Tying The Perfect Bow For Wedding Invites

There are many ways to tie a bow around a wedding invitation, and the type of bow you choose will depend on the ribbon you select. The most popular types of ribbon used for wedding invitations are satin, organza, and silk. Wired ribbons are a good option if you want your bow to hold its form, whereas non-wired ribbons are less structured. The width of the ribbon you choose will also depend on the size of the invitation or stationery item. For example, thinner ribbons are ideal for small items such as RSVP cards, while wider ribbons are better suited for larger items such as invitations or stationery boxes.

Choosing the right ribbon type

When choosing the right ribbon type for your wedding invitation, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the colour of the ribbon. Choose a colour that matches your invitation or opt for a contrasting colour to add a unique touch. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even play with different patterns and textures to create visual interest.

The type of ribbon you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve. For a casual or rustic wedding, consider using a ribbon with a more natural or organic feel. On the other hand, if you're going for a luxurious or elegant theme, choose a ribbon with a sophisticated texture and finish. The width of the ribbon is also important—a wider ribbon will create a fuller, more voluminous bow, while a thinner ribbon will result in a more delicate and subtle look.

When selecting a ribbon type, it's essential to consider the ease of shaping and moulding. Wired ribbons are a popular choice for wedding invitations as they are easier to shape and can hold their form. However, if you're a beginner, you may want to avoid stiff ribbons that can be challenging to work with.

Experiment with different types of ribbons and widths to find the perfect combination for your wedding invitation. Remember, choosing the right ribbon type will enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitation suite and add a touch of elegance to your special day.

Selecting complementary colours

Selecting a colour palette for your wedding invitations is an important step in the wedding planning process. The colours you choose will set the tone and theme for your wedding, reflecting your personality as a couple and the atmosphere you want to create. Here are some tips for selecting complementary colours for your wedding invitations and bows:

Consider the Meaning of Colours

Colours have the ability to evoke emotions and convey messages. When selecting colours for your wedding invitations and bows, think about the mood you want to create and the symbolism of different colours. For example, black exudes elegance and sophistication, while white represents purity and simplicity. Red is the colour of love, passion and warmth. Blue evokes calmness and serenity, and green represents nature, growth and harmony. Yellow is cheerful and attention-grabbing, and purple is associated with royalty, luxury and wisdom.

Choose Your Main Colours

Start by selecting one or two main colours for your wedding invitations and bows. These colours will be the most prominent and set the foundation for your colour palette. Consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences. If you're having a beach wedding, for instance, you might choose shades of blue and yellow. For a rustic wedding, earthy tones like brown, green and burgundy could be a good choice.

Add Complementary Colours

Once you've chosen your main colours, select one or two complementary colours to create a well-rounded palette. Complementary colours are those that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, creating a bold and striking contrast. For example, if your main colour is blue, you might choose orange as a complementary colour. If you're using a pastel colour like blush or sage green, consider adding a darker shade like burgundy or navy to create depth.

Don't Forget Neutrals

Include one or two neutral colours in your palette, such as white, cream, ivory, taupe or grey. Neutrals help to blend the focal colours seamlessly and create a harmonious overall design. They can also be used as a backdrop to make your main colours pop. For instance, if your main colours are pink and green, a neutral like ivory can provide a soft backdrop that allows those colours to shine.

Tie It All Together

Remember that the colours of your wedding invitations and bows should tie into the overall colour scheme of your wedding. This doesn't mean that everything has to match perfectly, but your colour choices should complement each other and create a cohesive look. Consider using similar colours or complementary colours in your wedding flowers, table linens, attire and cake design. This will help to create a unified and elegant wedding celebration.

Preparing your ribbon

The first step in preparing your ribbon is to choose the right type of ribbon for your wedding invitations. The most popular options are satin, organza, and silk ribbons, each with its own unique look and feel. Wired ribbons are a great option if you want your bow to hold its shape, while non-wired ribbons offer a more relaxed and less structured look. If you want a luxurious and sophisticated look, silk ribbon is a perfect choice.

Once you've selected the type of ribbon, it's important to consider the width. For wedding invitations, a ribbon width of 15mm or 25mm is ideal for creating beautiful, romantic, and luxurious bows. If you're working with smaller stationery items, such as save-the-date cards or RSVP cards, you can opt for matching narrower ribbons. Thin ribbons, usually 3mm in width, are perfect for adding a delicate touch to wedding favours.

When it comes to colour, you'll want to choose a shade that complements your wedding theme. You can opt for a classic colour like white or ivory, or go for something more unique like a soft blush or a vibrant shade that matches your wedding colours. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, whether it's elegant and sophisticated or fun and whimsical.

Now, let's talk about the length of the ribbon. You'll want to cut your ribbon to a length that allows you to comfortably tie it around your invitation with enough room to create a bow. The exact length will depend on the size of your invitation and the type of bow you want to create. It's always better to cut your ribbon longer than you think you need, as you can always trim any excess later.

Before you start tying your bow, it's important to prevent fraying. You can do this by using sharp scissors to make clean cuts at the end of your ribbon. Alternatively, you can heat-seal the ribbon with a flame or use a product like Fray Check to keep the edges neat and tidy.

Now that you've prepared your ribbon, you're ready to start tying your bow! Remember to take your time and be patient, as tying the perfect bow may take a few attempts. Enjoy the process of crafting your wedding invitations and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed. Happy crafting!

Tying a 'Dior' bow

Tying a Dior bow is a great way to add a sense of elegance to your wedding invitations. This type of bow is commonly used on laser-cut wedding wraps, and you can further decorate it with a small pearl or crystal embellishment.

To make a Dior bow, you will need a piece of ribbon, a glue gun, a pair of scissors, and optionally, a ruler. The length of the ribbon will depend on the size of your invitation, but 30cm is a good starting point. You can use any type of ribbon, but satin ribbon is a popular choice for a formal and luxurious look.

• Start by gluing the edge of the ribbon with the glue gun. Fold the ribbon back on itself and press it in place. The length of the glued edge will determine the length of your bow. For example, if you want a 7cm long bow, press the glued edge at approximately 3.5cm along the length of the ribbon.
• Add a line of glue along the join and fold the opposite end of the ribbon towards the centre, pressing it in place so that you have two loops of equal length.
• Take the loose end and follow the line of the bow, adding on an extra length until you're happy with the size. Now, fold it back towards the back of the bow.
• Run a line of glue down the centre of the bow (at the back) and press the loose end into place.
• Repeat step 4 to form an identical loop on the opposite side. You should now have four loops – two smaller ones at the top and two larger ones at the bottom.
• Trim any excess ribbon with scissors.
• If you're using a buckle, thread one side of the bow through the loop of the buckle, teasing the ribbon into place until it looks even on both sides. If you're using an embellishment instead, place a circle of glue where you want the middle of your bow to be, and stick the bow on, pinching it together to form a bunched effect.
• Once the glue is dry, stick your embellishment in place with the glue gun, pressing it firmly so that it sits neatly on the gathered centre.

And there you have it – a beautiful Dior bow to adorn your wedding invitations!

Attaching the bow to the invitation

Attaching the bow to the wedding invitation is a crucial step in the process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve a beautiful and secure finish:

Firstly, prepare your workspace. Gather your materials, including the invitation, ribbon, and any additional embellishments. Set up a clean, flat surface to work on, and ensure you have sharp scissors to hand for any necessary cuts. It is also useful to have a dish towel to place your invitation on, preventing it from sliding around and making the process easier.

Now, let's discuss the different ways to attach the bow:

If you're using a wired ribbon, start by forming a horizontal concertina with two loops on each side. Pinch and gather the centre, securing it with a small piece of wire. Then, twist and shape the loops before bringing the tails into place. You can add a centre loop with a small length of ribbon, gluing it into place. This type of ribbon is great as it holds its form and makes the process simpler.

For a more traditional bow, you can use satin, organza, or silk ribbon. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, allowing for enough ribbon to wrap around the invitation comfortably. Wrap the ribbon around the centre of the invitation, ensuring it is centred and secure. Then, tie the ribbon into a simple knot or a bow. You can use a bow maker or even a fork to help create a neat, uniform bow with evenly shaped loops.

If you're looking for a quicker option, consider using ready-made bows. These can be easily glued onto the invitation using a glue gun or glue dots, which are available at craft stores. Glue dots are particularly easy to use and create a secure hold.

Finally, don't forget to pay attention to the small details. If your ribbon has a tendency to fray, use a flame to heat seal the ends or brush on some Fray Check. You can also add sparkling diamante or other embellishments to your bow to create a luxurious and elegant finish.

By following these steps and choosing the method that suits your skills and preferences, you'll be able to create beautiful and secure bows for your wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions