Do it yourself

More and more couples are realizing that many of the items needed for the wedding are simple things they can do themselves and for a lot less than retail price. Why pay $35 for a garter when you can make one yourself Here are some great do-it-yourself projects- from favors to centerpieces to everything!

Ring Bearer Pillow

A do-it-yourself ring bearer pillow, made by Kristatheangel.

First, select what fabric you want for the pillow. Some people wish to make a plain pillow and then have a decorative pillow cover while others simply make the pillow itself decorative. If you choose to make a plain pillow, buy a simple fabric (like muslin) for the pillow itself and then the decorative fabric for the cover. You'll most likely want at least 1 yard of each so that you will have extra fabric if you need it.

Next, make the pillow. Decide how big you want the pillow, then add at least an inch of fabric all the way around for the stitching.

Sewing together the edges of cloth using a sewing machine.

If you're using decorative fabric to make the pillow, make sure the fabric is inside-out when you sew it (i.e. the less decorative side of the fabric is facing you while you're stitching.) Use a sewing machine or hand sew the fabric together on 3 of the edges and 3/4 of the way on the 4th edge. Use short stitches close together in order to ensure strength of the stitch and to help the stiches from being seen. Once you've sewn these together, turn the pillow inside out by pulling the opposite edge of the pillow through the hole left by the edge you only sewed 3/4 of the way. Once it is turn inside out, add the stuffing to the pillow. For an even, soft filling use synthetic stuffing- this can be found at any craft store. Once you've filled the pillow with stuffing, you can sew the rest of the edge shut. You may want to hand sew this part since it may a bit tricky to make it look right.

Your pillow is now complete so it's time to decorate. In this example, Kristatheangel wrapped a ribbon around the pillow, tied a bow, and then sewed both it and the flower to the pillow. It is recommended to sew on decorations, rather than gluing them, in order to have a more firm bond.

Decorative Bubbles

Many couples enjoy using bubbles as a way for guests to send them off after the reception. Bubbles have become one of the most popular wedding favors for weddings. However, with all the other numerous costs of a wedding, pre-decorated bubble bottles may not fit into the budget. However, it is very simple to decorate your own bubble bottles.

This crafty bubble decoration idea and the step-by-step pictures for this section were done by rlwyatt.

Plain, undecorated bubble bottles.

First, obtain some bubbles with bottles. Some couples prefer to buy undecorated bottles with bubble solution already in them. Other couples prefer to buy empty bubble bottles (just make sure the bottles have wands included!) and fill them with bubble solution. Either way you decide is more cost-effective, you will end up with a plain and undecorated bubble bottle.

Next, procure some fabric to wrap around the bubbles. In this example, tulle in one of the bride's wedding colors was used.

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