Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting, fulfilling, romantic, and expensive undertakings a person can experience. There are so many moving pieces that need to be planned logistically and financially. The help of a wedding consultant or coordinator can alleviate some of that stress. However, some brides prefer to plan the event on their own, or they don’t have the room in their budget for the added expense. For the do-it-yourself bride, we have a few ideas for you.
Save-The-Dates: Once you have said “yes” the next step is setting the date and conveying it to all your potential guests. Every couple wants to do something special for their big announcement, and luckily, that does not always mean expensive.
One creatively adorable way to spread the word is with your fingerprints. If you have access to a computer, printer, and inkpad, you can create enchanting save-the-dates. All you need to do is print a card with your date and information on it. Make sure there is ample blank space for the fingerprint portion.
Once the cards are all printed, the bride and groom can use the ink pad to print their fingerprints in the shape of a heart. To make this even faster, fingerprint one or two cards and then make color copies. It is recommended that you use a thick cardstock without any coating for printing. Once they are completed, address envelopes and mail to your family and friends.
Guest Books: One of the most endearing aspects of weddings is looking back and seeing who was in attendance. Those are the people that mean the most to you and vice versa. Memorializing their presence at your wedding is a high priority and the main function of the guest book. ShoreBride has a number of DIY ideas to honor your guests.
Polaroid Guest Book. Leave a polaroid camera and some film at the table, with a sign instructing guests to take a selfie and sign their names at the bottom. The couple can look back and remember the smiling faces of those that wished them well.
Map Guest Book. Find a map of your area (or larger if your guests hail from farther away). Mount it to foam or cork board (if you use pins). Have your guests sign the map and leave a pin or draw a dot where they live. After the wedding, frame it and you have a beautiful sentimental piece of artwork made by each of your guests.
Birthday Calendar Guest Book. Purchase or print a calendar with a romantic theme. Have your guests find their birthday and sign their names with a message. That way you and your spouse can remember who was at your wedding as well as what their birthday is! It’s a great way to remain connected, even to guests that may not be close to you.
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Once your vows have been said and you are finally wedded, your guests will usually be dismissed to a cocktail hour while you and your wedding party take photos and celebrate this enormous accomplishment. While you will be incredibly busy looking beautiful for the camera, your guests may be in need of some entertainment while they wait. Here are a few simple ideas for you to implement to keep your guests occupied.
Random Question Cards. At each table or station in your reception venue, leave a stack of cards with random questions for your guests to write answers. Things like “What should the couple name their kids? What should the couple do on their first married date?” Leave pens and containers nearby so the answers can be collected and reviewed by the happy couple.
Wedding Mad-libs. Print personalized mad-libs and leave on each table. Maybe write a few about personal experiences about you and your fiancé from when you were dating. Remove some of the words and let the guests go wild by adding their own personal flare to your story. Maybe even leave a few crayons on the table for children at the wedding to write or doodle on the page. They are sure to make you and your spouse laugh when you read them later.
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Carnival Games. There are so many tutorials on the internet about making small portable carnival games. For example, the ring toss. Use a shallow container, fill with standing glass bottles (wine, soda, oil, anything you have), and spray paint your wedding colors. Then purchase or create rings out of any sturdy material (cross stitch hoops, cut pvc pipe, mason jar lids, etc.).
Another fun game could be corn hole. Blank boards can be very affordable. All it would need is a coat of paint in your wedding colors and you guests will have a blast during that cocktail hour.
Table Cards: Your guests will be spending quite a bit of time at their assigned tables, when they aren’t dancing the night away. Making the table number visible makes it easy for them to find their seats. But your table number can serve additional functions other than looking cute. Purchase a moleskin notebook with a blank cover. Paint or stamp the table numbers on it in a decorative manner that is in keeping with the rest of the reception theme. Around the number write “Leave a message for the couple to read on their [insert table number] year anniversary!” Your guests will have something to do while seated and you can remember your guests and your special day for – literally – years to come.
Centerpieces: Centerpieces are traditionally composed of stunning floral arrangements. However, everyone knows live floral arrangements can get very pricey, very quick. Depending on the theme of your wedding, non-traditional centerpieces can be effective and inexpensive to create. Here are some options.
Mason Jars. Mason jars seem to be so “in” right now as they serve a wide range of useful purposes. Whether you leave them clear or spray paint them your wedding colors, they are a low-maintenance vessel, that make a darling impact with whatever you put in them. Some non-traditional items to put in your mason jars include: hand-picked wildflowers, sand and sea shells, candles, fabric, photos, potpourri, and more. The possibilities are endless.
Tiered Serving Tray: Another non-traditional vessel for your centerpiece can be a tiered serving tray. They can be found at thrift stores and yard sales everywhere and are quite affordable. When purchased at different locations and with different designs, it can contribute to a vintage or rustic aesthetic for your reception. Fill each tray with items that match your theme or are personal to you, like shells, flower buds (real or fake), pearls or stones, or even edible goodies.
Guest Favors: The favors at a wedding are incredibly important as these are the items by which the guests will remember your special day. In light of that fact, they should be something meaningful and representative of you and your significant other. Here are a few ideas to make that happen.
Seed Packets. Purchase a large package of wildflower seeds, or another plant if you so desire. Using kraft paper, cheese cloth, or whatever material you can get your hands on, create packets and fill with the seeds. Either writing on the packet or attaching to it, write a meaningful note, like “Spread the love.” Or “Let love grow.” Your guests then can plant the seeds and remember you each time they see their flowers or garden.
Coffee Grounds. Like the seed packet favor, you can purchase kraft paper or small paper bags as the container. Fill the packets with your favorite flavor of coffee – probably enough for one delicious cup. Close the container and write on the front “Grounds for celebration.” Or “Since you partied the night away with us.” Your guests can either use the coffee the next morning, depending on their state after the reception, or save it for another time and have a peaceful moment remembering your special day over a cup of coffee.
Well there you have it. Just a few of our favorite DIY wedding ideas that can help save your bottom line and make your day fun and special. We hope you use some of these ideas. If you do, we would love to see! Snap a photo and share with us at photos@shorebride.com.
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