorations.

First, decide on the size of the bow you want to make. If you are making a large bow, you will need a significant amount of tulle. For a 16-inch diameter bow, for example, you will need approximately 6 yards of tulle. Mark the desired width on a piece of cardboard. This will be your guide for creating uniform loops.

Next, cut a section of tulle that is twice the desired length of your bow tail. The tail is the part of the bow that hangs down at the bottom. If you want a longer tail, cut the tulle section accordingly. Set this piece aside for now.

Now, grab the end of your tulle roll and place it on one side of the cardboard. Pin the corners of the tulle to stabilise it. Gently pull the tulle towards the opposite side, creating a fold, and pin the corners again. Continue this accordion-style folding process until you have created an equal number of loops on each side. For a more secure hold, remove and replace the pins as you go.

Once you have created the desired number of loops, cut the tulle in a straight line, ensuring that it matches the edge of the loops.

At this point, you have successfully measured and cut the tulle for your large wedding bow! You can now proceed to the next step of assembling and finishing the bow.

Adding multiple colours of tulle

Tulle is a versatile fabric that can add a touch of elegance and romance to your wedding decor. When working with multiple colours of tulle, consider the following tips and ideas to create a cohesive and charming look for your special day:

Choosing Colours

Select colours that complement your wedding theme and colour palette. Tulle comes in a wide range of colours, from neutrals like ivory, beige, and grey to bolder shades like red, burgundy, and blue. You can choose colours that match your wedding theme or experiment with contrasting hues for a unique look.

Combining with Other Fabrics

Layering tulle with other fabrics such as satin or lace can add dimension and depth to your decorations. Consider combining tulle with glitter, beads, or flocking for a touch of sparkle and texture. For a soft and romantic glow, pair tulle with lights or fairy lights.

Creative Ways to Use Tulle

• Aisle Runners: Create a dreamy entrance by lining the wedding aisle with tulle. You can hang tulle swags from chairs or secure strips of tulle to the sides of the chairs to form a full tulle aisle runner.
• Ceiling Drapery: Transform your reception venue by adorning the ceiling with cascading tulle drapery. Hang swags of tulle from the ceiling to create a whimsical canopy effect.
• Chair Decor: Enhance the look of your reception chairs with tulle chair sashes or garlands. You can create bows, simple knots, or garlands draped from chair to chair. Adding flowers or greenery to tulle chair garlands will provide a pop of colour and texture.
• Table Decor: Tulle table runners or table skirts offer a lightweight and ethereal alternative to traditional tablecloths. They add a romantic ambiance to your reception tables while allowing your centrepieces to shine through. For a more sophisticated look, combine tulle table decor with candles or floral arrangements.
• Backdrops: Design eye-catching backdrops for photo booths, ceremony arches, or bridal showers by hanging tulle panels or swags. Accessorise with flowers, garlands, or fairy lights for a magical touch.
• Flower Decor: Incorporate tulle into your floral arrangements by wrapping it around bouquets, boutonnieres, and centrepieces. Tulle complements any flower type and colour scheme, adding texture and softness to your floral decor.

Care for Tulle Fabric

To ensure the lasting elegance and durability of tulle, proper care is necessary. Hand-wash or use a delicate machine wash with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid strong chemicals and high heat settings, as they can damage the delicate fabric. Air-dry tulle whenever possible and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent discolouration.

Attaching the tulle to the twine

Begin by cutting a length of tulle that is approximately twice the desired length of the bow's tail. This excess length will be used to create a neat and secure attachment. You can use scissors to cut through the tulle, ensuring a straight line.

Now, take your length of twine and position it at the centre point of the cut tulle. You may want to use a small piece of tape or a dab of craft glue to temporarily hold the twine in place, although this is optional. Take one end of the tulle and bring it up and over the twine, creating a loop. Ensure that the loop is evenly centred around the twine.

At this point, you should have two layers of tulle, with the twine sandwiched in between. Carefully tie these two layers of tulle into a simple knot. Depending on the thickness of your tulle and the desired size of your bow, you may need to tie multiple knots to secure the tulle to the twine. A square knot is a good option for added security.

Once the knot or knots are in place, you can carefully adjust the loops of tulle to ensure they are even and symmetrical. You can also fluff and arrange the tulle to create a fuller, more voluminous bow. If desired, you can also trim the ends of the tulle to create a neat finish or to adjust the overall length of the bow.

Finally, you can add a small amount of craft glue to the knot to further secure the tulle to the twine. Alternatively, you can wrap a small piece of floral wire around the knot, twisting it tightly at the back of the bow. This will help to ensure that your large tulle wedding bow remains securely attached to the twine, ready for display.

Storing and transporting the finished bow

Storing and transporting large tulle wedding bows requires careful consideration to avoid damaging their shape and texture. Here are some detailed tips for preserving and moving your finished bows:

Storing Your Tulle Bows:

• Avoid containers: Do not store your tulle bows in boxes, bags, or containers. Tulle is prone to wrinkling and creasing, and once misshapen, it is nearly impossible to restore it to its original form.
• Hang the bows: The best way to store your tulle bows is to hang them by their tails in a safe, designated space. This method ensures the bows remain wrinkle-free and maintains their shape.
• Keep pets away: If you have pets, be sure to store your tulle bows in a closed-off area to prevent them from being damaged or torn.

Transporting Your Tulle Bows:

• Hang with care: When transporting your tulle bows, continue to hang them by their tails, taking extra care during travel.
• Dedicated trip: Depending on the size of your bows, you may need to transport them in a separate, dedicated trip to ensure they are not crushed or damaged.
• Vehicle considerations: Consider the size of your vehicle when planning transportation. Large tulle bows may require a spacious vehicle like an SUV or a hatchback to accommodate their volume without compromising their shape.

Frequently asked questions