Creative Bird Seed Holders For Your Wedding Day

Wedding birdseed holders are a fun, eco-friendly, and inexpensive way to celebrate your wedding. They can be used as wedding favours or as a modern alternative to confetti or rice for guests to throw at the newlyweds. You can make your own birdseed holders in the shape of hearts or fill straws with birdseed for guests to toss gently.

Birdseed Toss Straws

Materials

• Clear straws, 0.28" diameter x 10" length
• Mini stapler
• Birdseed
• Glue dots
• Cardstock, 8.5" x 11" ivory
• Printer
• Scissors
• Vase or frame for display (optional)

Instructions

• Staple one end of each straw to seal it closed. This will be the bottom of the "stick".
• Carefully fill each straw with birdseed. Work over a dish to catch any extra. Each straw will hold about 0.2 ounces of birdseed.
• Print the tag design onto cardstock. There are 8 tags per sheet, so print one sheet for every 8 guests.
• Cut out the tags and fold them in half. The front says "toss on the love birds" and the back says "bird seed for the recessional."
• Place the tag across the top of the straw and secure it with glue dots or another adhesive. Make sure the straw is still open enough for guests to pour the birdseed into their hands.
• Display the straws at your ceremony. You can place them in a cute vase or frame, or put one on each chair.

Tips

• If you don't have a mini stapler, you can use a regular stapler with a wider straw (at least 0.5" diameter). Keep in mind that wider straws will hold more birdseed.
• You can find free printable tag designs and signs online.

Kraft paper bags

• Purchase Kraft paper bags: Look for small or mini Kraft paper bags that are the right size for your needs. You can find these online or at craft stores.
• Customise the bags (optional): If you want to personalise the bags, consider adding stickers, stamps, or labels that match your wedding theme. You can include your wedding date, a cute message, or even your names.
• Prepare the birdseed: Clean and dry the birdseed to ensure it is free of debris and clumps. You can also add a fragrance or essential oil to the birdseed for a pleasant scent.
• Fill the bags: Use a small scoop or funnel to fill each bag with the prepared birdseed. Fill the bags about three-quarters full to ensure they can be easily closed.
• Seal the bags: If the bags do not have a built-in seal, you can use a sticker, ribbon, or tape to close them securely. Choose a sealing option that complements your wedding theme and colour palette.
• Add a tossing instruction tag (optional): If you want to ensure your guests know how to use the birdseed holders, consider adding a small tag with instructions or a cute message, such as "Toss us with joy!"
• Display the holders: Place the filled and sealed birdseed holders at each guest's seat or in a designated area, such as a basket or container near the exit. You can also add a sign with instructions or a cute message, such as "Toss the love birds!"

By following these steps, you can create eco-friendly and personalised wedding bird seed holders that your guests will love. These holders are a fun and unique way to celebrate the newlywed couple while also providing a tasty treat for the birds.

Heart-shaped cookie cutter

Heart-shaped birdseed wedding favours are a simple, eco-friendly, and inexpensive way to thank your guests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them using a heart-shaped cookie cutter:

Ingredients and Materials:

• Birdseed (ensure it is appropriate for outdoor birds in your area)
• Unflavoured gelatin (e.g. Knox brand)
• Water
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• String, twine, or ribbon for hanging
• Chopstick or bamboo skewer (optional)
• Straws (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the gelatin mixture: Dissolve the gelatin in water by bringing it to a simmer and stirring until dissolved. The amount of gelatin and water required may vary depending on the recipe, but a common ratio is two packets of gelatin to 1/4 or 1/2 cup of water. You can also use boiling water, adding the gelatin and stirring until dissolved.
• Mix in the birdseed: Pour approximately 3/4 cup of birdseed into a mixing bowl and add the gelatin mixture. Stir well, ensuring the birdseed is completely coated and there is no excess liquid at the bottom of the bowl. You may need to add more birdseed to achieve the desired consistency—the mixture should not be runny.
• Prepare the cookie cutter: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the inside of the heart-shaped cookie cutter with cooking spray or wipe it down with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the cookie cutter on the prepared baking sheet.
• Fill the cookie cutter: Spoon the birdseed mixture into the cookie cutter, pressing it down firmly to eliminate air pockets and reduce shedding of seeds.
• Create a hole for hanging: If you wish to hang your birdseed hearts, use a chopstick, bamboo skewer, or straw to create a hole near the top. Place the straw or skewer on the baking sheet first, and then fill the cookie cutter with the birdseed mixture, ensuring the straw is embedded.
• Allow to dry: Let the birdseed hearts dry for several hours or overnight. The drying time will depend on the humidity and temperature conditions.
• Remove from the cookie cutter: Once the mixture is dry and hardened, carefully remove the heart-shaped creation from the cookie cutter.
• Add string or ribbon: If you created a hole, thread the string, twine, or ribbon through it. You can also tie the string around the heart if there is no hole.
• Finishing touches: You can add a tag with a thank-you note or a sweet message. Hang the birdseed hearts from branches at your wedding venue or place them inside favour bags or boxes for your guests.

Note: It is recommended to make these birdseed hearts a few days before your wedding to prevent moulding. Store-bought birdseed ornaments can be cured in open air for better preservation.

Birdseed ornaments

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups of birdseed (preferably without larger seed pieces)
• 2 packets of unflavoured gelatin
• 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
• 3 drinking straws

Method:

First, add 1/2 a cup of cold water to a large bowl and pour the gelatin on top. Next, add 1/2 a cup of boiling water to the mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then, add the corn syrup and stir until combined. Finally, add the birdseed and mix well.

Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the liquid firms up, but not for too long. You want the mixture to be thickened slightly, with the consistency of a thick syrup.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your cookie cutters on top. Fill each cookie cutter with the birdseed mixture, pressing it down firmly to fill in all the gaps. Leave at least 1/2" of space between the hole and the edge of the shape. Before the mixture sets, cut the straws into 2" long pieces and press them into the birdseed to create a hole for hanging.

Place the ornaments in the refrigerator overnight. To remove them from the cookie cutters, gently pull the metal away from the edges and then push the ornaments out. Finally, thread a piece of twine through the hole and tie a knot.

Tips:

• If you want to add some spice to your birdseed ornaments to keep squirrels at bay, try mixing in some cayenne pepper.
• For easy removal, lightly grease the cookie cutters, especially if they have tight corners or small angles.
• Try to hang the ornaments close to branches so that birds have somewhere to perch while they eat.
• For longer storage, it is best to freeze the ornaments. Birdseed is prone to mould and sprouting once moisture is introduced.

Birdseed tubes

To make these tubes, you will need clear straws, mini-staplers, birdseed, and kraft paper. Firstly, staple one end of the straw, this will be the bottom of the tube. Next, carefully fill the straw with birdseed, working over a dish to catch any spillages. Then, to close the top of the straw, cut a tag from kraft paper, fold it in half, and glue it across the top of the straw. The tag can be personalised with a message such as "toss on the love birds" and "bird seed for the recessional".

These tubes can be displayed in a cute frame or vase at the ceremony or placed on each guest's chair.

Frequently asked questions