Create Wedding Ribbon Wands With Bells: Easy Diy Guide

Wedding ribbon wands are a fun, unique, and safe alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They are also a great option if you are looking for a grand exit that doesn't involve sparklers or a special clean-up crew. In this guide, we will take you through the simple steps to make your own wedding ribbon wands with bells.

Choosing the right materials

Wooden Dowels:

Start by selecting the appropriate wooden dowels, which will serve as the base of your ribbon wands. A standard size is 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. You can purchase these pre-cut or cut them yourself using a miter saw. Ensure you have enough dowels for all your wands, with some extras in case of mistakes.

Eye Hooks:

Choose screw eye hooks that fit the diameter of your wooden dowels. A standard size is 13/16 inch. You'll need one eye hook for each wand. It's advisable to use a thumbtack to create a pilot hole in the dowel before screwing in the eye hook. This makes the process easier and reduces the risk of splitting the wood.

Jump Rings:

If you plan to attach bells to your ribbon wands, you'll need jump rings to connect them to the eye hooks. Standard jump rings are 12mm in size, and you'll need two per wand if you're using two bells.

Ribbons:

Select ribbons that complement your wedding colour scheme or theme. Cut the ribbons to equal lengths, typically around 12 inches each. You'll need enough ribbon to create a drape effect and leave equal-length tassels at the end. Consider doubling the length of the dowel and adding a little extra for the knot. Experiment with different colours, lengths, and textures to achieve your desired look.

Bells:

You can choose between jingle bells and wedding bells for your wands. Jingle bells are easier to find and more affordable, while wedding bells add a more elegant touch. Keep in mind that you'll need a way to attach the bells to the wands, either by tying them with ribbon or using the jump rings.

Optional Staining:

If you want to give your dowels a richer, more rustic colour, you can create a homemade stain using vinegar, steel wool, tea, and optional coffee grounds. Soak the dowels in this mixture for several hours, then rinse and dry them thoroughly before adding the ribbon.

Preparing the wooden dowels

First, decide whether you want to stain your dowels or leave them as they are. If you want to stain them, you can make a homemade mixture of vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds. Place the dowels in the mixture for a few hours, then rinse and dry them. This will give the dowels a rustic, richer colour.

Next, cut your dowels into 12-inch sections. You can ask your local hardware store to do this for you, or you can cut them yourself at home with a miter saw.

Before you begin to assemble your wands, it is a good idea to sand the dowels to ensure the sides and ends are smooth and free from splinters. Then, use a thumbtack to make a small pilot hole in the centre of the dowel, which will make it easier to screw in the eye hook.

Now you are ready to screw in the eye hook. Place it in the pilot hole and push firmly, then continue screwing it in by hand or with pliers. Make sure the eye hook is screwed down so that only the hook is showing and not the thread.

Attaching the bells

Once you have your bells, you can attach them to the wand. Cut a short piece of ribbon and tie it to the bell with a double knot, leaving enough ribbon to work with. Thread the ribbon through the eye screw at the end of the wand, and tie another double knot to secure the bell. You can also add a bow to the eye screw to finish the look.

If you want to add more than one bell to your wand, simply repeat the process. You can also add more embellishments, such as glitter or confetti, to make your wand even more festive and unique.

Tying the ribbons

First, prepare the ribbons by cutting them to equal lengths. The length of the ribbons is up to your preference, but a good rule of thumb is to double the length of the dowel and add a little extra to account for the knot and ensure a lovely drape. For example, if your dowel is 12 inches long, cut your ribbons to be roughly 24-25 inches long.

Next, gather your cut ribbons and start to thread them through the screw eye at the top of the dowel. You may need to fold the ribbons slightly to fit them through the screw eye. Ensure you have an equal amount of ribbon on either side of the knot for a full, balanced look.

Once the ribbons are threaded, tie a simple knot in the centre, close to the screw eye. Pull the knot tightly to secure the ribbons in place. For added security, you can use a glue gun to apply a small amount of glue to the knot.

Now, thread a jingle bell onto one of the ribbon strands. You can use any type of bell you like, but small, medium-sized jingle bells are a popular choice. Secure the bell with a simple knot above it to ensure it doesn't slip off. Some bells come with a handy tab that you can thread the ribbon through.

Finally, you can add more jingle bells if you wish, or leave it as it is. Your wedding ribbon wand is now complete and ready to be waved!

Feel free to experiment with ribbon colours, lengths, textures, and embellishments to create unique and personalised wands for your special day.

Final touches and embellishments

Now that your wedding ribbon wands are almost complete, it's time to add some final touches and embellishments to make them truly unique and special. Here are some ideas to consider:

Ribbons

Feel free to experiment with different ribbon colours, lengths, and textures. You can also add more ribbons to each wand for a fuller effect. If you want to create a layered look, try using ribbons of varying widths and lengths. For example, start with a wider ribbon and then add progressively narrower ribbons to create a sense of depth. Don't be afraid to mix and match different patterns and fabrics to create a whimsical and eclectic look.

Bells

You can add more jingle bells to each wand if you wish. Try using bells of different sizes and colours to create a unique sound and visual appeal. If you want to make things really interesting, you can even opt for bells with different tones so that your guests can create a melody as they wave their wands. Just be sure to test the bells beforehand to ensure they sound pleasant together!

Wand Handles

Don't forget to decorate the wand handles! You can wrap the handles with ribbon, twine, lace, or even thin rope to give them a more polished look. You could also add some small embellishments like bows, flowers, or even small charms that tie into your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you could add small starfish or seashell charms to the handles.

Personalisation

Make your wedding ribbon wands extra special by personalising them with your wedding date, your names, or even a special message for your guests. You can use small tags or labels attached to the wands, or you can even have custom ribbons printed with your desired text or design. This adds a thoughtful touch that your guests are sure to appreciate.

Display Ideas

Finally, consider how you will display your wedding ribbon wands before they are used. You can create a beautiful display by arranging them in a vase or a basket, or you can hang them from a pretty stand or hook. Add some signage to explain their purpose, and perhaps even include a fun poem or quote. Your guests will surely be delighted by this unique and interactive wedding favour!

Frequently asked questions