Creating Wedding Car Ribbon Bows: A Step-By-Step Guide

Decorating a wedding car with ribbon and bows is a fun and creative way to make the big day more personalised. There are many ways to do this, from the classic V-shape design to decorating door handles, side mirrors, sun visors and roofs with bows or ribbons. It's important to consider safety regulations and find cost-effective options to ensure a stylish and flower-adorned vehicle for the special occasion.

Choosing the right ribbon type and length

When it comes to choosing the right ribbon for your wedding car, there are a few key things to consider: the type of ribbon, the width, and the length.

Type of Ribbon

The type of ribbon you choose will depend on the overall look you want to achieve, as well as the weather conditions. Satin, grosgrain, and organza ribbons are popular choices for wedding cars. These materials offer a soft feel and a long-lasting quality that won't damage the car's paintwork. If you're expecting wet weather, opt for waterproof materials like vinyl or polyester.

Width of Ribbon

The width of the ribbon can vary depending on the style you want to create. For a classic and elegant look, go for wider ribbons. Ribbons that are 2 inches (5 cm) or 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide are commonly used for the V-shape ribbon design, which involves wrapping the ribbon from the grill to the mirrors of the car. For car handle and side mirror ribbons, the recommended width ranges from 1.5 inches (38 mm) to 25 inches (635 mm), allowing you to choose based on your preferred style.

Length of Ribbon

The length of the ribbon will depend on the design you choose and the size of your car. For the V-shape design, you'll need approximately two meters of ribbon to wrap from the grill to the mirrors. When creating ribbon streamers for the windows, cut ribbons into different sizes ranging from 3 to 8 feet long, depending on the size of your car and the desired effect. If you're attaching ribbons to the car's bumper, cut several lengths that are long enough to trail 2-3 feet behind the car when hung.

Remember to consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding when choosing the ribbon type and length. Select colours that complement your chosen theme, and feel free to mix and match colours to create a unique and personalised look for your special day.

Classic V-shape ribbon design

The classic V-shape ribbon design is a great way to add a unique flair to your wedding car. This style is eye-catching and sophisticated, typically involving large bows placed on either side of the vehicle's grille, with ribbons trailing up along the hood and connected to the mirrors at their ends. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this classic look:

Materials Needed:

• 5cm (2 inches) or 3.8cm (1.5 inches)-wide ribbon, approximately two meters long.
• Magnetic tape for secure attachment without damaging the paintwork.
• A pair of scissors with finger loops for optimal control when cutting the ribbon.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Secure one end of two pieces of ribbon to the hood latch.
• Pull the ribbons back diagonally to form a V shape.
• Attach the ends of the ribbons to the vehicle:

• Roll the ends around the front windows on both sides.
• Tie each ribbon around the rearview mirrors.

Ensure the ribbons are tight and taut to avoid obstructing the driver's view or other drivers on the road.

This classic V-shape ribbon design will surely make your wedding car stand out and turn heads as you cruise down the street on your special day!

Giant door bow decoration

Materials:

• A roll of cloth ribbon, 2 inches or wider (cut to the desired length for your bow, with extra length for the centre loop and streamers)
• Floral wire or other bendable wire
• Wire cutters (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the Ribbon

Cut the ribbon 1 inch longer than the width you want for your finished bow. For example, cut a 25-inch ribbon for a 12-inch wide bow.

Step 2: Create the Bow Shape

Fold each end of the ribbon to the middle and overlap the ends by 1/2 inch. This will create the classic bow shape with two loops.

Step 3: Secure the Centre

Wrap floral wire twice around the middle of the ribbon to secure the two loops. Twist the wire a few times and clip off any excess with wire cutters, or twist the end until it breaks off.

Step 4: Create the Streamers

Cut two streamers for your bow, making them at least 50% longer than the width of the bow. For example, for an 18-inch wide bow, cut two 36-inch streamers. Cut the ends of the streamers at a 45-degree angle to create a classic pointed finish.

Wrap one end of a 4- to 5-inch piece of floral wire around the top of each streamer, about 1/2 inch from the straight-cut end. Gather the ribbon in the loop of wire to secure it. Twist the short end of the wire around itself a few times, then wrap the loose end around the middle of the bow's loop to attach the streamers.

Step 5: Finish the Centre

Cut a 4- to 6-inch piece of ribbon to create the centre loop of the bow. The thicker the ribbon, the longer the piece should be. Place this piece good-side down on your work surface. Centre the bow's loops on this strip, with the streamers facing down. Fold each end of the strip over the middle of the bow's loops and overlap the ends to cover the wires and create the centre of the bow.

Step 6: Hang Your Bow

Create a hanging loop with an 8-inch piece of wire. Fold the wire in half, then wrap it around the overlapped ends of the centre strip several times. Twist the free end of the double wire into a loop for hanging.

Your giant door bow decoration is now ready to be displayed! You can also add additional embellishments or use multiple ribbons for a more colourful effect.

For wedding car decorations, you can use florist ribbon in your choice of colour. Hand-tying the ribbons and bows is a simple way to decorate the cars, and you can mix different colours to match your wedding colour scheme.

Car handle and side mirror ribbons

Selecting the Right Ribbons

When choosing ribbons for your wedding car, it is important to consider the material and size. Satin, grosgrain, or organza ribbons are popular choices due to their durability and soft feel, which helps prevent any damage to the car's paintwork. The recommended width for these ribbons is between 1.5 inches (38 mm) and 25 inches (635 mm), depending on your preferred style. If your wedding is outdoors, opt for weather-resistant ribbons to ensure they look pristine regardless of the climate conditions.

Tying the Ribbons

Now it's time to tie the ribbons! Start by securing one end of a ribbon to the car's sun visor or handle. Bring the ribbon towards the front of the car and attach the other end to the hood latch. Pull the ribbon back diagonally to form a V-shape towards the rearview mirror. Secure the end near the radiator grille or within the bonnet to prevent it from coming loose while driving. Repeat this process for a coordinated look on both sides of the car.

Adding Extra Flair

For a truly exquisite finish, consider adding bows to your ribbon decorations. Create beautiful bows by bringing the ribbon ends together and tying them securely. You can also attach flowers, balloons, or other creative accents using adhesive tape or magnetic strips. Just ensure that your decorations don't obstruct the driver's view or violate any safety regulations. With these tips, you'll have a wedding car that's sure to turn heads!

Personalising your wedding car ribbon

Choosing the Right Ribbon

The first step to personalising your wedding car ribbon is to choose the right type of ribbon. Consider the colour, material, and width of the ribbon. Satin ribbon is a popular choice for weddings, as it has a luxurious look and feel. You can choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or the colour of the car. The width of the ribbon will depend on the size of your car and the type of bow you want to create.

Adding Personalised Details

To make your wedding car ribbon truly unique, consider adding personalised details such as your names, the date of your wedding, or a special message. You can either print these details directly onto the ribbon or attach personalised tags. If you're crafty, you can even try your hand at calligraphy or lettering to add a personal touch.

Involving a Florist

If you want to include fresh flowers or greenery in your wedding car decoration, consider involving a florist. They can help you choose the right type of flowers that will complement your ribbon choice and create beautiful arrangements that can be attached to the car doors or bonnet.

Creating the Perfect Bow

Once you have your ribbon, it's time to create the perfect bow. You can hand-tie the ribbon yourself or follow online tutorials for a more complex design. Consider the size and style of the bow you want, and don't be afraid to experiment. Practice makes perfect!

Coordinating with Other Decorations

Finally, consider coordinating your wedding car ribbon and bow with other decorations such as balloons, streamers, or bunting. You can use the same colour ribbon or choose complementary colours to create a cohesive and stylish look. Don't forget to take lots of pictures to capture your beautiful handiwork!

By following these steps and adding your own creative touches, you can personalise your wedding car ribbon to make your special day even more memorable.

Frequently asked questions