DIY Wedding Decor

As I'm digging myself out of email hell (you wouldn't believe how many unread emails I have - mostly junk), I came across an email that I normally wouldn't have opened. As a matter of fact, I opened it to find the "unsubscribe" link. Then, something told me to go to the website to see if they have anything new and, more importantly, improved. 

Usually, when brides tell me they are ordering wedding items from Oriental Trading, the hair stands up on my arms. Not because they don't have any good stuff, but because buying too many items from their site will make your wedding look like a cheap birthday party instead of the "simple but elegant" wedding you had in mind. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this picture at Oriental Trading. 

These are marble-look fluted pillars. They are made of cardboard and come in sets of 2 in the 3 sizes shown here. What I like about this picture, is that it shows you how to pull this off without looking cheesy. This is a pretty way to decorate the entrance to your reception... especially for your formal introductions. It could also serve as the backdrop for your ceremony if your venue doesn't already offer a picturesque setting. 

As always, remember that DIY stands for "do it yourself" not "do it BY yourself". Find someone, other than your wedding party or parents, to deliver and assemble your projects on the day of the wedding. 

Muchos Smooches

Candle Centerpieces

If you can't afford to fill your wedding reception with thousands of dollars in flowers, then consider mixing in a few candlescapes. You can either put candles on some tables and flowers on others. Or use flowers at the ceremony site and candles at the reception. Candles are a fabulous way to add glamour and/or personality to your reception decor.



For simple elegance, try floating candles & blooms together:


from http://www.tammybecker.com/



For a whimsical look (a DIY project):



from http://www.weddingbee.com/



NEW Winter DIY Wedding Workshop

Are you hoping to make your own centerpieces, favors or printed materials for your wedding in an effort to save money and add a personal touch? If you said YES, then this workshop is for you! Many brides begin projects and get overwhelmed, causing unnecessary time loss and added stress. Get individual attention and assistance with your wedding project ideas! All attendees will work on a project to take home.

All attendees will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of "The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown" by Khris Cochran (http://www.diybride.com/) 

Register today! 

Attention DIY Brides

There is still space available for our Fall DIY Wedding Workshop in Philadelphia on 10/16/10.

Register Today.

DIY Wedding Food: Hors D'ouevres

Recently, I read a bride's post on Wedding Wire asking for advice on serving finger foods at her wedding. She said she has cheese and crackers and a veggie tray. SKREEEECH! It was like nails on a chalkboard for me. This is a wedding, not a PTA meeting.

Assuming this bride is only serving hors d'ouevres and wants to keep it simple, I offer the following suggestions:

1. First and foremost, DIY means "Do It Yourself" not "Do It BY Yourself". Enlist the help of your parents and wedding party.

2. Elegantly display buffet-style. Use tiered trays for some. Use boxes under a table cover as risers.

3. If you are serving cold and hot foods, then you need to designate someone to be in charge of heating the food and putting it out for your guests...while it is still hot. This person should not be the bride or groom.

4. Remember that you are cooking for a lot more people than usual. Plan for the increased portions.

4. Food ideas (in addition to seasonal fresh fruits, veggies, and a variety of cheeses)

• baby quiche
• bruschetta
• stuffed mushrooms
• coconut shrimp
• chicken strips on skewers
• cucumber & cream cheese on mini toast
• cherry tomatoes & mozzarella
• pigs in a blanket
• spanakopita (spinach triangles)
• bacon-wrapped breadsticks
• delicious dipping sauces

Photo (#1) Source
Photo (#2) Source

This Fall: DIY Wedding Workshop Philadelphia

Are you hoping to make your own centerpieces, favors or printed materials for your wedding in an effort to save money and add a personal touch? If you said YES, then this workshop is for you! Many brides begin projects and get overwhelmed, causing unnecessary time loss and added stress. Get individual attention and assistance with your wedding project ideas! All attendees will work on a project to take home.

All attendees will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of "The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown" by Khris Cochran (http://www.diybride.com/)


What: Do It Yourself  (DIY) Wedding Workshop
When: Saturday, 10/16/2010 @ 2PM
Where: The Brossman Center @ Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia
7301 Germantown Avenue (Mt Airy)

Register Now

DIY Wedding Workshop: A Few Seats Left

There are a few seats left in our DIY Wedding Workshop next month. If you are looking for ways to personalize your wedding or save a couple of dollars on your wedding, then this workshop is definitely for you.

Register here

Before you decide to Do It Yourself, ask yourself these questions:
1. Have I ever crafted before and enjoy it as a hobby?
2. What is most important to me? If it is saving money, how can I get the most bang for my buck without creating a headache?
3. How much money will I save? Is it worth the time I will spend?
4. Am I being pressured to do this all myself?Do I see myself enjoying this experience?

Still want to do your own wedding projects, then come to our workshop on June 5. To make it more fun, bring your mom or your best friend.

My Favorite DIY Projects

These are my favorite DIY projects because they are simple and sassy. They require minimal materials and cost much less than they look.

Do you want me to tell you how to make them?

You'll have to attend my DIY Wedding Workshop on June 5th to find out.

NEW DIY Wedding Workshop Coming 6/5/10

Register here

Photos from our last workshop

Do It Yourself Wedding Workshop: 3.6.10

Click here to register

Whether you are doing it yourself to save money or because you are very crafty, you probably don't want your wedding to look "homemade". This workshop will help you avoid some of the stress and unnecessary expense that many brides encounter when they take on too many projects.

This workshop is also good for members of the bridal party who want to help the bride by making the favors, centerpieces, etc.

For a preview, come see my "DIY Do's & Don'ts" presentation at The Bridal Event (I will be at all shows except 2.28.10).