Create Birdseed Wedding Favors With These Easy Steps

Throwing rice at weddings is a long-standing tradition, meant to shower the newlyweds in prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. However, uncooked rice can be dangerous for birds, and many outdoor venues only allow birdseed to be thrown. Making your own little bags of birdseed for guests to throw is easy and inexpensive. You can use netting, organza, paper, or even plastic bags, and seal or tie them with ribbon.

Choosing the type of bag: fabric or paper

When making little bags of birdseed for weddings, there are two main types of bags to choose from: fabric or paper. Each option has its own advantages and can be customised to match the wedding theme.

Fabric bags, such as those made from fine-mesh netting, organza, calico, gingham, or satiny polyester, offer a traditional and elegant look. They are easy to assemble, requiring only a square of fabric, birdseed, and a ribbon to secure the corners. The ribbon should be tight enough to keep the birdseed contained but loose enough for guests to easily open the bags. Fabric bags can also be made see-through, such as with mesh cloth, to showcase the birdseed inside.

Paper bags, on the other hand, provide a more contemporary and eco-friendly alternative. Glassine envelopes, for instance, can be decorated with personalised labels and sealed with monogrammed stickers. Paper doilies tied with ribbon or novelty yarns are another attractive and inexpensive option. When choosing paper bags, it is important to consider the size and ensure they have a sufficient seam allowance to fit the desired amount of birdseed.

Both fabric and paper bags can be customised with colours, ribbons, and slogans that match the wedding theme. Fabric bags offer a rustic and whimsical charm, while paper bags provide a modern and elegant touch. Ultimately, the choice between fabric and paper bags depends on the desired aesthetic, ease of assembly, and environmental considerations.

Making the bag see-through: mesh cloth or plastic

Making the bag see-through is a great way to ensure your guests know what they are throwing and can be achieved in a few different ways.

Mesh Cloth

Mesh cloth is a traditional and simple option for making see-through birdseed bags for weddings. All you need are squares of fine-mesh netting, the birdseed, and a ribbon to tie up the gathered corners. The ribbon should be tight enough to keep the bag together but loose enough that guests can easily slip it off to open the bags.

Plastic

If you would prefer to use plastic, you can purchase small plastic bags in bulk online. These are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including self-sealing, drawstring, and those with twist ties. You can also buy plastic bags with handles, which are ideal for gift bags. To achieve a see-through effect, select clear plastic bags.

Once you have your chosen plastic bag, simply fill it with birdseed and seal it with glue or by melting the plastic. Then, tie a ribbon around the bag, securing it with a cute bow. Finally, add a printed slogan or design to make it clear that the bag is for birdseed.

Filling the bags: using birdseed, oats, grains or dried corn

Birdseed is a great alternative to rice at weddings, as it is eco-friendly and safer for birds. You can buy birdseed in bulk from your local pet or home improvement store, or online. It is also possible to substitute birdseed for oats, grains or dried corn, which were all used before rice became the tossing element of choice.

If you are using a fabric bag, cut squares of netting, organza, calico, gingham or satin polyester, fill with birdseed and gather the corners, tying with a ribbon. You can also use paper bags, such as glassine envelopes, paper doilies or paper cones, which can be sealed with glue or stickers. If you are using plastic bags, you can seal these with glue or by melting the ends.

Sealing the bags: using glue, melting plastic, or tying with a ribbon

There are several ways to seal little bags of birdseed for weddings, and the method you choose will depend on the type of bag you have selected.

Using Glue

If you have chosen paper bags, you can seal them with glue. You can also use glue to attach ribbons to the bag, or to stick on a label or sticker.

Melting Plastic

If you are using plastic bags, you can seal them by melting the plastic. You can also attach a ribbon to a plastic bag with glue.

Tying with a Ribbon

If you are using fabric bags, you can seal them by tying the corners with a ribbon. This method is also suitable for paper bags. When using ribbon to seal fabric bags, choose a colour that matches your wedding theme.

Decorating the bags: adding a slogan, a cute bow, or a personalised label

Decorating the bags is a great way to add a personal touch to your birdseed favours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Adding a slogan

If you want to include a slogan on your birdseed bags, consider something like "For the love birds" or "Toss on the love". You can also simply write "Birdseed" or "Birdseed for the recessional". Print your chosen slogan onto cardstock, cut it out, and attach it to the bag with glue or string.

Cute bows

If you've chosen fabric bags, tying a cute bow at the top is a lovely way to decorate them. Choose a ribbon colour that matches your wedding theme, and tie the bow tightly enough to keep the seeds inside but loose enough that guests can easily untie it. You could also use yarn or twine for a more rustic look.

Personalised labels

Personalised labels add a special touch to your birdseed favours. You can order custom stickers with your names, wedding date, or a cute illustration. These can be used to seal glassine envelopes or paper bags. Alternatively, you could print your own labels at home and attach them to the bags with glue or string.

Frequently asked questions