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:

Searching for unique wedding ideas? You've come to the right place! We've curated a list of ceremony and reception suggestions that range from the subtly different to the woah that's pretty ‘out there' variety! Whether it's elegant accessorizing, flower dogs, creating immersive entertainment for your guests (who knew wedding karaoke was a thing?!) or starring in your very own wedding magazine, our diverse selection has you covered.

Custom Pet Cutout for Photobooth

For those who consider pets as family, these custom cutouts ensure that even if the furry friend can't attend, they're still part of the fun. It's a delightful touch for memorable photos and a nod to the couple's love for their pets.

Entertain with Giant Lawn Games

Keep guests entertained with jumbo versions of favorite lawn games. Giant Jenga stacks will encourage mingling while oversized Yahtzee, Connect Four and cornhole sets transform the reception into a playground for young and old. We've put together a list of our favorite outdoor games here.

Indulge in a Gourmet Donut Wall

Indulge sweet teeth with the dessert display of their dreams – a donut wall laden with dozens of gourmet flavors. With options from classic glazed to decadent raspberry cheesecake-filled, it's a treat for the eyes and taste buds.

Create a Custom Scent for Your Special Day

Surround yourselves with the scents of love by developing a custom fragrance for your wedding. Wear it as your signature reminder of your special day and infuse stationery and decor with its notes to evoke nostalgia of your union.

Tech Fun with a Snapchat Geofilter

Add some tech-savvy whimsy by designing a personalized Snapchat geofilter for your wedding locale. Your custom animation gives guests' snaps a touch of your style.

Relive the Memories with Commemorative Wedding Magazines

Preserving your precious moments is not just about photos in a dusty album anymore. Design your own illustrative keepsakes with wedding magazines, a fresh and modern way to relive unforgettable times. Among the variety of options out there, MILK's Wedding Magazine stands out as one of our favorites.

Selfie Mirror

Infuse your wedding with a selfie mirror for instant, stylish memories. It's more than a photo-op; it's engaging, modern fun that preserves every laugh and smile.

Light Up the Party with Neon Signs

Illuminate the celebration with custom neon signs radiating your names, hashtag and more. Portable neon makes a cheeky accent for the bar, dance floor or photo booth.

Guest Phone Instead of Guest Book

Using a service like FeteFone, guests can leave voice messages for the couple. It's a modern twist on the traditional guest book, creating an auditory keepsake filled with love and well wishes.

Floral Phone Booth

A decorative twist on the guest phone idea, this booth, adorned with fresh flowers, becomes a picturesque spot for photos and messages, blending tradition with modernity.

Welcome Guests with Personalized Gifts

Make them feel special with personalized guest room gifts to welcome travelers. Monogrammed slippers, custom snacks, and thoughtful touches feel extra luxurious after journeying for your big day.

Toast with Custom Cocktail Creations

Cheers to you with cocktails specially crafted for the occasion by a mixologist. Custom concoctions like your signature sip or dreamy, love-themed libations add a personal touch to the bar menu.

A Wedding Scavenger Hunt

This is a fun and interactive way to keep your guests entertained at your reception. You could hide clues around the venue, and the first guests to find all of the clues win a prize.

A Wedding Karaoke Machine

This is a great way for your guests to let loose and have some fun at your reception. You could provide a selection of popular songs, or you could let your guests choose their own songs.

Mementos for Table Numbers

Instead of traditional table numbers, using personal mementos like concert tickets or boarding passes showcases the couple's shared adventures and stories. It's a conversation starter and adds a deeply personal touch to the wedding decor.

Live Event Painter

Imagine capturing the magic of your wedding day in real-time through art. A live event painter does just that, creating a masterpiece during the ceremony or reception, which serves as a lasting memory of the special day.

Gartered Bottle of Wine Dance

This unique dance celebrates enduring love. The couple gifts a special bottle of wine, adorned with a garter, to the longest-married couple present. It's a touching tribute and a nod to lasting commitment.

Portable Pizza Ovens

Freshly baked pizzas, made on-site, ensure guests enjoy a hot, delicious meal. It's interactive, aromatic, and a delightful deviation from traditional wedding fare, making the dining experience memorable.

Entertainment: Magician or Comedian

For weddings without a dance floor, hiring a magician or comedian ensures guests are entertained. It's a unique touch that guarantees laughter and amazement, making the event stand out.

Moms Giving Toasts

Breaking away from tradition, allowing mothers to share heartfelt words and memories adds a warm, inclusive touch. It's a celebration of maternal love and the journey leading up to the big day.

Professional Family Photos

As guests arrive for cocktails, they're greeted by a professional photographer. This ensures everyone gets a chance to capture beautiful family moments, making them feel cherished and special.

Caricature Artist

Offering guests the chance to get a personalized, whimsical drawing ensures they have a fun keepsake to remember the event. It's interactive, entertaining, and a delightful addition to the festivities.

Glow Table

A vibrant station filled with glow sticks and tattoos, this table becomes the epicenter of fun as the evening progresses. Perfect for evening celebrations, it adds a neon-lit, energetic vibe to the party.

Themed Tables

Tables themed around milestones or interests from the couple's life journey make for engaging conversation starters. It's a beautiful way to share their story and let guests in on their shared memories.

Lip Sync Battle

Engaging guests in a playful performance ensures an energetic reception. It's a chance for attendees to showcase their fun side, ensuring the dance floor remains lively and interactive.

Dog as Flower Girl

Pets hold a special place in our hearts. Incorporating them into the ceremony, like having a dog as a flower girl, adds a heartwarming, personal touch that's sure to melt hearts.

Private Vow Exchange

Exchanging personal vows during a private first look adds an intimate touch. It's a moment of raw emotion, ensuring the couple shares a deeply personal connection before the ceremony.

Parents Officiating the Wedding

Making the ceremony deeply personal, having parents officiate is a testament to the bond shared by the family. It's a touching way to start the couple's new journey.

Harpist

The ethereal sound of a harp adds a touch of classical romance to the wedding ambiance. It's an elegant musical choice that elevates the ceremony's atmosphere, making it feel timeless.

End the Night with a Fireworks Extravaganza

Save the best for last with a dazzling fireworks show lighting up the sky. Whether golden glittering waterfalls or booming bursts of color, an epic pyrotechnic finale is sure to leave guests breathless.

There's no end to the possibilities when it comes to infusing your wedding day with personal and unique touches. Whether you opt for playful entertainment, indulgent cuisine, sentimental keepsakes or ceremonial surprises, each unique addition allows you to shape your celebration into a more meaningful experience.

Focus on choosing elements that speak to your love story, interests, values and vision as a couple. Get creative, think outside the box, and don't be afraid to break from tradition to make the day distinctly your own.

When guests depart with smiles and stories to share, you'll know all the thoughtful details and special surprises made your wedding not just a ceremony, but a memorable affair cherished by all. Embrace imagination, fun and meaning to craft a distinctive celebration of your love. The memories you make will be as unique as your union.

Man, my friends need to step it up, there's nothing I would love nothing more than to hear our engaged buddies say, “We're getting married in the South of France at a chateau in Cannes” And when they do, I will be immediately showing them this gorgeous, jaw-dropping, dramatic (but oh-so-fun) film from Denee Motion.

Filled with drone videography covering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and picturesque venue, the video tugs at our heartstrings. Not only is the film so deeply cinematic, but it's so much fun! Clearly, this couple knows how to throw a party. From the horah dance to throwing the bride into the air, the groom's long leaps over groomsmen to what looked like an all-night dance party, the film is equal parts beauty and riotous fun.

All we're saying is next time, we here at Bridal Musings want an invite.

High on the cliffs above the Amalfi Coast in Italy lies the ancient, picturesque town of Ravello. Absolutely rustic, this tiny town is the perfect setting for an intimate & romantic love scene – played here by Sara and Geoffrey.

It’s hard to believe this wedding is real – the wedding film shot by the talented Happy Together Films is so cinematically beautiful, filled with sweeping artistic scenes of the Mediterranean & a totally stylish couple, it could be seen in theatres across the globe.

And as with any costume change, we’re giddy with the number of outfits, gowns & events we get to witness in this quick & beautiful four-minute film. From the sleek & simple City Hall look (from ASOS, score!) to the modern boho ceremony attire Sara and Geoffrey are truly a stylish couple.

The Wedding Story

We decided to get married in Italy because of the lovely food and surroundings, plus we both have a little bit of Italian heritage so it made sense. Most of all we fell in love with the beautiful villa Domus Laeta and the lovely little town of Giungano.

My main dress is made by one of my closest friends, Diana Jap, who also happens to be the reason we got married because she’s the one who introduced us. I loved that she let me be part of the creative process. We scouted inspiration, chose fabrics together and it was amazing seeing my dress come to life. I love the intricate details and the flow of the fabric.

The most precious moment of all was at the end of the night when everyone else had gone to bed and we were alone for the first time as husband and wife. We sat on the roof terrace under the milky way looking at the falling stars, feeling full of wonder and fulfillment. All our closest loved ones were sleeping on the floors below us. That was the happiest moment of our lives.

“He proposed to me on the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean on a beach one evening underneath the stars, surrounded by our family and friends. His friends had prepared a banner with the question “Will you marry me?” in three different languages and his dad had prepared fireworks.”