Burlap is first off the rank for our ‘Themes’ series of blogs (might I add, glad to be back!). Over the coming weeks Way to Wed will show you different ways to incorporate elements into your day so not to overwhelm, or underwhelm you or your guests. The most important thing to remember with themes is that they should reflect you, not what’s on trend.
Burlap can fall under many theme categories and can be used in a variety of ways in all of them. Call it country chic, vintage charm, rustic romance, old world or even western themed weddings. Yes, you read right, western themed! Burlap is a versatile material that can be trimmed to the thinnest of ribbons, made into gift bags for bonbonniere, used as reception chair decoration or even an aisle runner for the diehard burlap fanatics.
In this particular blog we’ve showcased Way to Wed’s 5 favourite ways to use burlap.
There are warnings that come with using burlap too. Don’t think of it as an easy option, because with the wrong piece or embellishments it can come off cheap and nasty rather than a relaxed charming addition to your day.
At the conclusion of the inspiration thread we’ll go through ways to help you avoid the cheap imitation burlap and using the great quality in the wrong ways.
1. Flowers! Endless Opportunities.
One of my favourite aspects of burlap is you can use it with almost any flower and it just works.
Personally I would recommend avoiding frangipanis and roses, unless you are opting for softer full bloom roses such as the lilac ones in below right. Whatever flowers or burlap pieces you use in your bridal party, ensure you use similar colours in your decoration to tie your day together from the start to finish.
2. Table Centrepieces & Buffets.
The thing I love most about any theme with a burlap aspect is it usually means a dessert or sweet buffet of some sort. These are divine and completely cost effective! (Think: Skip the dessert meal!) Not to mention it adds another decoration piece to the venue besides your table centres and accents and can be used as an offset and continuation of your cake display.
The thing I love most about any theme with a burlap aspect is it usually means a dessert or sweet buffet of some sort. These are divine and completely cost effective! (Think: Skip the dessert meal!) Not to mention it adds another decoration piece to the venue besides your table centres and accents and can be used as an offset and continuation of your cake display.
Table centres are the same as flowers; there are endless opportunities which are only limited by your own imagination. My favourite display of creativity is the centre top row image using burlap string to turn an ordinary beer bottle into a centrepiece worth talking about. It’s minimalist, cost effective but fits with the rustic theme and complimented by the wood stump.
My second favourite is simple but well thought out – the centre bottom row image of the candle holder created into a table number. It caters for two things; lighting and practicality. The candle would have been there nine times out of ten, so why not cut costs further and make it your table number too. For further budget cuts, use recycled mason jars instead of new candle holders. (It’ll fit with your theme, TRUST me.)
4. Table & Aisle Runners
Runners are an absolute favourite of mine because creativity is limitless and it can really add that extra something to your ceremony and reception. Though be careful with using burlap as a table runner because you need to ensure you have perfectly frayed and starched the edge of your pieces or sealed the edges to avoid damage. A popular way to do this is with lace, just as the aisle runner below shows.
For the bridal table dress it up some more by draping chiffon elegantly over the table as per the below picture sourced from pinterest. Don’t overdo the burlap; compliment it with other elements to create an overall feel. The best way to compliment it on the bridal table is with something of the same colour as your dress or suits (white/ivory/champagne, etc) to bring it all together.
Runners are an absolute favourite of mine because creativity is limitless and it can really add that extra something to your ceremony and reception. Though be careful with using burlap as a table runner because you need to ensure you have perfectly frayed and starched the edge of your pieces or sealed the edges to avoid damage. A popular way to do this is with lace, just as the aisle runner below shows.
For the bridal table dress it up some more by draping chiffon elegantly over the table as per the below picture sourced from pinterest. Don’t overdo the burlap; compliment it with other elements to create an overall feel. The best way to compliment it on the bridal table is with something of the same colour as your dress or suits (white/ivory/champagne, etc) to bring it all together.
5. The bonbonniere and the signs.
I just LOVE it. All of it. The simplicity and the charm
creates a lasting memory not only for the guests but for the couple and all the
vendors involved too. The bride on the top right (a personal friend) was the
DIY Queen of Brides-to-be and did all of her work herself, including bagging
the coffee beans for their bonbonniere. It all came out picture perfect (as you can
see for yourself).
While signs aren’t anything new in the wedding industry, hundreds of thousands are used purposely for the thank you cards, there is something absolutely divine about the simplicity of the burlap inspired sign. Whether it’s the laid back, country feel it gives you or the warm smile you get everytime you glance at the card from the couple in question you can’t help but remember the theme of the day. The sign really does tie it all together.
While signs aren’t anything new in the wedding industry, hundreds of thousands are used purposely for the thank you cards, there is something absolutely divine about the simplicity of the burlap inspired sign. Whether it’s the laid back, country feel it gives you or the warm smile you get everytime you glance at the card from the couple in question you can’t help but remember the theme of the day. The sign really does tie it all together.
What
NOT to do with Burlap.
The below images are representations of what not to do with burlap. Some are
simply overbearing and take away the purpose (ie: hiding a table – practical,
hiding it under too many layers (the ruffles) – takes away from the cake.)
others are representations of what can happen if you don’t prepare or cut your
burlap properly. (Remember sealing the edges off?) 
Over bearing! This could be corrected with one overlay of burlap (or runner), with an undercloth in desired colour and if further embellishment is required go with chiffon or flowers in gathered burlap creases.
Thin and worn, not ideal for people to be seated in front of.
Without proper sealing the frays of these burlap flowers make it look messy and unfinished.
Stay inspired!
WtW
WtW
