06.12.07
What type of ribbon do I need?
After you’ve chosen your perfect favor, the next step in making it special is adding personalized ribbon. Finalizing the presentation you will be using for your favor is critical for determining if you need favor ribbon or continuous printed (”gift”) ribbon.
Here’s how to tell what type of ribbon you will need!
Favor Ribbon
Favor ribbons, like those shown above, are meant to decorate small favors. Ideally, you’ll be tying your ribbon around an area that is no wider than a pencil. It’s perfect for closing a sachet or confetti favor, and wraps nicely around smaller favors like wedding bells and bubbles.
The personalization on favor ribbon is divided across two “tails”. For a wedding favor ribbon, the bride and groom’s names are printed on the left and the event date (or a short message) is printed at the right. An important thing to remember about favor ribbon is that it cannot be trimmed at the ends! Trimming the ends would damage or eliminate the personalization. If the area you will be tying your ribbon to (or around) is larger or irregularly shaped, your better choice would be a continuous printed ribbon.
Continuous Printed or “Gift” Ribbon
Continuous printed ribbon is formatted so that your personalization is printed as a repeated pattern throughout the ribbon roll at set intervals. This ribbon is the best option for wrapping boxed favors or favors with an unusual shape. For example, wrapping a box of chocolates or decorating small flower pots is easiest with a continuous print ribbon. It also offers more flexibility when the fixed length of a favor ribbon will not work.
How much ribbon do I need?
Determining how much ribbon to order is simple. We sell favor ribbon by the piece, so you just need to order one ribbon per favor.
For continuous printed ribbon, you will need to determine the length of ribbon you will need per favor, then determine the total yardage you’ll need to complete your entire project.
It’s easy to find the right length you’ll need for each favor by tying a practice bow around the favor. For best results, use a ribbon that is similar in width to the ribbon you’d like to buy. If you don’t have a similar ribbon handy, use whatever you have on hand. Keep in mind that you’ll need to add a few extra inches if your practice ribbon is thinner than the ribbon you’d like to buy, and do the opposite if it’s thicker.
It’s always best to order a bit more than you’ll need in case you end up needing a few more favors. Continuous printed ribbon is cheaper per yard the more you order. Be careful to make your best estimate before placing your order, since a reorder will likely cost more than ordering the correct amount the first time.
Careful choosing and consideration when placing a personalized ribbon order can be both a headache and money saver. The time taken to think it through and plan it out will be a small but valuable investment of time.
