Crafting Ribbons For Wedding Favors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ribbons can be used in a variety of ways to add a personal touch to your special day. From decorating invitations to being incorporated into the wedding ceremony itself, ribbons are a versatile and affordable way to add a unique twist to your wedding. You can buy ribbons in a variety of colours, widths, and materials, and even have them personalised with names, dates, or other custom text.

Use different types of ribbons for different effects

Wedding souvenirs are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day and there are many ways to incorporate ribbons into your wedding favours. Here are some ideas on how to use different types of ribbons for different effects:

Satin Ribbon

Satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding souvenirs as it has a smooth, silky surface and a glossy finish. It is often used for wrapping gifts and bouquets, adding a touch of elegance and luxury. You can choose from a variety of colours and even customise the ribbon with your names, dates or a special message.

Organza Ribbon

Organza ribbons are transparent or translucent, soft, smooth and wrinkle-resistant. They come in a wide range of colours and can be printed with your chosen logo, pattern or text. Organza ribbons are perfect for adding a delicate touch to your wedding souvenirs, such as favour bags or boxes, and can also be used for hair accessories or as a decorative touch to your wedding cake.

Cotton Ribbon

Cotton ribbon is a natural, breathable option that is perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding. It can be used for wrapping favours, decorating tables or chairs, or even for creating a ceremony backdrop. Cotton ribbon comes in a variety of colours and can be customised with your chosen text or design.

Velvet Ribbon

Velvet ribbon is a luxurious option that will add a touch of warmth and softness to your wedding souvenirs. It is perfect for winter weddings and can be used for favours, bouquets, or even for decorating your wedding cake. Velvet ribbon is available in a range of colours and can be printed or embossed with your chosen design.

Lace Ribbon

Lace ribbon is a delicate and elegant option for your wedding souvenirs. It is often used for wrapping bouquets, favour boxes or even for decorating your wedding cake. Lace ribbon adds a touch of vintage charm and can be customised with your chosen colour or design.

Personalised Ribbon

Personalising your ribbon with your names, wedding date or a special message is a great way to make your wedding souvenirs even more unique. You can choose from a variety of materials, including satin, organza or cotton, and add your chosen text or design. Personalised ribbon is a wonderful way to add a touch of your personality to your wedding favours.

Incorporate charms and trinkets

Charms and trinkets can be incorporated into wedding souvenirs in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Handfasting Ceremony

A handfasting ceremony is a popular wedding tradition that involves the use of cords or ribbons to signify the joining of the couple. During the ceremony, the bride and groom can weave ribbons together, incorporating their chosen colours, messages, and symbols. To make it more inclusive, small trinkets, such as charms, can be included in the ribbon weave or braid. Each trinket should be unique and can range from favourite colours to symbols representing different events in the couple's lives. For instance, you can include charms in the shape of a four-leaf clover or a heart, which signify good luck and impending love, respectively.

Cake Pull Tradition

A cake pull, also known as a ribbon pull, is a wedding tradition where charms with ribbon tails are inserted into the wedding cake. The bride gathers her single or eligible female friends, and each guest pulls a ribbon, exposing a charm that is meant to foretell their future. You can personalise this tradition by adding memorable, custom text to small ribbons attached to each charm before baking them into the cake.

Bouquet Wrap

If you want to add some sparkle to your wedding bouquet, consider incorporating charms or trinkets. Attach a small charm to a trailing ribbon that matches the colour of your bouquet. You can also use a strip of lace or a family brooch as a bouquet wrap, adding a unique and sentimental touch.

Ribbon Bookmarks

Ribbon bookmarks are a simple and charming way to mark your spot in a book. You can create these bookmarks using velvet ribbon, recycled jewellery, and charms. Cut the ribbon to your desired length, attach the charms using jump rings, and secure the ends with ribbon crimp pieces. These bookmarks can be personalised and make thoughtful gifts for your wedding party or guests.

Include ribbons in hair and jewellery

Ribbons can be incorporated into hair and jewellery in many ways to create a beautiful and unique bridal look. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Hair

Ribbons can be added to a variety of hairstyles, including updos, half-updos, and ponytails. If you're going for an updo, consider interweaving a ribbon into the hairstyle, such as a braided updo or a low bun. A large top knot with a gold glitter ribbon and a bow on top is a timeless and chic option. For a low ponytail, try wrapping a ribbon around the base and finishing with a bow. Half-updos can also be accentuated with ribbons; you can interweave the upper part with a ribbon or add one to a ponytail or braid. A wavy half updo with a pink velvet ribbon bow is a sweet and girlish option for brides. To add a touch of colour, opt for a powder pink, duck egg blue, or burgundy ribbon, depending on the season and your wedding colours. Don't be afraid to bring your ribbon to your hair trial so your stylist can experiment with different looks.

Jewellery

Custom ribbons can be added to jewellery as a statement piece. Consider braiding ribbons into a necklace or bracelet, or attaching small charms or trinkets to the ends of the ribbons for a unique touch. If you're looking for something blue, custom blue ribbon charms can be added to jewellery or tied into bows for the bride's shoes. Ribbons can also be used to create hair accessories, such as hair bows or headbands, for the bridal party. For a fun twist, swap out the ribbon for a hair scarf to give your wedding hair a free-spirited feel.

Add ribbons to wedding shoes

Adding ribbons to your wedding shoes is a charming way to elevate your bridal ensemble with a touch of whimsy and romance. Here are some tips and ideas to help you achieve this look:

Choose the Right Shoes

Start by selecting a pair of shoes that complement your wedding dress and theme. You can opt for elegant heels, chic sandals, or comfortable flats. Ivory, white, and neutral colours are popular choices for wedding shoes, but you can also add a pop of colour with your ribbons.

Select the Perfect Ribbon

The ribbon you choose should not only be beautiful but also comfortable and secure. Consider the width and texture of the ribbon to ensure it is easy to tie and feels soft against your skin. Satin, silk, or chiffon ribbons are popular choices for weddings, as they offer a luxurious and elegant appearance. You can also add embellishments like pearls, crystals, or floral appliqués to your ribbons for extra glamour.

Personalise Your Ribbons

Customise your ribbons to make your wedding shoes truly unique. Choose a colour that complements your wedding palette, or opt for delicate lace ribbons for a vintage-inspired look. You can even have your names, wedding date, or a meaningful message printed or embroidered on the ribbons. This adds a special touch and makes for great photo opportunities!

Tying the Ribbon

When tying the ribbon around your ankle, aim for a graceful and secure knot. Consider the placement of the knot to ensure it is comfortable and won't come undone easily. You can also add a small drop of fabric glue to ensure the knot stays in place. Practice tying the ribbon a few times before your wedding day to perfect your technique.

Final Touches

Once you've tied the ribbon, adjust the ends to ensure they hang gracefully. You can also add small bows or other decorative elements to the ends of the ribbons for added visual appeal. Remember to break in your wedding shoes before the big day, especially if you'll be walking on uneven terrain or dancing the night away!

Use ribbons as table runners

Using ribbons as table runners is a simple yet effective way to elevate your wedding tables. Here are some ideas and instructions to achieve this look:

Choose the Right Ribbon

When selecting a ribbon for your table runner, consider the width of your tables and the amount of overhang you desire. Ribbons typically range from 1 to 2 inches in width and come in various colours and materials, such as satin, silk, tulle, or chiffon. Decide on a colour that complements your wedding theme and consider mixing and matching different shades or textures to create visual interest.

Measure and Cut

Measure the length of your tables and add a few extra inches on each side for a graceful overhang. Cut your chosen ribbon to size, ensuring that you have enough length to cover all the tables with a uniform overhang. If you desire a layered effect with multiple ribbons, cut several ribbons to the same length, or for a more varied look, cut them at different lengths to create a sense of depth.

Layer and Arrange

If you've opted for a single ribbon, simply place it lengthwise down the centre of your table. For a more whimsical look, arrange it in a gentle curve or zigzag pattern. If you're using multiple ribbons, layer them on top of each other, slightly offsetting them to create a sense of movement and texture. Play around with different arrangements until you find a composition that pleases you.

Secure the Ribbons

To secure the ribbons in place, you can use a variety of methods. One option is to tie the ribbons in a bow or knot at each end of the table. Another method is to use clear adhesive dots or strips, which will keep the ribbons in place without damaging the table surface. You can also use small weights or decorative objects to hold down the ribbons at each end.

Embellish and Accessorise

To enhance the look of your ribbon table runners, consider adding embellishments such as small flowers, pearls, or rhinestones. You can also incorporate other decorative elements, such as candles, centrepieces, or place settings, to create a cohesive and stylish table setting that complements your wedding theme.

Using ribbons as table runners is a cost-effective and creative way to add colour, texture, and visual interest to your wedding tables. With a bit of measuring, cutting, and arranging, you can achieve a beautiful and memorable look that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions