Once upon a time the humble brown paper bag most often featured in a school lunch box protecting a sandwich. But those days are long gone, as clever brides and grooms realise what a versatile addition they can be to a wedding. Here\u2019s 10 great ideas for using them in inventive – even unexpected – ways.<\/p>\n
What could be more perfect as a favour than something that\u2019s as tasty as it is beautiful looking? At least you know it won\u2019t be left behind when everyone goes home. You can add your names \u2013 or any other text you fancy \u2013 to the bag or just leave it plain to allow the lush cherries or other fresh fruit to claim the spotlight.<\/p>\n
Photo: Design Sponge<\/p>\n
Ceremony programs contain some of the day\u2019s most important information, so it\u2019s no surprise couples often go all out to make them interesting, from printing little booklets to creating paper fans. Brown paper bags bring another dimension, as they also serve double duty \u2013 for example to hold a bottle of water on a hot day.<\/p>\n
Photo: For Print Only<\/a><\/p>\n Garlands add eye-catching appeal to everything from tables and windowsills to doorways and more. This creation \u2013 which would perfectly complement a natural theme – features flowers, but you could also make classic-shaped bunting, perhaps with a different letter stamped on each triangle to spell out a message.<\/p>\n Photo: 52 Mantels<\/a><\/p>\n If the bride is the queen of the day, then it follows that her flower girls must be the princesses. And as anyone who\u2019s read a good fairytale lately knows, no royal ensemble is complete with a gorgeous tiara. Best of all, they\u2019re so simple to create that the little ones can actually give you a hand to make them.<\/p>\n Photo: Happy Hooligans<\/a><\/p>\n When most guests take their assigned seat at the reception, they\u2019ll look to get an insight into what kind of foodie direction the night is going to take. So entice them with a menu presented in simple, yet mouthwatering, form. And one that gives its own reward, courtesy of a beautiful fresh bread roll.<\/p>\n Photo: Etsy seller inkandivory<\/a><\/p>\n Who needs a vase, a glass bottle, or even a milk jar when you have a not-so-humble brown paper bag to serve as an appealing platform on which to build a vibrant floral display? For best results pick blooms which bring plenty of colour and texture to the party and finish the look off with a loop or two of jute twine.<\/p>\n Photo: Pinterest<\/p>\n Looks matter, but so does practicality \u2013 and brown paper bags have them both. Which is why they\u2019re so perfect to create welcome kits for out-of-town guests. As well as a wedding day timeline you could fill them with everything from snacks and brochures for local attractions to a bottle of bubbly to get the celebrations started.<\/p>\n Photo: Etsy seller GoodieBagPartyFavors<\/a><\/p>\n No two receptions are the same. And more and more couples these days are moving away from the idea of a sit-down dinner to something more casual. This could be a barbecue, a picnic or even a flurry of food trucks. Either way, they\u2019ll need cutlery, so present it in a beautiful kit themed to your wedding colours.<\/p>\nGarlands<\/h2>\n
Tiaras<\/h2>\n
Menus<\/h2>\n
Centrepieces<\/h2>\n
Welcome kits<\/h2>\n
Cutlery pouches<\/h2>\n