How to Embellish Handmade Invitations With Ribbon

Tie the invitation using ribbon to add another personal touch.

Handmade invitations have a personal touch, but they can lack decorative appeal. Adding ribbon to the invitation adds decoration and incorporates new and attractive textures into the invitation. The invitation will stand out from the regular cards guests usually receive. The ribbon shouldn’t obscure the invitation's essential information, so keep it on the outer edges the invitation as a frame.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Pencil
• Hole punch
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Place a ruler alongside your invitation. Place a small pencil mark at every half-inch interval. Do this for the top, bottom and sides of the invitation until you have an even number of pencil marks on all sides. Punch a hole into the sides of the invitation at the pencil marks, starting one-half inch away from the edge of the invitation paper.

2. Measure the top, bottom and sides of the invitation. Cut a piece of ribbon for the four sides of the invitation. Make all the ribbons 4 inches longer than the sides, top and bottom of the invitation.

3. Hold the invitation so the top faces you. Thread your ribbon through the holes. Start by pressing the ends of the ribbons through the corners of the invitation starting from the front.

4. Pull the ribbons through until you have an equal length of slack ribbon protruding from each corner. Tie the loose ends of the ribbons together as you would tie your shoe laces, creating simple bows at every corner of the invitation.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the invitation in a large envelope to help protect the delicate ribbon from wrinkles.

• The ribbon can weigh the invitation down, so only use it for invitations completed on stiff paper such as parchment or poster board.

References

• Do It Yourself Invitations: Making Invitations with Ribbon
• Formal Invitations: How to Make DIY Wedding Invitations with Bows