Crafting Paper Bunting For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bunting is a simple yet striking decorative element that can be used to spruce up your wedding venue. It is remarkably easy to make your own wedding bunting, choosing the perfect colours and styles to complement your wedding theme. Paper bunting, in particular, is a great option if you're looking for a quick DIY project. With just a few basic supplies, you can create beautiful decorations that will add a personal touch to your special day.

Choosing colours and materials

The first step in making paper bunting for your wedding is to choose your colours and materials. This is a fun and creative part of the process, and you can let your imagination run wild.

If you have chosen a colour scheme for your wedding, you can select paper in complementary colours. You can also choose a variety of different textures and types of paper, such as gold and light blue parchment, scrapbooking paper, or even lace doilies. If you want to include writing on your bunting, such as the names of guests or a sweet message, make sure you choose a paper that is suitable for writing on.

Another idea is to use book pages in your chosen colour palette or old maps for a vintage look. If you want to add a splash of colour, you can alternate these with cut-up wallpaper samples or scrapbook paper. If you are feeling really creative, you can even reprint the book pages on lightly coloured paper.

If you are buying your paper from a craft store, look for a print fabric that you love and that reflects the style of your wedding. For example, if you are having a garden wedding, choose something floral or botanical. Then, find other papers that match or complement this main print.

Remember, you don't have to stick to just paper. You can also mix and match different fabrics and materials to create a unique look. Consider using lace, hessian, or even old clothes or bedding to make your bunting.

Creating a template

To create a template for your paper bunting, start by taking a standard-size sheet of cardstock or paper and folding it horizontally twice. This will help you find the centre of the paper. Next, unfold the paper and use a ruler to measure 3 1/2 inches up from the bottom of the paper to find the top point of your triangle. Mark this point.

Now, angle your ruler on both sides of the centre crease and draw a line from the mark to the bottom corners of the paper. Cut along these lines to create your template. You can use this template to ensure that all your paper pennants are the same size and to help you cut out the triangle shape for your bunting.

Making the flags

Next, take your chosen decorative cardstock and fold it horizontally. Line up your template with the cardstock and trace the triangle shape. Cut out the triangle, then unfold the cardstock and cut along the centre crease to create two flags. Repeat this process until you have enough flags for your garland.

Finally, thread the flags. Punch two holes in each flag, about 2 inches and 4 inches from the top. Take your ribbon and loop it through the holes, alternating between the back and front of the flags. Space the flags about two fingers' width apart and secure them with a small piece of tape or glue. Leave a loop of ribbon at each end for hanging.

Stringing the flags together

Now that you have your paper flags ready, it's time to string them together to create your wedding bunting! Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Method 1: Using Ribbon and Tape:

This is a quick and easy method. First, decide on the order in which you want your flags to appear on the bunting. Then, take your ribbon and stick double-sided tape along the front edge of each flag. Secure the ribbon to the flags by pressing it onto the tape. Ensure the ribbon is wider than the tape so that it hides it. Space out the flags evenly along the ribbon, leaving some extra ribbon at each end for hanging.

Method 2: Punching Holes and Threading:

Another way to string your flags is by punching holes and threading them with ribbon. Take each flag and use a hole punch to make two holes along the top edge. You can make the holes about 2 inches and 4 inches from the left edge, for example. Then, take your ribbon and loop it through the holes, alternating between the front and back of the flags. Continue this process until all the flags are strung together. Adjust the spacing between the flags, and secure their positions with a small piece of invisible tape or glue. Finally, tie loops at both ends of the garland for easy hanging.

Method 3: Sewing:

If you're comfortable with a sewing machine, you can sew your flags onto a binding tape. First, lay your binding tape flat on a table and place the flags evenly along the tape, about halfway up. Fold over the tape to trap the flags and secure them with pins. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew the flags to the binding tape, remembering to leave some extra tape at each end for hanging.

Tips and Variations:

You can use different types of paper or ribbon to create a unique look. Consider using scrapbooking paper, lacy doilies, colourful oilcloth, or even book pages in your chosen colour palette. Instead of ribbon, you could use patterned binding tape or string. Add personal touches by incorporating letters, numbers, or sweet messages on your bunting. Get creative and have fun with the process!

Hanging the bunting

For outdoor weddings, you can attach the bunting to trees to create a scenic backdrop for photos. You can also adorn pathways with bunting, creating a romantic setting for the happy couple's first walk as newlyweds. If you're having a marquee wedding, consider hanging the bunting from the ceiling, adding fairy lights and pom poms for a magical touch.

For indoor weddings, you can drape bunting across the walls or hang it from the ceiling to create a festive atmosphere. If you're having a village hall wedding, bunting is a perfect addition for a quaint and traditional feel. You can also use bunting to decorate the backs of chairs, the wedding cake table, or even the wedding cake itself!

When hanging the bunting, ensure it is secure and won't come loose during the celebrations. You can use tape, push pins, or loops of string to hang the bunting, depending on the material and your desired look.

Remember, bunting can be a versatile decoration, so feel free to get creative! You can mix and match different colours, patterns, and materials to create a unique and personalised look for your special day.

Frequently asked questions