Creative Diy Wedding: Pew Cones

Wedding pew cones are a great DIY project for brides-to-be who want to keep up with wedding trends without blowing their budget. They are cone-shaped pew decorations that can be filled with flowers or goodies and hung on pews or chairs at the wedding venue. With a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can easily make your own wedding pew cones, adding a personal touch to your special day. In this discussion, we will explore the steps and tips for crafting these beautiful decorations, ensuring they complement your vision and enhance the overall ambiance of your wedding ceremony.

Tracing a plate to make a template

To make wedding pew cones, you'll need to create a template to ensure all your cones are uniform. To do this, grab a plate and trace around it on cardboard to make a template for your cones. You can also use a bowl for this step. This will be your pattern/template for cutting out all of your fabric pieces.

Take your plate and lay it on a piece of cardboard. Trace around the edge of the plate. This will be your pattern/template for cutting out all of your fabric pieces.

Cut out all of the fabric pieces using the pattern you've just made and place them right sides together. For each cone, you will need an outer fabric (the part that shows) and an inner fabric (the inside lining).

Now you have your template, you can use it to create as many cones as you need. Simply lay the template on your chosen fabric and cut around it. You can use a variety of materials for your cones, such as burlap, cardstock, or paper.

Making your own wedding pew cones is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. By tracing a plate to create a template, you can ensure your cones are uniform and quick to assemble.

Choosing the right flowers

Wedding pew cones are a great way to decorate your wedding venue without breaking the bank. But how do you choose the right flowers for your cones? Here are some tips to help you select the perfect blooms for your big day.

Firstly, it's important to consider the colour scheme of your wedding. Choose flowers that complement your wedding colours, adding pops of colour or accent shades to the cones. White cones often work well against darker wood, and you can add a neutral ribbon to tie the cones to the pews, ensuring the flowers stand out.

Secondly, the type of flowers you choose is important. Opt for flowers that are in season on your wedding date, as these will be more readily available and cost-effective. Do some test runs with grocery store bouquets to see which flowers last the longest, both in and out of water. Carnations, for example, last a long time, and lilacs are beautiful and fragrant but need plenty of water. Ferns and hydrangeas, on the other hand, are water-suckers and likely to wilt quickly. If you're set on using hydrangeas, consider including some faux flowers in a cream or ivory shade, mixed in with live flowers and greens. While some may turn their nose up at fake flowers, they can be a practical and cost-saving option for pew decorations, which guests are unlikely to scrutinise.

Another thing to consider is the length of your aisle. If you're marrying in a larger church, you may want to stagger the cones or alternate pews, stopping around 10-12 rows into where guests are seated. This will help to stretch your budget further without sacrificing style.

Finally, think about how you will transport and install the cones. It's a good idea to create a few prototypes and test them out at the ceremony venue in advance. This will help you measure ribbon lengths and confirm the best cone size and colour. It's also a good opportunity to snap some photos for reference and to see how the flowers last once picked.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding pew cones look beautiful and fit seamlessly into your special day.

Using cardstock paper

Wedding pew cones are a great way to add a personal and unique touch to your wedding decor. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them using cardstock paper:

Materials:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need cardstock paper, ribbon spools, silk flowers, scrapbooking scissors, glue, a hole punch, and tissue paper.

Step 1:

For the base of the cones, choose cardstock paper in a neutral colour similar to your pews or chairs. This will help draw attention to the flowers instead of the cone. You can also select sheets with a slight texture to further hide the fact that it is made of paper.

Step 2:

Trim the top and one side of an 8 x 12 sheet of cardstock using scalloped-edged scrapbooking scissors. Form the paper into a cone, bringing the edges together.

Step 3:

Secure the ends of the cone with glue. You can also use tape along the inside of the cone for added security. This step may take a few tries to get it exactly how you like it, so don't be afraid to practice!

Step 4:

Poke two holes in the top of the cone and weave through the ribbon. Do not tie the ends together until you are ready to secure the cones to the pews. This ensures you can adjust the ribbon to the correct length. Trim each piece of ribbon evenly to let all the cones fall at the same length.

Step 5:

Once you reach your ceremony site, add the flowers to the cones. A crumpled ball of tissue paper at the bottom of the cone will help keep the flowers balanced and in place.

And that's it! You now have beautiful, handmade wedding pew cones ready to adorn your ceremony space.

Tips:

When choosing flowers, opt for silk flowers to avoid water from fresh stems soaking the paper. You can also add tissue paper to the bottom of the cone to absorb any moisture.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cardstock, ribbons, and flowers to create unique and personalised wedding pew cones that reflect your style and personality.

Sewing the cone

Now that you have your materials and template, it's time to start sewing!

First, cut your fabric of choice into squares, approximately 1ft by 1ft. You can iron the fabric to get any creases out, but be aware that this can get a little messy, so it's best to wait until you're finished for the day before cleaning up. Then, using a plate or bowl, trace a circular pattern on the fabric, leaving at least 0.5 inches between the drawn circle and the edge of the fabric.

Next, set up your sewing machine. A basic zig-zag stitch is a good option for most fabrics, and be sure to set the stitch length slightly closer together to help hold the fabric together. Don't forget to do reverse stitching at the start and finish to prevent the seams from unraveling. Sew around the circumference of the circle, leaving an opening of about 6-7 inches. This will be for turning the circle right side out and for the jute rope placement.

Once you've sewn the circle, trim the excess fabric, leaving about 0.5 inches of fabric around the edges to ensure it lays flat when turned right side out. Cut a small hole near the circle if you forgot to leave an opening, or simply turn the circle through the opening. Iron the circle again to help the edges lay flat.

Now it's time to create the cone shape. Fold the circle, bringing one side over the other, and pin it in place. Using a hand sewing needle and thread, start at the bottom on the underside and hand stitch along the curved edge. Tie off the end of the thread, and your cone is now complete!

Repeat these steps for as many cones as you need, and feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use greenery, goodies, or even small arrangements of fresh or faux flowers.

Transporting and installing the cones

Before you begin transporting and installing your wedding pew cones, it is important to carefully plan out the logistics. Decide who will be responsible for transporting the cones to the ceremony site and ensure they have reliable transportation. If possible, delegate this task to a trusted friend or family member. It is also a good idea to create a timeline for the installation process, allowing ample time to rig up the cones without feeling rushed.

To transport the cones safely, use a sturdy box or container that can accommodate their size and shape without crushing or damaging them. Line the box with tissue paper or bubble wrap to provide extra cushioning and protection. Place the cones gently in the box, being careful not to crush or bend any delicate petals or ribbons. Secure the box closed and transport it carefully to the ceremony site.

Once you arrive at the site, locate the pews or chairs where the cones will be installed. If you have not already done so, cut the ribbons to the appropriate length, allowing for a neat and uniform display. Tie the ribbons securely, ensuring they can bear the weight of the cones without slipping or coming loose.

As you install each cone, pay attention to the overall visual effect. Adjust the ribbons as needed to ensure they are hanging straight and at the same height. Use tissue paper, paper towels, or other filling to help the cones sit upright and maintain their shape. If using fresh flowers, be sure to keep them hydrated by placing the stems in water-soaked paper towels or florist vials.

Finally, take a step back and admire your handiwork. Your DIY wedding pew cones will undoubtedly add a beautiful and personal touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions