Crafting Wedding Ribbon Wands: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ribbon wands are a popular choice for couples looking for a unique and elegant send-off idea that doesn't involve sparklers or messy confetti. These wands are easy to make and budget-friendly, but they can be time-consuming, so it's important to plan ahead. The basic supplies you'll need include wood dowels, ribbon, bells, screw eye hooks, and jump rings to connect the pieces together. With some creativity and a little effort, you can create beautiful ribbon wands that your guests can wave as you make your grand exit.

Choosing the right materials

The materials you choose for your wedding ribbon wands will depend on your budget, the type of venue you have booked, and the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Here are some things to consider when selecting your supplies:

Rods/Dowels:

The length and thickness of the rod or dowel will affect the overall size and appearance of the wand. Longer and thinner rods can look more delicate but may be more prone to breakage, while thicker rods may be sturdier but can also be more expensive. You can find unfinished wooden dowels in various lengths and thicknesses at hardware stores. Consider the type of wood you want—softer woods are better if you plan to use finishing nails to attach the ribbons, while thicker or harder woods may be needed if you're using screw eyes. If you want to paint your dowels, look for a type of wood that will take paint well and consider buying paint supplies. Alternatively, you can leave the dowels unfinished for a more rustic look.

Ribbons:

The ribbons are where you can add colour and texture to your wedding ribbon wands. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding and try to find ribbons that match. You can use multiple colours and textures of ribbon on each wand for a more dynamic look. Craft stores and online retailers are good places to look for ribbons, and you can also order personalised ribbons with custom designs or text. The length of the ribbon will depend on the length of your dowel and the method you use to attach it—if using a finishing nail or hot glue gun, you'll need enough ribbon to double the length of the dowel, while a screw eye will require 2–3 inches more ribbon than the length of the wand.

Bells and Embellishments:

Bells are a popular addition to wedding ribbon wands, providing a cheerful sound during your send-off. You can choose between traditional bells or jingle bells, with options for different colours and finishes like gold, silver, glitter, or frosted. The size of your ribbon will determine the size of the bell you can use—smaller ribbons will need smaller bells, and larger ribbons can accommodate bigger bells. You can also add other embellishments like glitter, lace, or other decorative items to your wedding ribbon wands.

Fasteners:

There are several ways to attach the ribbons and bells to your dowels. Finishing nails are a cheaper option but may not work well with harder types of wood. Hot glue guns are another inexpensive method but can result in some lost ribbon material. Screw eyes are a more secure option but may require pre-drilling holes to prevent wood splitting. Jump rings can also be used to attach bells to the screw eyes.

Other Supplies:

In addition to the main components, you'll need some other supplies for assembly. These include safety gear like gloves and glasses for cutting and sanding the dowels, as well as tools like a miter box for straight cuts and fine-grade sandpaper to smooth the ends of the dowels.

Selecting the right size of the rod

Length of the Rod

The length of the rod will determine the overall size of your wedding ribbon wand. You can find unfinished wood dowels in hardware stores, typically in 36" or 48" lengths. However, you will need to cut them down to the desired length for your wand. A shorter rod, such as 12" in length, will create a more compact wand, while a longer rod can provide a more dramatic effect. Consider the length of the ribbon you will be using and how you want the final wand to look when choosing the rod's length.

Thickness of the Rod

The thickness of the rod is also an important consideration. A long and thin rod can be delicate and easily breakable, while a rod that is too thick may not look aesthetically pleasing and can increase costs. Choose a thickness that strikes a balance between strength and appearance, ensuring it can withstand some handling without breaking.

Type of Wood or Material

Different types of wood or materials will affect the strength, durability, and cost of your wedding ribbon wand. Softer woods, such as poplar, are easier to work with if you are using a finishing nail instead of an eye hook. Harder woods may require pre-drilling to prevent splitting when using a screw eye. Consider the availability and cost of the material, as well as its durability for your event.

Number of Dowels

When selecting the size of the rod, consider the number of dowels you will need for your wedding. Plan to have enough wands for each guest, plus a few extras in case of errors or unexpected guests. This will help you determine the total length of the rod material required and the number of ribbons and other decorations needed.

Ease of Handling

Keep in mind that your guests will be waving these ribbon wands, so you want to ensure the rod is easy to handle. A rod that is too thick or too long may be cumbersome for your guests to hold and wave comfortably. Consider the overall weight and balance of the wand when selecting the size of the rod.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right size of the rod for your wedding ribbon wands, ensuring they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing for your special day.

Attaching the ribbons

• Cut your ribbons: The length of your ribbons will depend on the look you want to achieve. If using a finishing nail or hot glue gun, the ribbon length should be twice the length of the dowel. For a screw eye, you will need 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) more than the wand's length. You can also cut the ribbons after attaching them to the dowel.
• Choose your attachment method: You can use a finishing nail, hot glue gun, or a screw eye to attach the ribbons. If using a finishing nail, hammer it into the centre of the unadorned ribbon. For a hot glue gun, apply glue to the end of the dowel and attach the ribbon. With a screw eye, loop the end of the ribbon through and tie it off.
• Secure the ribbons: Once the ribbons are attached, consider adding a small amount of glue to secure the knot and tighten it. This will ensure that the ribbons remain firmly in place.
• Add bells or other decorations: If desired, attach bells or other embellishments to the ribbons. You can use a jump ring or similar clip to attach bells, especially if using a screw eye. Tie a knot after attaching each bell, and secure it with glue if needed.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and secure ribbon attachments for your wedding ribbon wands. Feel free to add your own creative touches and choose colours and decorations that match your wedding theme!

Adding bells and other decorations

Bells are a popular addition to wedding ribbon wands, and you can choose from a variety of styles, including jingle bells or traditional bells. Bells can be attached to the end of the dowel with a jump ring, or you can attach them to the ribbon. If you opt for the latter, be sure to tie a knot and secure it with glue to keep the bells in place.

When selecting bells, consider the size, colour, and material. The size of your ribbon will determine the size of the bell you can use unless you use an eye screw to attach it to the dowel. Bells come in a range of colours, including gold, silver, glittered, or frosted. You can also choose between jingle bells, which are typically cheaper, and traditional bells, which are often considered more attractive.

In addition to bells, you can add other decorations to your wedding ribbon wands to make them even more festive and personalised. Consider adding some glitter or sparkles to the ribbon for a touch of magic. You can also tie small favours or trinkets to the end of the wand, such as a small bag of confetti or a charm. If you're feeling creative, you can even try engraving or decoupaging an inscription onto the wand.

For a more natural look, you can add some greenery or flowers to your wedding ribbon wands. Wrap some twine or thin wire around the dowel and secure a small bundle of baby's breath, eucalyptus, or other foliage. You can also attach a single flower, such as a rose or a daisy, to the end of the wand for a simple yet elegant touch.

Whatever decorations you choose, be sure to select items that complement your wedding colour scheme and theme. You can also mix and match different ribbons, bells, and decorations to create a unique and personalised wand for each guest.

Painting or altering the wands

Choosing the Right Paint or Finish

Decide whether you want to paint the dowels or leave them unfinished. If you opt for painting, choose a paint type that will give you the desired finish. Spray paint, for example, dries smoother and faster than traditional paint. You can also use wood stain to achieve a darker and more coordinated look, as seen in one creative DIY project.

Preparing the Dowels for Painting

Before painting, ensure that the dowels are cut to the appropriate length and sanded to create a smooth, splinter-free surface. Wear appropriate safety gear when cutting the dowels, and use a miter box to ensure straight, even cuts. If you're painting the dowels, it's a good idea to test different finishes on a single wand before proceeding with the rest.

Painting the Wands

Once you've chosen your paint or finish and prepared the dowels, it's time to start painting. You can use a rag to coat the dowels with stain, as seen in one DIY project, or opt for spray paint or traditional paint. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Adding Creative Touches

If you want to add a unique touch to your wands, consider ageing them. You can soak the dowels in tea or coffee for a distressed look. Get creative and experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired effect.

Remember, painting or altering the wands is a crucial step in customising your wedding ribbon wands. Take your time and don't be afraid to experiment to achieve the perfect look for your big day!

Frequently asked questions