Poofs and Frills, and Gems and Glitter!!!!!

This blog post is inspired by my sister-in-law Tracey who is getting married in August 2014. I am helping her plan her wedding and although her wedding will be very different than mine was, I am sharing with her some DIY ideas and tips on how to keep the budget in check. She loves glitz and glam, the bigger the poof the better in her eyes. So this post is to show the disbelievers that you can actually have a DIY wedding (on a budget) full of all the fabulousness that comes with sparkle and frills!

The Wedding Dress

I actually bought my wedding dress on Etsy for a total of $57 with shipping! I added a brooch and some lace to the bottom and it was perfect. It was vintage and simple but totally me, and I didn't care that it went in the garbage after a messy "Trash the Dress" photoshoot by Jeff Cooke Photography.

Shop Etsy:

For all of you fancy brides-to-be, here are some examples of what you can find handmade on Etsy to fit in with your classic or fairytale wedding vision. The big poofy ball gowns are for my sister-in-law... check out these budget friendly dresses Tracey ;)

                                                            
                                                   $379 U.S by Wonderuxe

                                                       
                                                 $229 U.S Kiss Bridal

                $249 U.S by Lemandy Wedding Dress

                                                                          $298 U.S Angel Wedding Dress

                                                   $299 U.S Lass Dress



Bridal Accessories

I made most of my accessories, and those that I didn't make myself I bought handmade. And you can do it too!

Do-It-Yourself:

Most DIY wedding projects start with a vision, this could be a photo, something you saw on t.v, or even something a friend told you about that they saw at another wedding. Regardless of where the idea came from you can make it your own by adding and changing details. Here is a video that shows you how to do just that by The Knot (which by the way is a great wedding planning tool).

Pinterest is a great tool to start compiling your wedding and DIY ideas. Look online and in magazines for the style of accessories you may want to include in your overall wedding look and start collecting your supplies. You can get DIY wedding accessories supplies from: Michaels', Etsy, Ebay, Joann's, and your local craft stores... even your local dollar store for the budget friendly bride-to-be. Here are some DIY wedding accessory ideas for your glamorous wedding look.

                                               Wedding Shoe Embellishment

Buy a reasonably priced pair of white plain heals or flats (You will likely only wear these shoes once so why spend a lot of money on them, not to mention you will end up taking them off on the dance floor after the first 5 songs...) Pick up a pair of clip on earrings at a thrift shop, antique store, or your grandma's jewelry box. Clip them on if the clip has a tight clasp, or take the clips off and hot/super glue them on and voila! Fabulous wedding shoes. If you want a bigger embellishment just buy matching brooches.

             
                                                      Hair Accessories 

Much the same as the shoes embellishment, determine what type of style of hair accessory you would like such as a facilitator, headband, hair pins, birdcage veil, or long veil and fancy them up! You just need to get the basic hair accessory supply depending on the look you want then start gluing on decorative details such as brooches, earrings, gems, crystals, feathers, flowers, lace, glitter, etc.

                                                           Jewelry

Now this is one that takes a little more skill than using a glue gun but can still be done by most brides-to-be or someone they know... perhaps a bridesmaid or two. If you know the basics to jewelry making and have some supplies all you need is a photo as a guide to making your own custom jewelry if you choose. Or again you can find some really great pieces for a great price on Etsy. This is where I bought my earrings and the earrings my bridesmaids wore at my wedding. I did however make my own necklace and bracelet. My inspiration came from the last picture on the right from the Style Me Pretty Blog.

For a more glamorous look try some of these ideas...

                                                     










Bridal Bouquet

Bridal bouquets are no longer made just of flowers; brides-to-be have taken this focal accessory into a creative direction and bouquets are now made of buttons, brooches, rhinestones, pearls, fabric flowers, feathers, wheat, and even veggies... yes veggies! If you are looking for more of a traditional look with flowers, springs of green, and baby's breath don't think you have to call up the florist immediately to put in your order. You can DIY your wedding bouquet also, trust me, it's not as hard as you may think. For my wedding I made a DIY vintage brooch bouquet (and a hand tied toss bouquet) and my bridesmaids made their own bouquets from locally grown flowers I picked up at the market.

Here are some other bridal bouquet ideas that you can DIY for a more formal, classic wedding...

And for the floral type, go hand tied. Check out the examples on OneWed that you can create for your special day.

For a how to video on hand tying floral bouquets check out eHow's video explaining the steps. This can be a fun and relaxing process so get creative!

Here are some hand tied bouquets I made for friends' weddings.

So, when you are planning your wedding try to think outside of the box and don't assume you need to pay top dollar for your dress, bouquet, or shoes. You can buy handmade, enlist your crafty bridemade to get her hands dirty, or DIY and save yourself some hard earned cash! There is nothing wrong with being under budget...

The little details...

One of the best things about a DIY Wedding is all the little details that make your wedding day personal and infused with both the Bride and Groom's personalities. After getting all of the major planning out of the way like where the wedding will take place, who will stand with you, and the vows to say "I Do", you can now start focusing on tying everything together with personal touches. Sometimes this is the most daunting task for Brides so here is a little help to get your creative ideas flowing. Depending on your level of craftiness you can choose one of three options when bringing together all of the details for your DIY Wedding... or a combination of each!


Option #1 The "I only need a little inspiration" Bride

This option is for the DIY Bride who has all the latest gadgets, craft supplies, jars of buttons, rolls of ribbon, and even a stamp or two. You watch t.v, read magazines, and automatically want to create something because you know you can. You will likely be the type of Bride who makes everything yourself (occasionally recruiting a few of your friends by inviting them for snacks and wine, and then surprise... we are making wedding favours!). Been there, done that! So if all you need is a little inspiration, inspiration is what you will get...

Check out these websites:

First of all, you have come to the right place (enter modest plug here ---> Everything Wedding DIY). Feel free to browse this blog for DIY Wedding ideas :)

    



















<--------- DIY Flower Girl Baskets

                                                                          DIY Vintage Brooch Bouquet
                                                              (Click the image to go directly to this How-To)

                                     
                                                                             DIY Natural Boutonnieres
                                                              (Click the image to go directly to this How-To)

  

DIY Ring Pillow from ----> Scrap Material















DIY Bird Cage Veil & Facinator

                                                                            DIY Birdie Cake Topper


Another adorable blog I just happened to stumble upon is this one, full of wedding inspiration! Wedding Obsessed, check out some of the adorable DIY ideas I found on the first 5 pages... I will definately be spending more time on this one scoping out ideas for my sister-in-law's upcoming wedding.

     <--- DIY 
    Vintage 
    Hair Pin

                                                                    DIY Earthy Outdoor ------->
                                                                           Place Settings

                               Handmade Bride and Groom Seat Markers and Dried Flower Place Settings

Here are some other really great websites full of inspiration:
Style Me Pretty
Offbeat Bride
Intimate Weddings

Option #2 The "I'm crafty, but not that crafty" Bride

This option is for the DIY Bride who has some skills such as being able to use a glue gun and some sparkle, and tying a pretty bow or two but when it comes to having all of the supplies you are lacking. Fear not, there are places you can go for this... you don't always have to pick up every crafting tool just to DIY some of your wedding details especially if you don't plan on picking up a fancy paper punch or spool of ribbon again. First of all use the above websites, magazines, and wedding Youtube videos for inspiration, plan out your projects, and then make a list of the items you will need to start creating. There is always somewhere to go where someone else has done half of the work for you, saving you time and in many cases money (since you don't have to go out and buy tools you will never use again).

Check out Simple Paper Indulgences' Shop:

This shop is a great start to begin browsing material to use in your DIY Wedding details. Jo is the shop owner and has a great story to share about how her shop got started...

My example in life were/are my parents and step parent. All three of these people were amazing self made business people, working hard to make ends meet and aiming for being debt free. My mom and dad both immigrated from Holland way back in 1949 when they were 5 years old to meet later in life in western Canada. As a child I saw them start and make a go of their own business all the while having "home" as the priority. After my dad's passing, my mom remarried another wonderful man who had the same values of home and family who also ran his own business. Now as an adult, who home schools our two children, I have a lot of opportunity to find inspiration in the things that have always been important, the preciousness of time and family, and frugal living. Out of that was born my craft, salvaging fine papers from amazing vintage books and other sources, and also finding new sources for paper that still holds a high standard of quality that is not so common in today's mass produced world.

I think what I have to offer the DIY bride is the ability to get some unusual handmade supplies that they can then add their own touches to, or put together in their own creative way. I've sold to many brides and gotten pictures back from them for how they've used my items and their creativity for stunning place cards, table centerpieces, guest favors, invitations and more.

My top 3 item pics,
www.etsy.com/listing/84350580/diy-wedding-supplies-kraft-paper-sticker
www.etsy.com/listing/64620752/personalized-kraft-hang-tags-made-to
www.etsy.com/listing/87512163/25-primary-color-cardstock-die-cuts-tag

Here are some others, just click the image to go straight to the listing:

Here are some other really great shops and sites:
East Coast Bride
SANPEDRO CACTUS
Simply Sassy Source
The Front Porch
Sunshine Shoppe Supply
Cheap Bulk Candles
The Wedding Shoppe
Evergreen Memories
Save-on-Crafts


Option #3 The "I want Handmade but not with these hands" Bride

This option is for the DIY Bride who values the time and effort put into handmade items and the uniqueness of DIY details however does not have a crafty bone in her body. You want a DIY look and a handmade feel however you don't have the time to invest in all of the little details. In that case look no further than Etsy where you can find literally anything when it comes to handmade wedding items. I'm not kidding, try it for yourself...

... want a handmade wedding dress
... want a unique flower girl basket
... want a matching set of ties for your Groom and his Groomsmen
... want a Photobooth sign for a unique wedding backdrop
... want a brooch bouquet but just can't find the time to make one

I could go on forever (really, I can't even count the hours I have spent on Etsy) but try it out yourself!


In the end your wedding day will be better than you can even imagine, all of the little details will come together and in the end you are creating more memories with your life partner that will become one of the sweetest moments you will have together. Its the beginning of your life as a married couple, there will be ups and downs during the wedding planning process and some ups and downs after you get married but never forget, the little details.

To give or not to give, that is the question...

So as you are planning your DIY wedding you will be faced with the decision of whether or not to give wedding favours. It is a personal choice and gone are the days of wedding etiquette where you must thank your guests for attending by giving them a small hand-wrapped packet of mints or personalized matches. Many couples are opting for the choice of forgoing the individual wedding favours and they are donating to a local organization instead. Canadian brides and husbands-to-be can explore this list for non-profit organizations that fit their values as a couple.  For the American brides-to-be, you can go to www.nonprofitlist.org and find local non-profit organizations to donate to. If you choose to go this route a hand written or printed card placed on your dessert table or at each place setting would be sufficient to inform your guests of your altruistic decision. Here are some examples:

                                                                LES Designs at Etsy

                                                           Nostalgic Imprints at Etsy

Another choice of wedding favours are those Eco-conscious in nature, and this would be a perfect option for the Eco-conscious bride/groom who choose an outdoor and earthy themed wedding... Trees!

Evergreen Memories serves customers across Canada and the U.S and they offer amazing Green Gift options for the Eco-conscious bride. The company is based in Dryden, Ontario and they assure 100% satisfaction guaranteed, you can't go wrong with this option. They have additional natural wedding decor and gift options including clay and stone jewelry, seed confetti, and twig votive rings. You have to check them out!


The next option is for the coordinated bride who loves the personalized, handmade option for individual guest favours. This option can be a lot of fun to find the perfect guest favour that matches the style and theme of your DIY wedding. I came across the unique gift of tea at Namastea on Etsy where she creates customized single serve tea favours great for a quaint afternoon wedding. Yazmin of Namastea started the teas back when she was a wellness writer for Spa Asia Magazine in 2006. Back then her mom and brother were always sick, so she tried her hand with real dried herbs knowing that they have medicinal properties. Having tried the teas herself, she decided to launch a tea business out of it and has been supplying restaurants and tea houses ever since. Yazmin opened the shop on Etsy a year ago and the promise she guarantees for DIY brides is "you wont find your favours similar with others!" She customizes the labels as if your wedding is a brand itself, and the designs are one of a kind, so don't worry about bumping into a similar wedding with the similar favours! The contents are just as special, the teas are very fragrant and taste rich and decadent. They have no artificial flavours or colours like other commercial loose leaf teas. She blends her own teas too, so you will only find these flavours in the Namastea store.

And last but not least... FOOD! This was the option I chose for my afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres wedding. My Maid-of-Honour made several different kinds of cookies that were displayed on antique platters on the gift table along with DIY stamped cookie bags with our names and wedding date for guests to take a treat with them when the celebration was over.

LostBridgeDesigns on Etsy has a similar idea with their personalized printed treat bags. Great for a candy buffet, cookie platters, our your signature homemade dessert!

The great thing about being a DIY/Handmade bride is the options are endless, ideas are everywhere and it is up to you and your groom-to-be to find what suits you best as a couple and displays your personalities and love for one another. You can have a wedding-favour-making party with your bridemaids, do-it-yourself, or buy handmade; no matter what you choose it will be special because it is your perfect day!

Did you remember to invite Aunt Maggie?

So after you have created your vision for the big day and you have planned the venue, menu, colours and guest list it is time to think about, how are we going to let people know we're getting Married!

I come across a great couple who can help you with just that! Travis is the owner of WedInfinity, an Etsy shop that focuses solely on creating wedding stationary for DIY brides. You can't get much more direct than that; Travis and his fiance found the cost to have someone make/print/ship invitations to you was outrageous so they came up with a creative and cost effective way for brides and grooms to get personalized invitations at a fraction of the cost. For even greater savings check them out now because they currently have a one month sale on to celebrate the recent opening of their shop and you can get 15% off your purchase with the coupon code: open15

Here are just a few of their designs that you can personalize as your own 

When you purchase a listing from WedInfinity you get to customize the text, and colour so it is the first glimpse your guests will get in anticipation of the special day. The invitation sets the tone for the wedding day and lets your guests in to see your personality as a couple. After working closely with Travis and his fiance you will have an invitation that is truly your own. There is no risk of the invitations not coming in on time, or getting damaged because you are in control when receiving a high resolution invitation design as an attachment in and email; all you have to do is print as many invitations as you need at your local print shop.

WedInfinity has invitations for save-the-dates, non-traditional weddings, classic style, and even elopements!!

This invitation option is perfect for the DIY bride because this product is printable on anything, and DIY brides can print it anywhere you want! If you want to print it on your own printer for no cost, you can do that.  WedInfinity customizes their products for DIY brides by changing the color to what you want, adding a personal picture, and custom wording sent to Travis and his fiance making the product your own. Since you own the design you bought as a file, you can even edit the design on your own computer to further personalize it or if you need to change the date last minute. Simple, personalized, and DIY!