Inspired by. . . ribbon

I seem to remember promising you some DIY wedding inspiration a week or so ago.  Let's start with a DIY wedding invitation!

If you're planning a small scale wedding, designing and making your own invitations is very do-able!

First, let me share my inspiration:

 

 

 

The original links to all of these can be found on my Pinterest "I do" board.

 

Now, here's mine. . .

 

 

The detail on the paper I chose was more subtle than those pictured above and difficult to see in this photo. You can see it better in the image below.

When designing your invitation keep in mind what size envelope your invitation will need, and whether or not it will require extra postage. I formatted my size to fit some envelopes I already had on-hand.

 

 

Supplies:

~decorative outer paper, color/texture of choice

~cardstock for inner portion of invitation

~ribbon, color and width of choice

~glue runner

~cutting tool for paper

~scissors, for cutting ribbon

~envelopes and stamps

 

As I already mentioned, I designed this invitation to fit envelopes I already had on hand. So my process began with measuring the envelope. My outer paper size was cut to 10"W x 7"H, then each side was folded inward, as you see in the image. The wording was printed on the cardstock and then the cardstock cut to fit inside the folded outer paper.  I used approximately 1yard (3ft) of ribbon for each invitation. I know it sounds like a lot, trust me, you almost always need more ribbon than you think you do! In fact if your invitation is wider, it will take even more.

You want to be sure to get all the materials you need for this project the first time you shop. If you have to go back for more paper later, etc., you may find the store is sold out. I recommend making a "mock" invitation out of regular paper to confirm your measurements. Then use a piece of string, or any ribbon you may have on hand to test tie a bow. That will tell you how much ribbon you'll need for each invitation.

theknot.com has an invitation wording wizard, and other tips and examples you might find helpful.

Whatever you do, have fun with it! Make it personal, make it special – it's your wedding!

 

 

Have a wonder-filled day!

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing inspiration here:

Inspired by. . . more roses

 

Can one ever tire of roses?

I didn't look up the hardcore statistics, but my guess is that roses are the most used flowers at weddings. More and more brides are choosing to do much of the planning, preparation and even the implementation of their weddings themselves.

If you've decided to do your own table decorations and/or your own bridal bouquet, I highly recommend doing a "test run" before the big day.

There are a lot of informative, well-done instructional videos out there on how to make bridal bouquets and boutonnières.  Just remember, things don't always work out the way you envision them, so a test run {or two} beforehand will ensure your bridal bouquet and/or centerpieces look as stunning on your special day as they do in your mind.

Note: I found the you tube videos by Lily of the Valley Florists to be the most helpful. If the above link doesn't work search "Wedding Flowers & Floral Arrangements : How to Make a Bouquet for the Bride "

Here's an example of the centerpiece "test run" I did for the last weekend's wedding.

 

Wives, understand and support your husband in ways that show your support for Christ.

Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the Church- a love marked by giving, not getting.

 

 

The "test" bouquet purchased at the local grocery store was not as fresh as it could have been and the roses had opened far too much to achieve the look I wanted. But the test run confirmed that with fresher, tighter blooms, the teacup arrangement would be perfect! Exactly the look I was hoping to achieve. {check back next week for the reception photos!}

The large, full blooms did not work well in the bridal bouquet either. Even being gentle with stems, the large blooms pushing against each other caused some of them to snap off. I recommend working with fresh, hydrated flowers with tighter blooms that are just beginning to open.

Some other things to think about, flowers will last longer if you can keep them cold. This may be challenging, especially if you're allocating refrigerator space for the cake and other food. I ordered my flowers for pick up the day before the wedding, ensuring they would be the freshest possible. But this also meant I had to set aside enough time the day before to make the bouquets and boutonnières. It's important to keep all this in mind when making your wedding timeline. #1 rule: Things always take longer to accomplish then you think they will.

A gentle warning: You don't want to add unnecessary stress to your wedding day, so consider this DIY project carefully before taking it on. Still want to DIY, but not do it yourself? Consider asking a friend or family member to do your flowers. It may be the perfect way to involve that person in your special day.

Here's a sneak peak at one of my pinterest inspirations, used in the final bridal bouquet:

Thanks to Taryn over at Design, Dining and Diapers

 

 

I've got pictures of the bridal bouquet and more DIY ideas and tips to share with you, so check back soon!

 

Have a wonder-filled day,

 

 

 

Sharing inspiration here:

Inspired by... roses

 

I'm surrounded by roses! left over from last weekend's wedding.

 

 

I've got some lovely DIY ideas to share with you over the next couple of weeks. So if you or someone you love is planning a Fall wedding, be sure and check back often.

 

 

For now... enjoy the flowers.

 

 

 

Have a wonder-filled day,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing inspiration here: