Wedding Car Ribbon Guide

wedding car ribbon bow on a roll Royce

Introduction

Wedding car ribbons have been a cherished part of wedding traditions for generations, helping to transform vehicles into elegant and memorable features of the big day. Whether you're decorating a classic vintage car, a luxury modern vehicle, or a convoy of wedding guest cars, the right ribbon can add sophistication, colour and personality to your celebration.

In this guide, we'll explain the best ribbons for wedding cars, recommended ribbon widths, popular colour choices, how much ribbon you'll need and tips for creating beautiful bows and decorations.

Why Use Ribbon on Wedding Cars?

Decorating wedding vehicles with ribbon is a timeless way to celebrate the occasion and create stunning photographs.

Benefits include:

✔ Elegant appearance

✔ Traditional wedding styling

✔ Affordable decoration option

✔ Easy to install and remove

✔ Available in colours to match any wedding theme

✔ Suitable for all vehicle types

From luxury wedding cars and vintage vehicles to bridal party and guest vehicles, ribbon remains one of the most popular wedding decorations available.

What Is The Best Ribbon For Wedding Cars?

Not all ribbons are equally suitable for vehicle decoration.

Double Satin Ribbon

Double satin ribbon is widely considered the best choice for wedding car decoration.

Benefits include:

  • Luxurious appearance
  • Beautiful sheen
  • Excellent bow formation
  • Durable and strong
  • Available in hundreds of colours

Perfect for:

  • Bonnet bows
  • Door handles
  • Mirror decorations
  • Wedding convoys

Organza Ribbon

Organza ribbon offers a lighter, more romantic appearance.

Benefits:

  • Sheer elegant finish
  • Creates large decorative bows
  • Adds volume without weight
  • Ideal for layered designs

Many wedding decorators combine satin and organza ribbon together to create luxurious layered bows. For more details on this style of ribbon take a look at 'What Is Organza Ribbon'

Grosgrain Ribbon

Although less common for wedding cars, grosgrain ribbon can work well for rustic and country-themed weddings.

The textured finish complements:

Satin Ribbon vs Organza Ribbon For Wedding Cars

Satin RibbonOrganza Ribbon
Luxurious sheenSoft sheer appearance
Strong and durableLightweight and romantic
Structured bowsLarge decorative bows
Traditional wedding lookModern layered look
Excellent for bonnet displaysIdeal for accent bows

Many professional wedding decorators use both materials together.

benefits or satin ribbon over sheer ribbon

What Width Ribbon Should I Use?

Choosing the correct ribbon width can dramatically improve the final appearance. Here are some thoughts on the various widths of ribbon for use at weddings. For more details on ribbon widths you can always refer to our guide 'Ribbon Width Guide'

25mm Wedding Ribbon

Best for:

  • Door handles
  • Small bows
  • Guest vehicles
  • Wedding favours

38mm Wedding Ribbon

Perfect for:

  • Mirror bows
  • Bridal car decoration
  • Medium-sized bows
  • Floral accents

50mm Wedding Ribbon

One of the most popular widths for:

  • Large bows
  • Bonnet decorations
  • Premium wedding vehicles

100mm Wedding Ribbon

Ideal for:

  • Statement bows
  • Luxury wedding displays
  • Professional decorators
  • Venue entrance decorations
image illustrating the different widths of ribbon

How Much Ribbon Do I Need For A Wedding Car?

The amount of ribbon required depends on the style of decoration.

Decoration TypeApproximate Ribbon Required
Door handle bow2–3 metres
Mirror bow3–4 metres
Large bonnet bow5–8 metres
Bonnet cross design8–12 metres
Full vehicle decoration15–25 metres

Always allow extra ribbon for adjustments and larger bows.

For further information on the amount of ribbon that you might need for various projects, check out our guide 'How Much Ribbon Do I Need'

illustrating how much ribbon is needed

Popular Wedding Car Ribbon Colours

White Wedding Ribbon

The classic choice for traditional weddings.

Perfect for:

  • White wedding dresses
  • Church ceremonies
  • Vintage vehicles

Ivory Wedding Ribbon

Elegant and timeless.

Particularly popular with:

  • Cream wedding themes
  • Luxury venues
  • Traditional celebrations

Blush Pink Ribbon

A modern favourite for romantic weddings.

Pairs beautifully with:

  • Roses
  • Peonies
  • Soft pastel colour palettes

Sage Green Ribbon

Increasingly popular for modern countryside weddings.

Ideal for:

  • Rustic weddings
  • Botanical themes
  • Outdoor ceremonies

Navy and Burgundy Ribbon

Perfect for autumn and winter weddings.

Creates a rich and luxurious appearance against lighter coloured vehicles.

illustrating the popular wedding car ribbon colours

How To Make A Wedding Car Bow

Creating a professional-looking bow is easier than many people think.

Step 1

Cut the desired ribbon length.

Step 2

Create several loops of equal size.

Step 3

Secure the centre using narrow ribbon or florist wire.

Step 4

Separate and fluff the loops.

Step 5

Trim ribbon tails at an angle for a professional finish.

 

If your still not confident on making your own bows then check out our satin ribbon wedding car ribbons and bows section for stunning handmade bows.

image showing how to make your own wedding car bow

Wedding Car Ribbon Safety Tips

Always prioritise safety when decorating vehicles.

Do:

✔ Secure ribbons firmly

✔ Check visibility is not obstructed

✔ Ensure decorations cannot enter moving parts

✔ Test decorations before travelling

Avoid:

✘ Covering number plates

✘ Obstructing mirrors

✘ Blocking headlights

✘ Allowing loose ribbon near wheels

Frequently Asked Questions

What ribbon is best for wedding cars?

Double satin ribbon is generally considered the best choice due to its luxurious appearance and strength.

What width ribbon should I use for wedding cars?

38mm and 50mm ribbons are the most popular choices for wedding vehicle decoration.

Can organza ribbon be used on wedding cars?

Yes. Organza ribbon creates beautiful soft bows and is often paired with satin ribbon for a layered look.

How much ribbon do I need for a wedding car bow?

Most bonnet bows require between 5 and 8 metres of ribbon depending on the size of the bow.

What colour ribbon is most popular for weddings?

White and ivory remain the most popular wedding ribbon colours, although blush pink and sage green have become increasingly fashionable.

Create Beautiful Wedding Car Decorations

Whether you're decorating a vintage wedding car, luxury chauffeur vehicle or a convoy of guest cars, the right ribbon can transform an ordinary vehicle into a memorable part of your special day.

Our collection of premium wedding ribbons includes luxurious satin ribbons, elegant organza ribbons and a wide range of colours and widths to help you create stunning wedding car displays.

 

Other Guides That Might Be Of Interest

We have an extensive knowledge and guide section, some of the other guides that might be of interest to you are:

1) Best Ribbon For Wedding Invitations.

2) What Is Organza Ribbon\

3) What is Velvet ribbon

 

Guide Last Update

June 2026