I am always a little shocked when I hear that brides are crafting their own flowers…centerpieces, bouquets, the works. It just seems like such an incredible task to undertake and yet the impact on your budget is pretty undeniable. But even more exciting to me, is when brides design a floral suite that is both beautiful and amazingly professional…just like this bride did for her recent wedding!

From the bride…

The flowers were my proudest achievement during the...

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These starfish boutonnieres are perfect for a beachside wedding. I get so many emails from readers looking for an alternative to flower boutonnieres. Voila!

Materials

one inch bar pins
small starfish
strong glue

Instructions

These starfish boutonnieres were created with small starfish and one inch bar pins that were glued together.  I used small starfish that my fiancés mom found at a yard sale. 

1. I applied glue to both ends of the bar...

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This DIY project is strictly for those of you who have a steady hand and some serious patience. BUT, if you can pull it off, I think that it’s such a great gift for your guests…a custom block print inspired by your own unique personalities.

From the bride…

My amazingly artistic fiance, Josh Lowe did three block prints for our upcoming wedding on November 1, 2008. A landscape of where we are getting married for the save-the-date, a nest for the invitation and...

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We are continuing on with our DIY week! I am loving it so far and I am pretty sure you guys are too. So, let’s get right to it. This first project was inspired by Martha’s paper bouquets, with the reader’s own twist of course!

Materials

tissue paper cut in 1”x3” rectangles
floral wire and tape
ink or watercolors (optional)

Instructions

1. The first step optional...

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Our next DIY project is all about chic, but approachable style. On a limited budget, this bride set out to make centerpieces that really stood out and looked both expensive and completely style savvy.

Materials

Clay Pots
Black & White Spray Paint (or whatever color you like)
Branches of varying size and height
Rocks
Cardboard Toilet Paper Rolls
Fabric cut to fit rolls
Hole Punch
Wire
Fabric Glue
Decorative Ornaments like...

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This next project was so unexpected, I just had to share…a Map-Inspired Cupcake Tier! Plus, you can use these instructions, substituting the map paper for just about any paper, and still have an absolutely adorable way to present your cupcakes.

Materials

Cupcake Tower
Large Sheets of Decorative Paper or Wrapping Paper
Craft Acrylic Paint
Decorative Ribbon

Instructions

1. Either make or buy a standard cupcake tower.  I bought a basic...

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I completely heart our next DIY project, sent to us by a reader who managed to bring a touch of unabashed romance into her affair with these beautiful love story books…

From the bride…

I made two of these books for each of the tables at our reception- one containing his version of our love story, and the second with my version. It was a great way for our guests to get to know the bride and groom, especially considering many had never met our betrothed before! They...

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I hope everyone had a great weekend! I am so excited about this week’s posts, as I have finally collected all of your DIY projects, have chosen my favorites to go up on the blog and now we can start the show! If yours didn’t make it up, don’t worry…we will be saving all of them for our next DIY contest.

So, let’s get right to it! I wanted to start the contest with one of my personal favs…these adorable table numbers housed in glass hurricane vases...

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