Elegant Ways To Embellish Wedding Invites With Ribbons

Adding ribbon to your wedding invitations is a great way to make them stand out. It can be a clever way to incorporate your wedding colour scheme or theme, and it's also an indispensable detail that can close, finish, add colour, and enhance the entire invitation experience. There are many ways to use ribbon on wedding invitations, from a simple knot to a bow or even a wax seal. The type of ribbon you use and how you tie it will depend on the style and formality of your wedding.

How to tie a simple knot

There are many ways to use ribbon to decorate wedding invitations, from wrapping them like a parcel to simple bows or knots. Here is a guide on how to tie a simple knot.

Firstly, decide how you want to wrap the ribbon around the invitation. You could wrap it once around the middle or both ways like a parcel. For the former, measure the width of the invitation and double the ribbon length, adding an extra three inches for the knot. For the latter, measure both dimensions, add them together, double it, and then add three inches for the knot.

Now you have the correct length of ribbon, it's time to tie the knot. Take the ribbon and place it flat on a table with the wrong side facing up. Take the right end and cross it over the left end, forming an 'X' shape. Then, take the right end and bring it under and then over the left end, so it creates a loop. Pull the right end through this loop and tighten to form a knot. You can adjust the size of the loop and the tightness of the knot to your preference. Finally, slide the knot to the centre of the ribbon and place it on your invitation.

You can experiment with different types of ribbon, such as satin, silk, or cotton, and different widths to create a more formal or casual look.

How to tie a classic bow

Step 1: Cut the Ribbon

First, cut your ribbon. For a medium-sized bow, cut about 15 inches of ribbon. If you don't have scissors, carefully tear the ribbon to the desired length.

Step 2: Create Loops

Now, create two loops with the ribbon. The ribbon should be folded back and forth over itself, forming two loops at the top and one loop in the bottom center. Make sure the ribbon isn't twisted. This is similar to the "bunny ears" trick for tying shoelaces.

Step 3: Cross the Loops

Take the right loop and cross it over the left loop, creating a third small loop where the bases meet. Ensure the tails are of equal length and flat for a neat finish.

Step 4: Loop Through

Fold the left loop down behind the right loop and thread it through the bottom loop. If you're using wired ribbon, be sure the edges stay smooth so that the finished bow lays flat.

Step 5: Pull Taut and Trim

Pull the top loops tight to form a knot in the centre of the bow. You can trim the tails and notch the ends for a neat finish. Gently tug on the loops and tails to even out each side, and adjust the bow to your desired size and shape.

Tips:

• It's okay if it doesn't look perfect the first time. You can always pull the bow apart and start again!
• For a neat finish, use fabric scissors to cut the ribbon.
• Avoid overtightening the bow if you're using a thinner ribbon. Small bows may collapse or tear if pulled too tight.
• Always use more ribbon than you think you need. You can always cut off the excess.

How to measure ribbon for a single wrap

There are many ways to use ribbon to decorate your wedding invitations, from simple bows to more elaborate wraps. If you're going for a single wrap, you have the option of wrapping once around the centre or both ways like a parcel. Here's how to measure the ribbon for a single wrap:

Firstly, decide if you want to tie a knot or a bow. For a knot, measure across the invitation suite and double that number, then add three inches. For a bow, you'll want to add five inches instead. This will give you the total ribbon length needed for a single wrap.

The width of the ribbon you choose will depend on your wedding style. A wider ribbon, such as 25mm, will give a formal and luxurious look, while a skinnier ribbon, like 10mm, is perfect for a more casual feel. You can find ribbons in various widths and colours to match your wedding theme.

If you're crafty, you might also want to try making a mini bow with a fork or a simple bow-style knot. These options add a touch of elegance without the need for a full wrap.

Remember to consider the type of ribbon material as well. Satin is a popular choice for wedding invitations, but you can also explore options like silk, chiffon, or velvet ribbons.

How to measure ribbon for a double wrap

Wedding invitations wrapped in ribbon are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your special day. There are many ways to incorporate ribbon into your wedding invitations, from simple bows to wrapping the invitations like parcels. Here is a guide on how to measure ribbon for a double wrap:

Firstly, it is important to understand how ribbon is measured. Ribbon is typically sold in rolls, with the width and length specified in inches or centimetres. For example, a 1-1/2 inch x 10 yards ribbon roll means that the ribbon is 1-1/2 inches wide and 10 yards long.

When wrapping a wedding invitation like a parcel, you will need to measure both the width and length of the invitation. Let's assume your invitation is 5 inches wide and 7 inches long. To calculate the amount of ribbon needed for a double wrap, follow these steps:

• Measure the width and length of the invitation.
• Add the width and length measurements together. In this case, 5 inches + 7 inches = 12 inches.
• Double this amount, as you need enough ribbon to wrap around the invitation twice. So, 12 inches x 2 = 24 inches.
• Now, add a few extra inches to account for overlap and a knot or bow. For a knot, add 3 inches, or add 5 inches for a bow. So, for a bow, 24 inches + 5 inches = 29 inches.
• This final measurement is the total amount of ribbon needed per invitation. If you have multiple invitations, multiply this amount by the number of invitations. For example, if you have 50 invitations, you will need 29 inches x 50 = 1450 inches or 120.8 feet of ribbon.

It is also useful to consider the type of ribbon you will be using. The width of the ribbon can vary depending on the style of your wedding. A wider ribbon, such as 25mm, can give a formal and luxurious look, while a skinnier ribbon, like 10mm, can create a more casual feel.

How to tie a ribbon on a scroll

Tying a ribbon on a scroll wedding invitation is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding stationery. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a ribbon on a scroll:

• Place your scroll in the middle of the ribbon. Make sure the ribbon is centred on the scroll, with equal lengths of ribbon on either side.
• Holding the scroll closed, wrap the two ends of the ribbon towards you until they meet. You can either wrap the ribbon horizontally or vertically around the scroll, depending on your preference.
• Tie a knot in the ribbon. You can do a simple knot or try something more decorative, like the "bunny ears" technique, which creates a neat bow.
• Adjust the ribbon tails to your desired length. You can cut them straight for a clean, elegant look or at a bias (diagonal) angle for a more playful appearance.
• For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a wax seal on top of the knot or bow. This combination of ribbon and wax seal will give your invitations a truly unique and personalised feel.
• If you want to ensure your invitations are secure, you can tie the ribbon into a simple bow-style knot. This type of knot gives an impression of luxury and only takes seconds to create.

Remember to consider the length of your ribbon in relation to the size of your scroll. You want to make sure you have enough ribbon to comfortably wrap around the scroll and tie a knot or bow. It's always a good idea to have a little extra ribbon, just in case!

Frequently asked questions