Creating Wedding Programs: Embellish With Ribbon

Wedding programs are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day and make your guests feel involved in the ceremony. They can also serve as a keepsake for your guests to take home. Adding a ribbon to your wedding programs is a simple way to make them stand out. You can choose from a variety of ribbon colours, such as white, ivory, silver, or black, and tie them into bows to add an extra special touch. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make wedding programs with ribbon, including the materials you will need and different ways to personalize your programs.

Choosing a ribbon colour and size

When it comes to choosing a ribbon colour and size, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you want a classic, rustic, modern, or playful look? The colour and size of the ribbon can help to enhance the style you are going for.

For example, if you are having a rustic wedding, you might opt for a ribbon in earthy tones such as sage green, paired with a program printed on marbled parchment paper. Or, if you are having a black-tie wedding, you might choose a more elegant combination of a crisp white paper with a black ribbon and black text.

The size of the ribbon can also vary depending on the size and style of your program. A wider ribbon might be better suited to a larger, more traditional rectangular program, whereas a thinner ribbon could be more appropriate for a smaller, square-shaped program.

Additionally, consider the colour scheme of your wedding and choose a ribbon that complements your wedding colours. This could be a ribbon in one of your main wedding colours or a neutral shade such as ivory or silver. You could also opt for a patterned ribbon that incorporates multiple colours from your palette.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match! Combining different colours, sizes, and textures of ribbons can add a unique and creative touch to your wedding programs. Play around with different options and trust your instincts to create a beautiful and memorable keepsake for your guests.

Hole punching the paper

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a hole puncher, ruler, and scissors. These tools will help you create precise and consistent holes in your paper. Next, decide on the placement of the holes. For a standard-sized program, you'll want to position the ribbon in the centre of the fold. To achieve this, make hole punches at 3 inches and 5.5 inches along the folds of the paper. This will ensure that the ribbon sits securely in the centre when tied.

Now, it's time to start punching! Line up your ruler along the fold of the paper and use it as a guide to ensure straight and accurate punches. Carefully punch holes at the marked locations. Take your time with this step to ensure that the holes are exactly where you want them. Before moving on, check that all the holes are properly aligned and that the paper isn't torn or creased.

If you're happy with the holes, it's now safe to put away the hole puncher. You won't need the ruler or scissors for the next step either, but be sure to keep them close by in case you need to make any adjustments. Now that the holes are punched, you're one step closer to completing your wedding programs!

Tying a bow

Once you have your materials, it's time to start assembling your wedding programs with a beautiful ribbon bow. Here is a step-by-step guide to tying the perfect bow:

Step 1: Hole Punch the Folds

Use your hole puncher to make two holes on the centre fold of your programs. Position the holes at 3 inches and 5.5 inches from the edge of the fold. This will ensure that the ribbon sits securely in the centre of your wedding programs.

Step 2: Cut the Ribbon

Before you begin threading the ribbon, cut it to the desired length. For a neat and tidy bow, cut the ribbon to 18 inches in length. Cutting all the pieces of ribbon at once will save you time and ensure uniformity.

Step 3: String the Ribbon

Now, take a piece of ribbon and carefully thread it through the holes in the program. Make sure the ribbon lies flat on the inside centre of the program. This will give your bow a neat and sleek appearance.

Step 4: Tie the Bow

With the ribbon securely threaded through the holes, it's time to tie the bow. Create a simple knot by crossing one end of the ribbon over the other. Then, form a loop with one end and bring the other end through the loop. Gently pull on both ends to tighten the knot and create a beautiful bow.

Step 5: Adjust and Fluff

Adjust the bow as needed to ensure it sits nicely on your wedding program. Gently fluff and arrange the ribbon loops to create a full and elegant bow. You can also trim the ends of the ribbon at an angle to give it a polished look.

With these steps, you'll be able to create elegant and charming bows for your wedding programs. It's a simple way to add a special touch to your wedding stationery and make them truly memorable.

Adding personal touches

Wedding programs are a wonderful way to involve your guests in your wedding, helping them to follow the ceremony and understand the traditions you are incorporating. They can also be a keepsake for your guests to take home. Adding personal touches to your wedding programs is a great way to make your wedding unique to you and your partner. Here are some ideas to add those special touches:

Creative Concepts

Add special touches such as your favourite poems, quotes, or photographs. For instance, one couple extended their old-world European theme with programs printed on marbled parchment paper, rolled into scrolls and tied with a ribbon and a sprig of eucalyptus. Alternatively, you could create a Playbill for your programs, including booklets with pictures and short bios of each attendant, a description of the acts (the ceremony events), and a producers' note (a letter to guests from the happy couple).

Monograms and Stamps

Add a monogram to your wedding programs or create your own stamp to adorn them. You could also use a custom couple portrait rubber stamp.

Personalised Ribbon

Use ribbon in your wedding colours or with a personalised message to bind your programs, especially if you are creating a booklet.

Share Your Story

Use your wedding program to tell your guests a little more about you as a couple. You could include a short description of how you met, or a meaningful lyric or poem that reflects your relationship.

Honour Loved Ones

If you wish to honour deceased loved ones, you can include a memorial on the back page with a photograph, a fond memory, poem, or quote.

Using templates

Selecting a Template:

Firstly, you'll want to choose a template that suits your wedding theme and style. There are numerous websites that offer free wedding program templates, such as Adobe Express, Design Wizard, and Minted. These sites provide a wide range of customizable options, from elegant fonts to beautiful designs. You can also select templates with specific dimensions and shapes, such as fans or scrolls, that complement your wedding's aesthetic.

Customizing the Template:

Once you've chosen your template, it's time to personalize it! This is where your creativity comes into play. Include important information such as the prelude, opening prayer, exchanging of vows, and wedding party members' names. Feel free to add special touches like illustrations, silhouettes, or even photos of you and your partner. Play around with different fonts, text sizes, and colours to make it unique.

Adding Ribbon:

To incorporate ribbon into your design, consider using it as a decorative element or a functional feature. For example, you can attach a ribbon to the program, creating a sophisticated bookmark-like effect. Alternatively, punch holes in the program and thread the ribbon through to form a hanger, allowing the programs to be hung on guests' chairs. Satin and chiffon ribbons in various colours and widths are readily available and can add a touch of elegance to your design.

Finalizing and Assembling:

After customizing the template, carefully review the text for any errors or omissions. Check that the margins, fonts, and colours align with your vision and that you're happy with the overall layout. Then, print your customized cards on high-quality paper. If you've included ribbon, proceed to assemble the programs by trimming the cards, punching holes, measuring and marking the ribbon placement, and finally, threading the ribbon through the holes and tying a knot or bow.

Frequently asked questions