Crafting Wedding Petal Cones: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding petal cones are a fun and simple DIY activity to undertake with your family or bridesmaids. They are used to contain petals or confetti, which are thrown by guests at the newlyweds as they walk back down the aisle. This tradition began in Italy, where guests would throw grain, rice or flowers to bestow fertility and prosperity. Making your own wedding petal cones is a great way to save costs and add a personal touch to your special day.

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding petal cones, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a paper that is thick and sturdy, such as card stock or thick brown paper. This will ensure that your cones are durable and can hold the weight of the petals or confetti without tearing.

Another important factor to consider is the colour and design of the paper. You can opt for plain paper in a colour that matches your wedding theme, or go for something more decorative, such as lace paper doilies or paper with a cobweb design. If you're feeling creative, you could even print your own design onto plain paper.

If you're looking to save time, you might want to consider purchasing pre-cut paper or doilies, which don't require any cutting. Alternatively, if you're happy to put in a little extra effort, you can cut your own paper into squares or diamond shapes before rolling them into cones.

Lastly, it's important to choose a paper that is easy to work with. Some papers can be tricky to glue or tape together, so you may want to opt for a paper that can be rolled and secured without the need for additional adhesives.

By considering the thickness, colour, design, and ease of use, you can choose the perfect paper for your wedding petal cones and create a beautiful and memorable moment at your wedding.

Cutting and rolling the paper

The first step in making your wedding petal cones is to gather your materials. You will need paper, scissors, a ruler, and tape. You can use any type of paper you like, such as brown paper, white card, or even doilies. If you want to get creative, you can also use cobweb paper or printable scrapbook paper.

Once you have your materials, start by cutting your paper into squares. The size of the square will depend on how big you want your cones to be. For smaller cones, cut your paper into 6-inch squares. For larger cones, cut your paper into squares that are approximately 20cm by 21cm.

If you are using two layers of paper, such as card and cobweb paper, you will need to glue the layers together before cutting. This will give your cones a decorative border.

Now it's time to roll your paper! Take your square and roll it at an angle, keeping a sharp tip at the bottom. You can use a ruler to help you get a nice, straight line. When you are almost at the end of the paper, secure the cone with a piece of tape on the underside so that it is hidden.

If you are using printable scrapbook paper, you will need to measure the centre of the paper width and height and mark them with dots. Join the dots to draw a diamond shape on the back of the paper. Cut out the diamond shape and then roll the paper along the widest side to form a cone. Secure it with tape.

For an extra touch, you can add a piece of ribbon to either side of the cone to create a handle for hanging.

Securing the cone with tape

Choosing the Right Tape

The type of tape you use is important. Opt for a strong adhesive tape that will hold the cone together securely. Double-sided tape is a popular choice, as it provides a strong bond and is easy to work with. Pre-cut squares of double-sided tape can be especially helpful, ensuring uniform adhesion and simplifying the process.

Taping the Cone

• Once you have cut your paper to the desired size and shape, roll it at an angle, keeping a sharp tip at the bottom.
• As you near the end of the material, apply a piece of tape to the underside of the paper. This ensures that the tape is hidden from view.
• Secure the bottom of the cone with this piece of tape, ensuring that the petals or confetti won't fall out.
• For a neat and finished look, you can apply a small amount of extra tape to the base of the cone, making sure it is hidden.

Tips for Securing the Cone

• When applying the tape, ensure that it is smooth and wrinkle-free to create a seamless finish.
• If you're using pre-cut squares of tape, you may need to adjust the size or shape slightly to fit the dimensions of your cone.
• It's a good idea to have extra tape on hand in case you need to reinforce the cone or make any adjustments.

By following these steps and choosing the right tape, you can ensure that your wedding petal cones are securely held together, ready to be filled with petals or confetti and tossed at the happy couple!

Adding decorations

Ribbons and Handles:

Add a delicate touch to your cones by attaching ribbons to either side. These ribbons can serve as handles, making it easy for your guests to hold and toss the petals or confetti. Choose ribbons that complement your wedding colour palette or theme. You can secure the ribbons with hot glue or double-sided tape for a seamless finish.

Lace and Doilies:

For a romantic and elegant touch, consider using white lace paper doilies to create your cones. The intricate lace pattern will add texture and visual interest to your cones. You can find ready-made lace paper cones or create your own by cutting and rolling doilies into cone shapes. This option is especially fitting for weddings, baby showers, and parties.

Stickers and Stamps:

Customise your cones with stickers or stamps that reflect your wedding theme or include a special message. You can place them over the centre crease of the cone or use them as decorative accents. These can be personalised with your initials, wedding date, or a fun toss instruction for your guests.

Paper Flowers:

If you're feeling creative, make paper flowers to adorn the front of your cones. Cut petal shapes from crepe paper, roll them into rosebuds, and secure them with floral tape. You can add as many petals as you like to achieve your desired "fullness". These handmade flowers will give your cones a unique and whimsical touch.

Biodegradable Confetti:

If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, fill your cones with biodegradable confetti made from dried flowers or plant-based materials. This is especially important if your venue has restrictions on the type of confetti allowed. You can find a variety of colours and natural tones to match your wedding theme.

Personalised Monograms:

Add a custom monogram design to your cones for a truly unique touch. You can have your initials or wedding date printed or stamped onto the cones, or even create a personalised sticker to adhere to each one. This will make your cones extra special and memorable.

Filling the cones with petals

Firstly, source your petals. You can either use fresh petals, or dried petals are a great option as they will stay unwilted for days. You could ask your florist to save any petals from creating your bouquets and arrangements, or buy pre-prepared petals from a florist. If you want to make your own dried petals, simply pluck petals from fresh flowers and leave them to dry out for a few days.

Next, prepare your petals. If you are using rose petals, they can be left as they are, but if you are using larger petals, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces so they are easier to throw and will create a more beautiful mess! You could also add in some extra decorations at this stage, such as confetti, eucalyptus leaves, or foil stars, depending on your wedding theme.

Now it's time to fill the cones. Hold the cone in one hand and use a spoon to carefully fill the cone with petals. Don't pack the petals in too tightly, as you want them to come out easily when thrown. Fill the cones up to the top, so they look full and generous, but not overflowing.

Finally, store the cones in a cool, dry place until your wedding ceremony. A good idea is to place them in a box, ready to be handed out to guests during the signing of the registry. You could also place a basket of cones at the head of the aisle, or on every two or three seats, so they are waiting for guests as they arrive.

Your petal cones are now ready to be thrown by your guests, creating a shower of love and a beautiful mess for your wedding photographs!

Frequently asked questions