Creative Rice Bag Wedding Favors: Diy Guide

Throwing rice at weddings is an ancient tradition that is believed to have originated from the Romans, who would toss wheat or oat at newlyweds to symbolise prosperity, birth and new life. Today, rice is used to symbolise wealth, fertility and good health, and is often incorporated into wedding celebrations by being showered over the couple as they exit the ceremony or reception. Making your own rice bags for a wedding is easy and inexpensive, and can be done by purchasing pre-cut mesh sheets, lavender, herbs, ribbons, rubber bands, spoons, a bowl, baskets, and white rice.

Choosing materials

Choosing the right materials for your wedding rice bags is essential to achieving the desired look and functionality. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your materials:

Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will impact the overall aesthetic and durability of the rice bags. Popular options include organza, cotton, muslin, and burlap. Organza is a lightweight, sheer fabric often used for wedding favour bags, adding a touch of elegance. Cotton and muslin bags are more durable and can be reused by your guests. Burlap offers a rustic, natural look.

Size

The size of the bags will depend on the amount of rice you plan to include and the desired portion size. Standard sizes range from 2x3 inches to 5x7 inches. Consider the size of your guest list and the number of bags you'll need when making your decision.

Colour

White is a traditional colour for wedding rice bags, but you can also opt for colours that match your wedding theme or the season. For example, purple organza bags can add a touch of elegance to a fall wedding, while ivory or gold bags can complement a classic or luxurious theme.

Closure

There are a few options for closing your rice bags. You can use drawstrings, which offer a secure closure and can be made from the same fabric as the bag. Ribbons are another popular choice, as they add a delicate, decorative touch. Alternatively, you can use rubber bands for a quick and easy closure, but be sure they're not too tight so that guests can easily open the bags.

Rice and Fillers

In addition to rice, you can include other fillers to add scent, colour, and texture to your bags. Dried lavender, herbs, and potpourri can provide a pleasant fragrance. Small coloured beads, flower petals, or dried flowers that match your wedding colours can add visual interest.

Presentation

Consider how you will present the rice bags to your guests. You can place them in baskets near the doors of your wedding venue or attach them to each guest's chair with a ribbon. Decorate the baskets with lace, ribbons, or other embellishments that tie into your wedding theme.

Remember to purchase enough materials to create the desired number of bags, and always check with your venue beforehand to ensure that a rice toss is permitted and to clarify any clean-up expectations.

Preparing herbs and rice

Preparing the herbs and rice is a simple but important step in making your own wedding rice bags. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this step, you will need a bowl, a spoon, and your chosen herbs and rice. The type of herbs you use is up to you, but lavender is a popular choice for its beautiful scent. You can purchase the cheapest type of rice available as it will not be eaten.

Step 2: Prepare the Herbs

Strip off the unscented leaves and stems from your herbs. Cut any large chunks of herbs into smaller pieces. This preparation will make it easier to combine the herbs and rice, and ensure a pleasant fragrance for the happy couple.

Step 3: Combine the Herbs and Rice

Add the rice to the bowl of prepared herbs. Use your hands to mix the two together. A good rule of thumb is to add enough herbs so that you can smell the fragrance when you smell the rice. You can also add potpourri to enhance the scent.

Step 4: Consider Alternatives

In some states, rice-throwing is illegal due to the potential harm it can cause to local bird populations. If this is the case for your wedding venue, consider substituting the rice with birdseed, especially if your venue is home to many birds.

Step 5: Add Colour

If you wish to add a bit of colour to your rice bags, you can include small coloured beads or flower petals that match your wedding colours. This step is entirely optional but can add a nice touch to your wedding rice bags.

Now that your herbs and rice are prepared, you are ready to fill and tie your wedding rice bags!

Filling the bags

Once your rice mixture is ready, it's time to fill the bags. Place two to three spoonfuls of the rice and herb mixture into each mesh bag, leaving an inch or two of space at the top of the bag. This extra space will make it easier to tie the bags closed. If you want to add a bit of colour to the rice bags, you can include very small coloured beads or flower petals that match your wedding colours.

If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, you can use biodegradable bags made from materials like cotton or paper. You can also find creative alternatives to rice, such as dried flowers, herbs, or even popcorn!

Tying and displaying

Once the rice bags have been filled, it's time to close off the mesh sheets using rubber bands. Ensure the rubber bands are not too tight, as the rice bags need to be easy to open later. After securing the rice bags with rubber bands, use a piece of ribbon to create delicate bows.

To display the rice bags, place at least two large baskets near the doors of the wedding venue. Add the rice bags to the baskets and tie ribbons on the baskets. You can also add lace sheets at the bottom of the baskets to give them a touch of colour.

If the wedding is outdoors, you can attach small cones of rice looped with ribbon to each guest's chair. Alternatively, small packets of rice can be handed out by a greeter at the entrance to the ceremony space, or included in a pocket in the wedding program.

Rice alternatives

Rice has traditionally been used at weddings as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. However, throwing rice is now largely considered outdated due to the myth that it harms birds. Many venues have banned the practice as it is difficult to clean up. Here are some alternatives to throwing rice that will add a unique touch to your wedding:

• Birdseed: Wrap spoonfuls of birdseed in cheesecloth and tie with a ribbon. This is an environmentally friendly option that also serves as food for birds.
• Bubbles: Bubbles create a magical atmosphere and are inexpensive, mess-free, and fun for guests of all ages. They also make for amazing photographs.
• Noisemakers: Provide guests with noisemakers such as kazoos or shakers, which can be customised with the wedding date and couple's names. This way, guests can express their joy without throwing anything.
• Flower petals: Ask your florist to provide pretty flower petals in paper cones or bags for guests to throw. Flower petals are romantic, biodegradable, and won't cause a mess.
• Dried herbs and flowers: Fill glassine envelopes with dried lavender, rosemary, or sage for a sweet-smelling send-off. You can also set out bowls of different herbs and flowers for guests to mix their own scents.
• Paper airplanes: Provide paper for your guests and encourage them to fold paper airplanes to fly over the newlyweds as they exit. This is a fun activity, especially for children.
• Biodegradable confetti: Opt for eco-friendly, natural confetti made from materials like daisies, rose petals, ivy, and lavender. This is a colourful and environmentally friendly alternative to rice.
• Streamers: Provide guests with streamers attached to sticks, which they can wave as the couple departs. Streamers add a stylish pop of colour and can be easily recycled afterward.
• Bells: Ask guests to ring tiny bells, bicycle bells, or jingle bells as the couple leaves. Bells create a joyful atmosphere without any mess and are perfect for casual weddings.
• Sparklers: For a truly spectacular send-off, provide wedding sparklers for your guests to light up as the couple exits. Just ensure they are used safely and comply with venue regulations.

Frequently asked questions