Creating Ribbon Bows For Wedding Flowers

A handmade bow is a simple yet gorgeous addition to wedding flowers, adding a touch of colour and elegance. Making a bow is a straightforward process, requiring only a few materials and a few minutes of your time. The type of ribbon you choose is important, as it will determine the shape and structure of your bow. Wired ribbons, for instance, are ideal for creating dramatic shapes and sizes, while silk, grosgrain, or velvet ribbons offer a more traditional look. Once you've selected your ribbon, follow these steps: cut your ribbon, form loops, pinch the centre, secure with wire or zip ties, and finally, fluff and arrange the loops to achieve your desired shape. With this guide, you can easily create beautiful bows to adorn your wedding flowers.

Choosing the right ribbon

When it comes to choosing the right ribbon for your wedding flower bows, there are a few things to consider. The type of ribbon, its width, and the overall desired look of your flowers are all important factors.

Firstly, the type of ribbon you choose will impact the final look and ease of creation. Wired ribbons are a popular choice as they make shaping bows easier and help maintain the loops and tails. Wired ribbons are also great if you want to create a dramatic, large bow. The wire allows you to mould the bow into your desired size and shape. If you're looking for a more elegant and simple option, satin ribbons are a great choice. They come in various colours and can elevate the look of your wedding flowers. For a rustic or farmhouse-inspired vibe, consider using a wired burlap ribbon. This type of ribbon is perfect for weddings, wreaths, and crafting. If you want to add a touch of luxury to your flowers, opt for a raw-edged silk ribbon. This type of ribbon has a more artisanal look and feel compared to the average satin options.

Secondly, the width of the ribbon will impact the size of your bow. Wider ribbons will create bigger bows, so keep this in mind when choosing your ribbon. If you're making small or delicate wedding flowers, opt for a narrower ribbon. However, if you're creating large arrangements, a wider ribbon will make a bold statement.

Lastly, consider the overall look you want to achieve with your wedding flowers. Do you want them to be simple and elegant, or are you going for a more extravagant and dramatic look? The colour and pattern of the ribbon can also be used to match your wedding's colour palette or theme. Play around with different types of ribbons, widths, colours, and patterns to see what works best for your desired look.

Remember, the right ribbon will not only make your wedding flowers look beautiful but will also be easy to work with, ensuring that creating your bows is an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Making loops

Start by cutting a piece of ribbon, approximately 15 to 20 inches long, for a nice-sized bow. The length can be adjusted based on the thickness of your ribbon. The wider the ribbon, the bigger the bow. Once you've cut the ribbon to your desired length, create a "bunny-eared" loop, and twist the longer end two times to give it a rope-like texture. Ensure that the shiny side of the ribbon is still facing up.

Now, create the second "bunny ear" loop, adjusting both loops to be the size you want for your final bow loops. It is important to ensure that the loops are fairly even. Then, take the left loop and fold it over the right loop, bringing it around and back through the centre hole, similar to tying a shoelace.

Pull the loops tight to create a knot. Don't worry if your bow doesn't look perfect on the first try. You can tug on the loops and tails to adjust and finesse it. Once you're satisfied with the shape, you can trim the ends of the ribbon if needed.

If you're using wired ribbon, which is great for creating dramatic shapes and sizes, the process is slightly different. Start with a long piece of ribbon, at least 2 yards, and create a loop. Then, wrap the remaining length of the ribbon in a continuous circle around that initial loop. Decide on the tail length you want and add 2 inches to it. Fold the loop in half from the centre.

Pinch the centre of the loop and wrap a matching pipe cleaner or floral wire around it. Twist, tighten, and trim any excess pipe cleaner or wire. Cut vertically through the centre of the bow's tail to create two tails, ensuring the cut reaches almost to the pipe cleaner or wire. Use these tails to tie a standard knot around the centre of the folded ribbon, covering the pipe cleaner or wire.

Now, you can fan out and adjust the loops to achieve your desired shape and fullness. You can trim the tails if needed or leave them long to attach to other decorations or gifts.

Cutting the ribbon

The first step in cutting the ribbon is determining the desired length. The length of the ribbon will depend on the size and type of bow you want to create. For a simple bow, a ribbon length of 15 to 20 inches is a good starting point. However, if you're making a larger bow, such as a decorative wedding bow, you'll need a longer ribbon—at least 2 yards or even 3 yards for a more dramatic effect.

Once you've decided on the length, use sharp scissors to cut the ribbon. If you're making multiple bows, ensure you cut the ribbons to the same length to maintain consistency.

When cutting the ribbon, you can also consider the type of cut you want. For a classic look, a straight cut across the ribbon will suffice. However, for a more unique touch, you can create "V"-shaped cuts at the ends of the ribbon. This will give your bow a whimsical and elegant appearance.

Another option for cutting the ribbon is to create a chevron pattern. To do this, fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and then again widthwise. Cut an even triangle from the folded ribbon, ensuring that the point of the triangle is in the centre of the fold. This will create a stylish, pointed edge when the ribbon is unfolded.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of ribbon to find the one that suits your wedding flowers best. Wired ribbon is a popular choice as it holds its shape well and makes creating loops and tails easier. You can also choose from a variety of materials such as silk, grosgrain, velvet, or satin, depending on the desired look and feel of your bow.

Remember, the key to cutting the ribbon is precision. Take your time to measure and cut the ribbon to ensure your bows are uniform and elegant.

Securing the bow

Wired Ribbon

If you are using wired ribbon, which is great for maintaining the shape of loops and tails, you will need some florist wire or a zip tie to hold the bow together. First, cut a piece of florist wire, about four inches long. Pinch the centre of the bow loops and wrap the wire around this pinched centre. Pull the loops apart to create your desired bow shape, and finish by pulling out the tails. Alternatively, you can use a zip tie to secure the centre of the loops, then trim it with wire cutters.

Pipe Cleaners or Chenille Stems

Another option is to use a pipe cleaner or chenille stem to cinch and hold the bow together. Try to use a chenille stem that matches the colour of your ribbon. Wrap the pipe cleaner or chenille stem around the centre of the bow, twist, tighten, and trim off any excess.

Floral Tape and Wire

For a floral arrangement bow, you can secure the bow with floral wire and floral tape. Cut a piece of ribbon, make a loop, and pinch the base. Twist a piece of floral wire around the end to secure it in place. Then, wrap the base of the ribbon with floral tape, stretching it as you go. The adhesive in the tape is activated when stretched. Snap the tape to release it when you have finished wrapping.

Ribbon Knot

For an elegant finish, you can use a piece of ribbon to create a knot in the centre of your bow. Cut a piece of ribbon, make a knot in the centre, and use the tails to tie it around the middle of the bow. You can use the same or a different ribbon for this step, depending on your desired look.

Hot Glue or Floral Wire

Finally, if you are attaching your bow to a wreath, gift, or flower arrangement, you can use hot glue or floral wire to secure it in place. For a wreath, you can also use a pin to hold the bow in place.

Attaching the bow to flowers

Now that you've made your bow, it's time to attach it to your wedding flowers. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the right ribbon: Select a ribbon that complements your wedding flowers and colour scheme. Consider the size and type of flowers you'll be using, as well as the overall style of your wedding.
• Prepare your flowers: Cut the stems of your flowers to the desired length, removing any leaves that will be below the water line in the vase. This will ensure your flowers are ready to be arranged and will help them stay fresh.
• Secure the bow: Use floral wire or hot glue to attach the bow to the stems of the flowers. If using floral wire, wrap it securely around the stems and the centre of the bow. For hot glue, apply a generous amount to the back of the bow and press it firmly against the stems.
• Arrange the flowers: Once the bow is secured, begin arranging the flowers around it. Place larger blooms first, followed by smaller filler flowers and greenery. Ensure the bow is centred and visible among the flowers.
• Add finishing touches: To enhance your arrangement, consider adding additional ribbon streamers, pearl pins, or other decorative elements. These details will elevate the overall look of your wedding flowers.
• Display the flowers: Place the finished arrangement in a vase or container that fits your wedding theme. This could be a simple glass vase, a rustic pitcher, or a decorative vessel that complements your colour palette.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful wedding flowers with elegant ribbon bows. Feel free to experiment with different ribbon styles and colours to achieve the desired effect.

Frequently asked questions