Tying The Knot: Ribbons On Wedding Invites

Tying a ribbon around a wedding invitation is a great way to add a unique and elegant touch to your special day. There are many ways to tie a ribbon, from a simple knot to a classic bow, and even a combination of a ribbon and wax seal for a magical effect. The type of ribbon you choose, such as satin, organza, or silk, and the way you tie it, will impact the overall look and feel of your invitation suite. In this article, we will explore different methods for tying a ribbon around a wedding invitation, as well as provide tips and tricks for creating a beautiful and functional design.

Choosing the right ribbon type: satin, organza, silk, wired or non-wired

When it comes to choosing the right type of ribbon for your wedding invitations, there are several options to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the most suitable ribbon type for your special day:

Satin Ribbon:

Satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its luxurious and elegant appearance. It is typically made from polyester, silk, or a blend of synthetic fibres, resulting in a smooth and shiny texture. Satin ribbon is available in both single-faced and double-faced varieties. Single-faced satin has one shiny side and one matte side, making it a versatile option for crafting and decorating. On the other hand, double-faced satin is shiny on both sides, adding a touch of sophistication to your invitations. This type of satin ribbon is perfect for creating bows, especially with a wired edge, and is available in a wide range of colours and widths.

Organza Ribbon:

Organza ribbon, also known for its sheer and delicate appearance, is another option to consider. It is often made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester, giving it a lightweight and airy feel. Organza ribbon is commonly used for wedding invitations as it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. It is available in various colours and patterns, allowing you to match it with your wedding theme. Organza ribbon is also known for its durability and ease of use, making it a convenient choice for crafting and decorating.

Silk Ribbon:

Silk ribbon is the epitome of luxury and elegance, making it a popular choice for wedding invitations. It has a soft, smooth texture and a natural lustre that adds a touch of refinement to your stationery. Silk ribbon is available in various widths and colours, allowing you to choose the perfect option to complement your wedding colour palette. While silk ribbon may be more expensive than other options, it is known for its durability and high-quality appearance, making it a worthwhile investment for your special day.

Wired Ribbon:

Wired ribbon is a versatile option that can add structure and definition to your wedding invitations. The wire running through the edges of the ribbon allows you to shape and manipulate it easily, making it perfect for creating intricate designs and bows. Wired ribbon is available in a variety of materials, including satin and organza, so you can choose the one that best suits your aesthetic. This type of ribbon is ideal for creating elegant loops and swirls that will impress your guests.

Non-wired Ribbon:

Non-wired ribbon, also known as standard ribbon, is a classic and simple option for wedding invitations. It is easy to work with and can be tied in a variety of ways, including simple knots and chic bows. Non-wired ribbon is available in a wide range of materials, such as satin, organza, and silk, each offering its unique texture and appearance. This type of ribbon is perfect for a timeless and elegant look, especially if you are looking for a more subtle approach to decorating your invitations.

How to tie a simple knot

Tying a ribbon around a wedding invitation is a great way to add a handmade, personalised touch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a simple knot:

• Cut a piece of ribbon that is approximately double the width of the invitation.
• Position the invitation in the centre of the ribbon.
• Take the left piece of ribbon and cross it over and underneath the right piece.
• Create a loose knot by bringing the two lengths of ribbon together, right over left, and then back around and under.
• Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the ribbon.
• Adjust the knot so that it sits neatly in the centre of the invitation.

And there you have it—a simple and chic way to close your wedding invitation! You can use any type of ribbon that matches your wedding theme and colour palette.

How to tie a classic bow

Tying a classic bow is a great skill to have, especially if you want to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a classic bow:

First, cut a piece of ribbon. The length of the ribbon will depend on the size of your invitation, but a good rule of thumb is to cut between 15 and 20 inches. This will give you enough ribbon to work with and allow for adjustments. For a medium-sized bow, 15 inches is a good starting point. It is recommended to use a double-sided ribbon, such as silk or grosgrain, to achieve the best results and avoid having to worry about a right or wrong side.

Next, create two "bunny ears" with the ribbon. This involves folding the ribbon back and forth over itself, forming two loops at the top and one loop in the bottom centre. Make sure the same side of the ribbon is still facing up. Adjust the loops to be the desired size of your final bow loops, and ensure that the tails are of equal length and flat.

Now, you will create a third loop. Take the right loop and cross it over the left loop. Then, bring the left loop under and through the new loop created in the centre. This will form a knot in the centre of the bow.

Finally, pull the loops taut and trim the tails if desired. You can also notch the ends for a clean finish. Adjust the loops and tails as needed to create a symmetrical bow. And that's it! You've tied a classic bow.

Remember, practice makes perfect. So, if your bow doesn't look quite right the first time, don't be afraid to start again. You can also try using a bow maker or a fork to help you create perfect bows every time, especially when working with thin or narrow ribbons.

Using glue dots to secure the ribbon

When creating wedding invitations, you can use glue dots to secure the ribbon instead of tying it. This is a great option if you want to avoid the bulkiness of a knot or bow. Glue dots are easy to use and mess-free, and they won't leave any residue on your invitations. They're also a good choice if you're working with light or thin ribbon, as they won't cause any tearing or show through the fabric.

To use glue dots effectively, it's important to prepare your ribbon and invitation suite beforehand. Cut your ribbon to the desired length, ensuring it's long enough to wrap around your invitation comfortably. If you're concerned about fraying, you can heat-seal the ends of the ribbon with a flame or use a product like Fray Check.

When you're ready to secure the ribbon, simply peel off the backing of a glue dot and adhere it to the ribbon. Place the glue dots along the length of the ribbon, spacing them evenly for the best results. Two dots per ribbon should be sufficient to hold it in place. Press the ribbon onto the invitation suite, smoothing it out to ensure a secure hold.

Using glue dots is a quick and efficient way to attach ribbon to your wedding invitations. They eliminate the need for bulky knots or bows, giving your invitations a sleek and elegant look. With this method, you can be confident that your ribbon will stay securely in place without leaving any messy residue.

How to calculate the amount of ribbon needed

When calculating the amount of ribbon needed to tie around a wedding invitation, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of knot or bow you want to use. A simple knot will require less ribbon than a bow, and the size and style of the bow will determine the amount of ribbon needed. For example, a classic bow with two balanced parts and tails that don't exceed the envelope will require less ribbon than a larger, more elaborate bow.

Next, you need to measure the dimensions of the invitation envelope. You will need the width and height of the envelope to calculate the total ribbon length. A good rule of thumb is that the length of the ribbon should be slightly greater than double the width of the envelope. For example, if your envelope is 14cm wide, you will need approximately 30cm of ribbon to close it with a wax seal.

To calculate the total ribbon length, you can use the following formula: Total Ribbon Length = (Perimeter of the envelope + Height of the envelope) * Number of envelopes. This formula will give you the total ribbon length required to tie a ribbon around each envelope.

It is also a good idea to add a small amount of extra ribbon to account for any mistakes or last-minute invitations. This way, you can ensure you have enough ribbon to tie around all your wedding invitations.

Let's say you have 100 guests and your envelope size is 14cm wide x 10cm high. Using the formula, we calculate:

Total Ribbon Length = ((2 x width) + height) * number of envelopes

Total Ribbon Length = ((2 x 14cm) + 10cm) * 100

Total Ribbon Length = (28cm + 10cm) * 100

Total Ribbon Length = 3800cm

So, for 100 invitations, you will need 3800cm or 38 metres of ribbon.

Frequently asked questions