George Boyle
Wedding ribbon wands are a fun, safe, and mess-free alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They can be used as a send-off for the newlyweds, table centerpieces, or guests can ring the bells for a kiss. These wands are easy to make and can be personalised to match the wedding colours or theme. To make a wedding ribbon wand, you will need materials such as wood dowels, ribbons, bells, screw eyes, and optional items like tulle, lace fabric, and vinegar/steel wool/tea stain for a rustic look. The process involves staining and sanding the dowels, creating a pilot hole, screwing in the screw eye, attaching the ribbons and bells, and securing them with knots or glue. The wands can be displayed in a large glass vase with a sign instructing guests to wave them during the couple's exit or entrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Wedding send-off, table centerpieces, or for guests to ring for a kiss |
| Materials | Wood dowels, ribbon, bells, eye screws, thumbtacks, pliers, glue gun, sandpaper, jump rings, tulle, lace fabric, vinegar, steel wool, tea, coffee grounds, zip ties, yarn, bubble wands, styrofoam cone, vase, sand, stones, glass beads, card |
| Steps | 1. Put the screw eye hook into the end of the dowel. 2. Attach bells to the end of the dowel. 3. Cut ribbon into equal pieces and tie them to the hooks. 4. Wave the wand. |
| Display | Display wedding wands in a large glass vase with a card that reads "Please take a wedding wand and wave in our joy" or "Wave this wand to wish them well" |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
Wedding wands are a fun and cute accessory for your wedding. They can be used as an alternative to confetti and can be customised to match your wedding colours or theme. The best part about these wands is that they are super easy to make and can be as simple or detailed as you like.
The materials you will need to make wedding wands include dowels, ribbons, and optional items like bells, stain, and glue.
For the dowels, consider the size and colour. You can buy dowels at a local hardware store and cut them to your desired length. A suggested size is 12mm x 30cm, but you can adjust this based on your preference. If you want a richer and more rustic colour, you can create a homemade stain to give the dowels a unique look. Sanding the dowels is also recommended to ensure they are smooth and free from splinters.
When selecting ribbons, consider the length, width, colour, and type of ribbon. The length of the ribbon will depend on how long you want it to be, and you may want to cut it to equal lengths. A suggested length is 60cm to avoid tangling, but you can adjust this based on your desired look. For the width, ensure the ribbon comfortably fits through the screw eye. You can choose from various types of ribbons, such as satin, hessian, or lace, depending on your wedding style and preference for texture and shine.
If you want to add bells to your wands, consider the type and size. "Jingle" bells are a less expensive and easier-to-find option, but you can also use smaller bells if you prefer a more subtle sound.
Lastly, you may want to use glue to secure the ribbon in place. A glue gun can help ensure that the ribbon is tightly pulled and securely attached to the dowel.
With these materials and some creativity, you can design wedding wands that align with your wedding vision and provide a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.
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Preparing the dowel
Sizing and Selection:
Firstly, you need to decide on the size of your dowel. A common size is 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick, but you can also go for a 3/8-inch diameter or even a full-length dowel rod for variety. The length of your ribbon will depend on the size of your dowel—a good rule of thumb is to double the length of the dowel and add extra for a fuller look.
Smoothing and Sanding:
Before you begin attaching any embellishments, it's important to prepare the dowel by sanding it. Sanding ensures that the sides and ends of the dowel are smooth and free from any splinters, creating a safe and comfortable surface. This step is especially important if your dowels are made of wood.
Creating a Pilot Hole:
To prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screw eye, it's recommended to create a pilot hole. You can use a thumbtack, pushing it firmly into the centre of the dowel as far as it will go. If it doesn't go all the way in, tap it gently with a tool until it's almost fully inserted, and then pull it out. This should leave you with a small hole to guide your screw eye.
Inserting the Screw Eye:
Now it's time to insert the screw eye into the pilot hole. Push it in firmly and begin screwing it into the top of the dowel. You may need to use pliers to get a good grip and apply more force. Make sure the screw eye is securely in place and that only the hook portion is visible, not the thread. This step can be made easier by using an awl to start the screw eye and then finishing it off with a pair of pliers.
Staining (Optional):
If you want to add a rustic touch to your wedding wands, you can consider staining the dowels. This step is entirely optional but can give your wands a richer, more rustic colour. You can create your own stain using vinegar, steel wool, tea, and even coffee grounds for a unique shade.
By following these steps, you'll have well-prepared dowels that are ready for the next stages of your wedding wand creation. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of crafting these special wands for your big day!
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Adding the ribbon
Wedding ribbon wands are a fun, safe, and mess-free alternative to throwing rice or confetti at weddings. They can be used as a send-off for the newlyweds, table centrepieces, or guests can ring the bells for a kiss. These wands are easy to make and can be personalised to match the wedding colours or theme.
The amount of ribbon you need depends on the desired length and number of strands per wand. For each 12-inch wand, you will need 12 inches of ribbon for each colour or type you use. For a layered look, consider using 4-5 pieces of ribbon per wand, with each piece close to 2 feet in length.
Before attaching the ribbon, sand the dowel to ensure it is smooth and free from splinters. Then, make a small hole in the centre of the dowel with a thumbtack or awl. Remove the thumbtack and insert an eye screw into the hole. You can use pliers to help you screw it in, and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Once the eye screw is in place, cut your ribbons to the desired length. Gather the ribbons together and thread them through the eye screw. Tie a simple knot in the centre, ensuring the knot is tight and secure. You can use a glue gun to reinforce the knot if needed. Leave equal lengths of ribbon at each end for a balanced look.
For added detail, tie a shorter piece of ribbon to a bell, and attach it to the eye screw with another knot. You can make a bow or a double bow for added flair. Repeat this process for each wand, and feel free to vary the design slightly to create unique variations.
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Attaching the bells
Wedding wands with bells are a fun and unique idea for a wedding send-off, and they can also be used as kissing bells for guests to ring during the reception. Here is a step-by-step guide to attaching the bells to the wands:
Firstly, you will need to gather your materials: ribbon, bells, and the wooden dowels. The ribbon should be cut to equal lengths, with the length being double that of the dowel, plus a little extra to account for the knot and drape. Sand the dowels to ensure they are smooth and free from splinters.
Next, you will need to create a pilot hole in the centre of the dowel. Use a screw eye to make a dent, and then begin to screw it into the top of the dowel. You may need to use pliers to hold the screw eye in place and apply enough pressure. Ensure that the screw is tight and only the hook is visible.
Now you can start to thread the ribbon through the screw eye. You may need to fold the ribbon slightly to fit it through. Tie a knot in the middle of the ribbon, leaving an equal amount of ribbon at each end. Pull the knot tightly so that it sits securely against the screw eye.
Finally, it's time to attach the bell. Thread the bell onto one end of the ribbon and slide it down to the stick. Tie all four ends of the ribbon together in a double knot, ensuring it is tight and secure. You can add more jingle bells if you wish, or even use personalised ribbon printed with the bride and groom's names.
Your wedding wands with bells are now ready for your guests to wave during the send-off, creating a beautiful and joyful atmosphere.
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Displaying the wands
Wedding wands are a fun and creative way to involve your guests in your celebration. They can be used as a send-off for the newlyweds, waved during the couple's entrance, or even after the couple has been announced, adding a unique and festive touch to your special day. Here are some ideas for displaying these wands:
- Place the wands at each guest's seat or chair, or on nearby tables, so they are easily accessible during the ceremony or reception.
- For a more organised approach, consider placing the wands in a decorative basket or container at the entrance of the ceremony or reception venue. This way, guests can pick up a wand as they enter, creating a cohesive and organised look.
- If you have a specific colour scheme or theme, arrange the wands in a way that complements it. For example, if you have a rustic wedding, display the wands in a wooden crate or on a table with a burlap runner. For a more elegant affair, use a sophisticated vase or container that matches your colour palette.
- Wedding wands can also be used as decorative pieces to enhance your wedding décor. Place them in tall, clear vases or jars, allowing the colourful ribbons to be seen, adding a whimsical touch to your venue.
- If you have a photo display or memory table, include the wands as part of the décor. They can be placed alongside photos, guest books, or other sentimental items, representing the joy and celebration of your special day.
- For an outdoor wedding, consider hanging the wands from trees or archways. The ribbons will blow gently in the wind, creating a romantic and fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
Remember to include a sign or poem instructing your guests on when and how to use the wands, ensuring their interactive participation in your wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding wands are used as a fun and creative alternative to throwing rice or confetti at the wedding send-off. They can also be used as table centerpieces, or guests can ring the bells on the wands for a kiss.
To make wedding wands, you will need wood dowels, ribbon, bells, eye screws, and optionally, some type of stain for the dowels. First, put the eye screw hook into the end of the dowel. Then, attach the bells to the end of the dowel using jump rings or zip ties. Finally, cut the ribbon into equal pieces and tie them to the hooks.
The amount of ribbon you need depends on how long you want the ribbon to be and how many strands of ribbon you want on each wand. For a wand with 4-5 pieces of ribbon, you will need roughly 2 feet of ribbon per wand.
Here are some ideas for sayings to display with your wedding wands: "Please take a wedding wand and wave in our joy", "Wave these wands to wish us well, and ring for a kiss at the sound of a bell", "Ribbons fly with wishes of love! Send us off with a wish and a swish!", "Wave this wand and send us good wishes as we begin our life together, forever, as husband and wife".
You can purchase supplies for making wedding wands at craft stores or hardware shops. Some specific retailers that sell these items include Walmart, Target, and factorydirectcraft.com.
