Here’s a great example of a DIY bouquet:

Ez from Creature Comforts created this bouquet by wrapping a simple set of daffodils purchased from Trader Joe’s together with a rubber band and covering that rubber band with a ribbon.  To add a extra special touch, she added an decorative earring.

I love how simple this seems and how elegant it looks!

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Images from Save on Crafts

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1) Birdseed:  Although this doesn’t solve the problem of cleanup, it’s not nearly as slippery as rice and, obviously, not dangerous to birds.  Plus, it’s simple to make.  You can purchase large quantities of birdseed and any nursery or home improvement store.  Then, diving and conquer–package the birdseed into small favor bags and tie with a pretty ribbon.  You can even attach a sticker to tag to complete the look.  Try these great Polka Dot Organza Bags from Beau-coup.

2)  Flower Petals:  Another simple yes beautiful alternative to rice:  flower petals.  You can order petals from any florist in bulk.  Package them the same way you would the birdseed (see above) and you’ll have an environmentally-friendly ceremony toss with gorgeous color!

3)  Bubbles:  OK, not so DIY…but still adorable!  Blowing bubbles on the bride and groom requires no cleanup and still produces a gorgeous effect.  My favorites are these Wedding Bubble Tubes from Beau-coup.

4) Sparklers:  Admittedly, some parents may not be thrilled to have handfuls of sparklers in close proximity to their children, so proceed with caution based on your guest list.  However, if you have an adult-only wedding, this is an amazing alternative to rice.  I’ve seen some amazing wedding photography with all the guests wielding sparklers around the happy couple (see below!).  Plus, so easy to DIY…check out this tip from Martha Stewart Weddings:

“These can also be used as favors for the guests at an evening wedding, where they can be given out along with printed matchboxes or matchbooks. Tape a sparkler to the back of each matchbox to keep them from sliding about, and tie with a ribbon.”

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I have the perfect solution to wedding seating chart awkwardness, and the best part?  It’s a DIY project that will cost you next to nothing!  These Topic Table Conversation Place Cards will get your guests laughing and chatting in no time:

What You’ll Need:

Computer Printable Place Cards (enough so each guest gets one!)

Your own creative mind

A computer and a printer

Instructions:

The idea is simple.  Simply buy your printable place cards and follow the instructions for running them through your home printer.  The creative part comes in with what’s actually on the cards!  Instead of just printing your guests name and table number, why not add challenging or thought provoking questions to get your guests chatting?  Some examples:

• If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?  Why?
• If you had to choose one meal to eat over and over for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• If you could re-do your wedding, what would you change?  What would you keep the same?

What guests will be talking up a storm in no time!

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Instructions:

• Purchase fabric flowers from your local craft store
• Snip the fabric flowers from their stems
• Wrap ribbon around your finger to determine the approximate length you’ll need
• Cut ribbon to size, adding about 1/4 inch for overlap
• Use a hot-glue gun to join ends together, forming a loop, and to add flowers to ribbon bands.

For more details visit Martha Stewart Weddings

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Tools and Materials

• Paper printed with personalized photos
• Ruler
• Bone folder
• Paper cutter
• Scrap paper
• Glue stick

How-To
1. To make an envelope liner, measure the width of your envelope, and subtract 1/4 inch. For the length, fold back the flap of the envelope, and measure from the bottom of envelope to tip of flap, just under the gummed strip. Using a paper cutter, cut a sheet of paper to these dimensions.

2. Slip the paper into the envelope, and fold the corners down just below the glue line, using a bone folder to create sharp creases. Remove the paper from the envelope, and cut off the corners along the folds.

3. Insert liner sheet into envelope, and fold down flap. Lift up the envelope flap, keeping the liner folded. Slip a piece of scrap paper under the liner flap to protect envelope from glue. Run the glue stick over the edges of the back of the liner.

4. Slip out scrap paper. Close down the outer flap over liner, and rub with fingertip to adhere glue to flap.

Idea Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

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Ribbon Pomanders:

What you’ll need:

* 8 rolls of assorted ribbon (between 12-15 feet)
* One bouquet of fake smaller flowers with removable heads (preferably)
* 6 in. diameter Styrofoam ball
* Pins
* Toothpicks
* Floral tape (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut all ribbon into about 4 inch strips (you will have MANY strips—not sure on a count)
Step 2: Form each strip of ribbon into the shape of a circle—overlapping the ends.
Step 3: Put the pin through the two overlapping ends (see picture)
Step 4: Stick these pins throughout the Styrofoam ball. For a tighter look (like my finished project) stick the ribbon closer together.
Step 5: Once the ball is as “full” as you like, remove the heads on the flowers.
Step 6: Put each flower on a toothpick. I used floral tape to secure the flower head on the toothpick
Step 7: Stick the toothpicks throughout the ribbon ball

So many uses for these beautiful pomanders–your flower girl can carry one hanging from a ribbon down the aisle, pew decor, centerpieces…the options are endless!

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String Theory Pendant Lamps  (courtesy of ReadyMade)

You’ll need:

• Round Balloons
• Crochet Thread (color of your choice)
• Fabric stiffner
• Hanging Lamp cord and socket
• Light bulbs
• Ceiling Hooks
• Takeout container lids (optional)
• Scissors
• Drop Cloth
• Bowl
• Rubber Gloves
• Foam Brush
• Clothespin
• Needle

Start by blowing up a balloon to the desired size of your ball.  Begin wrapping the crochet string around the inflated balloon, adding the fabric stiffener as you go along.  Wrap until your ball has the desired transparency and amount of string.  Let the ball dry overnight, then pop the balloon and pull it out through a hole in the string.  Add all the hardware and hang.  Voila!  An amazing wedding decoration for any budget!

For more detailed instructions, visit the original post at ReadyMade.

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Instead of recreating the wheel, I’m going to share a great set of instructions with accompanying photos that can be found here. Although there are a number of steps involved, the process is really quite easy.  And then…voila!  You have a beautiful origami crane.

What’s really special about these cranes is the number of uses for them!  DIY Wedding Projects had a great idea for using the cranes as place cards.  Eco-Chic Weddings suggest stringining the cranes all in a row and hanging them from the celiing–the look is both elegant and modern.  New York Magazine featured a wedding that used the cranes as favors.  Twiggs Bakery and Coffeehouse has a cake on their website that uses the crane as a cake topper! And finally, if you want to really put in some effort, Trek Earth features a paper crane lantern.  (See all images below.)

I’m sure there are countless other options for utilizing the origami crane at your wedding.  Feel free to chime in!

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Today’s DIY project is so simple, it’s something that even the least crafty bride should be able to accomplish.  A co-worker recently utilized this project at her husband’s birthday party, proving that these favors are perfect for any occasion.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Bulk Sand Dollars are Starfish- one per guest
• Self-adhesive magnets or Magnetic Buttons (one per guest)
• Spray paint (optional)
• Hot Glue Gun and glue sticks (optional for non-adhesive magnets only)
• Paint pens (optional for those that want to write a message on their magnets)

Instructions:

1)  Decide if you want your Sand Dollars or Starfish to stay in their original state or if you want to add some pizazz to them.  My co-worker spray painted all of her sand dollars silver to match her event.  You can also choose to write a message or put your names and wedding date on the front of them using the paint pen.

2) If you’ve painted your Sand Dollars or Starfish in any way, make sure they dry completely.  Once they are dry, flip them over and attach the magnet, either with the self-adhesive or the glue gun.

That’s it!  You’re done!  How easy can you get?!  These will look great at each place setting and will be something cute and small that guests can take home as a memorable keepsake.  These don’t have to be restricted to beach events–use other pieces like feathers or small photo frames to fit your event.  Good luck and happy crafting!

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