Creating Wedding Pew Bows: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Pew bows are a decorative addition to weddings, often used in churches but also at non-traditional venues. They are usually made with ribbon, tulle, or both, and can be embellished with fresh or artificial flowers. The bows can be made in advance or on the day of the wedding. To make a traditional pew bow, you will need a roll of ribbon, scissors, and invisible tape. First, make a loop by folding the ribbon over on itself, then create a second loop at an angle to the first one. Continue making loops, twisting the ribbon back and forth, until you have around 12 loops. Wrap another strip of ribbon around the centre of the bow and tie a knot. You can then adjust the loops to improve the look of the bow, before attaching it to the pew with invisible tape or crafting wire.

Tulle pew bows

Pew bows are a decorative detail often used in wedding ceremonies, adding a touch of class and glamour to the side of the pews in the church that face the aisle where the bride walks. Tulle is a popular choice for making these bows as it is inexpensive, available in a wide variety of colours, and easy to customise to match the wedding's theme and colours.

To make tulle pew bows, you will need the following supplies:

• Roll of tulle (approximately 6" wide)
• Large piece of cardboard
• Plastic pew clip or wire/pipe cleaner (optional)
• Wired ribbon
• Scissors
• Twist ties

Firstly, determine the size of your tulle bow. For a 12-inch diameter bow, measure and mark the desired width on your cardboard piece. Cut a section of tulle that is twice the length of your desired tail, and set it aside. Place one end of the tulle along the side of the cardboard, pinning down the corners. Stretch the tulle gently until it reaches the marked line, then fold it back towards the opposite side in an accordion-like manner, pinning the corners down as you go. Continue this process until you have at least five loops on each side, ensuring you remove and replace the pins with each new loop.

Once you have an even number of loops on both sides, cut the tulle along the edge of the loops. Find the midpoint of the loops with a measuring tape and mark it lightly. Take your previously cut tail piece and tie it in a knot around the centre, allowing the ends of the tulle to hang down. Remove the pins holding the loops and gently fluff out the tulle to create your bow. Remember to handle the tulle carefully as it can be easily ripped and is prone to creasing and wrinkling.

To finish your tulle pew bow, follow the same loop-making process with the wired ribbon to create 8 to 12 loops. Secure the centre of the ribbon bow with a twist tie. Attach the tail by folding the ribbon in half and placing the centre against the bow, then redo the twist tie with the tail attached. Make the tulle bow loops in the same way, ensuring they are larger than the wired ribbon loops. Secure the centre with another twist tie and attach the tail in the same manner. Finally, place the wired ribbon bow on top of the tulle bow and tie the two twist ties together to join the bows.

You can further customise your tulle pew bows by adding decorations such as flowers, ribbons, or feathers using thin wire or glue. To hang the bows from pews, you can use pew clips or attach a piece of wire or pipe cleaner to the back of the centre knot.

Traditional pew bows

To make a traditional pew bow, you will need a roll of ribbon that is approximately six inches thick, as well as some scissors and invisible tape. You can also use crafting wire instead of tape to secure the bow to the pew. The first step is to make the loops. Take three yards (2.74 m) of ribbon and create a loop by folding the ribbon over on itself. Hold this loop steady with your thumb and index finger. The next loop should be at an angle to the first, so twist the ribbon to the right and create another loop of the same size. Continue making loops by twisting the ribbon back and forth and holding the centre of each loop. You will need about 12 loops in total.

Once you have made all your loops, wrap another strip of ribbon (12 inches or 30 cm) around the centre of the bow and tie a knot or bow to keep the loops in place. You can then adjust the loops by pulling on them and fanning them out to give the bow more dimension. Finally, use invisible tape or crafting wire to attach the bow to the pew.

You can also add some extra details to your traditional pew bow. For example, you can cut a 3-inch (7.6 cm) line in the middle of each loop to create a decorative touch. You can also add a rhinestone embellishment to the centre of the bow to make it more glamorous.

Attaching pew bows

Another method is to use invisible tape to stick the bows onto the pews. Crafting wire can also be used to tie the bows around the pew. Alternatively, stick-on hooks can be used, but be sure to check that they will come off the furniture.

Adding flowers to pew bows

Flowers are a beautiful addition to pew bows for a wedding. You can use fresh flowers or small silk flowers that match or complement the bridal bouquet and gown.

If you're using fresh flowers, you can add them to your pew bows by grouping them into small bouquets. Arrange larger flowers at the back and smaller flowers at the front, as you would with a corsage. Then, take a length of ribbon and tie it into a bow around the bouquet, wrapping it twice around the stems to conceal them before tying. Pull on the loops of the bow to lengthen them to between 3 and 4 inches. Trim the stems so that they're barely visible below the ribbon. You can also add a bit of greenery to larger flower arrangements.

If you're using silk flowers, you can select flowers adorned with glitter or those with silk stems. Choose small flowers such as tiny roses, which are usually available in bunches in the wedding aisle of craft stores.

Another option is to use a combination of flowers and ribbon. You can create a bow with ribbon loops, as described in the previous section, and then add flowers to the centre of the bow. Secure the flowers with florist wire, which can also be used to hang the bow on the pew.

Buying tulle

When buying tulle for your wedding pew bows, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the colour scheme you wish to achieve. Tulle comes in a variety of colours, so you can choose shades that match your wedding colours or the bridal party's attire. For example, if you are having a traditional wedding with a white colour scheme, opt for classic white tulle. If your wedding has a rustic theme, consider burlap and lace tulle bows. You can also mix and match colours to create a unique look.

Next, decide on the size of the tulle bows. Most tulle pew bows range from 8 to 12 inches in width, but you can also find larger or smaller sizes to suit your needs. Consider the size of your wedding venue and the impact you want to create when choosing the size of your tulle bows. If you are having a large wedding in a grand church, for instance, you may want to opt for larger bows that will be visible and make a statement.

Another factor to consider is whether you want to add any embellishments to your tulle bows. Some tulle pew bows come with added details such as pearls, diamantes, or satin ribbons. These embellishments can add a touch of glamour and elegance to your wedding décor. If you are looking for a more simple and classic look, opt for plain tulle bows, or you can add your own fresh flowers as a natural embellishment.

When purchasing tulle, you will also need to decide on the quantity you require. Typically, tulle pew bows are sold in sets, with quantities ranging from single bows to sets of 20 or more. Consider the number of pews or chairs you need to decorate and whether you want to use the tulle bows in other areas of your wedding décor, such as on doors, arches, or even as bridal accessories.

Finally, consider your budget when buying tulle. The price of tulle pew bows can vary depending on the quality, quantity, and any added embellishments. If you are crafty, you may want to purchase tulle fabric and create your own bows, which can be a more cost-effective option. However, if you are short on time or prefer convenience, there are many ready-made tulle pew bows available for purchase online.

Frequently asked questions