DIY Favors- Pillow Boxes

As one of my favors we are giving the traditional Italian/ Greek koufetta- the jordan almonds candy. They are meant to symbolize that love is both bitter and sweet but we hope more sweet for the newlyweds. 5 almonds are included for the blessings of marriage- children, health, wealth, happiness, and long life.

I made pillow boxes from thick cardstock- print a template for pillowboxes off the internet they come in all different sizes.

Use a tracing wheel or something similar to score the folding edges of the box, then fold and secure it closed with double sided tape- for all wedding things DIYed double sided tape is your best friend!

Fill with jordan almonds or candy, and tie off with a bow. I chose to decorate mine with these amazing Alice in Wonderland stamps and a tag that says "Eat Me"- like the candies Alice eats to grow smaller or taller. :)

DIY Wedding Invitations

My best advice if you're DIYing your wedding invites is to use a kit. Unless you have a graphics design background and printing experience, these kits are a lifesaver and you can customize them any way you like. I chose the kit below from http://www.gartnerstudios.com/ , and customized it with pink lace and the Alice in Wonderland stamps. Their kits are super easy and print on a home printer. The best part- it only costs about $1 per invite!

DIY Invitation/STD Envelopes (with vintage wax seal!)

Make your envelopes for your STD's or invites look professional and fancy for a fraction of the price. Now, some people do actually make their envelopes using templates, if you're that ambitious, go for it! I bought nice quality ivory envelopes. You can also using some stationary software print directly on your envelopes, I chose to make clear labels for the addresses, and they double as return address stickers. Finish off your romantic vintage invitation with gold sealing wax and the stamp of your choice.

You will need:

-Good quality envelopes (or make your own out of fine paper)

-Staples clear address labels

-Sealing wax (I prefer gold, but it comes in various colors/metallics)

-Sealing wax stamp

1.Print your clear address labels- it's super easy using the template download from http://www.staples.com/. Be sure to make them look formal- address to Mr. John Smith not "John Smith". Use a nice cursive font, but be sure it's legible for post office.

2. Using the same clear labels, print your return address labels.

3. Apply labels to front and back of envelope.

4. Stuff envelopes with invites/STDs and seal.

**The best part about these labels- you can use them again and again, to mail STDs, invites, thank you notes, rehearsal dinner invites, etc.

5. Wax Seal- Melt sealing wax with a lighter, dripping a good amount onto envelope, swirl with wax stick into a large enough circle for stamp-should be slightly larger than stamp. Press stamp down firmly and release. Voila!

DIY Wedding Save The Dates

Create your very own unique Save the Dates in this sweet vintage luggage tag format.

What You'll Need:

-Large oaktag luggage tags (can cut your own out or buy at craft store)

-Decorative papers

-Printer

-Glue Stick

-Ribbon

-Paper Cutter

1. Print out your Save the Date text/image for front and back of the tag. Since mine is an Alice in Wonderland Wedding, I did a clock with "Don't Be Late" on the front and on the back "..For a Very Important Date! " with details of the wedding and an image of the white rabbit. Be sure they are about 1/4" smaller than the dimensions of the tag.

2. Cut out rectangles from decorative paper about the size of the tag. Glue to tag, then glue STD text paper on top. **Be sure when gluing to use a good glue stick and get the corners of the papers so it doesn't ripple or peel up.

3. Tie your pretty ribbon through the luggage tag hole, and Voila! Beautiful, easy Save the Dates.

See more pics below:

Welcome!

Welcome to Clare's DIY Wedding blog. I'll be posting how-to's as I prepare for my wedding September 2011. My mom and I are avid DIYers, crafters, and designers, so we will be making, designing, and creating literally EVERYTHING for the wedding. Look for tutorials on stationary, from Save the Dates, to Invitations, to programs, as well as decor, centerpieces, and even making a wedding dress! The theme of my wedding is a vintage tea party- a la Alice in Wonderland. Look forward to dainty decor, antique teapot centerpieces, a cupcake and candy buffet, and those adorable "eat me" and "drink me" labels from Alice's journey through the rabbit hole. I hope to inspire other whimsical, vintage, DIYer brides on how to create professional looking wedding on a budget.