01.28.10
Wedding DIY - Part 2
So I’ve narrowed down the wedding DIY projects, now what? Once I selected my wedding colors, indigo and cream, I knew that would be one of the things to help in decision making. Remember, the idea is to keep things simple.
This being New York City, the resources are all here!
1. Make our own invitations / wedding programs / place cards / table numbers
Start at the paper mecca known as Paper Presentation. I’ve known about this place for years. My first visit there, I wandered around for 30 minutes and then made a frantic call to my honey, “I’m overwhelmed! Help!” Then I calmed down, listened to my instincts, repeated the mantra, “Keep it simple” and went with the Seal ‘N Send Invitations in Crest Baronial Ivory. I didn’t want an invitation with all that extra paper froufrou, plus the RSVP card is detatchable - smart! If I want to add an insert, like a map, easy to do. We decided to use sealing wax (navy wax was the closest color) with our initials, instead of stickers, to seal the invite. Also, I bought matching envelopes, in case I need to include an insert. I figured if I don’t use the envelopes, I can save them for the thank-you cards. Paper Presentations offers volume discounts, so I felt comfortable buying extra because I know there will be mistakes.
To keep it simple, I bought the wedding programs, place cards and table numbers in the same Crest Baronial Ivory color. Everything is going to be done on the computer, except for maybe the table numbers. I am toying around with another idea. I will either use indigo patterned paper and cut out the numbers to glue against the cream background - OR - I will print the number and on the other side have an image depicting weddings or lovers. I got this idea from a painting show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art - specifically this wedding portrait. Whichever one I choose is going to depend on time and energy.
2. Make our own table decorations
To fit our budget, I was going to nix the flower centerpiece for the table, but I thought I would do something else in paper. My first idea was the ever popular large paper pompom, ala Martha Stewart. Then while waiting to get a massage, I browsed through the November 2009 issue of Real Simple and saw a great idea using a branch and paper flowers. I’d like to make this table center piece one day, but it’s not keeping it simple. Finally, and I don’t remember how I found him, I saw the art work of Peter Callesen, and I was inspired.
I bought navy blue cardstock and I’m going to cut a simple heart. The base of the heart will stay attached, then I can bend the heart shape up. My mother-in-law-to-be gave us as a Christmas gift the love letters of Abigail and John Adams. I’m going to write quotes from their letters in silver ink on the base of the cardstock.
3. Make my own bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for the wedding party
There are many tutorials out there on making your bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages. These are the tutorials I like:
How to make a floral buttonhole (video)
Fresh Corsage Tutorial with Photos (from Onewed.com)
My plan is to first make practice bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres. You know, work out all the kinks first. My sister-in-law recommended Jamali Garden Supplies so a couple of weekends ago I went on a wedding supply shopping spree and bought the floral wire, tape, and pins from Jamali and organza ribbon from M&J Trimming. I feel okay, like I have what I need, but I’m sure as the day gets closer I’ll think of all sorts of last minutes purchases. (Must keep breathing, chant, “Keep it simple.”) The next big task on the To Do list are the invites, then I can play around with arranging flowers and paper heart designs.