rachel does d.i.y.

there are etsy sellers who make them, tons of brides who pin them, and several laborious how-to's on them: wedding exit wands. 

as a bride and groom exit you can't throw confetti because that's littering. you can't throw rice because that hurts the birds. you can't throw birdseed because that attracts the birds, and the bird shit. flower petals are prohibitively expensive, and are brown by the time the event is over. bubbles can actually cause spots on some fabrics, like expensive dress fabrics you wear to weddings. many venues are prohibiting sparklers as fire hazards. 

so what is the modern couple to do when it comes to their big send off? enter: exit wands. you post a sign that says something like, "wave the bride and groom into the future," or "a colorful ending to a magic night," or "wave your wand and make a wish of happiness for the couple." and each guest takes a wand of ribbons and bells to wave as the couple exits. they become the wedding favor in the new reality of NO wedding favors.

you can buy them on etsy, but you only get two colors per wand and it's like $75 for 50, plus shipping. and they all look the same. so why not make your own? especially if you have a lot to make and a lot of time on your hands.

i made mine (200 of them) for $1 a pop, thanks to a sale at hobby lobby. and they're each different, so it'll be a colorful send off.

what you need:
12" dowel rods (see what fits right in your hand, i used quarter inchers)
ribbon: 2' lengths (3-4 per wand) x the # of guests + extras
crafting bells
a hot glue gun
time

would be great to have:
an extra pair of hands

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so, basically, i spent a day acquiring approximately 1400 feet of ribbon, 200 dowel rods in a couple of diameters and over 200 silver crafting bells in several sizes  and then cutting the ribbon into 2' lengths, some 4'. for the thinnest ribbon, i used 4' lengths folded in half. i strung the bells to the middle and used that as the folding point. when you cut your ribbon: if it's satin or organza you can hold the cut edges over a flame for a hot second or three to seal the ends from fraying. i wouldn't suggest doing that with the burlap or lace ribbons ;)

i looked up how-to's online. EVERYone is using eye screws and jewelry rings for the bells. i'm so not that fancy. so i just strung my bells on the ribbons.

pictured here is my practice one with only 2 ribbons. basically it goes like this:
1) select your ribbon combo
2) string a bell onto the skinniest ribbon
3) tie an overhand knot, loosely (with the bell in the middle)
4) put the dowel through the knot
5) put a very small dollop of hot glue on the dowel where you want the knot
6) tighten the knot over the glue
7) again. and again. and again.

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and, next thing you know, you have some pretty cute wands for your dream wedding send off. 

all in your wedding colors and all hand-made by you.

love it. love you.

xoxo, the bride

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