DIY – Bridal Musings

How to Make DIY Artificial Flowers For Your Wedding

Isabella Taylor — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:55:19 +0000

Crafting your own wedding decor adds a personal flair that no store-bought item can match. If you're gearing up for your big day and your budget is whispering sweet nothings about savings, how about embracing a DIY project that's both easy on the wallet and a feast for the eyes? Imagine creating a stunning bouquet of roses from coffee filters and glue for the jaw-dropping price of $17. That's right, just seventeen dollars. This bit of budget genius comes courtesy of Hannah from North Carolina (with permission!), whose creativity turned a frugal find into fabulous flora.

Now, let's talk about these roses. They're every crafty bride's dream: low cost, low waste, and high impact. Coffee filters offer the perfect canvas to bring any color palette to life, and they're resilient enough to survive the excitement and chaos of a wedding day. The best part? They won't droop or wilt when the day heats up.

This DIY journey is ideal for brides who get a kick out of crafting and the joy of declaring, “I made that!” as guests marvel at their handiwork. With a handful of supplies and a bit of time, you can create roses that add a touch of romance to any setting. Granted, it might take about 20 minutes to create each bloom, but it's a delightful way to add a personal touch to your special day, without draining your wallet.

While it does take a bit of time to craft these beauties, think of it as a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. It's your moment to pause, craft, and maybe even catch up on your favorite podcast.

Ready to embark on this crafty floral endeavor? The full tutorial, kindly provided by Hannah, is waiting below. It's packed with all the tips and tricks you need to create these charming, everlasting blooms.

And here's a sweet thought—these roses can live on past your wedding day. They can bloom in your home, serve as keepsakes for guests, or even inspire the next crafty bride who catches one.

Ready to get your hands on the tutorial and start this floral journey? The full tutorial, kindly shared with us by Hannah herself, is below and complete with all the tips and tricks to create these everlasting blooms.

Complete Tutorial: How to Create Artificial Flowers for Your Wedding

Supplies:

Acrylic paint
Water
Coffee filters
Scissors
Thin wire
Wire cutters
Bamboo skewers
Elmer's glue
Paint brush

Steps:

Dye
Cut/dry
Assemble

Dye:

Dilute acrylic paint in water
Dip coffee filters in mixture

Dip them in stacks, not one at a time
By dipping the edges in one color, letting it partially dry, and dipping the middle in another color, you can achieve a starburst look
Separate any large stacks into smaller stacks and allow to partially dry

Cutting and Drying

You will need two kinds of petals, inner and outer. For each rose you will need 4 outer sheets and 3 inner half-sheets. Because of this you will need to cut roughly 4x more sheets into outer petals than inner petals. You may cut multiple layers at once.

Outer petals:

Fold damp sheets into half and then into thirds to create sixths
Cut a shallow “m” shape
Unfold and cut one slit from one edge, stopping at the center

Inner petals:

Fold damp sheets into eighths
Cut a rounded “v” shape
Unfold and cut in half
Cut a slit from the peak of the center petal continuing halfway down

After petals are cut, lay sheets out so they may dry. (They do not need to be fully dry to assemble.)

Assembling pt 1.

You will need 3 half-sheets of inner petals and 4 sheets of outer petals.

Inner petals:

Mix elmer's glue and water to create a thin glue mixture. Apply to inner petal half-sheet as shown below (red)
Starting at one side, roll sheet into a cone
Apply glue to the next sheet, place cone on it and roll. Do this again to use all 3 inner petal sheets
Cut the end off of the cone

Outer sheets

On the first and third outer sheets: fold over the first petal and apply glue as shown below (red)
Place cone on sheet and roll
On the second and fourth outer sheets: do not fold over the first petal. This will ensure the petals are staggered and look realistic. Apply glue.
Place cone on sheet and roll
Repeat until all 4 outer petal sheets are used

Assembling pt 2.

After all sheets are rolled, cut the end off of the cone
Insert bamboo skewer near the middle on the flower
Wrap wire around base of flower and tighten
The higher you wrap the wire, the more loose and open the flower will be
Add finishing touches such as opening and curling the petals

Photo guide:

Dying/cutting

Assembly:

The 12 Best Places To Order Wedding Albums & Photo Books Online

Lesley Turner — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The 13 Best Places To Buy Wedding Decorations Online

Jessica Buck — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Dried and Artificial Flowers by Afloral

You’ve envisioned this celebration for months, maybe even years. And now it is time to start curating your wedding decor. Whether you’re seeking the latest trend, harkening back to a more traditional style, or forging a path of your own, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the world of wedding decor. No gatekeeping here, friends!

While sauntering around a showroom definitely offers some sparkle-factor planning, shopping online offers comfort that really cannot be beaten. There are options aplenty for bespoke pieces and custom orders. And, truly, the luxury of mixing and matching textures and hues on your own time with a glass of wine (or tea) in hand is crème de la crème. Our list of where to buy wedding decorations online covers top categories like florals, linen, lighting, signage, DIY supplies and more.

Want to skip our reviews and get straight to shopping? Here’s a quick list of our favorite wedding decor shops:

Etsy

Best for: handmade, custom wedding decor.

To know her is to love her. The queen of Handmade caters to brides of all styles. We love finding under-the-radar shops and niche visions come to life. May you find that striking ceremony arch, custom etched cake topper, or bohemian centerpiece of your heart’s desire. And if you can’t, we bet you can find a shop who would be thrilled to make it for you.

Visit Site →

MyWeddingFavors

Best for: personalized wedding favors.

Favors are a thoughtful way to thank those who attend for doing just that– celebrating with you! MyWeddingFavors makes navigating popular options easy with filters by theme, type of favor, and personalization possibilities. We love the idea of crossing off items on the list in one fell swoop. Be sure to check out their decor offerings too. Did you see the darling place card holders?!

Visit Site →

Afloral

Best for: dried and silk flowers, vases, vessels and candles.

Photo by Dear Lovers Photo with florals arranged by Nectar and Bloom for Afloral

All of the energy spent in designing your ideal floral vibe deserves to be preserved. By shopping Afloral, you’re receiving fine natural dried flowers and grasses; perfect to be admired for months to come. It feels like a treat to shop by season or flower with their inspiring styled photos. The cool and chic shop even has a collection of vases and accessories to make your floral vision come to life.

Visit Site →

FiftyFlowers

Best for: wholesale fresh wedding flowers for DIYers.

Photo by Claire Eliza with FiftyFlowers

Fresh floral is a wedding staple, don’t we know it! There’s something to be noted about seeing your fave blooms on, what is sure to be, your fave day. Buying in bulk allows budgets and desires to coexist in a beautiful way. Purchase ready-made collections, design your DIY or follow their style guides to achieve your goal. Need tips for ordering? Their online chat option will likely steer you in the right direction.

Once you’ve made your order, you can watch our helpful DIY Centerpiece Tutorial that includes a floral recipe from FiftyFlowers’ catalog of florals!

Visit Site →

Minted

Best for: wedding signage and printed paper goods.

Photo by Scott Clark with signage by artist Kelly Schmidt

Popularly known for their invitations suites and stationery, Minted has burst on the scene with stunning print-your-own options. Executing a cohesive look with your printed goods – from ceremony signage to programs to escort cards and more – is effortless when it all comes from the same printing house. Sign us up!

Visit Site →

Wayfair

Best for: lighting, wedding reception furniture and floral installations.

Boho Wedding Arch available on Wayfair

While typically considered a mecca for furniture, Wayfair has wonderful options for wedding decor. Search for the currently-trendy round ceremony arches, dried floral installations, floating candle wish lanterns, faux hedges, bar signs and even photo backdrops!

Visit Site →

Michaels

Best for: DIY wedding supplies.

Our Day Signs available at Michaels

Calling all crafters! Michaels has long remained a household name for good reason. You’ll find all the tools needed to make your wedding decor DIY project come together seamlessly. Make your list and check it twice and then be sure to use that 20% discount – nice!

Visit Site →

Zazzle

Best for: personalized paper goods and favors.

Zazzle is a shop for your printed decor essentials. Design or select your ideal place cards, wedding favors, signage and stationery all in one place. You can even customize wedding favors like matchboxes or playing cards. Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts are useful ones!

Visit Site →

BBJ La Tavola Specialty Linen

Best for: the trendiest wedding linens.

Florals & Photo by Britlyn Simone Floral of BBBJ La Tavola Linens

BBJ La Tavola owns the inspiration bursting with each scroll of their website. Their showrooms are showstopping. The impact of luxury linen is undeniable on a space whether indoors or out, as demonstrated by their carefully crafted designer series and inspiration tabs. And the shopping experience feels just as luxe online as it does in person. If you’re seeking a way to up the ante on the entire design of your wedding decor, look no further than BBJ La Tavola.

Visit Site →

Wedzee

Best for: used and custom-made wedding decor.

Florals by Rosemary's Garden Florals on Wedzee

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to make their bridal musings (see what we did there?) come to life. We also believe in loving our earth and shopping sustainably where possible. Enter Wedzee! Consider a marketplace designed to buy and sell your new, used, or custom wedding decor. Finding your perfect cake stand with a lower economic impact? Yes, please.

Visit Site →

CVLinens

Best for: affordable wedding linens.

Most tables need linens. And we love a bargain! CVLinens boasts a wide array of table linens in different sizes, colors and materials. Need items in a pinch? They even have rush delivery available in select areas. We love a company that saves the day.

Visit Site →

Ginger Ray

Best for: trendy wedding details.

The cutest catalog of wedding decor we ever did see. Sort by color, style, price range, you name it. The feeling while scrolling this shop is one of pure happiness! Their site injects the joy of wedding decor design into the shopping experience. While ‘ditzy floral’ may not be your style it’s nearly impossible not to peek. If you have a theme that’s not too obscure, you are likely to find decor at Ginger Ray.

Visit Site →

Event Decor Direct

Best for: large scale wedding draping at discount prices.

Design by Tas Events and Design with with Event Decor Direct

This option answers a need for function. Think pipe and drape, lighting or chair covers. Each of these pieces add to an event in a way that doesn’t scream, “DECOR!” but need our attention nonetheless. With clients like Disney and Princess Cruises, you know they mean business.

Visit Site →

Planning your wedding from the comfort of home? Here is everything you need to buy for your wedding…available to shop online.

From Bordeaux With Love: Dreamy DIY Bridal Inspiration Shoot

Elizabeth Muhmood Kane — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:45:22 +0000

I can think of a better way to start the day than with some dreamy bridal inspiration all the way from beautiful Bordeaux, France…

Marion Heurteboust is the talented lady behind the lens, who not only took these gorgeous images but also styled the shoot, handmade the veils and used freshly picked flowers from her garden for the bouquets! For the birdcage veils, Marion gathered white fabric to create flowers then attached a small piece of tulle / polka dot netting.

Shot in two idyllic locations, these images will have you daydreaming about romantic trips to France, walking through fields of flowers and passing by beautifully cracked grey, ivory clad walls. The model is such a stunning, natural beauty and her pale pink, silk, tiered dress (from H& M!) would make a perfect bridesmaids dress don't you think?

I can't tell you how much I adore these images…

The blush pink dress, grey background, white florals and the fresh green of the ivy work so perfectly together. (It reminds me a little of this beautiful wedding.)

Many thanks to Marion Heurteboust for sharing her stunning photography. To see more of her work, check out this beachy chic engagement session I featured a few months ago with the prettiest, vintage, ruffly red dress.

Photographer: Marion Heurteboust / Dress: H&M

Why Etsy Is Your Wedding Shopping Best Friend During Coronavirus

Claire Eliza DiBlasi — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:11:34 +0000

As some of you know, my husband & I moved to Portland last Fall & we were gleeful with how many small businesses would suit our needs from now on: local beauty products, decorations, plants, vintage furniture, handmade dresses & linens – everything we needed to start a new home we could buy from a small business in our neighborhood.

Then Coronavirus happened. And like many of you planning weddings, we had to shift buying nearly all necessities (aside from food & thankfully flowers!) online. My plans to shop small & shop local were thwarted – I felt so defeated – then I remembered our Bridal Musings bestie, Etsy!

Whether you're searching for your dream wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, engagement & wedding rings, wedding favors, stationery, linens, ribbons, signage, lighting or decor, Etsy has literally everything you could want in handmade & vintage form for your wedding.

So, even if your favorite neighborhood shops you planned to source from are temporarily closed or worse, out of business, you can still “shop small” and support artisans & small businesses thanks to Etsy‘s massive platform of creative entrepreneurs.

Better yet, if you still want to support your local community you can specify “shop location” in the filters as you shop to find local artisans in your area.

To inspire you, I decided to pick a trending theme & show how literally everything you need is on Etsy (& chic & affordable!)

A Whimsical Botanical Wedding…

Wedding Dress

Pink Wedding Dress by Angellure Bridal via Etsy

Tulle Wedding Dress by Sumarokova Bridal via Etsy

Akvile High-Low Two-Piece Wedding Dress by Jurgita Bridal

Engagement Ring

Pink Pear Morganite 14k Gold Engagement Ring by Melissa Tyson Designs via Etsy

Bridal Shoes

Floral Beaded Lace Bridal Heel by Bella Belle Shoes via Etsy

Andora Bridal Flats by Bella Belle Shoes via Etsy

Wedding Veil

Mantilla Lace Cathedral Veil by Sibo Designs via Etsy

Bridesmaid Dresses

Silk Cowl Neck Bridesmaid Dress by Undressed Shop via Etsy

Bridesmaid Jewelry

Real Pressed Pansy Earrings by Petal Connection via Etsy

Bridal Robe

Vintage Lace Bridal Robe by Mary Had a Little Lace via Etsy

Flower Crown

Hydrangea Dried Flower Crown by H Botanics Weddings via Etsy

Groom's Tie & Pocket Square

Josh & Fi Tie & Pocket Square by The Tie Garden via Etsy

Wedding Bands

Fields Hammered 14k Recycled Gold Wedding Band by Melissa Tyson Designs via Etsy

Wedding Stationery & Invitations

Floral Wedding Invitation Suite by Margaux Paperie via Etsy

Table Numbers

Pressed Flower Table Number by Smith & the Magpie via Etsy

Silk Ribbons

Botanical Dyed Silk Ribbon by Lancaster & Cornish via Etsy

Floral Confetti

Biodegradable Flower Confetti by Posh and Sparkle via Etsy

Plateware

Mix & Match Vintage Floral China Plates from Second City Treasures via Etsy

Candles

Handmade Dried Floral Candles by Old Nicks Witchery via Etsy

Table Linens

Rose Quartz Sweetheart Table Runner by Linen Lark via Etsy

Wedding Cake Topper

Just Married Bunting Wedding Cake Topper by Friendly Events via Etsy

Ring Box

French Oval Velvet Ring Box by Beloved Fine Jewels via Etsy

Wedding Favors

Custom Seed Wedding Favors by Plain Jane 2424 via Etsy

Custom Botanical Tea Favors by Mesnet via Etsy

Handkerchiefs

Mix & Match Vintage Floral Handkerchiefs from The Little Irish Shop via Etsy

We'll stop there because…whew we could spend all day on Etsy! If you're looking for even more online shoppables here are our favorite things on sale right now across the internet and here's everything you might need to buy for your wedding.

Is Coronavirus effecting your wedding plans & dress shopping? Find all of our COVID-19 wedding help here & don’t miss our Virtual Wedding Guide to help plan your digital day!

10 Creative Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Guest Book

Claire Eliza DiBlasi — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:00:51 +0000

Instax Instructions Sign by Wishful Paper Boutique via Etsy

Guest books are a classic wedding tradition so easily updated. Forget the boring lined guest book lacking any inspiration. Encapsulate your guest's kind words and presence in a way you'll actually cherish for years to come.

To help, Be Inspired PR's talented pool of wedding vendors and experts are sharing their favorite creative wedding guest book alternatives. Recommendations include old traditions like Dutch Wish Trees. Plus, modern ideas like video and audio recordings.

Or, if you want to keep the guest book look but bring it into the modern age, why not provide Instax cameras so your friends and family can tape in photos throughout the night alongside their sage words of wisdom?

Here are our 10 favorite modern wedding guest book ideas…

1. The Wish Tree

Globe Guest Book by Consider The World via Etsy

“The Wish Tree is a Dutch wedding custom where guests write their well wishes to the couple on a piece of paper, either shaped like a leaf or made of cardstock and then hang it on the tree. This creates a spectacular wedding centerpiece—especially when placing the tree at the entrance to the reception to WOW guests right when they walk in.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

2. Custom Globes

Photo by Leah Goetzel Photography

“Travel lover? Custom globes in your aesthetic are a fun way for guests to wish you well in their chosen country. Maybe you'll even visit some of these places in your lifetime together.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

3. Video Booths

Audio Guest Book Signage by The Hoovler House via Etsy

“Are you looking for an alternative to a traditional guest book and LOVE the cute photo booth trend? Why not take it one step further and create a video booth for guests to record their messages to you? Add a karaoke option for guests who want to serenade you with their best wishes for extra fun! Set it up with props and graphics and a well-stocked karaoke machine. Guests can opt for a song dedicated to you or videotape their best wishes! Highlight clips from your video guest book can even be edited into your full wedding video – especially from your bridal party or close relatives and friends. The final video will be so fun to watch after the wedding or even a decade later!” – Andaleeb from Atelier Azure

4. Voicemail Audiobook

Instant Photo Guest Book by Catch This Moment via Etsy

“Guest books can be so fun and creative! Rather than the standard “sign your name” format, involve your guests in a fun and enjoyable interactive activity to create lasting memories! After the Tone is a fun service our couples have been using – it's a voicemail audio guest book. You'll display a vintage landline phone at the reception and guests pick it up and use it to record audio messages for the couple!” – Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design

5. Instant Photo Album

Custom Photo Guest Book by Secret Creation via Etsy

“Instant cameras pay dividends at weddings! First, they give your guests something fun to do.: running around the dancefloor or posing in front of your backdrop with an Instax camera. On top of that endless entertainment, you can make a guest book out of the experience, too! Put out a guest book with cute washi tape and pens. Then, have your guests add their instant photos with a little advice throughout the night.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

6. Custom Puzzles

Italy by Gray Malin

“Puzzles are another way to create a cherished memory but also a fun activity to do together later. Everyone signs a puzzle piece to a big puzzle with your monogram and wedding date on it! We've also had couples had guests all sign Jenga pieces!” – Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design

7. Coffee Table Books

Wedding Advice Cards by Minty Paperie via Etsy

“Coffee table books are also a creative use for a guest book, can be based on the venue, the city they live in or are getting married in, or something they have in common.” – Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design

8. Advice Cards

Wedding Card Box by 2b1 Wedding via Etsy

“The purpose of a guest book is to preserve a message from attending guests as a keepsake forevermore. But sometimes, on the spot with a wedding happening in the background, guests may have trouble writing heartfelt and personalized messages in the guest book. This is why we love designing guest book advice cards. These can be set up on a table or at each place setting. Guests receive a card with prompts like, “Always __________”, “Never __________”, “Don't forget to__________” and “Wishing you both _________” with an area for each guest to sign their names. Collect these cards later and bind them into a book that will be both fun to read and yet personal. To add a visual touch, you can even attach or include a digital photo or an instant polaroid that each guest takes of themselves at the same table when turning in their cards.” – Andaleeb from Atelier Azure

9. The Wedding Capsule

Photo by Sara Richardson Photography

“Simple and sweet, the wedding capsule is an alternative way to display your wedding guests' words of wisdom in your home. Choose a display box that you'd love to place in your house. We love shopping on Etsy for vintage carved boxes, modern marble boxes or even ceramic lidded jars. At your wedding, ask your guests to write their best advice on pieces of thick paper and drop them into your display box. Then, year after year you can make a tradition out of pulling out advice from your pretty wedding capsule.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

10. When in doubt, utilize your wedding theme or location!

“Instead of having a book that your guests sign, why not play to the theme of your wedding? For example, if you are marrying at a vineyard, have guests sign a custom top of a wine barrel that you can later display in your home! Or, if you're saying “I do” at a beach house or lake house, have guests sign an anchor or sailboat model! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating custom guest books for your big day!” – Hannah Berglund Photography

These tips were gathered with help from Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency for wedding, wellness and lifestyle clients. With over 10+ years of experience, we’re here to take our clients to the next level! Find oodles of stylish wedding inspiration on their Instagram and Pinterest.

Pure White DIY Party With A Hint Of Pink: Balloons, Doilies & Hearts

Elizabeth Muhmood Kane — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:40:44 +0000

This handmade, pure white, DIY engagement party is going to knock your {preferably white} socks off!

So much thought, care and attention to detail was put into this utterly gorgeous event but I wouldn't expect anything less from the multi-talented Natalie Spencer!

Natalie is a couture cake maker turned photographer, a crafty DIYer and I think you'll agree after seeing these photos of this engagement party she organised with her friend Katie, an incredible event stylist too!

Natalie's thoughts on the shoot:

When Katie and I found out that our best friend Alex would be getting engaged soon we started planning the engagement party. Katie and I love all things wedding and pretty…We had a vision of white and of course, a bit of pink, feminine and soft. We wanted desserts and drinks and a fun little celebration for our Alex.

This was a 100% DIY party! We made all of the white desserts, piped each ‘love' cookie and macaron, made the doily banners, felt heart straws, and invitations. My mom helped with arranging the perfect pink peonies, and other arrangements in my favourite milk glasses.

And here's the beautiful bride to be, Alex, getting some practice in of holding a bouquet.

Wow! Alex is lucky to have such fabulous friends!

These DIY details could easily be adapted for weddings ~ those felt heart stripy straws are the cutest and that Doily cake topper ~ such a simple yet effective idea. I love it!

Which DIY details did you like best?

Thanks so much to Natalie of Natalie Spencer Photography for sharing these beautiful images today ~ check out her previous features on Bridal Musings here {cookies and cakes} and here {vintage winter wonderland inspiration shoot}.