Crafting Capias For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Capias are wedding souvenirs given by the bride to her guests. They are a traditional part of Puerto Rican weddings, though they are becoming less common. The capia is made with a thin satin ribbon with the bride and groom's names and the wedding date engraved on them. The ribbon is placed on lace or other material with a decorative piece on top and a pin so that the bride can pin it onto her guests. This tutorial will explain how to make your own wedding capias.

Choosing a design: Pick a theme, colour, or flower type to match the wedding

When it comes to choosing a design for your wedding capias, it's important to consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding, as well as the types of flowers you plan to use. This will help to create a cohesive and stylish look for your special day. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Theme: If you have a specific wedding theme, such as a rustic, beach, or winter wedding, try to incorporate that into your capia design. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might choose capias with a seashell or starfish motif. Or, if you're having a winter wedding, you could opt for capias with a snowflake or pinecone design.

Colour: Choose a colour that complements your wedding colour palette. This could be a shade that matches your bridesmaids' dresses, the groomsmen's ties, or the flowers in your bouquet. You could also opt for a metallic finish, such as gold or silver, for a more neutral option.

Flower type: If you're having fresh flowers at your wedding, consider using the same type of flowers or colours in your capia design. For example, if you're carrying a bouquet of peonies, you could feature small peony blooms or buds in your capias. Alternatively, you could choose artificial flowers in complementary colours.

Personalisation: You can also personalise your capias with the bride and groom's names and the wedding date, as is traditional. This can be a lovely way to make your capias even more special and memorable for your guests.

When deciding on a design, it's a good idea to browse online for inspiration and to see what different options are available. Websites like Etsy offer a wide range of custom-made capias, so you can get a sense of the different styles and themes that are possible. Ultimately, the design you choose should reflect your personal taste and the overall style of your wedding.

Materials: Source supplies like ribbons, pins, and mementos

When it comes to sourcing supplies for your wedding capias, there are a few key components to consider: ribbons, pins, and mementos or decorative pieces. Here's a more detailed look at each of these elements:

Ribbons:

The ribbon is a fundamental part of the capia and can be personalised in various ways. You can opt for a simple yet elegant approach with a thin satin ribbon, as is traditional in Puerto Rican culture, engraved with the bride and groom's names and wedding date. Alternatively, you can explore different fabrics such as chiffon, silk, or grosgrain polyester, and a range of colours to match your wedding theme. Ribbons can also be customised with printed text or logos, adding a unique touch to your capias.

Pins:

Pins are essential for attaching the capias to your guests' outfits. Look for pretty corsage pins or safety pins that complement the overall aesthetic of your capias. You can find these in various materials, such as metal or plastic, and perhaps opt for decorative pins that feature a small charm or embellishment.

Mementos and Decorative Pieces:

To elevate your capias and make them even more special, consider adding mementos or decorative pieces. These could include small wedding charms, tiny bells, or even miniature items that tie into your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a kitchen-themed shower, you might include mini kitchen utensils or accessories. You can also incorporate flowers, either fresh blooms that match your bridal bouquet or artificial flowers, to add a delicate touch to your capias.

When sourcing your supplies, explore craft stores, online marketplaces like Etsy, or even Amazon for a wide variety of options to bring your creative vision to life.

Construction: Decide on the backing material, like lace or card

When making wedding capias, the backing material is an important consideration. This is the base of your capia, to which you will add a ribbon with the names and wedding date of the bride and groom, as well as a decorative piece.

Lace is a popular choice for capias, as it is elegant and can be easily sourced. It also comes in a variety of colours, so you can choose one that complements the wedding colour scheme. If you opt for lace, consider the different types available, such as cotton or synthetic lace, and choose a colour that will provide good contrast for the ribbon so that the names and date are easy to read. You could also choose a lace with a decorative edge to add extra detail to your capias.

Card is another option for the backing material. This is a more sturdy choice and can be a good option if you want to include a lot of detail on your capias, such as additional decorations or a more intricate ribbon design. White or cream card is a classic choice, but, like lace, card also comes in a variety of colours so you can choose something that suits your theme. If you go for card, consider the thickness and whether you want a smooth or textured finish.

Other backing materials you could consider include satin, which is a sleek and luxurious option, or a thin fabric such as tulle or organza, which will add a soft, romantic touch to your capias.

Assembly: Attach items by sewing, tying, or gluing

When assembling your wedding capias, you can attach the various elements by sewing, tying, or gluing them together. Here are some tips and instructions for each method:

Sewing

If you have a steady hand and a needle and thread, sewing can be a great way to attach items to your capias securely. You can sew on ribbons, flowers, or other decorative elements to the base of your capia, which could be lace or other types of fabric. Sewing allows for a neat and tidy finish and can create a strong hold, ensuring that your capias can withstand some wear and tear.

Tying

Tying is a simple and quick method to assemble your capias, especially if you are working with ribbons or other items that have a flexible texture. You can tie items together in bows, knots, or simple loops, depending on the overall design of your capia. This method can add a whimsical and delicate touch to your wedding favours.

Gluing

For a more permanent option, consider using a strong craft glue to attach items to your capias. This method works well for adhering items to the base material, such as lace or satin. It can also be useful for securing small, delicate pieces that may be challenging to sew or tie. When using glue, be sure to use a suitable adhesive for the materials you are working with and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying times.

When choosing items to attach to your capias, opt for ones with handles or other easy attachment options. For example, small items with loops or holes can be easily sewn or tied onto ribbons or other base materials. Alternatively, you can glue items directly onto the fabric, creating a flat and seamless finish.

Remember to plan the design and layout of your capias before beginning the assembly process. This will help ensure that you have all the necessary supplies and that your capias come together smoothly and efficiently.

Presentation: How to package and display the capias

Presentation: How to Package and Display Capias

Now that you've made your beautiful capias, it's time to think about how to package and display them. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you with the presentation:

Packaging Ideas:

• Individual Packaging: You can place each capia in a small, decorative box or bag. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it easy to distribute to your guests. Consider using boxes or bags in your wedding colours or theme.
• Ribbons and Bows: Wrap each capia with a ribbon or tie it with a bow. This simple touch can make your capias look elegant and neat. Choose ribbons that complement your wedding colour palette.
• Personalized Tags: Attach a small, personalized tag to each capia. You can include a thank-you note, the wedding date, or even a small charm that represents your wedding theme. This adds a thoughtful and customized touch to your favours.
• Display Boxes: If you have a larger number of capias, consider packaging them in clear display boxes. This way, guests can easily see and take the favours. You can decorate the boxes with ribbons, flowers, or other embellishments that match your wedding decor.

Display Ideas:

• Table Display: Set up a designated table for displaying the capias. Cover the table with a nice cloth, perhaps in your wedding colours, and arrange the capias neatly on top. You can add height and visual interest by using various stands, vases, or trays.
• Guest Book Table: Place the capias near the guest book table, which is usually located at the entrance of the reception. This way, as guests arrive and sign the guest book, they can easily pick up a capia. It's a great way to welcome your guests and make them feel appreciated.
• Creative Displays: Think outside the box and incorporate creative displays that tie into your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a garden wedding, you can hang the capias on a small tree or bush, creating a unique and whimsical display. For a beach wedding, consider displaying the capias in a decorative boat or on a bed of seashells.
• Bridesmaid Distribution: Instead of a traditional display, you can ask your bridesmaids or close family members to distribute the capias to guests as they arrive. This adds a personal touch and ensures that each guest receives a capia as a token of appreciation.

Frequently asked questions