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

Wedding paper cones are a fun and simple DIY project that can add a unique touch to your special day. Whether you fill them with confetti, rose petals, or flowers, they are a great way to involve your family and friends in the wedding preparations and can even save you some costs. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating beautiful paper cones that are sure to impress your guests and make your wedding day memorable.

Choosing paper

The paper you choose for your wedding cones can depend on a few factors, including the overall look you are going for, the type of contents you plan to put in the cones, and your budget.

For a rustic or vintage-style wedding, brown paper is a popular choice. Thick brown paper can be purchased in rolls, which is ideal if you are making a large number of cones. It also pairs well with lace paper doilies, which can be cut and attached to the paper to add a decorative touch. Alternatively, you could opt for sheet music paper or wallpaper, which will give your cones a unique and quirky look.

If you are looking to add a touch of elegance to your cones, cardstock paper is a good option. This type of paper is sturdy and comes in a variety of colours, allowing you to choose a shade that complements your wedding colour scheme. You could also use decorative paper, which often features patterns or designs that can enhance the visual appeal of your cones.

For a budget-friendly option, consider using newspaper for your handmade cones. This is a great way to save money, especially if you are making a large number of cones. You can still decorate the cones with lace, buttons, or other trims to add a special touch.

When choosing your paper, consider the weight and thickness of the material. Thicker papers, such as cardstock or thick brown paper, will provide more structure and make it easier to form and secure the cone shape. Lighter weight papers, such as standard printing paper, may be more difficult to work with and could require additional reinforcement to hold their shape.

Additionally, if you plan to fill your cones with heavier items, such as rose petals or small favours, choose a sturdy paper that can withstand the weight without tearing. On the other hand, if you are filling the cones with lightweight items like confetti, a lighter weight paper may be more suitable.

Overall, the type of paper you choose for your wedding cones can impact the overall aesthetic of your wedding and the functionality of the cones themselves. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best choice for your special day.

Cutting the paper

If you're using a doily, you don't need to cut anything—simply roll the doily into a cone shape. If you want to overlay a paper cone with a doily, cut the doily into thirds and attach one piece to your paper shape.

For a simple paper cone, cut the paper into a diamond shape. You can do this by measuring and marking the centre of the paper's width and height, joining the marks with lines, and then joining the lines to make a diamond.

Rolling the paper

Now that you have your paper ready, it's time to roll! The rolling technique will differ slightly depending on the shape of your paper. If you've cut your paper into a circle, you'll want to roll it at an angle, keeping a nice sharp tip at the bottom. This will give your cone a nice, sharp point. If you're using a diamond-shaped piece of paper, roll it along the widest side to form a cone.

For circular paper, start by placing your hands at each end of the paper. Wrap the right side of the paper with your right hand and curl your left hand under. This will help you get a nice, tight roll. Experiment with the size of the cone you'd like—the more overlap you have, the narrower it will be. This is also a good time to add any decorations, like a lace doily or trim. Cut the doily into thirds and attach it to your paper before rolling, or decide to add buttons or other decorations later.

Once you're happy with the shape and size of your cone, it's time to secure it. You can use glue or double-sided tape for this. If using tape, place a small piece on the underside of the paper so that it's hidden. Finish off the base with a little extra hidden tape for a very tidy, finished look.

Now your paper cones are almost ready! All they need now is a filling. You can fill them with confetti, flower petals, or even small sweets or treats for your guests to enjoy.

Securing the cone

Using Tape:

One of the simplest and most popular methods for securing a paper cone is to use tape, preferably double-sided tape. Cut a small piece of tape and place it on the underside of the paper as you roll it, ensuring it remains hidden. This will hold the cone in place and create a closed bottom so that the fillings don't fall out. For added security and a neat finish, you can apply a little extra tape to the base of the cone.

Using Glue:

Another option for securing the cone is to use glue. Apply a suitable adhesive, such as hot glue, along the edge of the paper that will form the open end of the cone. Carefully bring the opposite edge towards the glued area and secure it in place. Hold it for a few seconds to ensure the glue sets properly.

Using Ribbon:

If you want to hang your cones or create a handle, you can use ribbon to secure the cone. After rolling and taping the cone, hot-glue a piece of ribbon to either side of the cone's opening. The ribbon should be long enough to form a loop or handle, depending on your preference. This method adds both functionality and a decorative touch to your paper cones.

Using Stickers or Stamps:

For a decorative approach to securing the cone, you can use stickers or stamps. After applying glue or tape to hold the cone together, place a sticker or stamp over the center crease to conceal any signs of adhesive. This method not only reinforces the closure but also adds a personalized touch to your paper cones.

Finishing Touches:

Once you have secured the cone, you can further decorate it if desired. Consider adding lace, buttons, trims, pearls, or other embellishments to enhance the overall appearance of the cone. Remember to fill the cones with petals, confetti, or other creative fillings before displaying or distributing them at your wedding.

Decorating the cone

Now for the fun part: decorating your paper cones!

You can decorate your cones with lace paper doilies. Simply cut the doily into thirds and attach one piece to your paper cone using glue or double-sided tape. You can also use other types of paper, such as sheet music or wallpaper, to create a unique and personalised design. If you want to add some sparkle to your cones, consider using glitter or stickers. Ribbons and pearls are another great way to add a touch of elegance and charm to your cones. For a more rustic or natural look, you can use twine or string instead of ribbon.

If you're feeling extra creative, you can experiment with different types of trims, such as lace, buttons, or other crafty embellishments. You can also try making paper flowers to attach to your cones. Simply cut and fold coloured paper into petal shapes, then layer and assemble the petals to form a flower. Secure the flowers to the cones using glue, and you've got a beautiful, handmade embellishment!

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different decorations to find the perfect look for your wedding.

Frequently asked questions