Creating Beautiful Wedding Bows For Church Decorations

Wedding pew bows are a lovely way to decorate the church aisle for your wedding ceremony. They are usually made with ribbon and small silk flowers, and can be hung with ribbon, wire, or rubber bands. To make a traditional pew bow, you'll need a roll of ribbon, scissors, and invisible tape. First, make a loop at the end of a 3-foot-long piece of ribbon and continue adding loops by twisting the ribbon back and forth. Once you have about 12 loops, wrap a piece of wired ribbon around the center and tie a knot or bow. You can then attach the bow to the pew with tape or wire.

Choosing the right ribbon

When choosing the ribbon for your wedding pew bows, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a ribbon that complements the bridal gowns and live flowers. Opt for a width of 1 to 1.5 inches to create elegant accents. If you want more control over the shape of your bows, choose a ribbon with wiring edging. This type of ribbon will allow you to adjust the loops and create a more defined look.

The length of the ribbon will depend on the number of seats you plan to decorate and the desired length of the ribbon tails. For a full bow with long tails, you'll need approximately 45 inches of ribbon per bow. Multiply the number of seats by 45 inches to determine the total amount of ribbon required. You can purchase a full spool of ribbon at any craft and fabric store.

When selecting the colour of the ribbon, consider choosing one that matches or complements the bridal party's attire. You can also incorporate the wedding colours into the ribbon to make the bows more festive. If you wish to add extra detail to your bows, consider using a ribbon with glitter or other embellishments.

Finally, consider the type of ribbon you want to use. Satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding pew bows, as it creates a elegant and luxurious look. Alternatively, you can opt for a shimmering sheer ribbon or a wired ribbon, which will make it easier to form and maintain the shape of the loops.

Making the loops

Take three yards (2.74 m) of your ribbon and create the first loop by holding one end of the ribbon steady and folding the ribbon over on itself. Hold the loop steady with your index finger and thumb. The first loop will be the foundation for the rest of the loops, so make sure it is the right size and shape.

The next loop must be at an angle to the first loop, not lined up or stacked on top of it. To achieve this, twist the remaining ribbon to the right and then fold it over to create the next loop. Ensure this loop is the same size as the first and that its centre lines up with the first loop's centre. Hold this second loop with the same fingers as before.

Continue making loops by twisting the ribbon back and forth to the right and left, holding the centre of each loop as you go. Make sure each loop is the same size and that they are all centred together. You will need about 12 loops in total for a full and lush-looking bow.

Once you have made all the loops, hold them steady with one hand in the centre. Take another strip of ribbon, this time a shimmering sheer ribbon or wired ribbon, that measures 12 inches (30 cm). Wrap this ribbon strip around the middle of the bow, where all the loops meet.

Now you can tie the bow. Tie a knot or bow with the ribbon strip in the middle of the loops. Ensure it is tight enough to keep the loops in place and secure. You can then adjust the loops by pulling on them and fanning them out to give the bow more dimension and a fuller look. Pull some loops forward and some backward to create a varied and interesting shape.

By following these steps carefully, you can create beautiful and elegant loops for your wedding pew bows. These loops will form the basis of your decorations and will add a special touch to your wedding ceremony.

Tying the knot

Pew bows are a lovely way to decorate the church aisle for a wedding ceremony. They are usually placed on the side of the pews facing the aisle where the bride walks. You can make the bows yourself, either on the day of the wedding or a few days before. Here is a step-by-step guide to tying the perfect knot for your wedding pew bows:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a roll of ribbon, approximately 6 inches thick, along with some scissors and invisible tape. It is recommended to use ribbon with wiring edging as it gives you better control over the shape of your bows. You can also use florist wire or rubber bands to attach the bows to the pews.

Step 2: Cut the Ribbon

Calculate how much ribbon you will need based on the number of pews you plan to decorate. For a full bow and long ribbon tails, you will need approximately 45 inches of ribbon per bow. Cut the ribbon into sections accordingly.

Step 3: Make the Loops

Take 3 yards (2.74 m) of ribbon and create a loop by holding one end steady and folding the ribbon over itself. Make sure the next loop is at an angle to the first loop, not lined up on top of it. Continue making loops by twisting the ribbon back and forth to the right and left, holding the centre of each loop as you go. Make about 12 loops in total.

Step 4: Tie the Bow

Hold the 12 loops together with one hand in the centre. Take another strip of ribbon, about 12 inches (30 cm) long, and wrap it around the middle of the bow where all the loops meet. Tie a tight knot or bow to secure the loops. You can also add a small bouquet of flowers at this point, securing it with the ribbon.

Step 5: Adjust and Attach the Bow

Adjust the loops by pulling on them and fanning them out to give the bow more dimension. Pull some loops forward and some backward. Finally, use invisible tape, crafting wire, or florist wire to attach the bows to the pews. If using wire, cut it into 6-inch pieces and slip it through the back of the tied bow, twisting the ends closed to form a loop for hanging.

Adding details

There are many ways to add details to your wedding pew bows to make them more personalised and unique. Firstly, consider the ribbon you are using. You can opt for a ribbon with wired edging, which will allow you to better control the shape and drape of the bow. This can be particularly effective if you want to create a full bow with long tails. If you want to add some sparkle, choose a shimmering sheer ribbon. You can also cut the ends of each loop to create added detail and interest. Simply fold the loop in half vertically and cut a 3-inch line in the middle. When you unfold the loop, you will have a decorative finish.

Another way to add detail is to incorporate flowers. Small silk flowers, such as tiny roses, can be grouped into small bouquets and attached to the centre of the bow with ribbon. You can also add greenery for a larger arrangement. If you want to include fresh flowers, you can decorate the first 3-6 rows with bouquets and then use bows for the remaining rows.

You can also add other embellishments, such as rhinestones or glitter, to the centre of the bow to make it more glamorous. Additionally, consider using multiple colours of ribbon. You can use another colour in the middle of the bow to add more colour and festivity, perhaps choosing colours from the wedding palette.

Finally, don't forget about how you will attach the bows. While you can use invisible tape or crafting wire, you can also get creative and use a large satin ribbon to tie the bow to the pew, or even a thick rubber band.

Attaching the bow

Now that you've made your bow, it's time to attach it to the pews. Here are some methods to do so:

Using Tape

Use invisible tape to stick the bow onto the pew. This is a quick and easy method that doesn't require any additional materials. However, be mindful of the type of tape you use, as some tapes may leave residue or damage the surface of the pew.

Using Wire

You can also use crafting wire to tie the bow around the pew and secure it in place. Cut a piece of florist wire about 6 inches long. Slip the wire through the back of the tied bow and loosely twist the ends closed. This method ensures a secure attachment and can be easily adjusted.

Using Ribbon

Another option is to use ribbon to tie the bow onto the pew. Take a length of ribbon, such as satin ribbon, and tie it around the entire end of the pew. You can then wire or tie the bow onto this ribbon. This method ensures you don't have to attach anything directly to the pew, which can be important in some churches.

Using Rubber Bands

If you're looking for a faster alternative, you can use a large rubber band to secure the bow to the pew. This method may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it can be effective and is less likely to damage the pew.

Using Elastic Bands

Some people choose to build elastic bands into the back of the bows. This helps to avoid scratching the pew and also hides how the bow is hung. This method requires some additional preparation but can be a neat and discreet solution.

Remember to always check with the church in advance to ensure you are adhering to their protocols for decorations. Ask about acceptable methods for hanging pew bows, as some churches may have specific restrictions or requirements.

Frequently asked questions