Creative Bird Seed Wedding Favor Bags: Diy Guide

There are many traditions and rituals that people choose to follow on their wedding day, such as throwing rice, bird seeds, flower petals, or other items as the newly married couple walks down the aisle. This is a memorable moment, and one that can be made more special with DIY touches. Making your own wedding bird seed bags is a simple and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to your wedding, and there are a variety of options to choose from, including fabric, paper, or plastic bags.

Choosing the type of bag

When making wedding bird seed bags, the type of bag you choose will depend on the overall look and feel you want to achieve, as well as the level of convenience you prefer. Here are some options to consider:

Fabric Bags

Fabric bags, such as those made from organza, netting, calico, gingham, or satin, are a popular choice for wedding bird seed bags. They offer a more traditional and elegant appearance. Fabric bags can be easily tied with a ribbon, making them convenient for guests to open and toss the birdseed. If you opt for a mesh fabric, it will also provide visibility of the birdseed inside. Additionally, fabric bags are environmentally friendly, as they can be reused or recycled after the event.

Paper Bags

Paper bags, such as glassine envelopes or those made from kraft paper, provide a simple and inexpensive option. They can be decorated with personalised labels, stickers, or ribbons to match your wedding theme. Paper bags are easy to fill and seal, making them a convenient choice for busy brides. However, keep in mind that paper bags might not be as durable as fabric bags, especially in outdoor conditions.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags offer a transparent option, allowing guests to see the birdseed inside. They can be sealed with glue or by melting the plastic, ensuring a secure closure. However, plastic bags might not be as aesthetically pleasing as fabric or paper bags and may not align with eco-friendly preferences.

When choosing the type of bag, consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding, the convenience of assembly and use, and the environmental impact of the materials. You can also mix and match different types of bags to create a unique and personalised look for your special day.

Cutting the fabric or paper

When making your own wedding birdseed bags, the first step is to choose the type of bag you want to make. You can choose from fabric or paper bags. If you opt for fabric, you can use netting, organza, calico, gingham, or satiny polyester. For paper bags, you can use glassine envelopes, paper doilies, or kraft paper.

Once you've decided on the material, it's time to start cutting. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut a piece of fabric or paper: Ensure the material is large enough to fit the width of your desired birdseed bag opening. Don't forget to include a seam allowance when cutting. The seam allowance is the extra fabric or paper you'll need to attach the bag's sides together and create a neat finish.
• Trace the bag opening: Use a pencil or fabric marker to trace the shape of the bag opening onto your fabric or paper. Again, be sure to include the seam allowance in your tracing.
• Cut out the shape: Carefully cut out the traced shape with scissors. Take your time with this step to ensure a precise cut.
• Test the size: Before cutting multiple pieces, it's a good idea to test the size. Fold the fabric or paper along the traced lines, and ensure it forms the desired bag shape. Make any necessary adjustments to the tracing if needed.
• Cut the remaining pieces: Once you're happy with the size and shape, cut out the remaining pieces. If you're making multiple bags, carefully cut out the fabric or paper for each bag, ensuring consistency in size and shape.
• Optional: If you want to add a decorative edge to your bags, consider using pinking shears or decorative craft scissors. These scissors create a patterned edge that can add a unique touch to your bags.

By following these steps, you'll have accurately cut pieces for your wedding birdseed bags, ready for the next steps of assembly and decoration.

Tracing the bag opening

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric or Paper

Before you begin tracing, you need to cut your chosen fabric or paper to size. It should be large enough to fit the width of your desired bag opening. Don't forget to allow for a seam allowance when cutting the material. This extra fabric or paper will be used to sew or glue the bag together, ensuring a neat finish.

Step 2: Choose a Bag Opening Shape

The shape of the bag opening is important, as it will affect the overall look of your birdseed bags. You can choose a simple rectangular or square shape, or get creative with a unique shape, such as a heart or a bird silhouette. Consider the theme and style of your wedding when making your decision.

Step 3: Trace the Shape

Now, take a pencil or fabric marker and carefully trace the shape of the bag opening onto your fabric or paper. If you're using fabric, ensure you use a fabric pencil or marker that won't leave permanent marks. Place the template or stencil of your chosen shape on the fabric or paper and carefully trace around it. Make sure the shape is centred and straight before tracing.

Step 4: Add Seam Allowance

Don't forget to include the seam allowance in your tracing. The seam allowance is the extra fabric or paper you'll need to seal the bag closed. Add a few extra millimetres or a centimetre around the traced shape to account for this. You can use a ruler to measure and mark the allowance, ensuring straight and even lines.

Step 5: Double-Check Before Cutting

Before you cut out the shape, double-check that you're happy with the size and shape of the bag opening. Ensure the traced lines are clear and visible, and then carefully cut out the shape with scissors or a craft knife. If using a craft knife, please exercise caution and use a cutting mat underneath your fabric or paper.

By following these steps, you will have accurately traced and cut out the bag openings for your wedding birdseed bags. Now you're one step closer to creating beautiful, personalised favours for your special day!

Tying the bag with a ribbon

• Choose a ribbon that complements the wedding theme: Opt for satin ribbons, and select a colour that matches or complements the colour scheme of your wedding. This will help to create a cohesive and elegant look for your birdseed bags.
• Cut the ribbon to the desired length: Ensure that you have enough ribbon to comfortably tie a bow. The length will depend on the size of your bag and the type of bow you wish to create.
• Position the ribbon: Place the ribbon around the bag, just below the opening. If you are using fabric bags, you can gather the corners of the bag and place the ribbon around the neck of the bag. For paper bags, simply place the ribbon around the top of the bag.
• Tie the ribbon securely: Cross the ends of the ribbon and tie a simple knot. Ensure that the knot is tight enough to keep the birdseed from spilling out. However, if you are using netting or mesh bags, leave enough space for guests to easily slip the ribbon off to open the bag.
• Create a bow: You can create a classic bow by forming loops with the ribbon and then tying them together. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of bows, such as a double ribbon bow or a bow with long trailing ends.
• Adjust and fluff the bow: Once you've tied the bow, gently pull on the loops and ribbon ends to adjust their size and shape. Fluff the bow to add volume and create a neat appearance.

By following these steps, you will be able to securely tie the birdseed bags with a ribbon, ensuring that the contents stay intact while also adding a stylish touch to your wedding favours.

Printing out a slogan

Now that you have selected the type of bag you want to make, it's time to print out a slogan to make it clear to your guests that the bags contain birdseed.

First, you will need to create a design for your slogan. You can do this by hand or use graphic design software. If you're not feeling too creative, you can search online for wedding-themed slogans or images that you can use.

Once you have your design, you will need to measure the width and height of your birdseed bags to ensure that your slogan is printed in the correct size. You can do this with a simple ruler or measuring tape. Take measurements of the bag's width and height, making sure to leave some space around the edges so that the slogan isn't too close to the bag's edges.

Now, input these measurements into the printing settings of your word processing software or graphic design program. This will ensure that your slogan is printed in the correct size to fit your bags. Play around with the font size and type until you are happy with the appearance of your slogan.

Finally, print out your slogan onto adhesive paper or sticker paper. This will make it easy to stick the slogan onto your bags. If you don't have adhesive paper, you can also use regular printer paper and glue the slogans onto the bags. Cut out each slogan, and stick one onto each bag. Ensure the paper you use is thick enough not to tear easily but thin enough to feed through your printer.

Your birdseed bags are now almost ready! All that's left to do is fill them with birdseed and place them at your wedding venue for your guests to use.

Frequently asked questions