Wow, I can’t believe I have passed the 1 year mark before mine and Kyle’s 2014 wedding! I’m pumped and so excited to get back into planning mode!

I kicked started the one year countdown by re-asking my friends to be my bridesmaids. I didn’t do anything fancy, except send out a mass email.  However, I was a bit more thoughtful and creative the first time I asked my bridesmaids to be in the wedding.

A former colleague of mine (turned wedding planner) posted this idea to their blog (Will You Be My Bridesmaid). I fell in love with it, and wanted to do something just as thoughtful and meaningful for my friends.

So, a trip to Michaels® left me with this

Photo by Renae

Inside of the box, I pasted a “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” printable I’d found on Wedding Chicks.

Photo By Renae

I also included important details and pictures to reference for their attire.

Photo by Renae

Not all of my bridesmaids received a box (I still have 3 that I’ve yet to mail out…I know HORRIBLE!) For them, I put together a simple card with the printable and reference information; which still had the same effect.  My Bridesmaids loved their box and card, and thought the reference materials were (and still are) very helpful. 

Since then, there’ve been many variations as to how to ‘Ask the Girls’. 

*Custom Handkerchiefs on Style Unveiled

*Wine Bottle Labels from My Own Labels

How are you going to ask your friends to join #TeamBridesmaids? 

_________________ Thanks for reading Asking your bridesmaids from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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Since my last few posts ended up being… a little bit more controversial than I expected, I’m going with something safe this week; a tutorial on the diy pinwheels that I’m using as decoration in the church where we’re getting married.

I was having a hard time with the smaller pinwheels, specifically in regards to connecting the 4 points to the center, but I found a quick way to make the larger type. Since these didn’t need to be of the functional variety, I used a hole-punch and an office fastener!

Materials needed

-square sheets of cardstock or paper; you can find the 12×12 size pretty easily at Craft stores, but if you’d like to make an 8×8, you can cut a standard size sheet of paper into a square also.

- office fasteners

- pencil

-scissors

-hole puncher

- stickers (optional)

Step 1 = fold your cardstock/paper corner to corner so that it makes a large X. If your cardstock is thick, you can also just draw 2 lines, corner to corner.

Step 2 = cut along the lines until you are around 1 – 2 inches from the middle (you can mark these points or just eye-ball it).

Step 3 = Each corner now has 2 sections, for a total of 8 sections. Hole punch every other section, and the center of the cardstock. You should have 5 holes in all.

Step 4 = fold all 4 points into the center and connect with an office fastener.

Step 5 = If you don’t like the office fastener look, cover it with a sticker! I actually think that it makes it look more like an actual pinwheel, so I’m keeping it as is.

Step 6 = Enjoy!

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Well, I did it. I DIY’d. The bride who only planned to DIY her cake. But I didn’t do it alone! Oh, no! I enlisted the help of my maid of honor/BFF, and, eventually, my fiance.

A few weeks back, while looking for wedding decor inspiration in Pinterest, I came across this DIY tutorial for colorful Anthropologie-inspired scroll garland. The tutorial seemed really easy to follow, and after pricing out the colored card stock that I needed (recycled, of course!) at a few local stationery stores and online, trying this on my own seemed like a great budget-friendly decor option. 

I started by getting the MOH, the lovely Francesca, on board and psyched. Then, I purchased my supplies.

Heavyweight paper/card stock, scissors, paper clips, stapler/staples and a glue stick… I could TOTALLY hand this!

Armed with the tutorial, Francesca and I got to work. We took a few liberties with the instructions, though. Sans paper cutter (it was far too heavy to borrow and lug home from work!), we took each sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ card stock (another deviation from the directions… whoops), folded lengthwise, cut, folded again, cut again. So each strip for the garland was more like 2 1/2″ or so wide, rather than the suggested 1 1/2″. No biggie. 

Francesca in the folding/cutting groove. (Hi, Fran!)

After we had our strips ready, we got down to business looping and stapling and DIY’ing. But things were looking a little… off? Yes, off. We looped some more. But still… the garland looked less like garland and more like strips of paper stapled to other strips of paper. Shoddy workmanship at best. 

We shook our heads. I grabbed my laptop and swiftly went to Etsy to search for someone who could just make it for me (I told you I wasn’t cut out for this!). And then, it happened.

My fiancé, who up until that point was drafting his 40th team on Madden ’13 and amusing himself with our antics, says “give me that!” Then Matt does something I never thought I’d see in a thousand years… he crafted! And you know what? He totally schooled us on making paper scroll garland. 

My love, gettin’ crafty with it.

A man of many talents! Following his careful direction of “it’s not like it’s that hard!” Francesca and I were reinvigorated and owned that paper scroll garland like it was… something we owned?

Throughout the rest of the weekend, I loop-de-looped that paper like a boss. And still only finished four rows. But it’s coming along! Check it out:

Our paper scroll garland… four down, a zillion more to go!

The great thing is that now that I’m in a DIY groove, this is a super easy project to work on while watching TV, so I’m pretty confident that I can finish it before 2033… Happy DIY’ing, BSBers!

_________________ Thanks for reading I Try DIY: Paper Scroll Garland from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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In a past, not too long ago life, I used to scrapbook.  For whatever reason, I lost interest and haven’t scrapped in a long time.  During that time I created quite a few books.  Where are they now?  In a box in the closet somewhere, only to be taken out when I do a total reorganization/cleaning of the closet.  Knowing these books ended up as dust collectors, I did not want that to happen to my guest book. 

I searched for ideas for alternative guest book ideas that I could put on display instead of in the closet.  One of my favorite book was the fingerprint version:

Source

The problem with doing something like this was I would have to have someone to design it for me meaning I would have to probably pay a price for it.  Plus, there just did not seem to be much room for signing. 

After my engagement pictures were ready to take a look at, I met my photographer at a local coffee house to pick my favorites.  While sitting there, I mentioned to him that I wanted something different for the guest book and something that would match our rustic wedding theme and eventually our rustic-y decor theme at home.

Enter inspiration:

It was one of the walls at the coffee shop.  I love the look of it and figured I could somehow replicate that look for my guest book.  It would just take some planning.  After about a day and a half of work, I now have something I am happy to hang on the wall

It was a pretty easy project and once it is time for people to sign, they can grab a pen and sign a shim. 

Materials needed (for a 30″x22″ peice):

6-1x4x4 white wood pieces

4 packs of wooden shims

1/2 pint of Sunbleached Stain and 1/2 pint of Special Walnut Stain

Wood or Craft Glue

I lined up five 1x4s and cut them down to size.  The sixth board was used as a brace on the back.  I screwed/glued the brace to the back and let it dry. 

I took the engagement pictures I was using and drew their lines on the wood so I knew not to place a shim in that area.

I started using wood glue to adhere the wood shims, but the wood glue would NOT cooperate.  I eventually switched over to the trusty graft glue I have and it worked like a charm

After all of the shims were glued and cut to size (not easy if you do not have a power saw), I started staining my color on.

I started with the Special Walnut stain and applied it lightly and randomly.  There was no rhyme or reason to how I applied it.  I then applied the sunbleached color (which looks very gray at first).  Then I just started using each color where I thought it was necessary.

I love how this looks!  It has so much dimension and is very unique.  I am going to have to find a pen that will sign the wood (not too difficult since I tested out different options on spare shims).  Most likely, I will place this on an easel and let everyone sign a shim.  I cannot wait to display this on my wall!  The best part:  I spent less than $30 to make this.

What will your guest book look like?

_________________ Thanks for reading Alternative Guest Book from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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Reader Stephanie V. shared photos of her DIY wedding invitations on our Facebook page last week, and I loved them so much I asked her to share them in a post on the blog! Have something you’d like to share with BSB readers? Send us an email- we’d love to take a look! Take it away Stephanie!

 

Got a DIY project you’d like to share? Email us!

_________________ Thanks for reading Reader Submission: DIY Wedding Invitations! from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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This Free Pocket Fold Invitation Template set, exclusive to Budget Savvy Brides, is literally blooming at the seams. The set includes a coordinating invitation, RSVP card, and enclosure card. Oversize flowers in reds and pinks are set off by a gold pocket fold, for a high-end look without the high-end price tag. No one will guess you diy’d these… unless you strategically let it slip!

What you’ll need to make this project:

• Download Wedding Templates Here
• Microsoft Word (Mac or PC)
• 8.5 x 11 card stock
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Gold pock fold invitation (optional)
• Double sided tape (optional)

Step #1:

Download the templates and save them to your computer. You should end up with three files: The invitation, and two enclosure cards. Open the templates in Microsoft Word and add your wording. The fonts used in the example are Garamond for the main text, and Splendid is the script font, which can be downloaded for free here.

Step #2:

Print the templates on 8.5 x 11 cardstock. 67lb paper works best, and white or cream would compliment the design nicely.

Step #3:

Using scissors or a paper cutter, trim along the dotted lines. The finished size of the invitation is 5 x 7″ and fits an A7 envelope. Both enclosure cards should be trimmed to  3.5 x 5″ and fit a 4-bar envelope.

Tip: Be sure to hold the paper against the top edge of the paper cutter for straight cuts.

Step #4:

Optional: For a polished look mount the invitation to a gold pocket fold invitation and place the enclosure cards inside. Pocket folds cost approximately $1.25-2.00 each, but really give the package a high-end look. The pocket fold shown in the picture is from Marsupial Online. A less expensive option can be found at Paper and More.

Tip: The best way to adhere the invitation to the pocket is with double-sided tape. A glue stick will cause wrinkles.

_________________ Thanks for reading Free Pocket Fold Invitation Template Set from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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Yes, another DIY project.

One boutonniere is included with our wedding package, but I wanted to have something for the dads and best man. And then, when I started making them, I could not stop! So now I have more than necessary, but that is okay; now we have choices! And the grandfathers who come to the Alberta reception can wear one too.

To start out with, I had envisioned a single sea shell, with maybe a knot of raffia around it. Each man would have a different type of shell. Simple, right? Well, one weekend a friend of mine – a very creative friend, who is also getting married this year – came to visit. We decided to spend one afternoon doing “wedding stuff”, and she brought along a young teenage girl she was babysitting. This was the day I decided to create the diy boutonnieres.

What started as simple, quickly evolved into something more creative. Each one is unique, since there were three of us creating, and many I would not have even thought to put together. It was a very fun afternoon, and now we have so many to choose from!

Here are a few of them.

These are REALLY simple. I had lots of shells that I accumulated from vacations and craft store (and dollar store) sales. I also had pin backs, again from an old project years ago, but I know that you can get them at dollar stores and craft stores too. They come in pretty large packs. Then all you need is a glue gun.

• Step 1: Put the shells in the order, placement, design that you want.
• Step 2: Use hot glue to join them together.
• Step 3: Hot glue a pin backing to the back.

That is it. Seriously.

A tip: If you have an odd-shaped shell, I have heard you can put a piece of felt or cardboard or something between the pin back and the shell. We didn’t do this, so I am not sure it is really necessary.

And here they all are together:

Please ignore the shadows!

So there you have it. This project was free for me, since I had the materials before, but if you were to buy everything (except the glue gun) you would probably spend about $5.

What do you think? Are the fellas at your wedding wearing boutonnieres?

_________________ Thanks for reading DIY Boutonnieres from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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Happy Spring, lovelies! It’s Elizabeth from Stockroom Vintage back to share the latest DIY project I created for Old Time Pottery–this one is perfect for spring and summer brides! I’m madly in love with terrariums. You say moss and mini-glass vessels, and I’m there! These tiny terrarium place cards are equal parts cute and easy to create. All you need is a small glass jar (I picked up some 4.5-ounce jars at Old Time Pottery for a snip!), some natural moss and your favorite faux blooms, though handcrafted paper flowers would also be lovely!

I love how the finished product turned out. Anything this small and cute is a sure winner in my book. Plus, these place cards can double as favors for wedding guests, which is a great way to save money. If you’d like to check out the full tutorial, please pop on over to my post on the Old Time Pottery blog. I’d love to hear what you think of these terrarium place cards! How would you incorporate them into your big day?

_________________ Thanks for reading DIY Project: Terrarium Place Cards by Stockroom Vintage for Old Time Pottery from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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For our at-home-reception, in Alberta, I really, really, really want a dessert table, with treats made by me from recipes passed down from the moms and grandmas on both sides of the family. I do not know if I can do that yet (the caterer has not gotten back to me with a yay or nay yet). More on that later.

But in my vision of the dessert table, there are thrift store cake stands put together by me, little paper tent cards labelling each food item, a “Love Is Sweet” banner hanging from the table, and a ribbon garland backdrop behind it all. And, while waiting for the okay from the caterer, I have been gathering plates from thrift shops, made the paper tent cards (which were free, so just time was wasted if I do not get the go-ahead), and created the banner. The plates and banner can be used if she insists on supplying the dessert anyway.

Next on the agenda was the backdrop. I loved the pictures of ribbon garlands and bunting I saw on pinterest, and knew that it would be plenty easy enough to create something on my own.

One inspiration picture.  from: http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-dessert-table/

I started with my trusty pile of hemp cord. I used to make hemp jewellery way-back-when (like, in Junior High), so I have TONS of the stuff left over, and use it for pretty much everything. I strung out the hemp cord the length I wanted and cut (I used one plain colour and one dark blue, since I wanted the cord doubled). Easy enough.

Next came the fabric. Yes, fabric; no ribbon was actually used in my ribbon garland. While doing some early spring cleaning, I happened upon a small curtain valance. I have NO idea where it came from, but it has been hiding in my closet for year and years. I forgot it was there. I think maybe it was hanging in the laundry room when we moved in… Well regardless, we do not use it, and I am trying to declutter… and that is when I realized how much cheaper it would be to just make the garland out of that fabric. It was blue, after all. Next was a trip to a thrift store (I think Value Village) where I found a pair of pillow cases in as close to coral (our other colour) as was available. With tax, that came to $2.09. I cut all this fabric up into thin strips. I actually tried to vary the widths, because I like that raw look, but you could measure it out precisely if you wanted.

The “before” material; curtains and pillow cases

And all cut up into strips. While the strips are in the “ballpark” of the same size, they definitely vary in length and width. (Please ignore the laptop cord in the picture!)

Now I took the hemp cord I previously measured and cut, and started tying on the fabric, strip by strip. It is helpful to tie one end of the cord (or ribbon or string or whatever you use) to something so it can stretch out and you can see your progress. One nice thing is that you can actually slide the tied-on fabric strips along the string, so you can space it the way you like it. For example, I had to go back and even out some spacing and add some more blue mixed in with the coral.

A simple knot is all it takes!

Once you have all your material on, stretch it out completely to make sure that it is the way you like it. You could trim off uneven ends (either the tied ends or the ones hanging down), but I chose not to do that. I like the look of it uneven.

All finished!

Hanging in the bathroom to stretch it out more and keep it out of the reach of kitty-cat claws. Plus, when I run hot water, the steam will take care of some of the wrinkles.

So there you have it. My dessert table backdrop, completely finished, for only a few cents over $2. Now hopefully I can get the rest of the dessert table the way I want it too!

What kind of decor elements are you DIYing for your day?

_________________ Thanks for reading A DIY Dessert Table Backdrop from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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Right after I got engaged and started scouring Etsy & Pinterest for ideas and inspiration, I decided that I wanted an alternative to a guestbook. I found the idea of keeping a book with signatures in it a little too reminiscent of an autograph book that you keep in junior high.

So early on, I decided on advice cards. I made a word document, and will be printing and cutting once I get a more accurate guest count. I don’t think it’ll take more than 10 minutes, and making the document barely took a minute. Microsoft Word had these handy ticket shaped shapes!

However, I later decided that I loved the idea of having a poster in our house with all the signatures of our guests. So also using Word, I decided to make this Balloon poster! I used the shape function on Word for the balloons, a circle + a triangle = a balloon. It was really easy, and I had a lot of fun doing it. This function was awesome for a lot of our projects, and I’d recommend it to anyone.

I’ll be printing it on 11×14 cardstock, and there’s a place nearby that prints on that size for only 99 cents, in color. Also, we might be adding some rows of balloons, or making these ones smaller. That’s the joy of using Microsoft Word, it’s so easy to modify your work.  If I had a larger wedding, I would go through Vistaprint and pay $6.99 for a larger poster. Either way, it’s much cheaper than any of the guestbooks that I’ve seen!

How are you going about having a guestbook; traditional, a little less traditional, both? Comment!

_________________ Thanks for reading DIY Project: Guestbook alternatives from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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