Five DIY Wedding Projects You Can Handle

post from Tickled Pink on 06 January 2009 04:55:00 PM. © Tickled Pink

There's no doubt about it- weddings are expensive. Every bride I have been working with in recent times has incorporated at least one do-it-herself project into her wedding planning, saving money on supplies and labor. That extra couple of hours of work can surely pay off when you have a final product that you put your own time and energy into. Be as creative as you wish-- it's your wedding! Here are some of the easiest DIY wedding projects I've seen that will make your day even more personalized.

1. Personalized favors: Create a short poem or fun game that tells your own engagement story. In a glassine or cellophane bag, pair your original creation with your favorite cookie or candy. Need something even easier? Skip the story, and go right for the cookies. Outsource the work to Mom or Grandma, who might bake them for you!
2. Welcome bags for out of town guests: With gift bags and tissue paper that correspond with your wedding color scheme, package a token of gratitude for guests who have traveled to be a part of your day. Snacks for the hotel room, a split of wine or champagne, Tylenol just in case, and a couple bottles of water will be greatly appreciated. Proud to show off your city? Draw out a map of the town, placing your favorite restaurants, date spots, maybe the place you got engaged-- this gives guests a feel for the places you spend your time, and gives them weekend ideas for wedding festivity downtime.

3. Escort cards: To keep it super simple and affordable, print guest names and table numbers on small sheets of colored card stock. Embellish with a wax seal or rubber stamp that features your monogram. Take it up a notch with a surprise for your groom: Affix escort cards to the backs of his favorite team's trading cards, like The Fairmount Bride did in the photo below.

4. Polaroid guest book station: I've mentioned it on the blog before, but I'm reiterating because it's always such a hit! Hang a funky fabric as a backdrop, set out a Polaroid camera and plenty of extra film, and let guests snap each other's photos to place in the guest book album. Adesso sells Polaroid albums, or make your own using any type of scrapbook and double-sided tape. I can tell you from personal experience that these albums are so much fun to look back on later, and to read notes from guests written next to each picture.
5. Boutonnieres: A single bloom will do, or add a touch of greenery. Leave about two inches of flower stem and use two straight pins to keep the flower in place. Going tropical? I love these starfish boutonnieres, idea courtesy of a Style Me Pretty reader: