Bunting is one of my all-time favourite things.
There's something about a row of mini flags strung across a room, that makes me feel instantly cheery.
I have bunting hanging in my living room year-round, I top every birthday cake I make with mini bunting, and last week, I even made 15 metres of washi tape bunting, to cordon off our tent circle at a festival.
Yep, I love the stuff.
Photo by Tim Coulson via Green Wedding Shoes
But I know, over the last few years, with so many brides and grooms going bonkers for bunting, it has been a tad overdone.
So I've scoured the coolest blogs and prettiest pins to find you new ways to buntify (my new favourite self-invented word!) your wedding, and still wow your guests…
1. Reams and Reams
Photo by Tim Coulson via Green Wedding Shoes
The easiest way to ensure your hard-sewn bunting makes a big impact is to create reams of the stuff.
The odd strand of bunting here and there can look rather limp, and not very thought out, but stringing line after line of cheery flags will create a party canopy that amps up the festive atmosphere no end.
2. Washi Tape
Photo by Fraülein Klein
Washi tape is a super handy tool for creating quirky mini bunting in no time at all. Mix and match colours and cuts for a whimsical look.
Use as an adornment for everything from your cakes to your cocktails, or leave it long and have it hanging overhead.
3. Sweet Scalloping
Photo by Natural Light Photography via The Pretty Blog
Skip the classic triangles, and opt for some curved bunting instead.
It creates a really pretty scalloped effect when it's all hanging close together, and gives a unique and much softer finish to your venue.
4. Hanging Handkerchiefs
Photos by Jill Thomas Photography via Amorology
If you want to create some truly unique bunting for your wedding, vintage handkerchiefs are the way to do it. Ask your friends and family to keep their eyes peeled at charity shops and flea markets in the lead up to your wedding, or donate their own old ones to your day.
Not only to they look so pretty and add a bespoke vintage feel, but if you peg instead of stitch them, your old hankies can also double up as sweet favours as well!
5. Rags and Ribbons
Photos by Summer Street Photography via Style Me Pretty
Tassel garland has been enjoying its moment in the spotlight, adorning dessert tables everywhere. But rather than crepe paper or streamers, make a hardier version for some bunting-style garland instead.
Using strips of fabric and ribbon in complementary colours, create some super simple, yet seriously statement bunting to adorn your big day.
6. Fun with Fabrics
Photo by Katy Lunsford via Love My Dress
Floral prints and gingham have long been the bunting patterns du jour but playing around with tones, textures and fabrics will give your bunting a revamped look.
Pair burlap, lace and tweed together for a look that's both new and nostalgic – check out Michelle Kelly for Love My Dress‘ tutorial for how to make this beauty above.
7. Papel Picado
Photo by Peterson Design and Photography via Bridal Musings
Photo by Marisa Holmes via The Wedding Chicks
Mexican style bunting, aka papel picado is fun, cool, and oh-so-stylish. Really easy to DIY, you can also pick up more ornate laser-cut or personalised versions online.
Choose bright colours for a wild fiesta theme or keep it chic with some all-while styles.
8. Paper Chase
Photo by Pobke Photography via Style Me Pretty
This one is so simple, but so effective. Simply fold paper doilies in half across twine and you're done! (Perhaps glue in the middle, if you're expecting a breeze).
This might be too simplistic for some, but paired with chic rustic details and a laid back vibe and this is the perfect overhead adornment for an al fresco ceremony or back-yard bash.
9. Wild and Wispy
Photo by Happy Confetti Photography via Etsy Weddings
Traditional bunting hangs neatly in a straight line, but we like to stray from tradition a little around here.
Instead of classic fabric bunting, opt for paper card, in sharp skinny cuts. Not only will this give you a new take on the trend, but it will allow you to create a rougher, more feathery texture to your bunting.
10. Ball Tassel Bunting
Photo by Llanes Photography via Style Me Pretty
For a bohemian feel to your bash, why not opt for a ball tassel bunting? Okay so this one is technically a garland, but these pretty strings are cheap to buy at most haberdashery stores and can work as a textured bunting string, as well as a feature all on their own.
Mix and match colours and hang at different heights for an eclectic yet stylish finish.
Bonus! (Because we can't get enough of bunting)
11. All White
Photo by Rebecca Goddard Photography via Love My Dress
If you love bunting, but think it can sometimes look more shabby, than chic, why not opt for some single-hued strings?
Choose for a classic white, or pick another colour from your palette, and go with that. Bunting has a nifty way of tying all your styling together, so a single colour will give your occasion an utterly polished finished.
Have you another idea for chic and unique bunting? Please share in the comments below.
Have you followed us on Pinterest yet? Check out our boards for lots of inspiration on decor and details.
