Creating Wedding Bows For Cars: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding car bows are a fun and festive way to decorate a couple's getaway car. They can be made with florist ribbon in the colour of your choice and are not difficult to make once you get the hang of it. You can use any ribbon you want, but wired ribbon is recommended for the best results as it lets you shape the loops exactly how you want them. The width of the ribbon will determine the size of your bow, so thin ribbon for small bows and wide ribbon for large bows. To make a bow, first form the first loop and determine the bow size, then create the remaining loops, open the loops, reform the loops and secure the ribbon, separate the loops, and finally add tails (optional).

Choosing the right ribbon

When choosing the right ribbon for your wedding car bows, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on a colour palette that complements the wedding colour scheme or theme. For example, if the wedding is forest-themed, you might choose ribbons in shades of green, maroon, and brown. You can also opt for traditional white ribbons, especially if the wedding car is a vintage limo, to create a classy, old-fashioned look.

Next, consider the width of the ribbon. Thin ribbons are best suited for small bows, while wide ribbons are ideal for larger bows. If you want to create a bow that is 4-6" across when completed, use a 1" wide ribbon to form loops that are 2-3" long. Ensure that the loops are proportional to the ribbon width, avoiding extremes that may make the bow look funny.

It is recommended to use wired ribbon, as it allows you to shape the loops exactly as you want. This type of ribbon is also ideal if your ribbon is printed on only one side, as only one side will be visible in the finished bow.

When selecting the ribbon, keep in mind the length required for your desired bow size. For a 6" wide bow, you will need 12" of ribbon for each circle, so a 7-10 foot roll of ribbon would be ideal.

Additionally, if you want to add any extra decorations to your bows, such as flowers, pearls, or other accents, make sure to choose a ribbon colour and style that complements these additions.

Forming the first loop

To make a wedding bow for a car, you will need a ribbon. It is recommended to use wired ribbon as it will allow you to shape the loops exactly how you want them. The width of the ribbon will determine the size of your bow. For instance, thin ribbons are used for small bows, and wide ribbons are used for large bows.

For the best proportional results, the length of the bow's loops should be about 2-3 times the width of the ribbon. So, if you are using a 1" wide ribbon, your loops will be 2-3" long, making a bow that's 4-6" across when completed.

You have some flexibility with the loop size, but avoid extremes. If your loops are too short or too long, your bow will look odd. For instance, if you are using a 1.5" wide ribbon, make 3" loops (twice the width).

Make the first loop in the ribbon, measuring the width. Let the end of the ribbon overlap your centre point by about an inch (so that the end won't fall out of the bow later).

Creating the remaining loops

Now that you have your first two loops, it's time to create the rest of the loops for your bow. This part is easy, but it's important to be mindful of a few things to ensure your bow looks its best.

First, you'll want to wrap the ribbon around your fingers about 7-10 times, or more or less, depending on how full you want your bow to be. If you're going for a fuller look, add a few more loops; if you prefer a more streamlined bow, stick to the lower end of that range.

When you're cutting the ribbon, be sure to leave about an inch past the centre point. This will ensure that the end doesn't slip out of the bow later. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the overall look of your bow.

At this point, you should have a circle of ribbon loops, with the ends overlapping in the middle. Now, carefully open up the circle a bit, holding the two centre points with your fingers. Be careful not to drop those ends!

Next, you'll want to re-fold the circle so that the centre points become the end points. This is a simple step, but it's crucial for creating a neat and secure bow.

Again, pay close attention to the placement of your ends. They should go about 1-2 inches past the fold. This will keep them securely in place and prevent them from slipping out.

Now you have the basic structure of your bow, but there's still some fine-tuning to be done. Holding one of the creases firmly, use sharp scissors to snip off the corners of the ribbon. Be very careful not to cut all the way across, as this will cause your bow to fall apart. You just want to notch out the corners to reduce some of the bulk. Do the same on the other side, creating a symmetrical look.

After notching both ends, separate the circle of ribbon again and return the notched parts to the centre of the bow. Bring them together and hold them securely.

To finish off this step, take a wire, chenille stem, or even a piece of ribbon, and tie it tightly around the notched area in the middle of your bow. This will help keep everything in place.

Opening the loops

Now that you have formed the loops, it is time to open them up. Open up the circle of ribbon a bit, holding the two center points with your fingers. Be careful not to drop the two ends of the ribbon.

Next, re-fold the circle so that the center points are now the end points. This is a crucial step in ensuring that your bow holds together. Make sure your ends are positioned so that they go about 1-2 inches past the fold. This will keep the ends from falling out of the bow.

If you are making a bow for a wedding car, you can add some extra flair by gluing rosebuds, gypsophila, and pearls to the center of each bow, as one person who used this technique did.

Adding tails

Selecting the Right Tails

Choose tails that complement the colour and style of your bow. Tulle tails are a popular choice for wedding car bows as they add a delicate and elegant touch. They are usually supplied in strips that you can fold in half and tie to the back of the bow.

Preparing the Tails

Before attaching the tails to the bow, you may want to decorate them with flowers, leaves, pearls, or other embellishments to make them more ornate. This step is optional but can add a unique and personalised touch to your wedding car bow.

Attaching the Tails

Once you have prepared your tails, it is time to attach them to the bow. Simply tie the tails to the back of the bow using the built-in ribbon strings. Make sure the tails are securely fastened to the bow to prevent them from falling off during transport or in windy conditions.

Adjusting the Tails

After attaching the tails, adjust their length and position to achieve the desired look. You can trim the tails to the same length or create a layered effect by cutting them at different lengths. Play around with the positioning of the tails to achieve a symmetrical or asymmetrical look, depending on your preference.

Securing the Bow and Tails

Finally, secure the entire bow, including the tails, to the car. Use the long built-in ribbon strings to tie the bow to the car's grille, hood, or any other suitable location. Ensure that the bow is securely fastened to the car to prevent it from coming loose during the wedding procession.

Frequently asked questions