How to Make Bows for Wedding Bouquets

Cascade bouquet with ribbons

You have your silk or fresh wedding bouquets all planned. Now you want to make them more formal and finish the look with lace or ribbon bows. There are many fibers to choose from, including crisp organza, romantic lace or elegant satin. Several types and sizes of bows are appropriate for the wide variety of bouquets. You can make bows for the bride's and attendants' bouquets, along with the flower girl basket.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon in choice of material and color
• Scissors
• Wired sticks (small)

Instructions

Fluffy Satin Bow

1. 

   Place a wired stick in your work area. Pull out 4 inches of a half-inch-wide ribbon and a thinner second ribbon in a darker color.

2. 

   Hold both ribbons firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Form a 1 1/2-inch loop.

3. 

   Twist the ribbons sharply and form a second loop on the opposite side of the first one.

4. 

   Pulling more ribbon, twist and form two more sets of loops, for a total of six. Keep them as evenly proportioned as possible.

5. 

   Place the stick next to the middle of the bow. Wrap the wire tightly around the center of the bow. Wrap any excess wire around the stick. Carefully insert the stick into the bouquet.

Wide Ribbon Bow and Cascade Ribbons

1. Follow the Fluffy Bow instructions to make a six-loop bow with a single strand of material. Use 1 1/2- to 3-inch-wide lace, organza or satin ribbon. Trim the ends to 3 inches long.

2. For the cascade, choose ribbons and lace from 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Make a small bow with 1-inch loops following the Fluffy Bow instructions. Push the wired stick into the bouquet at the bottom center just over the cascade of flowers.

3. 

   Cut one piece of 1/2-inch-wide ribbon. Tie a knot in the center.

4. Cut three pieces of ribbon or lace at 20, 18 and 15 inches long.

5. 

   Lay the knotted ribbon horizontally on the work surface. Place the three lengths of ribbon or lace vertically across the knotted center of the ribbon.

6. 

   Tie the horizontal ribbon around the three ribbons to secure. Tie a second knot.

7. 

   Tie the cascading ribbons tightly at the top of the bouquet handle in the back.

Tips & Warnings

• Make matching bows for wedding attendants and the flower girl's floral piece.

• Make sure to firmly tie the cascade ribbon to the very top of the handle or it will slide down.