Dot Ribbon

Ribbons and Bows for Wedding Favors

Popular decorations for wedding favors are ribbons and bows, but there is a world of choice out there when it comes to choosing the type of ribbon, the width and the finish. The choice is so wide ranging that for many brides it can seem a hopeless task to find the right one.

If you are planning to use ribbons and bows on your wedding favors then here is a quick guide as to the types of ribbon you will find at most craft stores.

Satin faced/double satin – this is the most common type of ribbon and probably the most familiar to you. Satin faced has one shiny side and one matt side, whilst double satin has two shiny sides. It is available in a wide range of colors and widths.

Grosgrain – more expensive than satin ribbon as it has a woven texture to it. It is popular with those who don’t want the shiny finish of satin ribbon and it adds a stylish touch without being overly formal. It is available in a nice range of colors but not as many widths as satin ribbon.

Velvet – this is lovely for winter wedding favors or those with a festive flavor. It has a nice pile finish to one side and flat on the other. Narrow velvet ribbon in pastel shades is nice for spring or summer favors. You will find a greater range of colors in the narrow widths, whilst wider widths tend to be primary colors such as red, green and blue.

Organza, chiffon and sheer – these pretty ribbons are popular for weddings and wedding favors as they mimic the brides dress. They come in a range of colors and widths and make lovely puffy bows when tied.

Poly ribbons – these are types of ribbons used by florists for bouquets. They are essentially plastic and available in a very wide range of colors and widths.

Curling ribbon – this type of ribbon is common on gift wrap. It can be curled when dragged over a sharp blade such as a pair of scissors. It generally comes in narrow widths and is available in a wide range of colors including pearlescent and metallic shades.  It is very cheap to buy and a popular choice for brides on a budget.

Wired ribbon – you will probably see stores full of this at Christmas time, but it is available throughout the year from craft stores. It is often sheer or organza ribbon, although you can get wired velvet ribbons too. It tends to be available only in wide widths and you don’t get a lot on a roll. That said it is excellent for making bows as the wired edges mean it will hold its shape.

Gingham – a popular choice for spring or summer weddings or those with a rustic theme. Gingham ribbons are matt in finish and generally come in shades of red, blue, green, yellow and pink, although black and lilac can be found. Generally these are available in narrow widths and more expensive than plain ribbons.

Woven, patterned and embroidered – these include floral, spots, polka dots and saddle stitch styles. These types of ribbons are quite expensive but do add a unique touch to your wedding favors. If you require a lot of this type of ribbon try to find a wholesaler to buy it from as it will be much cheaper than from a craft store or haberdashery.

About the Author

Mae Andrea is a professional writer who collects wedding favors and wedding related articles. She is working with a wedding planning social networking company that caters to all the wedding needs of brides in almost every major center in America.

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