Crafting Wedding Pouch Bags: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding pouch bags are a great way to add a personal and thoughtful touch to your wedding celebrations. They can be used as welcome bags for guests, particularly those travelling from out of town, or as favour bags filled with treats and small gifts. Making your own pouch bags can add a unique and handmade element to your wedding, and this guide will take you through the process step-by-step. From choosing the right materials to customising your bags with creative details, you can create stylish and practical pouch bags that your guests will love and cherish.

Choosing the right fabric

Fabric Type

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of the pouch bags. Light to medium-weight fabrics such as polyester, satin, burlap, linen, cotton, or organza are commonly used for wedding pouch bags. These fabrics offer a balance between durability and elegance. Consider the weight and texture of the fabric to ensure it is suitable for your needs.

Fabric Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the fabric will contribute to the overall aesthetic of the pouch bags. Opt for colours that complement your wedding theme or the dresses of the bridesmaids. You can choose solid colours, such as ivory, white, or blush pink, or go for more intricate patterns like floral prints or rustic lace designs. Ensure the fabric's colour and pattern align with your wedding's style and palette.

Fabric Quality and Durability

It is essential to select a fabric of good quality to ensure the pouch bags are durable and can withstand some wear and tear. Consider the thread count, fabric thickness, and material composition when assessing quality. Higher-quality fabrics may cost more, but they will result in pouch bags that look luxurious and last longer.

Fabric Cost

Fabric costs can vary depending on the type, quality, and amount required. If you're working with a specific budget, compare prices from different fabric suppliers to find the best option. Keep in mind that more expensive fabrics may not always be necessary, especially if you're making simple pouch bags or favouring cost-effectiveness over luxury.

Fabric Availability

Ensure the fabric you choose is readily available and can be sourced in the required quantity. If you have a specific fabric in mind, check with your local fabric stores or online retailers to confirm its availability. Ordering fabric samples can also help you evaluate the colour, texture, and quality before making a final decision.

Fabric Weight

Consider the weight of the fabric, especially if you plan to fill the pouch bags with heavier items. Thicker and heavier fabrics will provide more support and structure to the bags. Lighter-weight fabrics may be more suitable for delicate items or if you want the bags to have a softer, more flowy appearance.

Sewing the bag together

Now that you have your fabric, ribbon, scissors, pencil, and pins, it's time to start sewing your wedding pouch bag!

First, you need to make a paper pattern. Cut a piece of scrap paper to 9” x 7” (23cm x 18cm), fold it in half lengthwise, and round the bottom corner. Open it up and your pattern piece is ready.

Cut four pieces from your fabric. Lay two pieces right sides together and pin them together, marking a gap at the bottom. These will be the lining.

Next, take the other two pieces and lay them right sides together, marking the drawstring channel. Place a pin 2” from the top edge and 1/2” below on both sides. This will be the outside of the bag.

Stitch around each piece, leaving the gaps as shown. Clip the seams on the curves.

Turn the bag lining right side out and then slip it into the outside bag, so the right sides are together. Line up the seams, pin, and then stitch all the way around the top edge.

Turn the whole bag right side out through the gap in the bottom of the lining, then sew the gap in the lining up.

Push the lining into the main bag and press with an iron.

Now, create the drawstring channel. On the side seams, locate the gaps that you left earlier and mark them with pins on both sides. Pin across in two straight lines on both sides of the bag.

Stitch all the way around both of these lines. You will need to remove the 'table' part of your sewing machine to get to the free arm to do this.

Take two 20” (50cm) lengths of thin ribbon and, using a safety pin, thread them through the channels. Do one in one direction and the other in the opposite direction. Secure with knots, one on each side of the bag.

And there you have it—a perfectly sized drawstring bag for a bride on her wedding day!

Adding a personalised touch

Embroidery and Monogramming

Add your initials, wedding date, or a special message to your pouch bags with embroidery or monogramming. This is a subtle way to personalise your bags and make them truly unique. You could even include a secret message or your wedding colours to make them extra special.

Custom Artwork and Stamps

Get creative and design a custom stamp or artwork to adorn your pouch bags. From a couple portrait to a unique hashtag, there are many ways to add a personal touch. You could even create a custom rubber stamp with your wedding logo or motif and use it on other wedding stationery, such as invites and seating cards.

Personalised Favours and Treats

Incorporate personalised favours and treats into your pouch bags. For example, custom M&Ms with your wedding date or faces printed on them can be a fun and edible favour. You could also include small gifts like wine stoppers, playing cards, or candles with your wedding details on them.

Handwritten Notes and Vows

Nothing beats the personal touch of a handwritten note or vow. Include a handwritten welcome letter or thank-you note in your pouch bags to make your guests feel extra special. You could even surround yourself with handwritten vows or display them at the venue for a truly sentimental touch.

Unique Pouch Bag Designs

Think outside the box and design pouch bags that reflect your personality and style. From luxurious satin robes to custom Converse sneakers, there are many ways to incorporate unique pouch bags into your wedding. You could also offer personalised hangers for your bridal party to display their outfits in style.

Custom Drink Labels and Cocktails

Add a special touch to your pouch bags with custom drink labels or signature cocktails. Design personalised labels for water bottles or create a unique cocktail recipe to include in your bags. This is a great way to incorporate your favourite flavours and give your guests a taste of your personality.

Selecting appropriate fillings

Practical Items

Some practical items that your guests might appreciate are lip balm, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, insect repellent, deodorant, hand fans, earplugs, and a small first aid kit with items like painkillers, plasters, and indigestion tablets. If your wedding is at the beach, you could include items like sunglasses, a small towel, and a change of clothes. For a more rustic or outdoor setting, you might want to provide bug spray, a small flashlight, or a mini sewing kit.

Edible Treats

You could include some locally-made snacks, pantry goodies, or other edible treats that are unique to the area or reflect the theme of your wedding. For example, consider local chocolates, popcorn, or nuts. If you're having a tropical wedding, you might include coconut water, and for a vineyard wedding, you could add mini bottles of wine. Personalised candy or cookies with your names and wedding date are also a fun option.

Personalised and Themed Items

Adding a personal touch or reflecting the theme and colours of your wedding is a nice way to make your guests feel special. You could include items like personalised sunglasses, coasters, keychains, or mini photo frames. If you're having a destination wedding, consider including items related to the location, such as a map of the area, a guidebook, or local souvenirs like wine stoppers, playing cards, or candles.

Health and Beauty

Small, travel-sized toiletries can be a nice addition, especially if they fit the theme or colour scheme of your wedding. Think about including items like artisanal soap, hand lotion, bath salts, face masks, or essential oils.

Entertainment

If you want to provide some entertainment for your guests, you could include items like a deck of cards, a small puzzle or game, a disposable camera, or a personalised playlist.

Remember to consider the size and weight of the items you choose, especially if your guests will be travelling with these bags. You want to ensure that the bags remain practical and comfortable to carry.

Distributing the bags to guests

Now that you've assembled your wedding pouch bags, it's time to get them into the hands of your guests! Here are some tips on how to distribute the bags:

• If you have a wedding party, enlist their help! Delegate the task to your maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, or groomsmen. They can hand-deliver the bags to each guest's door, or simply be in charge of distributing them at the welcome event or hotel check-in.
• Ask the hotel staff to distribute the bags for you. Many hotels are accustomed to handling welcome bags for wedding guests and can leave them in guests' rooms prior to their arrival or hand them out at check-in. However, keep in mind that some hotels may charge a small fee for this service.
• If you have guests staying in Airbnbs or other non-hotel accommodations, you may want to consider hand-delivering the bags to them personally or assigning a family member or friend to do so.
• At the welcome party, set up a table with the bags clearly labelled or separated for out-of-town guests. This way, local guests won't feel left out, and those who need the bags can easily pick them up.
• If you have guests staying all over, you can skip the physical bags altogether and send a PDF or printed booklet with all the necessary information to your guests via email. This way, everyone receives the same treatment, and you save on the cost of the bags.
• If you have multiple hotel blocks, you can leave the bags with the hotel staff at each location. This ensures that guests staying in those hotels will receive their bags upon check-in.
• For a more personal touch, consider delivering the bags yourself or with the help of your wedding party. This can be a fun way to connect with your guests and make sure everyone receives their bag.
• If you have a large number of guests, it might be more manageable to set up a table at the welcome party or hotel lobby with the bags organised by name or room number. This way, guests can easily find their bag and take it at their convenience.
• Remember to plan ahead and give the hotel or venue enough time to prepare. Communicate your plans to the hotel staff in advance, so they can accommodate your requests and ensure a smooth distribution process.

Frequently asked questions