Create Delicate Wedding Lace Bunting For Your Big Day

Bunting is a simple yet striking decoration that can be used to spruce up your wedding venue. It is a great way to add a soft, romantic touch to your wedding, and can be made from a variety of materials such as lace, burlap, and cotton. With just a few basic supplies, you can easily make your own lace bunting to add a vintage or rustic charm to your special day. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create beautiful lace bunting that will wow your wedding guests.

Choosing lace

• Colour: When choosing the colour of your lace, consider the overall colour scheme of your wedding. If you want the bunting to have a soft, romantic touch, opt for light and neutral colours such as white, ivory, or pastel shades. White lace bunting is a popular choice for weddings, as it exudes elegance and sophistication. However, if you want to make a bolder statement, you can choose darker or brighter colours that complement your wedding theme.
• Type of Lace: There are various types of lace available, each offering a unique look and texture. Some common types of lace include cotton lace, burlap lace, vintage lace, and crochet lace. Consider the style and theme of your wedding when selecting the type of lace. For example, if you're having a rustic or vintage-style wedding, burlap lace with a lace trim would be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you want a more elegant and delicate appearance, opt for fine cotton or crochet lace with intricate patterns.
• Pattern and Design: The pattern and design of the lace can add visual interest to your bunting. Consider choosing lace with floral patterns, scalloped edges, or unique cut-out designs. If you want to incorporate a personal touch, look for lace with wedding motifs such as hearts, flowers, or doves. You can also find lace with printed or embroidered names, monograms, or other custom designs.
• Texture and Layering: Experiment with different textures and layers of lace to create a dimensional look. Pairing lace with other fabrics like burlap, tweed, or chiffon can add depth and visual appeal to your bunting. Layering different types of lace can also create a whimsical and eclectic effect. Play around with various combinations to find the perfect balance of textures and styles.
• Quality and Durability: Consider the quality and durability of the lace, especially if you plan to use the bunting outdoors or in a venue with varying temperatures. Premium lightweight burlap and lace are often recommended for their durability and ease of hanging. High-quality lace will ensure that your bunting looks elegant and holds up well during your wedding celebrations.
• Personalisation: To make your wedding lace bunting truly unique, consider personalising it. You can add embellishments like pearls, sequins, or beads for a subtle sparkle. If you want to include a special message, opt for letter flags or stitch on felt letters to spell out your desired words. Personalising your lace bunting will make it even more memorable and reflective of your style.

Remember to consider the overall theme, colour palette, and style of your wedding when choosing the lace for your bunting. You can mix and match different types of lace, experiment with colours and textures, and add personal touches to create wedding lace bunting that is truly yours.

Cutting the lace

Before you begin cutting, it is essential to decide on the desired size of your lace bunting triangles. A standard size for fabric bunting is a triangle with a width of 20 cm and a height of 30 cm. However, you can customise the dimensions to fit your preferences and the overall theme of your wedding. Once you've determined the size, create a cardboard template to ensure uniform triangles.

Now, it's time to prepare your lace fabric for cutting. Start by folding the lace fabric in half, smoothly creasing the fabric along the fold. Place your cardboard template on top of the folded fabric, aligning the top edge of the template with the fold. Using a fabric pencil or chalk, carefully trace the outline of the template onto the lace.

After you've traced all your triangles, it's time to cut. Carefully cut along the lines you've drawn, ensuring straight and precise cuts. As you cut, you will create a set of diamond-shaped pieces. Once you open these diamond shapes, they will become the perfect lace triangles for your bunting.

At this point, you should have a collection of lace triangles ready for the next step. It's important to note that lace fabric can be delicate, so handle it with care during the cutting process to avoid any snags or tears. If you're satisfied with your triangles' size and shape, you can move on to the next step of assembling your wedding lace bunting.

If you're looking to add a touch of vintage elegance or rustic charm to your wedding décor, lace bunting is an excellent choice. With careful cutting and attention to detail, you can create beautiful lace bunting that will wow your wedding guests and elevate the aesthetic of your special day.

Sewing the lace

Step 1: Create a Template

First, decide on the size of your bunting triangles. A typical size is a triangle with a 20 cm width and a 30 cm height. Create a cardboard template with these measurements to ensure your triangles are uniform.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

Fold your lace fabric in half and place the template on top, aligning the top edge with the fold. Trace the outline of the template onto the fabric using a pencil or fabric chalk. Cut out the triangles. When unfolded, they should form a diamond shape, ready to be folded into triangles.

Step 3: Prepare the Triangles

Fold the diamond shapes in half to create triangles, ensuring the right sides of the fabric are facing outwards. Iron the fold to create a crisp edge.

Step 4: Sew the Triangles

Pin the open edges of the triangles to prepare them for sewing. Sew along the open edge, leaving a hem of approximately 1 cm. Remember to leave the top edge (the folded edge) unsewn.

Step 5: Prepare the Bias Binding

Measure and cut your bias binding to the desired length of your bunting garland. Fold the binding in half lengthwise and iron it to create a neat crease.

Step 6: Pin the Triangles in Place

Open the bias binding and insert the top edge of a triangle into the fold, ensuring it is snug against the fold. Secure the triangle in place with a pin. Repeat this process for all your triangles, spacing them evenly along the bias binding.

Step 7: Sew the Bunting

Start sewing at one end of the bias binding, securing the triangles in the fold as you go. Continue sewing until you reach the other end. Reinforce the stitching by backstitching at the beginning and end.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Trim any loose threads and give your lace bunting a final press with the iron for a crisp finish.

Adding decorations

When it comes to decorating your wedding lace bunting, there are endless possibilities to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fabric and Colour Choices

For a romantic and soft look, opt for fabrics such as chiffon, lace, or satin in white or pastel colours. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, consider incorporating pearls, sequins, or beads. You can also mix and match different fabrics like hessian, doilies, or paper for a unique look. Play around with colours, textures, and fabrics to create a revamped look. Pair burlap with lace and tweed for a stylish combination.

Patterns and Prints

Floral prints and gingham are classic choices for bunting, but you can also experiment with different patterns. Try using Mexican-style papel picado, which is fun, cool, and stylish. You can easily DIY this style or purchase more intricate laser-cut or personalised versions online. Choose bright colours for a wild fiesta theme, or stick to all-white styles for a chic look.

Embellishments

Add wedding motifs like hearts, flowers, or doves to your bunting for a whimsical touch. You can also print or embroider names or monograms. If you want to include some sparkle, sew on some sequins, pearls, or beads. For a rustic touch, consider using coarse twine instead of bias binding and embellish it with lace, pom-poms, or fabric rosettes.

Hanging Decorations

Combine your lace bunting with other hanging decorations such as lighting, pom-poms, lanterns, or fabric to create a cohesive and stylish look. Hang your bunting in front of windows or over entryways to make a statement. You can also drape it over fireplace mantels or shelving, or use it to decorate bannisters and create a whimsical pathway.

Personalisation

Make your bunting even more special by adding personal touches. Include letters, numbers, or a sweet message. You can also add the couple's names or monograms. This will not only make the bunting more meaningful but also help tie together your wedding styling.

Hanging the bunting

Now that you've crafted your wedding lace bunting, it's time to hang it up and create a beautiful display! Here are some tips and ideas for hanging your bunting to achieve the desired effect:

• Create a canopy of bunting: Instead of a few strands, create reams of bunting to make a big impact. Hang line after line of your lace bunting to form a festive canopy that will amp up the celebratory atmosphere.
• Mix and match with other decorations: Combine your lace bunting with other hanging decorations such as lighting, pom-poms, or streamers, or even other types of bunting for a diverse and whimsical look.
• Hang it outdoors: If your wedding is outdoors, take advantage of the natural surroundings. Hang your lace bunting between trees to create a whimsical pathway or frame a picnic area. You can also weave it through fence slats or hang it along the top of a fence.
• Use it to decorate a tent or marquee: If you're using a tent or marquee, outline the structure's shape with your lace bunting or use it to hide poles and ropes. This will add a soft and romantic touch to the space.
• Hang it at different heights: For an eclectic and stylish look, hang your bunting at different heights. This will create a layered effect and add depth to your decor.
• Add personal touches: Personalise your lace bunting by incorporating wedding motifs like hearts, flowers, or doves. You can also add pearls, sequins, or beads for a subtle sparkle. Printing or embroidering names or monograms is another way to make it unique.
• Create a backdrop: Use your lace bunting as a backdrop for a wedding cake table or a photo booth. It will make for some gorgeous photos!
• Hang it indoors: If your wedding is indoors, there are plenty of ways to display your lace bunting. Suspend it in front of windows or over entryways, drape it over fireplace mantels or shelving, or use it to decorate bannisters. For a more elaborate setup, crisscross the bunting overhead in a lattice pattern.

Frequently asked questions