DIY wedding decorations
09 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Wedding Tips
Doctissimo – 10 hours ago
DIY wedding decorations
© Thinkstock
In order to economise on your wedding budget, or maybe just because you love arts and craft, why not do the decorations for your wedding yourself? From little personal touches to the whole thing, make it special without breaking the bank.
Decorating the reception room and tables for the wedding yourself is totally possible. It just takes a bit of time, imagination and organisation. So, if you are planning a summer wedding, get your think-ing cap on now.
DIY wedding decorations on a budget
Before getting started, make a list of the different elements you want to incorporate in the decora-tion, and stick to a reasonably strict budget. If you let your emotions take over, the costs will quickly shoot up!
Phew, you’ve decided where to have the ceremony, the reception, and also the number of guests… A large part of the organisation of your wedding is already done and dusted. Finally, it’s just the details you need to be thinking about.
It’s your wedding, one of the most important days of your life, and you want everything to be absolutely perfect, beautiful and magical. This is totally normal! But in terms of decoration, you need stick to your initial budget. Be careful because when faced with all the gorgeousness in the shops, you might lose your cool and blow your budget on expensive decorations, which will defeat the whole purpose.
Perhaps you have decided to put a personal touch on the decoration of your chosen venues? “You can do many different things with wedding decorations,” explains Lelia Deshayes, decorator and co-author of the book “My Wedding Decoration”.
There are multitudes of ways to get fabulous decorations for your wedding without having to spend a fortune. If you are deft with your fingers, you can even put together your own wedding bouquet, a hair accessory or customise your shoes. Choose what to do according to what you are good at when it comes to crafts, and have fun!
From table decorations, accessories for flower girls and page boys, to sugared almonds and little gifts for the guests, you can add a little personal touch in lots of different ways, that don’t need to cost a fortune!
DIY wedding decorations planning and organisation
First tip: Focus on the little details, in large quantities, rather than a big element of the overall decoration. “I have often seen one or two highly styled shrubs housed in a big room, which no one even notices. Even if this seems like a big statement at home or in the shop, in a room of 300 people, this type of decoration will be invisible. It is much better to concentrate on 250 napkin rings, or 20 smaller table centrepieces which are easily achievable and affordable,” Lelia advises.
Second tip: Decide with your future husband on the timing and the budget you are prepared to allocate to the decoration. Are you going to leave the venues pretty much untouched or, on the contrary, do you dream of mountains of flowers everywhere? It won’t all just happen by itself.
Then, talk it over with those around you. A sister, mother-in-law, a friend who is more practical than you are might be delighted to help you and give advice. “Weddings are a family occasion. Make the most of it!” Be careful, however, of imposing your wedding organisation on others and you will avoid creating tension.
After this, establish a list of the key things you wish to have in your decoration: original table centrepieces, little bouquets of flowers dotted around everywhere, lighting, colour schemes, and wall deco… the possibilities are endless!
Third tip: Find out the opening hours of the reception venue. Will you be able to access the venue the night before to arrange the flowers and candles? Will you have enough time in order to put up your decorations? If your reception is going to be in your parent’s garden, all this will be a lot simpler!
DIY wedding flowers
Find inexpensive flowers. Try to speak directly to producers or to a wholesaler – or get into early and serious negotiation with a local florist to order bulk cut flowers at a good rate. There is no need to buy vases for this one event; cut flowers gathered into bouquets on the pews in the church or stuck onto the walls of a reception room with glue will have a lovely overall effect. “If you are getting married in the countryside, consider using this as your theme inside too; think about using wild flowers which are pretty, simple and really not very expensive at all!”
Go for a seasonal feel. Getting married in summer? Use lavender or sunflowers. These won’t wilt in the middle of the afternoon. For a winter wedding, steal a few ideas from Christmas, like fir tree branches which are certainly a lot less expensive than cultivated roses.
For the table centrepieces: It’s pointless to spend a fortune, and often the simplest ideas are the most successful, excellent ice-breakers for the guests around the table. A funny photo of the newlyweds, a little anecdote about their life written on a little card, an unusual object which sums the couple up…
This is the moment to demonstrate your originality! Little accents which link to a detail on the wedding dress, panels of fabric on the walls, bouquets of net and cut branches as well…
More information:
Thinking about a themed wedding?
Getting over the fear of marriage
Couples discussions
DIY Wallpaper Lanterns
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tips, Party Tips, Wedding Tips
Nicole of Flora Bond is back with us today to share how she made those adorable wallpaper lanterns in this floral heaven shoot we featured last week, shot by Jaclyn Davis with flowers by Lemon Blossom Designs. These are so easy! Thank you Nicole for sharing this tutorial with us!
Vintage Wallpaper Chandelier DIY
Supply List:
- Embroidery hoop any size or shape (we used a 6 ½” round hoop)
- Vintage wallpaper—vinyl works best, a large piece 20” by 20” for large.
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Scissors
- 30” by 1 ½” of torn fabric
- Cording or string
View all step-by-step photosInstructions:
1. Roll out the wallpaper and cut out 33 – 6 ½” by 1 ¾” strips of wallpaper for your 6 ½” small hoop, 11 strips for each row.
2. If using a larger hoop you would just need to cut more until you have enough to fit around the top. You can make your strips thinner of thicker depending on the look you want, just add more or less strips.
3. Lay your 11 strips out under the hoop and then glue the top of each strip to hang onto the embroidery hoop. Next glue the rest of the 22 strips together to form tear drops.
4. Once they are all glued into a tear drop shape, glue two on each end of the connected loops all the way around.
5. Take out your torn fabric and loop it through the bottom layer. Once you have looped all the way around, pull the fabric tight and tie to hold the chandelier together.
6. You can then glue each bottom corner together until the chandelier holds a firm shape.
7. Now for the cording—Cut three equal lengths of cord. Roughly 14” – 20” depending on the size of your chandelier and one very long piece, 2 – 3 yards long .Tie each one to equal sides of the hoop. Hold your chandelier up by the cords, moving them around until you are centered, then quickly tie a firm knot in the center. Take your glue gun out plus left over ripped fabric and glue fabric around the knot so it will hold firm.
8. Look at your pretty chandelier! You can experiment with different sized strips to get a different look for you chandelier. All you have to remember is too add equal amounts of strips to each layer.
Thank you Stumbleupon.com for this wonderful article.
Resubmitted by Unique Invitations by Deborah Burman Carasso
New Year, New Ring: Tips for the Newly-Engaged
08 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Wedding Tips
January 6, 2012We are already a week into the New Year, and I hope all of you enjoyed a fantastic holiday. And, to those of you visiting bridalguide.com for the first time, I’d love to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your engagement! Yep, holiday season is primo proposal time, and I know that there were plenty of sparkling rings being placed onto fingers shaking with delight! I’m sure it was beyond thrilling and you’ve been basking in all the joy and excitement. In fact, I ran into a newly engaged couple just last week in my local Barnes & Noble and they were so happy, it was contagious. (Of course, I was also happy to see that she was purchasing Bridal Guide to help get her started.) She admitted to feeling overwhelmed, so I told her to relax, put her feet up, read the issue and visit our website. Everything you need to know to plan a dream wedding is right here.
As you start planning your party of a lifetime, it will seem overwhelming at times, but if you stay organized and make it a point to really enjoy the process, it will be fun and exciting. And before you know it, the big day will be here, and you’ll be husband and wife! Here’s my best advice to help get you started:
1. Find Your Wedding Style
Photo Credit: Nikki Cole Photography
Sit down with your fiancé and talk about what type of wedding you envision. Will it be formal? Or do you prefer something a bit more casual? Do you want a sit-down dinner or would you consider having a brunch or cocktails-only celebration? What time of year would you like to marry? Do you have any favorite places in mind for the reception? The two of you need to discuss your visions so that you’re both on the same page.
2. Discuss the Budget
Photo Credit: iStockphoto
Yes, the big, bad budget needs to be addressed. As you know, weddings aren’t cheap, but they needn’t cost a fortune either. Check out our tips on all the genius ways you can save…you’ll be amazed at how a little bit of cost-cutting here and there can save you a bundle. And, please, be realistic about how much you can really afford to spend. You may have some money already stashed away, or you may need to start seriously saving for the wedding now, especially if your parents aren’t able to contribute a great amount.
3. The Guest List
Photo Credit: Weddings by Chris Sherberne
Determine just how many people you’d like to have, and keep in mind that this number will greatly affect the overall cost of the wedding. You might have to pare down your original number considerably to keep within your budget.
4. Get Organized
Take a look at our Countdown Calendar and consider it a guideline. Don’t panic if you can’t accomplish everything listed in a given month, but do refer to it often to keep you on track. The more organized you are, the calmer you’ll feel.
5. Start Dress Shopping!
There are hundreds of gowns to choose from, and I can only imagine how huge a task this seems. Take it step by step. We showcase fabulous, flattering and affordable gowns in every issue of Bridal Guide and our Gown Gallery will have you oohing and aahing over all of the gorgeous gowns. When searching for your dress, consider your wedding style and where you’ll be married as well as what shape will suit you best. Believe me, there is a dream dress out there for every bride, whether she envisions herself as sexy and glamorous, romantic and elegant, artistically creative or a boho babe.
Now, this is just a beginning, but if you start with these few steps, you’ll be well on your way. Have fun, create a wedding website, blog and share ideas with other brides, and create an Inspiration Board of everything you love, from dresses to flowers and cakes, centerpieces and more. It’s a fantastic time in your life and a time that you’ll always treasure. Good luck as you start making those wonderful memories! And, remember, we are here to help in every way we can.
—Diane Forden
Reposted by Unique Invitations by Deborah Burman Carasso
Wedding Dress: 5 Mistakes Brides Make When Shopping
07 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Wedding Tips
Posted by Hana on Tue, Oct 04, 2011@ 5:42 am
Looking for a wedding dress? Read this first! We’ve got a guest post by the smart girls at Smart Bride Boutique to help you avoid wedding dress pitfalls so many brides make. A must read if you’re shopping for your wedding dress!
Shopping for a wedding dress is supposed to be fun, right? It should be one of those quintessential experiences in life that you’ll never forget (uhhh, no pressure!) However, if you’re having trouble deciding, you don’t feel like you’ve found THE ONE, or you’re onto your 6th store, it can be a very overwhelming experience.
Anjolique 2053 Wedding Dress available on SmartBride Boutique.Photo by Jamyes Van HeesWhether you know EXACTLY the style of dress you want, or this is the first time you’ve gone shopping for a fancy dress, the experts at SmartBrideBoutique.com can help. They’ve compiled feedback from hundreds of brides, not to mention their own wedding dress shopping experiences, into their list of Top 5 Mistakes NOT to Make When Shopping For Your Wedding Dress
1. Don’t Take Too Many People!
We’ve heard so many horror stories about brides who dress shop with a serious entourage. Remember, there is such a thing as too many opinions, so choose your shopping assistants wisely. Make it clear they are providing their opinion on what looks good on you, not their own ideas of what you SHOULD be wearing. The most important thing is that you feel amazing. Don’t live out other people’s fantasies or fashions.
2. Don’t Be Close Minded.
You’ve probably poured over dresses in bridal magazines to get an idea of the style of dress you think you want. A word of caution: don’t get fixated on one style until you’ve tried a variety of silhouettes, necklines, textures (lace, beading etc) and shades of white!
Often times your dream dress from the magazine doesn’t flatter your body type. Try on several silhouettes first to determine what looks best on your body type, then move on to try different necklines, colors and textures.
3. Don’t Be Trigger Happy.
Before you fantasize too much about your wedding dress, determine the vision for your wedding – including venue, time of year and theme. If you buy before you’ve decided on these factors, you might wind up buying a second dress because the first one no longer fits. Trust us, it happens more than you think! For example, if you’re having a destination wedding on a beach somewhere, you likely don’t want a princess wedding dress.
Above all, remind yourself to slow down and enjoy the experience. Enlist a close friend whose opinion you trust. They’ll help you avoid pressure from sales people (and maybe your family) to “just buy something already!” Take your time to try on a variety of dresses so that you really know when you’ve found “the one”.
4. Don’t Continue to Shop after you’ve found “the one”.
While you don’t want to pull the trigger too fast and buy a dress you’ll regret later (see above), you also DO NOT want to continue to shop for your dress after you’ve purchased one. Continuing to look generally results in doubling your wedding dress budget, and might mean sacrificing in other areas of your wedding.
5. Don’t Go Over Budget (If you can help it!)
You likely already have an idea of what you want to pay for your dream dress. Whether your budget is $300 or $3000, try to stick to it! There is no sense going into a store and trying on dresses that are way out of your budget, it will only end in disappointment. Plus, remember to include extra costs like alterations when making your decision. Sample or once worn dresses may also require cleaning BEFORE the wedding.
If you do fall in love with a dress that’s slightly out of your budget, consider searching online. SmartBrideBoutique.com has thousands of sample wedding gowns and used wedding dresses that are 30 to 70% less than retail.
About SmartBride Boutique:
SmartBride Boutique is North America’s premium wedding classifieds website where brides can buy, sell and save on everything wedding. Find wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, accessories, decorations, and more for 50% off!
Wedding Republic is an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun! If you liked this post, be sure to subscribe!
Hi! I’m Hana, Co-founder & CEO of Wedding Republic. Be sure to peruse the blog, we aim to keep you amused, inspired and informed about all things wedding. And if you’re curious about what we do, check out www.weddingrepublic.com 
Why wedding ring worn on fourth finger?
02 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Wedding Tips Tags: ring finger
By QouSay
Have you ever wonder why married couples worn wedding rings on their forth finger or ring finger? There was a nice Chinese explanation regarding it. Below are fingers representation:
- Thumb represents your parents
- Index finger represents your siblings
- Middle finger represents your self
- Ring finger represents your life partner
- Little finger represents children
Now, put your palms together and bend both of your middle fingers. Hold middle fingers back-to-back and hold all other four fingers tip-to-tip.
Now, if you try to separate your thumbs which represents your parents, you can! According to the Chinese, this is because your parents are not destined to live with you forever. You can also open your index finger because your sibling which is your brothers and/or sisters are going to left you to have there separate life or maybe build their own family. You can also open your little finger that represents your children. Your children will also be building their own separate lives and settle themselves someday with a family of their own.
Finally, try to separate your ring finger. You can’t since as a husband and wife, you are destined to be together for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish ’till death separate you both.
Below is a video I saw on youtube that enlighten me why do husband and wife wear wedding rings on their forth finger.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=57MakDoK624
Reposted by Unique Invitations by Deborah Burman Carasso
How to Choose a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party Theme?
14 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tips, Party Tips Tags: bar bat mitzvah
- Since it is an important day in your child’s life, it is best to ask them which theme they would prefer. Accepting their ideas for their Bar Mitzvah would mean that you have accepted their maturity at their special day.
- Alternatively, you could decide a theme for them depending upon their tastes. For example, if your child is musically inclined at school, you can keep a musical theme.
Evaluate Yourself
- Here are some points suggested by the Doc to select a Bar/Bat Mitzvah party theme. Ask yourself these questions:
- What does my child like?
Which activity does your child like doing? Can they read for hours on an end? Or do they like playing the piano? - What is he/she best at?
It could be anything – playing tennis, riding a bike, working on computer, giving warm hugs, or even talking on the phone for long! - Whom do I know?
If you know someone who has a creative mind, you can take suggestions from her. Doctor Simcha suggests calling that party famous cousin who is known for her wacky ideas. Call your friend who sings really well, or the one who is great at playing guitar. It could add a lot of spice to the party. - Whom can I help?
You can actually create a charity theme and make the party fun, as well as bring a change to the world. Think about whom you would like to help the most, and set aside a few funds for that charity. You can even let the guests help (but make sure you don’t force them for it). - Why not?
Should you include a theme to the Mitzvah event? And the answer is – why not? The kids enjoy it, adults enjoy it, and even the Doc enjoys it!
- What does my child like?
Be Creative, Reasonable, and Listen to Your Child
- After evaluating yourself, here is what you have to do to come up with a theme:
- Be creative. It is all about originality. You don’t want the idea that has been done a million times, do you? Whether you are choosing a season as a theme, or a sport – just make sure it hasn’t been done before. Think about the things that you wouldn’t usually think about. Try a brainstorming session. Write down whatever you can think of… and then strike off the ideas you think wouldn’t work.
- Be reasonable. Whatever idea you choose must be in your budget and time constraints. There is no reason spending thousands of dollars on a theme if you can’t afford it. It is best to have a quantifiable idea of your budget. Set a limit for expenditure. This would help you when you inadvertently cross the limits.
- Listen to your child. As stated earlier, it is important to take the advice of the Mitzvah boy/girl. After all, it is their day to shine. Give them their freedom.
Do Some Research
- After evaluating yourself, it’s time to do some research (this one here is real hard work, so sit down and read this).
- Let the party reflect the taste and personality of the Mitzvah child. The theme should let them express themselves. Popular choices would include sports, books, music, movies, hobbies, travel destination, art, food, candy, and past eras.
- Keep the theme centered on Judaism to give it a more cultural touch. It would also keep the child close to their heritage. For this purpose, you can select something from biblical stories, a charity, a famous Jewish person, Jewish holidays, or maybe even their favorite Torah portion for the theme.
- Use the Bar Mitzvah child’s name as an important element of the theme. You can use a special font for it, and use it throughout the ceremony.
- Select colors that go with your theme, and look beautiful according to the location. You can also create a theme based on two colors that are suggested by your child. These colors would guide you throughout the decoration, from flowers to linens.
Incorporating the Theme
- Oddly enough, the process of picking a theme does not stop at just deciding what the theme should be. It extends to incorporating the theme. Ok so you picked a theme. Now what? Here’s the answer:
- Use the theme fonts and colors for invitations. If you have decided some special logos or graphics for your theme, you should include them in the invitation as well.
- Make sure the two colors you chose are included in the wardrobe of your child. It could be the color of his shirt, or the color of her dress… just make sure the colors are included in their clothes.
- All the decoration aspects of the party should involve the theme you have decided. You can use the theme for centerpieces, entrance displays, posters, banners, murals, and signs etc. Keep in mind that a well integrated theme would take your guests to another world.
- Extend the theme to your menu as well. For example, if you have selected a theme for a particular place in the world (let’s say China), make sure you serve their local food (Chinese in this case).
- Your party favors should also reflect the theme of the party, so that the guests can remember your party even long after it is over (Chinese hats, for example).
- Here is a little tip: If you cannot decide things on your own, it is best to take advice from a party planner. There are many planners that specialize in Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties, and they can give you excellent ideas, and help you organize the party.
- One thing I did (Deborah Carasso) – for my kids theme was to see what items at reasonable prices are available and went from there. My son gave out $55.00 worth of gifts and it only cost us about $10.00. We got gym bags for $3.99, originally $9.99, I made personalized luggage tags, 3 dimensional cups that matched the super hero theme, a palm pilot which was originally $45.00 at Aeropostale and were selling them for $1.00 each. At the end of the evening, we took apart his centerpieces which were 3D posters and gave them to his friends. You have to think outside of the box to get a super party at an economical price.
Thank you Dr. Simcha for this wonderful article.
Re-submitted by Unique Invitations by Deborah Burman Carasso
Finding Your First Dance Song
18 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Wedding Tips
Image Courtest of musicmakerdj.net
With so much planning in preparation for the big day it is important to pay attention to the details to make your wedding super special. One of the most memorable moments in most weddings is the newlywed’s first dance. In the hectic jumble of the busy wedding day this is a moment to take your groom and just be in the moment. Before you get there, you must choose the perfect song.
Some couples are lucky enough to have a song that they made theirs after an anniversary date, or during a concert this would be a perfect moment to put that love song to use and share it as your first dance, but if you have not yet found your song the search is on! First, consult your spouse; see if he has any great ideas of a song he heard that reminds him of your relationship. You might be surprised with the tunes he picks that might actually work.
Go back to the classics. Classic love songs have a way of tugging at the heart strings and taking you back to the moment when you first fell in love. Listen to some oldies and get a better feel for exactly what you are looking for. Also, modern artists have gone back and redone classics that put a modern spin on the romantic tune. Check out modern versions of your favorite love songs to see if it will work for you. My suggestion: Ingrid Michaelson “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” originally by Elvis Presley.
Switch it up! If you and your hubby to be tend to steer clear of the norm, try an upbeat tune. A first dance doesn’t have to be a traditional slow dance. Try something upbeat. You can also prepare a choreographed dance including your wedding party. It’s a fun way to experience your first dance with your husband and shock all your guests.
Make it your own. If you are still having trouble consult your DJ or wedding planner. They are professionals and usually have great suggestions. Your DJ can put a spin on it if that’s what you are looking for, or find a unique classic that you will both love. It’s your moment, enjoy it the way you would like to!
Originally posted from My Party Planner.com
Reposted by Unique Invitations by Deborah Burman Carasso
Cheat Sheet to Ace Your Maid of Honor Speech
24 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Wedding Tips
If the idea of standing up in front of all those people frazzles your nerves, don’t panic—these tips will help you write a toast you’ll be excited about and deliver like a professional speaker, to boot.
Sharon Naylor
Photo Credit: Jessica Lauren Photography
What to Say
The Opening
- DO open with who you are and how you know the bride. Not everyone in the room is from her side, and it creates a sense of connection to you and what you’re about to say.
- DON’T feel like you have to open with a joke. Forget that misguided advice often given by corny uncles; It’s better to lead with sentiment and sweetness rather than a gimmick that can fall flat.
- DO share a brief story on what you love most about the bride. Talk about positive attributes, such as how she lights up any room and is the first one to help a friend in need.
- DON’T say, “Finally, she met the man of her dreams” or any other phrasing that indicates she may be the last one out of your friends to find her mate. That’s a big no-no!
- DO briefly share how you knew she met The One. And this is where your funny story comes in, like how she started to use some of his catchphrases: “When Jen came home from a date with Evan and used the word ‘rad,’ we knew she was gone over him!” Or how she started to take an interest in his interests and passions (and the moment you spotted him in bike shorts, ready to take on one of her hobbies as well).
- DON’T refer to how her partner is different from former boyfriends, such as “None of Jen’s other beaus ever wanted to put on biking shorts!” Never refer to any exes, period — even if you’re trying to be funny. Yes, Jen dated some clunkers, but you can save that for the bachelorette party roast.
- DO say what you love about the groom, like how he treats her like gold, how sweet he is to her family, and how well he fits in with your circle of friends.
- DON’T make that awful, cliché joke about wanting to clone him so that you can date him, or—even worse—say that “If it doesn’t work out between you two, you know where to find me.” Someone’s likely to throw a fish fork at you, and you’ll deserve it.
- DO focus on addressing BOTH the bride and groom in your speech, not just the bride.
- DON’T talk about yourself. It’s a huge flop of a toast if you were to say, “Well, with Jen so busy with Evan, and me finishing up medical school—at the top of my class, 90-hour weeks, you know—we haven’t spent much time together lately, but it’s like she’s always with me. I know that she’s there for me 100% in whatever I’m doing with my life.” How self-centered! Guard youself against using too many “I’s” and “me’s.”
- DO keep it classy and elegant, since you’re speaking to a room full of their relatives and friends; share only positive stories that cast the bride in the best light possible.
- DON’T insert thinly-veiled “inside jokes” such as referring to “That time in Cabo.” It’s a heinous error and cruel to hint at the bride’s wild, party days during this important moment in her life. Even if this is your style of joking around, skip the inside jokes.
- DO wish them wonderful things in their future: A lifetime of love and joy, surrounded by family and friends who love them, for all of their wishes to come true and a life of ease and abundance.
- DON’T just abruptly say, “Cheers!” to wish them luck and then sit down. You don’t want your ending to be anti-climactic.
- DO have a distinct ending to your toast; something sweet like a classic quote or song lyrics that “tag” your toast with an unforgettable, iconic saying.
- DON’T forget to prepare your closer. Too many toast-givers tend to ramble on and on, spinning their wheels for a clincher at the end…awkward!
Thank you Bridal Guide for this wonderful article
Reposted by Unique Invitations by Deborah Burman Carasso
