A tough economy and tighter budgets has led some couples down a DIY route to wedding planning. Whether you’re already a crafter extraordinaire or just getting started with hands-on projects, here are five creative DIY ideas we think you’ll adore.
Save-the-Date Leis
This project couldn’t be simpler. You’ll need card stock in your wedding colors, paper punches shaped like flowers, and coordinating ribbon – you’ll find all of these things at your favorite craft store. Punch out the flowers, use a small hole punch to cut a hole in the center, and string the flowers onto your ribbon. Write the details of your day on the flowers before you pop them in an envelope. When their leis arrive in the mail, we bet guests won’t forget your wedding date!
Difficulty level: Easy
Handmade Invitations
Everyone knows about the print-it-yourself invitations available at office supply, craft, and department stores. But if you’re looking for something fancier – perhaps with more colors and layers – look no further than your home printer and the scrapbooking aisle at your favorite craft store. The folks at Better Homes and Gardens have a whole gallery of simple invitations of all styles that look like they were expensive to make. You’ll need some time to assemble these, but we think you’ll love the results. And, with the variety of papers available, you’re sure to find something that fits your wedding day style!
Difficultly level: Easy to Moderate, depending on the design
Ring Bearer Book
Traditionally, ring bearers carry pillows down the aisle with dummy rings tied to the top. They can be tricky for little hands to carry – often, the child will tip the pillow, causing the rings to fall off if they’re not tied securely. We love the idea of a ring bearer book. It’s sturdy, easy for small hands to carry, and the rings are tucked inside. Find an appropriate book second hand to make this accessory or buy a blank book. You might even trust your ring bearer to carry the real rings! (If you want to make a more traditional pillow, find ideas for several projects here.)
Difficultly level: Moderate
Cupcake Wrappers
Cupcakes are still a popular wedding cake trend, but the paper wrappers that dress them up can be a little pricier than some couples want to pay. If you’ve already worked certain colors and patterns into your décor – perhaps from the DIY invites above! – why not coordinate your cupcake wrappers? The folks at DIYBride.com have a template and complete instructions for how to make your own wrappers. It couldn’t be easier!
Difficulty level: Easy
Outdoor Paper Lanterns
Light the night at your outdoor reception with homemade paper lanterns. Make them in your wedding colors, or go with yellows and whites to cast a soft glow over your space. Look at thrift stores and yard sales for old lampshades (or buy them new) because you’ll need the structure and socket rings from them for this project.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Resources
These websites are a wealth of information for couples looking to DIY some or all of their wedding details.
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