Create Beautiful Ribbon Wand Wedding Props

Ribbon wands are a fun and elegant way to celebrate the newly married couple as they exit the ceremony or reception. They are also a great alternative to confetti, sparklers, or bubbles, especially if your venue has restrictions. Ribbon wands are easy to make and can be adapted to fit your budget and style. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and offer some tips on how to make your own ribbon wands for your wedding.

Choosing the right materials

Rod/Dowel:

Firstly, decide on the length of the rod, which will impact the dowel size and ribbon length. Longer rods create a more dramatic effect but may be more prone to breakage, so opt for thicker dowels if you choose a longer rod. Hardware stores typically carry unfinished wood dowels in 36" or 48" lengths. Choose a softer wood if you plan to use finishing nails to avoid splitting, or opt for thicker dowels or pre-drill holes if using screw eye hooks. Sand and paint the dowels for a smoother finish, or distress them with tea or coffee for an aged look.

Ribbon:

Scout craft stores and online suppliers to find ribbons in your wedding colours. You can also consider ordering personalised ribbons. The amount of ribbon needed will depend on your desired look. If using finishing nails or hot glue, the ribbon length should be twice the length of the dowel. For screw eye hooks, add 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) to the wand length. Most wands use 3 colours or types of ribbon, but you can get creative and mix textures and thicknesses within your budget.

Bells:

Decide whether you want to attach bells to your wands and, if so, what type. Jingle bells are cheaper, while traditional bell shapes are more attractive. The size of your ribbon will determine the size of the bell unless you attach the bell directly to the eye screw. You can also choose from various colours, such as gold, silver, glittered, or frosted.

Selecting the right size of the rod

When selecting the right size of the rod for your wedding ribbon wand, there are a few factors to consider:

Length

The length of the rod will affect the overall size of your wand, as well as the amount of ribbon needed. Hardware stores typically carry unfinished wood dowels in 36" or 48" lengths, which can be cut down to your desired length. A shorter wand will require less ribbon and may be more convenient for guests to wave, while a longer wand will create a more dramatic effect.

Thickness

The thickness of the rod is also important. A thin rod may be more delicate and prone to breakage, while a thicker rod may be sturdier but can impact the overall appearance and cost. Consider the balance between strength and aesthetics when choosing the thickness.

Type of Wood/Material

Different types of wood will affect the strength, durability, and cost of your wand. Softer woods, like poplar, are more affordable and suitable if you plan to use a finishing nail to attach the ribbon. Harder woods may be more durable but can be more expensive and require a drill to prevent splitting if using a screw eye for attachment.

Number of Dowels

Calculate the number of dowels needed based on the number of guests you expect. You may want to add 10% more to account for any errors or additional guests. This will ensure you have enough wands for everyone.

When selecting the size of the rod, consider the length, thickness, type of wood or material, and the number of dowels required. These factors will impact the overall appearance, durability, and cost of your wedding ribbon wands.

Picking the type of ribbon

When it comes to picking the type of ribbon for your wedding wands, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to choose ribbons that complement your wedding colour scheme. You can opt for a single colour or a mix of colours that create a vibrant and festive look.

Next, consider the type of material you want. Satin, hessian, and lace ribbons are all popular choices and can add a touch of elegance or rustic charm to your wands. You can also mix and match different types of ribbons to create visual interest and texture. If you're feeling creative, you can even personalise your ribbons with custom printing.

The length of your ribbons is another important consideration. Ribbons that are too long may get tangled, so it's generally recommended to keep them around 60 cm or 12 inches long. However, you can always cut them to your desired length. If you're using a screw eye to attach your ribbons, you'll need to add an extra 2-3 inches to the length.

Finally, don't forget to calculate how much ribbon you'll need in total. Multiply the number of wands you need by the length of ribbon required per wand. This will ensure you have enough ribbon for all your guests.

Attaching the ribbon to the wand

Preparing the Ribbon:

Before attaching the ribbon, you will need to cut it to the desired length. The length of the ribbon will depend on the look you want to create. Consider whether you want a lot of ribbon streamers or just a few, staggered or even streamer lengths, and whether you want the ribbon to reach the end of the wand or stop at the middle.

Selecting the Attachment Method:

There are several methods you can use to attach the ribbon to the wand, and your choice will depend on the overall design of your wand:

• Finishing nail: If you opt for this method, you will need to hammer the nail into the centre of the unadorned ribbon, so measure and cut the ribbon accordingly, adding an extra inch to one side if you plan to attach a bell.
• Hot glue gun: This method may require a little more ribbon as you will lose a small amount when tying the ribbon to the wand and even more if you attach a bell.
• Screw eye: This method requires you to loop the end of the ribbon through the eye and tie it off. You will need to ensure your ribbon is long enough to accommodate this, adding approximately 2-3 inches to the desired wand length.

Attaching the Ribbon:

Once you have prepared your ribbon and selected your attachment method, it is time to attach the ribbon to the wand:

• If using a finishing nail or hot glue gun, dab a small amount of glue onto the end of the wooden dowel. Place the very end of the ribbon onto the glue and continue to attach ribbons, overlapping each piece slightly.
• If using a screw eye, loop the end of the ribbon through the eye and tie it securely.
• You can then attach any bells or other decorations to the ribbon, tying a knot after each addition and securing it with glue.

Finishing Touches:

Now that your ribbon is attached, you can add any final embellishments to your wand. You could also consider adding an inscription to the wand if you are handy with engraving.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating these unique wedding ribbon wands. They will add a whimsical and festive touch to your special day, providing a memorable send-off without the mess of confetti or sparklers!

Adding bells and other decorations

Bells are a great addition to your wedding ribbon wands and can be attached in a variety of ways. If you are using a finishing nail or hot glue gun, you will need to tie the bell to the ribbon. However, if you are using a screw eye, you can attach the bell directly to the eye or use a jump ring.

When choosing your bells, consider the type of bell you want to use. Jingle bells are a cheaper option, whereas traditional-shaped bells are more attractive. The size of your ribbon will also be a deciding factor, as larger bells may not work with thinner ribbons. You can also choose between coloured bells, such as gold or silver, or opt for bells with glitter or frosted designs.

In addition to bells, you can also add other embellishments to your ribbon wands. One idea is to put an inscription on the wand using engraving or decoupage. You can also add fairy stick wands, silk streamers, or lace to your wands for a more whimsical effect.

If you are looking for a mess-free and interactive way to celebrate the newlywed couple, ribbon wands are a great option. They can be used during the ceremony or as a send-off at the end of the night and make for beautiful photographs.

Frequently asked questions