Creating Wedding Streamers: Bells And All

Wedding streamers with bells are a fun and unique way to celebrate the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony. They are also a great alternative to sparklers, confetti, or glitter, which may not be allowed at all venues. Making your own wedding streamers with bells is a budget-friendly option, but it can be time-consuming. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create these festive wedding props:

Supplies:

- Wooden dowels, 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick

- Medium-sized jingle bells

- Ribbon (12 inches of each color for each wand)

- Screw eye hooks, 13/16 inch hole

- Jump rings (12mm size)

Instructions:

1. Screw the eye hook into the end of the dowel.

2. Attach two bells per wand to the eye hook using the jump rings.

3. Cut the ribbon into equal pieces (roughly 12 inches in length) and tie them to the eye hooks.

And that's it! You now have beautiful wedding streamers with bells that your guests can wave as the happy couple walks by. These streamers can also double as kissing bells at the reception tables, signalling for the newlyweds to kiss. So have fun waving these colourful streamers around and celebrating the new marriage!

Choosing the right materials

Ribbons:

The ribbons you choose will be the focal point of your wedding streamers, so select colours that complement your wedding theme or colour scheme. Opt for high-quality ribbons made from materials like satin or silk, which offer a luxurious look and feel. Cut the ribbons into equal pieces, with each piece measuring approximately 12 inches in length. This length provides ample ribbon for your guests to wave during the send-off.

Bells:

Medium-sized jingle bells or small gold bells add a delightful touch to your streamers. Choose bells that produce a pleasant, melodious sound when waved together. You can attach one or two bells per wand, depending on your preference.

Dowels:

Wooden dowels serve as the base for your streamers. Select a length that is comfortable for your guests to hold, typically around 6 to 12 inches. Consider thinner dowels for a delicate appearance, but ensure they are sturdy enough to withstand vigorous shaking. You can also spray-paint the dowels to match your wedding colours or spray them silver for a touch of sparkle.

Hooks and Rings:

To attach the ribbons and bells to the dowels, you'll need screw eye hooks and jump rings. The screw eye hooks are screwed into the end of the dowel, providing a secure anchor for the ribbons and bells. Jump rings, typically 12mm in size, are used to connect the ribbons and bells to the hooks.

Personalised Touches:

If you want to add a personalised touch to your wedding streamers, consider using ribbons printed with the bride and groom's names or wedding date. You can also attach tags with messages instructing guests to use the streamers during the send-off and as kissing bells at the reception.

Attaching the bells

If you're looking for an easier option, you could try using clear rubber bands to attach the bells. Simply stack your ribbons lengthwise on the dowel, with a small amount sticking out above the end, and secure them with a rubber band. Then, use a strong thread to stitch the bell to the rubber band. This method is quick and effective, and it doesn't require any special tools or equipment.

Cutting the ribbon

Now that you have gathered all the supplies, it is time to start making your wedding streamers with bells! The first step is to cut the ribbon into equal pieces. Each piece should be roughly 12 inches long, so take your time and cut carefully to ensure they are all the same length. If you are using multiple colors of ribbon, you will need 12 inches of each color for each wand you plan to make. So, for example, if you are making 10 wands with two colors of ribbon, you will need a total of 240 inches (or 60 inches of each color).

Once you have cut all your ribbon, it is time to start assembling your wands. Take one of your wood dowels and screw the eye hook into one end. This will be the top of your wand. You can use your hands to screw the hook in, but if you need more force, you can use a pair of pliers to help you get a tight fit.

Next, you will attach the bells to the eye hook. Take one jump ring and open it slightly so that you can hook it through the eyelet of the bell. Then, close the jump ring back up and attach it to the eye hook on the dowel. You can add as many bells as you like, but most people use one or two per wand.

Finally, it is time to tie the ribbon to the hooks. Take one piece of ribbon and tie it securely to the eye hook, making sure it is tight enough that it will not slip off. You can tie the ribbon in a simple knot or a double knot for extra security. Repeat this step for each piece of ribbon, making sure they are all tied securely and hanging down from the wand.

And that's it! You have now created a beautiful wedding streamer with bells that your guests can wave as you walk by during your send-off. If you want to add extra flair, you can tie some ribbon or lace around the dowel or add some crystal accents to the ribbons.

Tying the ribbons to the hooks

Now that you have gathered all the supplies and screwed the eye hook into the end of the dowel, it is time to tie the ribbons to the hooks!

First, cut the ribbon into equal pieces. Each piece should be roughly 12 inches long. If you are using multiple colours, cut the ribbon for each colour to the same length. You can cut the ribbon with scissors or a craft knife.

Next, tie the ribbons to the hooks. You can tie the ribbons in a simple knot or a double knot for added security. Be sure to tie the ribbons tightly so that they do not come loose during use. If you are using multiple colours, you can tie the ribbons together in a knot before attaching them to the hook, or you can attach each ribbon separately.

If you are using bells, you can attach them to the end of the dowel with jump rings before tying on the ribbons. Alternatively, you can stitch the bells to the ribbons with a strong thread.

And that's it! You have now created beautiful wedding ribbon wands for your guests to wave as you make your grand exit. These ribbon wands can also be used as kissing bells at the reception tables, signalling for the newlyweds to kiss.

Using the wands for a wedding send-off

Wedding ribbon wands are a unique and fun way to celebrate the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony and reception. They are a great alternative to sparklers, confetti, glitter, or birdseed, especially if your venue has restrictions. Ribbon wands are easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customised to match your wedding theme and colours. They can also double up as kissing bells at the reception, saving you the cost of buying them separately.

• Customise your wands: Choose ribbon colours that match your wedding theme and consider adding bells for a lovely sound as your guests wave the wands. You can also personalise the ribbon with the bride and groom's names.
• Assembly: Block out a couple of hours to assemble the wands, especially if you are making a large number. You will need wood dowels, ribbon, bells, screw eye hooks, and jump rings to connect the items together.
• Assign a helper: To ensure a smooth send-off, assign a friend or family member to hand out the wands to your guests as they exit the ceremony venue. This will ensure that everyone is ready to wave the wands as the newlyweds walk by.
• Double duty at the reception: In addition to the send-off, the ribbon wands can be used as kissing bells at the reception. Simply place a few extra wands on each table, and your guests can ring the bells to signal the bride and groom to kiss.
• Clean-up: One of the benefits of ribbon wands is that they require minimal clean-up. Your guests can take them home as favours, or you can provide a basket for guests to return the wands at the end of the event.
• Photography: The colourful ribbon wands will create beautiful photos as your guests wave them during the send-off. Be sure to capture this magical moment from different angles to showcase the ribbons and bells.

Frequently asked questions