Crafting Paper Bag Luminaries For A Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Paper bag luminaries are a great DIY project for weddings, parties, and holidays. They are easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways, such as centrepieces, treat bags, or décor for your porch or mantel. You can use white or brown paper bags, and decorate them with stencils, cookie cutters, or freehand designs. Fill the bags with sand and place a tea light candle inside, or use flameless LED tea lights for safety. You can also add tissue paper to create a softer glow. Paper bag luminaries are a fun and affordable way to add a magical touch to any space.

Use white or brown paper bags

Luminaries are a great way to add a cosy, magical feel to your wedding. You can use white or brown paper bags to make luminaries, and these are readily available from craft stores, either in the gift wrap or the scrapbooking section. You can also buy them in packs online.

The bags should be plain, and a simple brown paper lunch bag is ideal. You can also use coloured paper bags, but avoid thick, shiny paper as the light won't pass through it in the same way. If your bag has handles, cut them off.

You can decorate your luminaries by cutting out shapes or punching holes in the paper. Try using a craft blade or small, sharp scissors to cut out your design. For punching holes, use an eyelet setting tool or a small hammer and nail. You can also use a craft hole puncher, sliding the bottom half into the bag and the upper half over the front.

To create a soft glow, secure tissue paper, tracing paper, or thin printer paper inside the bag, behind your design. Use glue or tape to attach it, and opt for coloured tissue paper if you want to change the colour of the glow.

Cut out intricate designs with a craft blade

Once you've settled on a design, it's time to cut it out. Slide a small cutting mat into the bag. You can find these self-healing mats in the scrapbooking or scissors section of a craft store. If you can't find a mat that's small enough, use a piece of cardboard instead.

If you're using a craft puncher, slide the bottom half into the bag, and place the upper half over the front of the bag. If you're using a craft blade, cut away from yourself and replace the blade when it becomes dull. Start with the smallest, inside shapes first, then move on to the bigger shapes. If you're using a craft hole puncher, simply press down on the handle to cut out your shape.

For a more intricate design, use a hammer and an eyelet setting tool to punch holes around your drawing. Space the holes 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart.

Remove the cutting mat and clean up your lines. If there are pieces of paper stuck inside the bag, carefully pull them out or cut them with small, pointed scissors.

Use sand or pebbles to weigh down the bag

Luminaries are a great way to light up a wedding and can be made from paper bags, clay, or even ice! When making paper bag luminaries, it's important to weigh them down to prevent them from blowing away or falling over. Here are some tips for using sand or pebbles to achieve this:

• Fill the Bottom with Sand: Once you've cut out your desired design and inserted a tea light candle, fill the bottom of the bag with sand. This will give the bag some weight and stability. You can also use small pebbles or clean kitty litter if you don't have sand.
• Amount of Sand: Use approximately 1 lb. (453 g) of sand or enough to cover the bottom of the bag by about 2 inches (5.1 cm). This will ensure the bag has enough weight to stay in place.
• Substitute with Rocks: If you don't have sand, you can use rocks or other heavy objects as an alternative. Small pebbles or gravel can be just as effective in weighing down your luminaries.
• Safety First: Always prioritise safety when using luminaries. Place them on a heat-safe surface and ensure they won't get knocked over easily. Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
• Weigh Down with Wood: Another option is to use a piece of wood cut to the size of the bottom of the bag. This flat, solid base will prevent the bag from blowing away.
• Prevent Bag from Blowing Away: If you're using luminaries outdoors, it's crucial to weigh them down to prevent them from blowing away. Sand, pebbles, or a flat piece of wood can help with this.
• Test Different Materials: Experiment with different materials to see which works best for your needs. Sand, pebbles, rocks, and wood are all viable options to keep your luminaries grounded.

Place a tea light candle inside

When it comes to placing a tea light candle inside your paper bag luminaries, there are a few important things to keep in mind, especially regarding safety. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your wedding luminaries are both beautiful and safe:

Firstly, it is highly recommended to use flameless tea light candles or LED candles. Traditional luminaries were made with real candles, but these pose a fire hazard, especially when used outdoors near grass, trees, or plants. Flameless tea lights are a safer option and can be easily purchased, often with their own built-in holders. If you want to use real tea light candles, ensure they are placed on a flat surface, away from any flammable objects, and never leave them unattended.

Secondly, prepare the base of your paper bag luminaries. Before placing the tea light candle, fill the bottom of the bag with a cup or two of sand. This will help weigh down the bag and keep it steady, reducing the risk of it being knocked over. The sand also provides a stable base for the tea light candle to sit on. If you are using LED candles, you may not need sand, but it can still help with stability.

Once the sand is in place, carefully position the tea light candle in the centre of the bag's base. If using a real tea light candle, ensure it is placed securely and won't tip over easily. For LED candles, you may need to adjust the amount of sand to ensure the light is visible and the bag looks balanced.

Now, it's time to light up your luminaries! If using real tea light candles, carefully light each candle using a long lighter or match. Be cautious when lighting, and ensure no flammable objects are nearby. If using LED candles, simply turn them on, and your luminaries will glow beautifully.

Finally, always supervise your luminaries when they are lit. Whether you use real tea light candles or LED alternatives, never leave them unattended. This will ensure that, in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, you can quickly address it and keep your wedding celebration safe.

Use flameless LED candles for safety

When creating paper bag luminaries for your wedding, it is essential to prioritize safety. Here are some reasons why you should opt for flameless LED candles:

Safety First:

The most obvious reason to choose flameless LED candles is safety. Real candles pose a fire hazard, especially when used in large quantities and around flammable materials like paper bags and decorations. Flameless candles eliminate this risk, giving you peace of mind during your special day.

No Mess, No Fuss:

Flameless LED candles offer a mess-free alternative to traditional candles. There's no need to worry about dripping wax, smoke, or scent. This means you can enjoy the soft, flickering glow without the hassle of dealing with messy wax drips or unpleasant odors.

Extended Glow:

LED candles provide a longer-lasting glow compared to traditional candles. The batteries in flameless candles can last for 80+ hours, ensuring that your luminaries stay illuminated throughout your wedding celebrations. This extended glow creates a magical atmosphere without the constant worry of replacing melted candles.

Eco-Friendly and Reusable:

LED candles are an eco-friendly choice, reducing the waste associated with traditional candles. The flameless candles and luminary bags can be reused for future events, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option. This also means you can create keepsakes from your wedding decorations, reusing the luminaries for future celebrations or passing them on to other couples.

Versatility and Convenience:

Flameless LED candles offer versatility in their design and usage. They are safe for both indoor and outdoor use, making them ideal for any wedding venue. Additionally, the ease of use provided by flameless candles is unparalleled. With the simple switch of a button, you can control the illumination, eliminating the tedious task of lighting and extinguishing multiple candles.

By choosing flameless LED candles for your paper bag luminaries, you can ensure safety, convenience, and an elegant glow that will enhance the beauty of your wedding décor.

Frequently asked questions