favors
July 22, 2010
Love_0722

Weddings are a great excuse to be a little bit whimsical, especially when it comes to those happening during the summer. These ideas can add a touch of fun to your day -- from homemade soap bubbles to feathery headbands -- without making it too ostentatious. Enjoy!


1. Embossing on paper. This may not be the easiest DIY project, but the results are just gorgeous! If you're doing your own invitations, but still want that luxe feel, you've just got to try this craft for embossing. Done with invitations? Then use this for your thank-yous. (Food & Wine ModPodge)


2. Vanilla Soap Bubbles. Blowing bubbles as the bride and groom exit the church (or leave the reception at the end of the night) can be gorgeous in photos. Make the event just as sweet on the nose with this recipe, for scented bubbles. Tie on a ribbon in your wedding colors and your done! (Soap Queen)


3. Earring Loop Display. This classic idea is perfect for your mom or your bridesmaids -- and it's so easy to customize by choosing your own fabric or even painting the embroidery hoop. You could even attach a pair of earrings you picked out to add something extra to the gift. (Little Treasures)


4. Wooden Wedding Sign. Perfect for the couple who just can't get enough of the great outdoors, this wooden sign even has added lights (not visible in this daytime photo) that give it a warm, welcoming glow as the reception goes on. (Sonya Animri)


5. Feather headbands. Make your bridesmaids really stand out with these cute feather headbands. This is a great project for just about any wedding because you can make it as wild or keep it as classic as you want. You could even buy a child's headband and give a special one to your flowergirl, too. (Craftzine.com)


Get even more great DIY ideas from our photo gallery.

July 08, 2010
Love_0708

Wedding season is in full swing, and these projects could give you that extra finishing touch you need to make your wedding stand out. From a DIY wedding cake (Go ahead! Try it!) to adorable gifts for your bridesmaids, here are the best projects from around the web.


1. Table Number Plates. Here's a creative idea for marking your table numbers and giving your guests an immediate conversation piece. These plates are stylish and so easy to do! You could even stencil on a symbol or a word, if you don't want to use numbers. (Craftzine.com)


2. Rainbow Frame. Instead of just giving a photograph, add some personality to a simple black frame with this project that uses up fabric scraps in various colors to make a "rainbow" collage. You could also just use your wedding colors. (LollyChops.com)


3. Straw Labels. We know the 4th of July just passed -- but we couldn't resist these adorable straw labels! Instead of "Cheers!" you could use the same process to feature your new monogram, wedding date, or even a cute silhouette of the bride and groom. (Twig & Thistle)


4.Decal Penny Project. Looking for a perfect gift for you and your bridesmaids? These cute necklaces are actually made from pennies, with a little floral decal added. You could even make it a group project at your bridal shower. (Just Something I Made)


5. DIY Wedding Cake. As much as we love DIY projects, we generally think you should leave your wedding cake to the pros (do you really want to spend the night before your wedding baking?) Still, this cake is pretty sweet, and so gorgeous! Maybe you can try it for a day-after brunch or an engagement party. (Project Wedding)


Get even more DIY ideas from our photo gallery.

Plus, check out these amazing 15 DIY hairstyle ideas.

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 04, 2010
Love_0604

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.

Get more amazingDIY ideas on WeddingChannel.com.


May 07, 2010
Love_0507

We've packed Link Love with a few extra special projects today -- just see below!


1. Origami Boxes. These would be perfect to hold favors, treats at the table, or even small seating cards. (Mairuru).


2. Lemon and Leaf Table Garland. Just imagine how fragrant this tabletop masterpiece will be as you sit down to your reception dinner. (Project Wedding).


3. Rose Petal Projects.How sweet is this bridal shower that features handmade rose petal soaps and rose petal ice cubes? (DIY Bride).


4. Oversized Tote. How perfect would these be for your bridesmaids? (Maiden Jane).


5. Embroidered Handkerchief. Don't forget, busy brides, Mother's Day is this Sunday! In honor of that, this amaing embroidered hankerchief, a perfect gift for mom on your wedding day. ({ritzy bee blog}).


And for those of you feeling super crafty -- check out these projects. There's a DIY tutorial on making paper (#1) from Mega-Crafy via Ready, Set, Craft!. And we just love these table-top chalkboards (#2) from The Bride's Cafe. Talk about an eco-friendly way to seat your guests. And finally, you can download this old-fashion lemonade label (#3) along with others right now from Marry Me You. They're perfect for an outdoor summer reception.


Love_0507-2

handkerchief photo by Kate Headley Photography; chalkboard photo by Anika London Media; lemon and leaf garland photo by Jordan Ferney.

-- Amy E.


April 22, 2010
Earth_day_655

In honor of Earth Day -- we're doing a few DIY earth-friendly favors!


Grow Your Love. Instead of giving traditional favors, why not try something that will stay with your guests throughout the season? Give them a packet of seeds with a cute little pot or even a small seedling to plant. They'll always remember you as they watch it grow, and what could be better than planting a tree? Try Plant a Memory (No. 4) or Green World Project.


Plantable Paper. If you're not into giving your guests a real live tree (which could be tough to transport on a plane, we admit), why not try these plantable paper favors? You can pick from several designs, customize it with your name and date and even choose colors to match your wedding party. We love it. Try Botanical Paperworks (No. 3) and Green Field Paper Company (No. 1)


Box It Up. By now, most of us know that bamboo is the way to go when you're going green. So why not try out this cute bamboo trinket box? The material is completely eco-friendly, and you can fill it with something you made or small pieces of candy. You could also use the seed paper to make a custom tag. Try Little Things Favors (No. 2) and Beau Coup.


Are you doing eco-friendly favors? What are they? Tell us below!


Get more eco-friendly wedding info

Make your ceremony more eco-friendly

5 popular eco-friendly registry picks

Eco-friendly flower ideas

5 eco-friendly wedding ideas

What makes a favor eco-friendly?

Eco-friendly invitation ideas

Go green! with your color combo

Great favor ideas at WeddingChannel.com


April 16, 2010
Love_04162010

Sorry for the delay with Link Love, but we've been swamped with Bridal Fashion Week since Saturday! Make sure you check out all of our coverage here and here. Now, on to Link Love:


1. Love this vintage book planner tutorial. Perfect for your bridesmaids! (Just Something I Made).


2. An amazingly simple DIY candle favor your guests will really use. (100 Layer Cake via guest blogger Sarah from Truly Smitten).


3. Look what we found! If you're making invitations yourself, you can download and print templates here. For free! (Download and Print).


4. Always on the lookout for something a little more non-traditional than the usual rose boutonniere, I'm loving these cute flowers made out of cupcake liners. How creative! (Intimate Weddings)


5. These cute tissue paper brooches are so perfect for your flower girls of even the mother of the bride. (Salsa Pie).


-- Amy E.

March 18, 2010
Love_03182010

Our link love today is all about your guests. We've heard plenty of complaints about what guests don't like getting, so try any one of these projects for a surefire hit favor.


1. Hello, Violet! This super easy project could double for a pretty centerpiece. ({frolic!})


2. Invite your guests to make their own cupcakes, for now—and later! (Style Me Pretty)


3. Style your flower girl, bridesmaids or don this cute headband yourself for a chic reception look. (PS I Made This)


4. So fresh and so clean, thanks to these easy-to-make felted soaps. (Wit & Whistle)


5. OK, so we know making a wreath is a little much as a favor for every guest, but it's a festive bit of decor you could give to your VIP's or use to decorate at your wedding. (Project Wedding)


Photos: (1) By Chelsea, courtesy of {frolic!} (2) Photo by Jen Huang; (3) Courtesy of PS I Made This; (4) Courtesy of Wit & Whistle; (5) Photo by Chelsea Fuss, courtesy of Project Wedding.

March 01, 2010
IMG_6738_KnotLiveFeb17


We're obsessed with washi tape. Ribbon and tape in one. Colors and patterns galore. Could we ask for anything more?

Materials
Washi tape (happytape.com)
Scissors
Metal tins (or any container you like!)
Candy, nuts or any favorite treat

How-to
Step 1 Fill up the containers with your favors.
Step 2 Break out the washi and decorate those favor packages. Go on and work the tops and sides! Voila!
February 26, 2010
IMG_6726_KnotLiveFeb17


We know, you've probably seen this before but we love it because it's just so easy. And we love putting our favorite fabric scraps to good stylish use!

Materials
Old-school jam jars
Fabric scraps (mix and match all different colors and patterns)
Pinking shears
Ruler
Granola (you can fill with anything you love!)

How-to
Step 1 Take the top off the jar and pop out the middle.
Step 2 Place the top on the fabric and leave about 2" on all sides.
Step 3 Fill jar with granola.
Step 4 Place fabric over the opening and twist on top.
Step 5 Trim edges.

Get up-to-the-minute celebrity wedding news and Hollywood-inspired planning tips and tricks at CelebrityWeddingBuzz.com.

Your big day, the couture way: Visit WeddingStyle.com for top bridal trends, products and ideas.

For expert etiquette and planning advice, visit WeddingChannel.com -- the number one wedding and gift registry website!

About Us

The editors at WeddingChannel.com bring out their crafty sides with daily inspiration, 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? Write us at editors@mydiyweddingday.com

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