Create Beautiful Ribbon Streamers For Your Dream Wedding

Wedding ribbon wands are a fun and festive addition to any wedding celebration. They can be used as a unique alternative to traditional confetti, rice, or bubbles, providing a memorable send-off for the newlywed couple. These wands are typically made using wooden dowels or sticks, with colourful ribbons attached to the end. The ribbons can be left as they are or slightly burned at the edges to prevent fraying. Some wands also feature small bells that create a pleasant jingling sound as they are waved.

Ribbon wands are simple and affordable to make, requiring only a few materials and taking just a few minutes to assemble. They can be created in various colours to match the wedding theme and can even be customised with lights or fairy lights. These wands are not just for weddings, they are also perfect for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and other festive occasions. So, whether you're looking for a fun DIY project or a unique way to celebrate your big day, ribbon wands are a great option!

Choosing the right materials

The materials you choose for your wedding ribbon streamers will depend on the overall look you are trying to achieve, as well as any practical considerations. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your materials:

Type of Ribbon

The type of ribbon you choose will impact the overall aesthetic of your wedding ribbon streamers. Some popular options include:

• Satin ribbon: This type of ribbon has a smooth, shiny surface that can add a touch of elegance to your streamers.
• Chiffon ribbon: Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric that can give your streamers a soft, romantic appearance.
• Crepe paper: Crepe paper is a versatile and affordable option that can be found in various colours. It is often used to create a fun, festive look.

Colour

The colour of your ribbon streamers can be chosen to match your wedding colour palette or to create a specific mood. Consider the following:

• Complementary colours: Choose colours that complement your wedding theme and décor. For example, if you have a pastel colour palette, opt for ribbons in similar soft shades.
• Contrast: If you want your ribbon streamers to stand out, choose colours that contrast with your wedding colour scheme. For instance, pair light pastel colours with dark ribbons for a dramatic effect.
• Monochromatic: Using different shades of the same colour can create a cohesive and elegant look. For example, you could use various shades of pink or blue.

Length

The length of your ribbon streamers will depend on how you plan to use them. If you want them to be part of your bouquet or attached to chairs or tables, shorter lengths may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you want them to create a dramatic effect when waved by guests, opt for longer ribbons.

Width

Ribbon width can vary from narrow to wide, and this will impact the overall look of your streamers. Narrow ribbons will create a delicate, subtle effect, while wider ribbons will make a bolder statement. Consider using a combination of ribbon widths to add visual interest.

Add-ons

You can enhance your ribbon streamers with various add-ons, such as:

• Bells: Small bells attached to the ribbons can create a festive jingling sound when waved.
• Lights: Fairy lights or LED lights incorporated into the streamers can create a magical, sparkling effect, especially for evening weddings.
• Lace: Delicate lace accents can add a touch of vintage charm to your ribbon streamers.

DIY vs buying pre-made

Wedding ribbon streamers are a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding and can be used in a variety of ways, from backdrops to send-offs. While you can buy pre-made ribbon streamers, making them yourself gives you more flexibility in terms of colour and style, and can also save you money.

DIY Wedding Ribbon Streamers

If you're crafty and have the time, making your own wedding ribbon streamers can be a fun and budget-friendly option. Here's what you'll need:

• Wood dowels: 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick.
• Jingle bells: medium-sized.
• Ribbon: You'll need 12 inches of each colour for each wand.
• Screw eye hooks: 13/16 inch hole.
• Jump rings: 12mm size.

The process is simple: screw the eye hook into the end of the dowel, attach the bells with the jump rings, cut the ribbon into equal pieces, and tie them to the hooks. Block out at least two hours to assemble, depending on how many you plan to make.

Buying Pre-made Wedding Ribbon Streamers

If you don't have the time or inclination to make your own, you can buy pre-made wedding ribbon streamers. These often come with added features such as fairy lights or glitter, and can be purchased in a variety of colours and styles to match your wedding theme. Pre-made options also tend to be more durable, with reviews mentioning that DIY options can fall apart easily.

Both DIY and pre-made wedding ribbon streamers have their advantages and disadvantages. DIY options offer more flexibility in terms of colour and style, and can be more budget-friendly, while pre-made options are more convenient and often more durable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, time constraints, and budget.

Adding fairy lights

Fairy lights are a great way to add a whimsical and romantic touch to your wedding ribbon wands. Here are some tips on how to incorporate them:

Choose the Right Lights

Select fairy lights that are designed for wedding or party use. These lights are usually battery-operated and have small LED bulbs that emit a warm white light. You can find these lights in craft stores or online. Consider purchasing lights with a built-in timer, so you don't have to worry about turning them on and off at your wedding.

Prepare the Ribbon

Cut the ribbon to your desired length, leaving enough room to tie a knot around the fairy lights. If you're using multiple ribbons, cut them to varying lengths to create a cascading effect. Before adding the fairy lights, test the ribbon's length by holding it up to get an idea of how it will look.

Attach the Fairy Lights

Gently untangle the fairy lights and lay them out on a flat surface. Starting at one end, carefully weave the ribbon through the lights, wrapping it around the string of lights as you go. Ensure the lights are secure and won't slip out. Continue until you reach the end of the lights, then tie off the ribbon securely.

Test and Adjust

Once you've attached the fairy lights to the ribbon, test them to ensure they're working. Replace any dead batteries, and check that all the bulbs are functioning. Adjust the ribbon as needed to ensure the lights are evenly distributed and create the desired effect.

Add Embellishments

To enhance the fairy lights, consider adding small silk flowers, lace, or other decorative elements to the ribbon. You can glue or sew these embellishments in place. Just be careful not to cover the lights or affect their functionality.

Create a Beautiful Display

Now, it's time to display your illuminated ribbon wands! Hang them from the ceiling, drape them over tables, or use them as a backdrop for your wedding cake or photo booth. You can also give them to your guests to wave during your grand entrance or exit, creating a magical sparkling effect.

Using different colours and styles

Colour Choices:

• Go for colours that complement your wedding theme or colour palette. For example, if you have a pastel-themed wedding, opt for ribbons in blush, mint, and ivory.
• Match the ribbon colours to your wedding attire. For instance, if your bridesmaids are wearing burgundy, you could choose burgundy ribbons for their bouquets.
• Create an ombre effect by using ribbons in varying shades of the same colour. This will add depth and visual interest to your streamers.
• For a whimsical and fairy-like look, choose light and airy colours such as pale blush, sky blue, and yellow.
• If you want a more glamorous and elegant feel, incorporate metallic ribbons in gold or silver.

Style Options:

• Combine different widths of ribbons to create visual interest. For example, pair thin satin ribbons with wider chiffon or organza ribbons.
• Play with different textures by mixing ribbons such as satin, lace, tulle, or chiffon.
• Add bells to the end of your streamers for a festive touch. You can find ribbon wands with bells attached, or you can tie small gold or silver bells to the ends of your ribbons.
• If you want a more subtle and elegant look, opt for simple streamers without any added embellishments.
• For a unique twist, try using fabric cut-outs or paper streamers instead of traditional ribbons. This can add a playful and creative element to your wedding décor.
• Include fairy lights or string lights with your ribbon streamers to create a magical and romantic ambiance, especially for evening weddings.

Making ribbon wands for kids

Materials:

• Wooden dowels: You can find packs of wooden dowels in various lengths and widths at craft stores or online. For a child-friendly size, aim for something around 12 inches long and 3/8" to 1/2" wide.
• Ribbon: Look for colourful ribbons, preferably made of satin or a similar material. You can either cut the ribbons yourself or buy pre-cut lengths. Each ribbon should be around 3 to 4 feet long.
• Glue: Hot glue is ideal for securing the ribbons to the dowel.
• Optional: Decorative tape (such as washi tape), fray check, matches or a lighter.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare your ribbons: Cut the ribbons to your desired length, keeping in mind that 3 to 4 feet is a good range for kids to easily handle. If you're concerned about fraying, you can use fray check on the ends or carefully burn the edges with a lighter.
• Attach the ribbons: Take each ribbon, fold it in half, and tie it to the end of the dowel with a simple knot, such as a Lark's Knot. Secure the knot with a small amount of hot glue. Repeat this process for each ribbon, spacing them evenly around the dowel.
• Finishing touches: If desired, decorate the dowel with paint or wrap it with decorative tape. You can also add a final ribbon wrapped around the whole stick to give it a more polished look.
• Playtime: Once the glue is dry, your ribbon wands are ready for some magical playtime! These wands are perfect for imaginative play, dancing, and celebrating special occasions.

Ribbon wands are a fun craft project that can provide hours of entertainment for kids. They can be used for a variety of games and activities, such as dancing, pretend play, and outdoor celebrations. Get creative with colours and decorations to make them even more special!

Frequently asked questions