Create Magical Wedding Wands: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ribbon wands are a fun, safe, and mess-free alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They are easy to make and can be customised to match the wedding theme or colour scheme. To make your own wedding ribbon wands, you will need wood dowels, ribbon, screw eye hooks, jump rings, and bells. The process involves cutting the dowels to size, staining them (optional), screwing in the eye hooks, and then tying the ribbon and bells to the hooks. These wands can be used as a unique wedding send-off, for the couple's entrance, or as decorations.

Choosing the right materials

The materials you will need to make your wedding wands can be easily sourced from local craft and hardware stores. The length and thickness of the wooden dowels you use will determine the overall size of your wands, so choose according to your preference. A standard size is 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. You can buy these pre-cut or cut them yourself with a miter saw. Sand the dowels to ensure the sides and ends are smooth and free from splinters.

For the eye hooks, choose a size that fits the diameter of your dowel. The thinner the eye screw, the better, as thicker ones may split the wood. You can also use a thumbtack to first make a hole in the wooden dowel, which will make it easier to screw in the eye hook.

The ribbon should be long enough to comfortably fit through the eye hook with some extra length for a knot and a lovely drape. You can experiment with different ribbon colours, lengths, and textures, and add as many layers as you like. If you want a rustic look, you can stain the dowels with a homemade mixture of vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds.

Lastly, you can add some jingle bells to your wands for a bit of extra flair. These can be tied onto the eye hook with a short piece of ribbon.

Preparing the dowels

To start, you'll want to cut the dowels into sections. A standard length for wedding wands is 12 inches, so you can cut the dowels accordingly. If you don't have access to a miter saw to cut the dowels yourself, you can ask the staff at the hardware store to cut them for you.

Once you have the dowels cut to the desired length, you can choose to stain them for a more rustic or personalised look. One option is to use a mixture of vinegar, steel wool, tea, and coffee grounds. Soak the dowels in this mixture for several hours, stirring occasionally, and then rinse and dry them thoroughly. This will give the dowels a rich, rustic colour.

After cutting and staining the dowels, it's important to sand them to ensure they are smooth and free from splinters. You can use sandpaper or a sanding block to gently smooth out any rough areas.

Now, you're ready to start assembling the wands. Begin by making a small pilot hole in the centre of one end of the dowel with a thumbtack or the screw eye itself. This will make it easier to screw in the screw eye and prevent the wood from splitting. You can then start screwing in the screw eye, using pliers if needed, until only the hook is visible.

With the dowels prepared, you can move on to the next steps of assembling your wedding wands.

Adding decorations

Choosing Your Materials:

Start by selecting ribbons that complement your wedding colours and theme. You can experiment with different colours, lengths, and textures to create visual interest. Consider purchasing extra ribbon to account for any mistakes or last-minute changes. In addition to ribbon, you can also use tulle or lace fabric for a more delicate and elegant look.

Preparing the Ribbon:

Cut the ribbon into equal lengths, ensuring that each piece is long enough to comfortably fit through the screw eye. As a general rule, 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 the ribbon to roughly 24 inches or longer, depending on your desired effect.

Decorating the Wand Handle:

Before attaching the ribbon, you can choose to decorate the wand handle itself. One idea is to create a rustic look by staining the wooden dowels. You can make a homemade stain using vinegar, steel wool, and tea, and optional coffee grounds. Soak the dowels in this mixture for several hours, then rinse and dry them thoroughly before proceeding. This technique will give each wand a unique shade and a richer, more rustic appearance.

Attaching the Ribbon:

Gather your prepared ribbon and neatly thread it through the screw eye. You may need to fold the ribbon slightly to fit it through the eye. Once threaded, tie a simple knot in the centre, ensuring equal ribbon lengths on both sides. Pull the knot tightly, and consider using a glue gun to secure the ribbon further. Repeat this process for each ribbon layer, varying the lengths and colours to create a layered effect.

Embellishing with Bells:

To add a festive touch, include jingle bells to your wedding wands. Cut a short piece of ribbon and tie it securely to the bell, creating a double knot to prevent it from slipping. Then, tie the bell onto the eye screw, making a bow or a double bow for added charm. You can also experiment with other embellishments, such as beads or charms, to further personalise your wands.

Final Touches:

Once you've completed the basic structure of your wedding wands, feel free to add more decorations or embellishments. Consider decorating the wand handle further with glitter, paint, or other craft supplies. You can also experiment with different types of ribbon, such as satin or organza, to create a luxurious look. Finally, don't forget to wave your wand and admire your handiwork!

Tying the ribbons

You should also consider how many layers of ribbon you want and how many pieces of ribbon per wand. One source suggests 4-5 pieces of ribbon per wand, with the ribbons being close to 2 feet in length. Another source suggests experimenting with ribbon colours, lengths, and textures. You can add more embellishments or have none at all.

Once you have decided on the length and number of ribbons, you can start to tie them to the eye screw. Gather the ribbons together as neatly as you can and thread them through the screw eye. You may need to fold the ribbon to fit it through. Make sure the ribbon is centred, then tie a simple knot, leaving equal ribbon tassels at either end. Be sure to pull the knot tight, and you could even use a glue gun to secure the ribbon with a dab of glue.

Finally, thread a jingle bell onto one of the ribbon strands and secure it with another simple knot. The bells used in one source had a handy tab to thread through. And that's it—your ribbon wand is now complete!

Finishing touches

Now that you've assembled your wedding wands, it's time to add some final flourishes! Here are some ideas to elevate your wands and make them even more special:

Ribbons

The ribbons on your wands can be customised to match your wedding colours or theme. Experiment with different colours, lengths, textures, and layers of ribbon to create a unique look. You can also try adding other materials like tulle or lace fabric for a more whimsical effect. If you want a more streamlined appearance, try cutting the ribbons to the same length and securing them with a simple knot or a glue gun.

Bells

You can attach bells to the end of your wands for a festive touch. Wedding bells are traditional, but you can also use "jingle" bells, which are less expensive and easier to find. Secure the bells with a short piece of ribbon and a double knot, then tie them onto the eye screw. You can even add multiple bells to each wand for extra cheer!

Display

How you display your wedding wands can also be part of the finishing touches. You can create a charming display at your wedding ceremony or reception, such as placing them in a vase or container that matches your wedding decor. This will not only look beautiful but also encourage your guests to pick them up and wave them during your grand exit or entrance.

Personalisation

Add a personal touch to your wands by incorporating your initials, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. You can use stickers, stamps, or even paint to add these details to the dowels or ribbons. This will make your wands extra special and memorable.

Safety

While not exactly a finishing touch, it's important to consider safety when creating your wedding wands. If there will be young children at your wedding, ensure that their parents are aware that the eye hooks and bells may pose a choking hazard. This small precaution will help keep the little ones safe and give everyone peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions