Category Archives: DIY Wedding Ideas

20Feb2012

How to keep DIY wedding invitations fun and creative!

Have you been searching high and low for the perfect wedding invitation? Do you want something truly unique, but for the right price? Think doing it yourself is the way to go?

 

If you have never DIY-ed before, this is a must-read! Consider the following:

1. Creating a design is just the beginning. You’ll also need to format the design with your wording for the invitation and all enclosure cards to make everything print ready.

2. You’ll more than likely have to buy extra paper and multiple ink cartridges — all of which can add up to more than the cost of professionally printed wedding invitations.

3. You may have to go to multiple locations to gather enough paper and embellishments.

4. Plan to print every invitation one-by-one, starting with lots of test prints due to possible formatting mistakes or printer malfunctions. And then it’s on to the enclosures!

It’s easy if you have us print your top layer for the invitation and enclosures. Plus you can get your ribbons and embellishments from Ann’s. Check out the 3/8” and 5/8”, 100-yard satin ribbon rolls, 7/8” 25-yard chiffon ribbon rolls, pearls, colored rhinestones and stick-on bows.

 

white satin adhesive stick on bows clear adhesive rhinestones

Request a free sample of your favorite wedding invitation, then decide how you’ll put your own masterpiece together. Consider the size of the embellishments you’ll be stuffing into the envelope, and be sure you have room! If not, you’ll need to find larger outer envelopes — or just give us a call before you order. We’ll give you a larger envelope than what the invite comes with. We can also print your return address and guests’ addresses! I can hear the rejoicing now…

Check back Thursday for DIY wedding invitation ideas from Carynn!

 

You May Also Like
Posted in DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Invitations & Stationery | Tagged , | Leave a comment
03Dec2011

Brides wanted more holiday centerpiece ideas! Here they are…

You can create easy holiday centerpieces perfect for winter weddings, holiday parties or home décor. See the post from Monday for my first set of ideas. Then grab your handy 6″ glass cylinder to get started with some new creations!

Holiday and Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

  1. Looking for a rustic country look? Layer plates with different patterns but similar tones on top of a placemat. Fill the cylinder with fresh or artificial fruits. We used artificial pears. Tuck in a few berries and you have a beautiful centerpiece. The larger pear would be a great place to add a table number — either painted on or printed on scrapbook paper and attached with a decorative pushpin.
  2. This gilded musical centerpiece exudes sophistication. We placed a brass horn with glittering gold netting on a gold, oval plate. Centered on the plate is a glass cylinder filled with small gold ornaments, gold beaded berry sprays, more gold netting and a gold music note ornament. For all you music lovers out there, ask guests to sing a song with the word “love” in it if they want to see you kiss!
  3. Candy, mints and chocolate…YUM. This delectable centerpiece was created using a red charger under a white plate. Fill the glass cylinder with candies, peppermint sticks or other goodies and wrap a 1″ ribbon around the base. Sprinkle other candies or chocolates around the plate. This centerpiece can be used in lieu of favors. Online candy wholesalers offer a large selection of candies in many beautiful colors to match your wedding look. Order in bulk to save money.
  4. A star-quality centerpiece in pretty shades of blue. Place a glass cylinder on a clear cake plate with raised feet for elegant height. Fill the cylinder with small ornaments in all shapes, textures and sizes. We’ve also tucked beaded garland into the cylinder and draped it around the cake plate and placed a few more ornaments on the plate.

Tip: Many of the decorations and embellishments used in these centerpieces can be found at your local hobby store. Take advantage of after-holiday sales to purchase ornaments, ribbon and holiday accents at reduced prices.

Do you have a favorite DIY centerpiece idea to share?

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Reception | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
01Dec2011

Tis the season to decorate! Try these easy-to-make holiday centerpieces

With an inexpensive glass cylinder and some beautiful decorations, you can create a holiday centerpiece that’s perfect for winter weddings, holiday parties or home décor. You may already have a few of these glass cylinders at home. They come in several sizes but I recommend the 6″ cylinder for centerpieces, so guests can talk over it when sitting down.

Holiday and Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Tip: Many of the decorations and embellishments used in these centerpieces can be found at your local hobby store. Take advantage of after-holiday sales to purchase ornaments, ribbon and holiday accents at reduced prices.

 

  1. Want to glam it up? Grab a square silver charger — the plate/tray that goes under a dinner plate — and place a glass cylinder with white candle in the center. Then place smaller votives around it. We added color with a variety of pink ornaments and some faceted baubles. You can also use beaded garland swirled around the charger.
  2. For a dramatic look, we lined the glass cylinder with a black linen napkin and we wrapped the rim with fancy beaded trim (attached with double-sided tape). Then we added a few black feathers and one large ornament with a dangling black ribbon. The Initials and Heart Favor Label in ebony creates the finishing touch.
  3. A winter wonderland in silver and white. The base is a felt snowflake and the cylinder is filled with silver ornaments and snowflakes of all shapes and sizes. Prop a few snowflakes up around the cylinder and sprinkle on the table. Top the cylinder off with a larger snowflake on the edge. The larger snowflake is perfect for holding table numbers.
  4. Classic, natural, beautiful. Not to mention inexpensive! Cut a 3 in. wide strip of burlap and pull a few cords away at the edges to get a nice frayed look. Wrap it around the cylinder and tie with ribbon and cord. Fill the cylinder with pinecones and add a small pinecone and evergreen piece as an outer accent. We used real pinecones but artificial greens since real evergreens can be sappy and messy. For an extra woodsy feel, consider setting the centerpiece on a round piece of log cut about 1 in. thick.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to make a unique holiday centerpiece of your own, maybe even several for your next holiday event!

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Reception | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment
07Oct2011

Fall Frenzy Week: Clearly the easiest Halloween decorations you’ll ever make!

You may have a couple glass cylinders at home and if you don’t, you should consider getting some. They’re super versatile, cheap decorations! I use cylinders for flower arrangements, candles, treats and decorations for all kinds of events.

Here we’ve created some cool DIY Halloween decorations. Simply use your home computer to create some “spooky” sayings or add some black and white clip art. Print your creations on white or colored paper and insert into the cylinder. Add a battery tea light and viola! A spooky decoration in minutes.

Shop our wedding reception decorations to find more bargain-priced items.

If you liked our Fall Frenzy ideas this week, be sure to check back for more wedding decorating ideas, inspiration and planning advice every Monday and Thursday.  We’re happy to have you!

 

Enjoy this beautiful season and have a happy Halloween!

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
06Oct2011

Fall Frenzy Week: Easy pumpkin decorations for your home!

Get creative when decorating your home for Fall and Halloween with unique pumpkin decorations. We’ve got four ideas for you to try!  (Perfect for a harvest or fall wedding theme too.)


1. Find grommets at your local hobby store and simply push them into the outside of your pumpkins.

2. Choose from a variety of craft wires at the hobby store and create spirals, which push easily into pumpkins.

3. Drill holes with a power drill all around the pumpkin. This creates a spooky effect when lit with a candle at night.

4. Use a linoleum cutter to create fun grid patterns along the outside of your pumpkin.

We used both real and artificial pumpkins. Can you tell the difference? Reusing the artificial pumpkins year after year is a helpful timesaver. Also, I love mixing traditional orange pumpkins with white “ghost” pumpkins and all kinds of gourds. Consider using a collage of pumpkins and gourds as inexpensive wedding decorations if you’re having a fall wedding. They’re easy, cheap and perfect for the season!

Shop our other wedding reception decorations to add the finishing touches.

Tip: Growing your own pumpkins? Try deeply scratching a name or spooky saying into the pumpkin as it is on the vine. A sharp pointed tool like a linoleum cutter works best. The pumpkin will scar over leaving your words or name.

You May Also Like
Posted in DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment
03Oct2011

Fall Frenzy Week: Frightfully fun napkins to dress up your tables!

Planning a party this Halloween? If your answer is yes, you have already started thinking about decorations, theme, menu and, of course, your costume. For my Halloween parties, I like to create a buffet-style feast. Guests can help themselves to food throughout the night and you can have fun decorating the table.

 

Label your appetizers or snacks with fun, DIY Halloween name cards. For example, spicy meatballs could be Tortured Toads, or a homemade trail mix could be Owl Toenails and Lizard Eyes. Of course, don’t forget your personalized napkins. The personalization is FREE so get creative! They come in two sizes: beverage size, perfect for cocktails or appetizers, and Luncheon size, perfect for meals or messy foods.

Halloween Theme Personalized Napkins

 

Tip: Our wedding napkins can be personalized to fit any occasion. Check out the many designs available and find one for your next event.

 

Come back every day this week for more Fall Frenzy and DIY Halloween tips!

You May Also Like
Posted in DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment
19Sep2011

Satin Ribbon Rolls. The Perfect DIY Wedding Decorations

Satin Ribbon is a great way to decorate and accessorize, adding a pop of color to the ceremony or reception. That pop of color can go a long way, which is why bargain brides should check out 100-yard satin ribbon rolls — the next best thing to wholesale ribbon!

Just think, 100 yards is 300 feet, which equals 3,600 inches of satin ribbon all on one convenient roll. You’d have to buy ten, 10-yard rolls at your local craft store, and that only works if they have 10 rolls of the color you’re looking for.

 

Let your imagination go wild! You can do great things with that much ribbon. Choose from 15 gorgeous colors available at Ann’s, and don’t forget to check out personalized ribbon and curling ribbon. Even more ribbon options are coming this fall!

 

Here are a few Google search terms to help unravel your creativity.

• Ribbon Centerpieces

• Decorate Tables with Ribbons

• Ribbon Wands

• Decorating with Ribbons

• Make it with Ribbons

• Roses with Ribbons

 

What are you doing with ribbon for your wedding?

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, DIY Wedding Ideas | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment
15Aug2011

A New Trend in Wedding Colors: Passionate for Purple

A color without limits, purple has become a new trend in today’s wedding colors. It can be dressed up for formal affairs or dressed down for casual ones. Best of all, it’s not limited to any season.

Purple is the result of combining the warmest and coolest of colors, red and blue, and is believed to be the “ideal” color. Purple has been used to symbolize evocative themes, such as magic, mystery and royalty. Favored by most artists, this color encourages fantasy and imagination — no wonder it’s a new romantic favorite for today’s couples!

Try pairing purple with one of these meaningful colors, and you’ll really make a statement:

Yellow — Symbolizes wisdom and evokes feelings of joy and happiness.
Green — The color of nature, fertility, life and harmony.
Red — Symbolizes life and vitality.
Brown — Reflects a wholesome feeling and an appreciation for nature.
Pink — The universal color of love.

Flowers and Flourish Grapevine Wedding Invitations

We recommend adding accents to your wedding invitations to bring out your wedding colors. Consider tying satin ribbon around your invite card or adding rhinestones to draw attention to the design element.

Tell us what color you would pair purple with and why?

You May Also Like
Posted in DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments
04Jul2011

Get this look! Outdoor Bridal Showers in 5 Easy Steps

The season for outdoor celebrations is upon us! If you’re planning a bridal shower, move it outdoors — the venue is free and the activities are fun. Here are 5 steps for getting the perfect look at your outdoor bridal shower.


Step 1: Decide Your Theme

We’re choosing to celebrate the Fourth of July for obvious reasons, but you can pick any theme or convert any event into a bridal shower. First and foremost, think about what the bride likes: her hobbies, her favorite holidays and her favorite types of food are just a few areas to start with.

Step 2: Choose a Central Location

Once you’ve chosen your venue, consider where people will naturally congregate and mingle. Where’s the most convenient spot for food, drinks, napkins, etc.? Don’t worry about having an abundance of decorations everywhere. Just focus on your central location. One well-placed, well-planned table is all you need to pull of a great outdoor look.

Step 3:  Add Impressive Details

Add some unexpected details for pizzazz! Napkins are an inexpensive way to add bright color and personalization to the celebration. Follow your theme through every aspect of the table right down to the disposable dinnerware — it comes in all kinds of colors and themes these days. Our designer even added coordinating labels to the water bottles, as you can see in photo #1.

Step 4: Give Creative Favors

Aside from the food, bridal shower favors are the most memorable part of the party. Create something fun! Seasonal favors are clever and impressive. We’ve put together s’more kits in photo #3 and sparklers with personalized matches in photo #4. Both ideas are easy to throw together with clear favor bags and ribbon.

5. Present Food with Flair

Presentation is key! You don’t need an elaborate spread that takes hours to put together. You just need fun ways to present simple snacks and on-the-go foods guests can carry with them as they move and mingle. Glass vases are inexpensive, attractive options for holding treats. We also found cheap baskets and wrapped them in plaid cloth to coordinate.

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Reception, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment
23Jun2011

DIY Wedding Favors: Get 6 Different Looks with 1 Favor Box

Finding a wedding favor that’s both adorable and affordable can be challenging, which is why our house designer came up with some beautiful options using our cheapest wedding favor box and we want to share them with you!  You can create the perfect wedding favors and still have it fit into your wedding budget.  Enjoy!

1. Simply Autumn

Chocolate malt balls secured inside our Clear Favor Boxes with Flourish Favor Labels create a fabulously simple look for autumn.

 

2. Seaside Beauty

A mixture of seashells beneath shimmering aqua Satin Ribbon and secured with the Initials and Heart Favor Labels creates romantic, seaside appeal. (Check out QualitySeashells.com for great prices on shells).

 

3. Poised in Pink

Pink jelly beans add a fun, pretty touch to our Clear Favor Boxes with pink Satin Ribbon wrapped in a charming bow at the top.

 

4. Bold Elegance

Put your wedding colors on display by wrapping two colors of Satin Ribbon around our Clear Favor Boxes filled with candy to coordinate. We chose to add White Favor Cards to create affordable, personalized wedding favors.

 

5. Purple & Periwinkle

Purple and periwinkle is a lovely color combination. The candies filling this Clear Favor Box coordinate perfectly with the purple Satin Ribbon tied to our Butterfly Favor Tag. A great personalized wedding favor for spring or summer weddings.

 

6. Orange Brilliance

A vibrant, stylish summer look! Orange candies fill this Clear Favor Box with yellow Satin Ribbon wrapped around the outside and an orange mum secured to the top.

 

What could you create with the clear favor boxes?

You May Also Like
Posted in DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Bargains, Wedding Reception | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment