Create Vintage Wedding Bunting: Easy Diy Guide

Vintage wedding bunting is a simple yet striking decoration that can be used to adorn your wedding venue, whether that's a barn, marquee, hotel or hall. It's also a fun and creative way to keep costs down. You can buy bunting from a wide choice of sellers or even rent it from wedding decor hire companies, but making your own is a great option if you're feeling crafty.

To make vintage wedding bunting, you'll need some fabric, scissors, a sewing machine or needle and thread, and some string or ribbon. You can use any fabric you like, but floral prints, lace, and vintage sheets are popular choices for a vintage look. Cut your fabric into triangles, and then sew or glue them onto your string or ribbon, leaving a gap between each flag. You can also add embellishments like beads or buttons for a more unique look.

There are also many creative ways to use bunting at your wedding. You can hang it from the ceiling, drape it over tables or chairs, or use it to line your ceremony aisle. For an extra personal touch, you could even make photo bunting using pictures of the happy couple and their guests.

Choosing vintage fabrics

When choosing vintage fabrics for your wedding bunting, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style or theme of your wedding. Do you want a classic, vintage look, or are you going for a more eclectic, bohemian feel? The type of fabric you choose can help to enhance the style of your wedding.

For a classic, vintage-style wedding, floral prints are a great option for your bunting. Pretty, floral fabrics will add a shabby chic touch to your decor. You could also consider using glittery material or bold colours for a more statement look. If you're going for a rustic theme, fabrics like hessian, lace, and burlap are perfect. You could even use vintage sheets from resale shops to create a truly unique, vintage look.

If you want to create a bohemian or eclectic vibe, mix and match different fabrics and textures. Pair burlap with lace and tweed, or use fabric in complementary colours to create a statement. You could also incorporate unusual materials like doilies, paper, or even vintage handkerchiefs for a unique, vintage feel.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes, too. While traditional bunting is made from triangular flags, you can create a softer look with curved or semi-circular bunting. You can also add personal touches by including letters, numbers, or meaningful messages on your bunting.

Remember, when choosing your vintage fabrics, select colours and patterns that complement your wedding colour scheme and overall theme. You can also ask your friends and family to get involved by donating meaningful fabric or keeping an eye out for unique pieces at charity shops or flea markets.

Cutting and measuring

To make vintage wedding bunting, you'll need to do some careful cutting and measuring. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Decide on the length of your bunting: Determine how long you want your finished bunting to be. This will help you calculate the number of flags you need. For a cohesive look, especially if you're going for an all-white theme, consider the length of your bunting and the spacing between flags.
• Choose your fabric: Select a fabric that complements your wedding theme and style. You can opt for vintage sheets from resale shops, floral prints, gingham, burlap, lace, or even mix and match different fabrics for a unique look. You'll need enough fabric to cut out flag pieces measuring 25x20cm (10x8in) each.
• Cut the fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric for each flag, measuring 25x20cm (10x8in) each. Place the right sides (RS) of the fabric together and pin a flag template centrally on top. Cut around the template through both layers of fabric.
• Stitch the fabric pieces: Unpin the template and pin the two fabric triangles together. Using a sewing machine, stitch the two fabric triangles together, leaving the top open. Remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches.
• Trim the seams: Trim the seams to reduce fabric bulk at the bottom point of the flag. This will help the flag lie flatter and have a sharper point once it's turned right side out.
• Shape the bottom point: Snip the bottom point of the fabric about 2mm below the stitching, being careful not to cut the stitches. Taper the fabric edge towards this point to reduce the amount of fabric outside the seams on both sides.
• Turn and press the flags: Turn the triangles right side out and press them with an iron to ensure the seams lie flat and neat. This step will give your flags a crisp and polished look.
• Repeat for all flags: Make as many flags as you need by repeating the above steps. Ensure each flag is consistent in size and shape to create a uniform look for your bunting.
• Prepare the cotton tape: Cut a length of cotton tape that coordinates with your fabric. The length should be the desired length of your finished bunting plus 30cm (12in) of extra tape on each end for tying. Fold the cotton tape lengthwise with the wrong sides (WS) together and press to create a neat crease down the centre.
• Measure and mark the tape: With the folded edge of the tape at the top, measure and mark the tape at 30cm (12in) intervals, or as desired, depending on the spacing you want between your flags. These marks will guide you when pinning the flags to the tape.

Now that your flags are cut, stitched, and pressed, and your cotton tape is prepared, you're ready to move on to the next steps of assembling your vintage wedding bunting.

Stitching the bunting

Now that you've cut out all your flags and have them pressed and ready, it's time to stitch your bunting together.

Start by folding your cotton tape in half lengthways, with the wrong sides together, and press along the length to make a neat crease down the centre. This will be the base of your bunting, to which you will stitch your flags.

With the folded edge of the tape at the top, measure 30cm (or from the left side) and mark with a pin. Unfold the tape, then place one stitched flag on top so that the top of the flag meets with the fold. Fold the tape back down and pin the flag into place. Measure 10cm from the right top edge of the pinned flag along the tape and mark with another pin. Pin the next flag inside the folded tape in the same way. Repeat this process to pin all your flags along the length of the tape.

Turn both short ends of the cotton tape under by 1cm to the inside of the folded tape and pin.

Starting at one end of the cotton tape, stitch along your binding, 2mm from the tape edge, making sure to stitch through both the front and back of the binding and through the flags, too. The stitching should go through the flags and through the tape between them to keep the tape folded and hold the flags securely.

Using vintage handkerchiefs

Vintage handkerchiefs are a great way to create unique, charming bunting for your wedding. They add a bespoke vintage feel and are a wonderful way to showcase pretty, old handkerchiefs. You can ask friends and family to keep an eye out at charity shops, flea markets, or even donate their own.

To make the bunting, you can simply fold the handkerchiefs in half and tie the ends together, then hang them up. This method means you don't need to cut or stitch the handkerchiefs, and they can even double up as favours for your guests if you use pegs instead of ties.

If you're feeling extra crafty, you can make hair bows from the handkerchiefs by cutting and gluing them—a fun way to add some vintage flair to your bridal look.

For a more permanent decoration, you can quilt vintage handkerchiefs together to create a whimsical table runner that will add a touch of old-fashioned charm to your wedding tables.

Another idea is to create bunting flags from the handkerchiefs. This will require some stitching, but the result is adorable, reusable party decor that your guests will adore.

Vintage handkerchief bunting is a wonderful way to incorporate a nostalgic, whimsical element into your wedding while also being budget-friendly and crafty.

Adding personal touches

Making your own vintage wedding bunting is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. Here are some ideas to make it unique:

Involve your friends and family: Ask your nearest and dearest to keep an eye out for vintage handkerchiefs or fabric at charity shops, flea markets, or even donate their old ones. You can use these to create a bespoke vintage feel, and they can double up as favours for your guests.

Get creative with materials: Experiment with different fabrics, textures, and shapes to give your bunting a unique look. Pair burlap, lace, and tweed together for a combination of new and nostalgic vibes. You can also use materials like hessian, doilies, lace or paper for a more rustic or whimsical effect.

Personalise with letters: Add a special touch by incorporating letters, numbers, or a sweet message into your bunting design. Spell out your names, a meaningful phrase, or even the date of your wedding.

Use meaningful fabric: Source fabric that holds a special meaning for you. This could be old clothes, bedding, or any fabric that has sentimental value. It will make your bunting all the more unique and memorable.

Photo memories: Create photo bunting by using pictures of you and your guests. Choose photos that capture memories shared with each guest, and unify the photos with a vintage filter. It's a wonderful way to personalise your decor and spark conversations among your guests.

Host a crafting party: Gather your friends and family for a bunting craft party. It can be a fun activity and an alternative idea for your hen party. Everyone can contribute to creating the bunting while making memories and enjoying each other's company.

Frequently asked questions