Creating Wedding Car Pompoms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding car pom-poms are a fun, colourful, and cost-effective way to decorate a car for a wedding. They are easy to make and can be reused or sold on, making them an eco-friendly decoration option. To make wedding car pom-poms, you will need tulle netting, cardboard scraps, scissors, yarn, and/or lace, and tape. The process involves cutting and wrapping the tulle netting around cardboard, securing it with yarn, cutting the ends, and fluffing it out into a pom-pom shape. By alternating colours and sizes, you can create a beautiful and elegant display. It is important to be cautious and avoid using tape on painted surfaces to prevent any damage.

Choosing the right materials

The materials you choose for your wedding car pom-poms will depend on the desired look and feel you want to achieve, as well as the level of durability and reusability you require. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your materials:

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose will significantly impact the overall appearance and durability of your pom-poms. Tissue paper, for example, is lightweight, easy to manipulate, and creates a fluffy and elegant finish. It is readily available in various colours, making it a popular choice for wedding decorations. However, tissue paper is delicate and may not withstand outdoor conditions or prolonged use. Crepe paper, on the other hand, is thicker and more durable, but it may not create the same fluffy effect as tissue paper. If you're looking for something more robust, consider using tulle netting, which can be easily wrapped and cut to create full and sophisticated pom-poms.

Colour

The colour of your pom-poms is an essential factor in creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing wedding theme. Consider the wedding colour palette and choose shades that complement the overall style. You can opt for a single colour, create an ombre effect, or mix and match various colours for a vibrant and playful look. Remember that the colour of your pom-poms will also influence the atmosphere you create, with softer pastel tones evoking a romantic and elegant feel, while brighter colours add a fun and playful touch.

Size

The size of your pom-poms will depend on the scale of your wedding car and the overall impact you want to achieve. For a standard car, you can create a mix of large and small pom-poms to add variety and texture. For the large pom-poms, cut the materials to a width of 4 inches and a length of 5 feet. For smaller pom-poms, reduce the width to 3 inches and the length to 3 feet. You can also experiment with different sizes by adjusting the length and width of your cuts to find the perfect proportions for your car.

Additional Materials

In addition to the paper or tulle, you will need some essential materials to create your pom-poms and attach them to the car. Floral wire or yarn is ideal for securing the centre of your pom-poms and can also be used for hanging or tying them in place. Scissors are necessary for cutting the paper or tulle and creating a clean, polished look. You may also want to use lace or ribbon to add a decorative touch or to create a soft and romantic feel. Lastly, consider the type of tape you will use, especially if you want to avoid leaving any residue on the car's paintwork.

Remember, the key to choosing the right materials is to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, the durability required, and any specific instructions provided by the car owner to ensure the decorations do not damage the vehicle.

Cutting the tulle

Once the tulle is cut to the desired size, wrap it multiple times around a piece of cardboard. It is important to wrap the tulle tightly, but not too tight. After wrapping, carefully remove the cardboard from the middle.

The next step is to use yarn or lace to secure the tulle. Tie the material tightly around the centre of the wrapped tulle, creating a closed knot. Leave the ends of the yarn loose for now, as they will be used later to attach the pom-pom to the car.

Now, take a pair of scissors and slide them into the folded tulle. Cut through all the layers on both ends. Be careful not to cut the yarn that is holding the centre together.

Finally, fluff the layers of tulle to create a full and fluffy pom-pom. Repeat these steps for each pom-pom, alternating colours and sizes for a more dynamic and interesting display.

Tying the tulle

Step 1: Cut the Tulle

The first step is to cut a strip of tulle netting for each pom-pom. The width and length of the tulle can vary depending on your preference and the size of the pom-pom you want to create. For large pom-poms, cut the tulle material to a size of 4" in width and 5' in length. For smaller pom-poms, you can cut the material to 3" in width and 3' in length.

Step 2: Wrap the Tulle

Take a piece of cardboard and wrap the tulle strip multiple times around it. Ensure that you wrap the netting tightly, but not too tight. Once you've finished wrapping, carefully remove the cardboard from the middle.

Step 3: Secure with Yarn

Use a piece of yarn to tie and cinch the tulle around its middle. Make sure to tie a tight knot to secure the material. Leave the ends of the yarn loose for now, as you'll need them later.

Step 4: Cut the Tulle Layers

Using a pair of scissors, carefully slide the blade into the folded tulle and cut through all the layers. Cut both ends of the tulle.

Step 5: Fluff the Tulle

Now, fluff the layers of tulle to create a full pom-pom. You can adjust and shape the pom-pom as needed to achieve the desired look.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each additional pom-pom you want to create. Alternate colours and sizes to add variety to your wedding car decoration.

Step 7: Attach to the Car

Finally, decide how you want to anchor the pom-poms to the car. One option is to open the car hood and thread several yards of lace through the grill, wrapping it over the hood and back to the underside. Secure the lace by tying it off at symmetrical points or using tape, being careful to avoid placing tape on painted surfaces to prevent any damage.

Attach the pom-poms to the lace by tying them in place using the loose yarn ends. Mix and match colours and sizes for a fun and elegant look.

Step 8: Final Touches

Complete your project by trimming any excess yarn ends from each pom-pom. Ensure that your decorations do not interfere with the driveability of the car for safety reasons.

Cutting the ends

For tissue paper pom-poms, cutting the ends into a rounded or triangular shape is just the beginning. The next step is to carefully separate the folds by gently pulling the paper outward, starting from the middle and working your way to the sides. This will create a butterfly-like shape. Then, separate each piece of tissue paper by pulling them towards you, holding the pom-pom with two fingers in the middle for better control. Don't worry too much about the shape at this point; just keep separating the layers carefully.

For tulle pom-poms, cutting the ends is followed by sliding your scissors into the folded tulle and cutting through all the layers. This step is crucial to achieving the pom-pom effect. Be sure to cut both ends of the folded tulle to create an even result.

In both cases, cutting the ends is a crucial step that sets the foundation for the final look of your pom-poms. Whether you're creating tissue paper or tulle pom-poms, taking the time to cut the ends with some level of precision will ensure that your pom-poms turn out beautifully.

Fluffing the pom-pom

To begin fluffing, gently pull apart the folds of the pom-pom, one side at a time. Take care not to rush this process, as the tissue paper or tulle is delicate and can easily be torn. Once you have successfully opened up the pom-pom like a butterfly, start separating each individual piece of tissue or tulle. Pull the pieces towards you, and then pinch the centre of the pom-pom with your fingers. While holding the centre, carefully pull half of the sheets towards the top and the other half towards the bottom. Make sure to separate the layers at the centre as well, as this will create more fluff and volume.

Don't worry too much about achieving a perfect shape; focus instead on carefully separating the layers. You can always adjust and manipulate the shape later. Once you are happy with the amount of fluff, it's time to attach the string or yarn and give it a final fluff to perfect your pom-pom shape. The more layers you separate and arrange, the fluffier your pom-pom will be.

For an extra fluffy result, consider using ten sheets of tissue paper instead of the standard eight. This will create a larger pom-pom with a fuller appearance.

Frequently asked questions