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Writer's pictureClaire Sluss

Trend Alert: 22 Ways to Use Bows at Your Wedding

In this Year of Barbie (year from release date, not calendar year), there has been a resurgence of pink, bows, and all things sweet. I am abundantly here for this because it’s how I dress naturally, and the trend just gives me more inventory to choose from. I am the Target Audience. 


If you, too, have broken out the high school bows you tucked away, have a closet full of pink, and consider yourself a Girly Girl, I implore you to stick around. Maybe you’re interested in the pink side of things. Might I suggest my Pink Wedding design? Perhaps, you want to be Wedding Barbie. Take a peek at this hot pink wedding day or Barbie-core Bash. But, If you’re here for the bows, look no further. 


I know bows for a wedding aren’t a novel idea. However, I would argue that the way in which bows are being used and the frequency with which they’re being seen is revolutionary. (I use “revolutionary” as hyperbole but, maybe??) The bows feel different. They have a different structure and purpose. They are a statement and are permeating everything


Now, it wouldn’t be hard to have a bow themed wedding. In fact, if that’s your goal, you have my full support. I will hand tie all of your bows. But, I think it would be more appropriate to tell you some of the ways you could include bows at your pre parties or on your big day and you can pick and choose your favorites. Follow along on this Pinterest board to see examples.


  1. Butt bows for the bride or bridesmaids (or both!) My mom’s bridesmaids had the quintessential 90s butt bows. Honestly, it was cute, I’m a fan. I want it back- the bigger the better! I can’t wait to look back in confusion a decade from now. 

  2. Hair bows for the bride, bridesmaids, or flowergirls. Bonus points if they’re monogrammed. 

  3. On the veil

  4. Bowties for the groom, groomsmen, or ring bearer 

  5. On the toe or ankles of shoes

  6. Tying up sleeves

  7. Tied to placecards 

  8. Securing utensils

  9. Holding signage 

  10. As a wedding arch 

  11. On place settings 

  12. Tied to tapered candles. I will be the designated candle watcher so your big day doesn’t go up in flames

  13. Tied to stemware. 

  14. Printed on your stationery, invitations, table numbers, menu, etc. 

  15. Adorning ceremony or reception chairs

  16. A decorative hanger shaped like a bow 

  17. Tied around your cake. (I’ve tied a cake bow before and it’s one of my proudest moments) 

  18. On a photo wall

  19. In a flat lay 

  20. Around the bouquet 

  21. On a corsage or boutonniere 

  22. It’s a bow… you can tie it anywhere and everywhere. Go crazy!


A bow can be small, dainty, and demure or large, structured, and attention grabbing. It can be made of chiffon, tulle, satin, or velvet. It can be embroidered, embellished, or lace. It’s an accessible bit of decor- You can thrift your material, buy local, or outsource. You can put as much or as little into a bow as you’d like. In fact, here’s my favorite bow tutorial if you’d like to tie your bows yourself. Maybe I’m getting too philosophical, but a bow really is the perfect wedding accessory. 


 

Which is your favorite way to include bows on your big day? Can you think of any I missed?

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