June 2010
June 25, 2010
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Love the look of wine bottle table numbers, but looking for a new twist to make it your own? Try this photo label trick that's part postage stamp and part vintage postcard. Simply pick a few of your favorite photos and print on sticker paper ($14 for 30 sheets, Staples.com). It makes this project that much easier and you won't have to worry about your labels sliding off of chilled wine bottles.


Print 4x6 inch photos (or slightly larger if desired) so guests will be able to see their tables. Cut the photo's perimeter with a 1/4 inch white border around all sides. Then, with a hole puncher, punch semi-circles to create a postage stamp look. Peel the paper back to expose the sticky side and adhere to “naked” wine bottles.


Get even more amazing DIY ideas in our photo gallery.

Find out 6 ways to buck tradition and be yourself on TresSugar.


Image courtesy of A&M Photography.

June 24, 2010
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As the weather outside heats up, we need some creative projects that are good for the indoors. Link Love kicks off with a sweet treat this week, and follows up with some fun ideas that would be perfect for just about any reception. Enjoy!


1. Strawberry Shake with Marshmallows. Looking for a sweet summer treat that will satisfy even the youngest guests at the wedding? We've got it! Try out this cool shake, garnished with marshmallows. Add a colorful straw to tie it into your theme. (Made by Gril)


3. Colorful Paper Streamers. Can't get enough color into your afternoon reception? Then try out these paper streamers, they're a cinch to make on a sewing machine and just think how festive they could look hanging from the trees. They would also be great for a bridesmaid brunch or a casual rehearsal dinner. (My Paper Crane)


3. Faux Fireflies. The photo isn't super clear, but we just love this idea. Can you imagine 20 or 30 of these hanging around an outdoor reception at night? The soft glow would be so romantic, and the fact that it looks a bit like a firefly just adds a whimsical touch. (Just Something I Made)


4. DIY Bi-fold Wallet. Think DIY crafts are for girls only? Think again. This one promises to be one that your fiance can try by himself -- and it would make a great groomsmen gift. (Utterly Engaged)


5. Macaroon Stands.Now out with their fourth fabulous issue, Nonpareil magazine offers this macaroon stand as a "bonus" craft. The idea is a throw back to those lollipop stands you saw as a kid, which gives this project a nice vintage appeal (and it would be so easy to customize for your own wedding!). (Nonpareil magazine)

June 17, 2010
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While most women will spend an average of $1,500 on their wedding gowns, some brides have other ideas. The annual toilet paper wedding dress contest, held by Chip-Chic-Weddings.com awards one lucky bride-to-be each year for the most extravagant dress she can make out of toilet paper. OK, we know you're probably laughing, but just check out these photos! Some of the dresses look pretty amazing to us!


Entries come from all over the world, and this year's winner was Galit Zeierman of Ramat Gan, Israel! She made a short and chic creation with a toilet paper bird on the shoulder and a matching headpiece (photos above). Galit won $1,000 for her dress, but check out some of the other runner-ups below.


So what do you think of the toilet paper dresses? Just tacky or wildly creative? Tell us below!


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Browse 100s of dresses in our gown gallery.

What would you do if a friend bought you a cheapo wedding gift? Find out on SavvySugar.


All images courtesy of Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com

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Try a hand at this fancy outdoor decoration! A romantic and whimsical touch to any wedding, the maypole is a often known as a European tradition to celebrate the summer season. Having visions of long-haired girls running around in a forest with streamers? Us to, but this grown-up version is easy to make and also elegant.


First, you'll have to gather the proper supplies. For the poles, stop by your local carpet store and ask if you can have (or purchase for a small fee/tip) any unused cardboard tubes used to roll up large carpets. Often these tubes get tossed out in the trash, but you can give them a second life as a maypole. Pick several that are the same height and your desired thickness.


In your desired colors, purchase tape and ribbon (at least 1" thick) from an office supply, discount or fabric store. You'll need more length for taller maypoles so read the labels to make sure you get enough. Plus, tape will stay in place on the tubes better than ribbon. We also love the look of Washi Paper Wrapping Tape ($25, MoMA store) for this project! Then attach the flowing ribbons to the top of the pole with a staple gun or tape. When your big day arrives, stick poles into the ground (a rubber mallet comes in handy here!) and top with a small bouquet of flowers. These look fantastic lining a driveway or spread throughout an outdoor reception.


Read more:

Check out these 5 Savvy Ideas for Cutting Wedding Food Costs at SavvySugar.

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Images courtesy of Our Labor Of Love.


-- Sarah Newell

June 14, 2010
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How personal and easy is this idea? We love incorporating old photos into your reception decor but this idea really is quite clever and a snap to recreate. Simply collect old mason jars from flea markets or online sites like Amazon.com or eBay or if you don't have time to scour for vintage ones, you can purchase new ones at your local hardware or home improvement stores. They look great shown above without their lids!


A touch of blue in the glass creates a cohesive look -- especially beneficial if some of your old photos are in color -- and adds to the vintage appeal. Gather photos from friends and family members so you have a variety to choose from. Or simply stick to your parents' and grandparents' wedding photos. Photo copy the old photos (you won't have to worry about what happens to them after the reception!) and cut the copy down to size before popping them into the jars. That's it, you're all set with a unique and personalized touch to your reception.



Get more amazing DIY ideas in our photo gallery.

Images courtesy of Jessamyn Harris.


by Sarah Newell

June 07, 2010
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We love this cute idea for an outdoor, summery wedding. The bride collected antique tea tins to use as the centerpiece containers at their reception. Not only do they have that great vintage feel, but because none of them match, each centerpiece looks unique.


Try shopping at thrift stores and flea markets to get a similar look for your own wedding. But give yourself plenty of time; this bride's collection was built up over years. You could even search for themed tins, for instance, using only English tea tins or holiday-themed tins if you're having a winter wedding.


What do you think, would you use old tea tins to hold the centerpieces at your wedding?


See more photos from Quyen and Jon's wedding.

Get more amazing DIY ideas in our photo gallery.

Images courtesy of Gabriel Ryan Photographers.


June 04, 2010
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1. Take the flowers with you. These flower containers are made from fast food drink caddies -- how creative is that? Use them as a centerpiece, and encourage your guests to each take home a pot of flowers at the end as a favor. (I Do It Yourself).


2. Dress up your envelopes. Dressing up your envelopes is a great way to add a personal touch and help set the mood for the wedding. You can download these templates for free. (Just Something I Made.


3. Short and sweet favors. If you're on a budget, try out these for favors. Choose a small sweet (chocolate, a hard candy, a mixture of each), and simply wrap and tie. The total cost per favor is about 10 cents. Beat that! (Project Wedding via {frolic!}).


4. Put a name on it. These monogrammed paperweights are just too cool to pass up. A perfect gift for anyone in your bridal party (guys and girls), they're fairly easy to make, and it's something that everyone can use. (Junie Moon).


5. The two-minute project. This Japanese-inspired bag really will only take you two minutes to make -- and it looks so chic. Could be an excellent bridesmaid gift or a nice beach bag for your honeymoon. (Annekata).


-- Amy E.


Find out how you can create a stunning centerpiece on CasaSugar.

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About Us

As the DIY editor at WeddingChannel.com I'm always on the lookout for new inspirations. Check back here to find weekly Link Love, advice, and step-by-step projects for the DIY bride.


Want to see your own DIY wedding or project featured here? Have a great tip or inspiration you'd like to share? Shoot me an email.

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