All things diy bride

Roses are Red...

2011-12-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

...a wonderfuly romantic theme! Would be fantastic for this time of year or the new year would be a fantastic time to buy things for this theme in the January sale - think christmas decorations that arent strictly 'Christmassy' - all things red and sparkly!

Eco Wedding Theme

2011-10-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

...becoming more and more popular is the eco friendly wedding theme. There are many ways you can make your wedding eco friendly:

For stationery, Look for products which are made with fairtrade or recycled paper/card products such as these Environmentally-friendly recycled board tag inserts

Confetti could be organic, fairtrade or locally produced flower petals or made with recycled paper or bird friendly seeds.

This fragranced pink heart soap packaged in a simple brown envelope tied with a contrasting ribbon trim and matching 'with love' tag makes the perfect favour or gift!

Use a local florist using locally sourced flowers and don’t forget to use recycled containers whenever possible

More free wedding templates

2011-10-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to apologise for the lack of posts recently - I've been extremely busy lately but promise to be back on track soon!

Here are some more free wedding templates to help keep that budget down!

Black and white printable stationery set from http://www.empapers.com/

Candy buffet and cake table signs from Ruffled

Program, menu and stationery templates from Martha Stewart

Save the date cards from Wedding Chics

15% of Personalised Products

2011-09-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Confetti are offering 15% off their personalised products.

I just LOVE the signs below!

DIY Letters

2011-09-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share my latest DIY project - its for our nursery (baby due in December!) but these would be a fab idea for your wedding too.

The paper mache letters were £2.00 each from ebay. I painted a couple and covered the fronts of a couple with patterned paperstock. I then used embelishments and papers to decorate the letters.

Ideal for use as a welcome sign, sweetie table or guest book sign etc...

Tips for keeping stationery costs down...

2011-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Reply postcards cost less than reply cards and will also cut back on postage fees
Select a less expensive paper stock than 100% cotton or linen rag if the longevity of the invitaiton is not a top priority

If the wedding ceremony and reception are to take place at the same venue, omit the reception card
Choose thermal lithography printing rather than engraving
Order supplies from warehouses or wholesale outlets rather than speciality paper boutiques or art stores - they are more likely to have discounts!

Only purchase inserts you feel are definately neccessary - if you dont think you need menus for your wedding, you dont have to include them
Order supplies well ahead of time in case of unforseen delays and because rush orders almost always cost significantly more

Complete Wedding Package £1999

2011-09-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

....instead of £5025!

A complete wedding or civil ceremony package is on offer for couples to tie the knot with, accommodating attendance of up to 50 people for the ceremony and up to 70 people for evening festivities at the stately venue.

click here for the offer

A joyous and life-affirming union of two that have always been destined for each other, everyone celebrates the day they wear a pair of matching socks. Enjoy an even more momentous merger with today’s Groupon: for £1999 instead of £5025, get a complete wedding venue package at Woodborough Hall.

The package includes:

• Ceremony room hire and set up, with a choice of the main hall or the orangery
• Choice of the main hall or the orangery (with a sit-down capacity of 120)
• Includes all tableware, linen, cutlery, crockery and glassware
• Michelin rated Three course meal of a starter, main course and dessert
• Glass of Champagne at the reception for the bride and groom
• Still and sparkling bottled water during the meal.
• Three course meal of a starter, main course and dessert
• Tea or coffee and petit fours
• Mixed drinks reception of Pimm's No. 3 Winter Mix, hot or cold, for up to 50
• Evening finger buffet for 70 guests (Maximum capacity of 250)
• Choice of chair covers and sashes to match the wedding colour scheme
• Luxury wedding night bridal suite with a continental breakfast
• Dedicated toastmaster/manager to ensure your day runs perfectly
• In-house wedding planner

Confetti Promotion Codes

2011-09-04T02:48:00.000-07:00

Confetti have some more fantastic money off codes...

10% off orders over £40 Use code 10SEPT
10% off and free P&P on orders over £100 Use code 12SEPT

Terms & Conditions:Offer end midnight 30th September 2011.
Offers cannot be used with any other promotion codes.
Unless specified, discount is not applied to P&P.
To apply discount, enter voucher code at the checkout

Wedding Craft Projects

2011-08-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

Hobbycraft has some fantastic wedding craft projects - perfect for the DIY bride!

Frosted Candle Jars

What You Need:

Glass jars - small and large
1mm silver plated jewellery wire
Glass etch spray
Small pliers
Craft punches (optional)
Repositionable spray adhesive
Tealights
Scrap paper

Click here for instructions on how to create the jars

Favour Baskets

What You Need:

Mini basket
Organza
Rubber stamp & ink pad
Ribbon
Beads
Sugar coated almonds
Scissors
Thread
Card

Click here for instructions

Pew Ends

What You Need:

Selection of artificial floral stems and leaf foliage

Feather picks

Dry floral foam

Galvanised bucket

15mm wide ribbon

Selection of seed beads and sequins

Wire

Wire cutters

Scissors

Click here for instructions

Happy crafting!!

Premiere Studios Wedding Photography Package for £250

2011-08-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Premiere Studios Wedding Photography Package for £250 with Premiere Studios (£699 Value)

Please click here to see the offer

Deal only open until midnight tonight!

When weddings have to work with a limited budget, transport cuts are first to be made resulting in the bride giving lifts to guests on the back of her train. Take a seat in a carriage to marital bliss with today’s Groupon: £250 instead of £699 for a Wedding Photography Package at Premiere Studios.

When weddings have to work with a limited budget, transport cuts are first to be made resulting in the bride giving lifts to guests on the back of her train. Take a seat in a carriage to marital bliss with today’s Groupon: £250 instead of £699 for a Wedding Photography Package at Premiere Studios.

Nestled neatly just outside the city centre, this independent photographer is busy documenting nuptials and wannabe model newbies all over Nottingham. Portraits can be taken either at the studio, a specified chosen location or at the abodes of photogenic families. Groupon grooms and brides-to-be can feel safe in the mitts of an all-day memory catching pro. Whilst the wedding bells ring out, candid shots are captured amidst throws of confetti and bouquets. First dances and potentially embarrassing speeches are also caught on camera. After the special day, a framed 10x8 print can be added to the wedding gift table.

Package Includes:

Pre-wedding meeting at venue of choice
Bridal preparation
Ceremony
Posed pictures
Speeches
Cake cutting
First dance
Candid shots throughout
Up to 700 edited images on copyright free data DVD
100-image slideshow to music DVD presented in an ivory faux leather-bound case
10x8 framed print

Premiere Studios
Wedgwood House, 70 Carlton Road
NG3 2AP Nottingham
http://www.premierestudios.moonfruit.com/

Expires 23 August 2013

20% off Butterfly & Flowers Theme

2011-08-18T02:27:00.000-07:00

Confetti are offering 20% off their butterfly and flower products....

If you have chosen to add butterflies into your theme you can use them on your invitation design, table plan, flowers or place setting cards.

Your favors and centerpieces are great places to display your butterfly wedding theme ideas.

Many brides also like the idea of a butterfly release. It is a dramatic and beautiful display that enhances any couple’s butterfly wedding theme idea.

DIY Wedding Cake

2011-08-11T03:38:00.000-07:00

....cos we all love cake!

Wedding cakes can cost a fortune nowadays, so why not put your baking and creativity skills to the test and make your own! (you may need a trail run or two but it will be worth it in the long run)

Picture from ‘Wedding Ideas’ website

You may want to consider buying a pre-made and iced wedding cake, and just decorate it to match your wedding. But if you decide to make your own, the following tips may help...

Allow yourself enough time and patience and look for simple yet beautiful decorating techniques, Such as patterned hearts or sugar flowers
Plan to bake the cake about 3 days before your wedding and decorate it 1-2 days before your reception
use a recipe specifically designed to be a wedding cake as it will ensure that it is sturdy enough
Cake doesn’t have to be cake anymore. If you’re creative, adventurous and want something unique, you can make your own wedding “cake” from fresh fruit, sweets, chocolates…
Have a transportation plan – you don’t want all your hard work going to waste by the cake getting dropped/squashed!
a cupcake wedding cake is a simple, easy and cost effective wedding cake to make
Stick with a reliable frosting option, such as buttercream, which is easier to apply than fondant
If this is your first bash at baking and decorating a cake, use fresh flowers instead of trying to make sugar flowers or top your cake with a pre-made topper
Think about how you wish to display the wedding cake you have created at your reception – consider cake stands, table decorations for around the cake, cake knife etc

Here are some ‘how to’ videos for making your own wedding cake

Good luck!

Coast - Free Delivery

2011-08-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

Another offer day today!

Coast are offering free next day delivery on all orders before 3pm on Wednesday 10^th August so what are you waiting for!

Some gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, wedding guest outfits or just a treat...

A captivating stretch Duchess Satin dress with intricate panelled detailing. Figure hugging and flattering, the Jocasta gives you a sophisticated and feminine figure. Wearing length from underarm is 83cm

This is a great bandeau dress with modern hitched detailing at the skirt section. This dress has boning at the bust, is fully lined and has a removable sash belt. Wearing length from underarm is 69cm.

Make an impact in the Savannah Maxi dress. This bandeau style has a sweetheart neck line and fabulous fishtail skirt, and comes with matching detachable straps

Confetti Offers!

2011-08-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Some more fantastic offers from Confetti...

12% OFF + FREE P&P on orders over £100 - Use code 12AUG

10% OFF orders over £35 - Use code 10AUG

With lots of fab products to choose from, how can you resist?! See below for some of their fantastic new products...

Offer end midnight 31st August 2011.Offers cannot be used with any other promotion codes.
Unless specified, discount is not applied to P&P.
To apply discount, enter voucher code at the checkout.

Tips & Techniques

2011-08-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tips and techniques to help you with your wedding DIY projects...

Tags are great to add to favours, use as placenames or labels for a buffet.

You can create your own template in word or download some templates from here and why not purchase a tag punch to save having to cut them out? Use a hole punch to make the hole for the ribbon - neater than cutting one yourself!

When making your own cards and invitations, take your unfinished invitations to a local printing shop to have them cut to size. This will give your cards a finished, professional-looking edge at a great price; plus it will save you a lot of time and effort over cutting them yourself!

Printable card supplies are often much cheaper than purchasing backing papers and embelishments. Click here for a selection.

Use easy to read fonts for your stationery and inserts.

Use a program such Adobe Illustrator to create your invitations. Although it might take a little while to figure out, it will ultimately allow you to play around more with the general design. You can download free versions on the Adobe website. There are also other free software programmes available to play around with.

Don't be afraid to use unusual colours and textures!

Think about the pieces you need…most people generally want an Invitation, a Response Card and perhaps a Reception Card. Make sure you order enough paper!

Essential tools:
Paper trimmer
Craft knife - A craft knife allows you to cut intricate shapes with precision and ease
Good scissors
Cutting mat
Ruler

Moda in Pelle Sale!

2011-08-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

Moda in Pelle have a fantastic sale on at the moment – great if you’re a bride, bridesmaid or a guest!

For an additional 10% off the sale price, add SALE10* to your basket before checkout.

Click here to be directed to thier website.

Here’s a small selection of the huge range of shoes in the sale...

Happy shopping! x

Craft & Jewellery Fair....

2011-07-28T01:30:00.001-07:00

....for anyone in the area!

Dream Themes...

2011-07-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Carnival

I just love this theme! Fun, unique and lots of colour! You will be working with reds, pinks, whites, yellows and golds to set the theme. You want to recreate a colorful and fun “summery” atmosphere. Decorate with lanterns and fairy lights to add warmth and romance. Handmade wooden signs highlighting certain areas of your theme such as ‘cake boutique’, ‘fun fair rides’,'Candyfloss’ etc would add to the feel of the theme.

With lots of wonderful products on Confetti you can’t go wrong...

DIY Favours

2011-07-22T02:26:00.000-07:00

Can never get enough of these! Much more personal and way more fun to make and personalise your own instead of forking out loads of cash to buy them!
Here are a few great ideas....

Mini Vintage Ice Cream pots

These may be a little tricky to pre-prepare but they are gorgeous and fantastic for a vintage style wedding! Can also be used for sweets etc or use the tags to double up as place names

Spice-filled bottles - Bellenza

These are fab and so unique! Little spice-filled bottles with personalised messages - so cute! The bottles can be purchased from Amazon at a bargain price of £7.99 for 10. These could be used for lots of different favours!

Mini plant buckets – Boho Wedding

Great for rustic/country weddings and can double up as favours and place names!

The Mini Galvanised Buckets Can be picked up cheaply from ebay, amazon, hobby craft etc.

Dahilia Favours - Martha Stewart Weddings

Beautiful, bright and budget friendly! Made using tissue paper sheets. Easy step-by-step how to guide on the fantastic Martha Stewart website.

Freebie & Offer Sites

2011-07-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

I thought these sites may come in handy for all of you brides-on-a-budget. Anything that’s free or on offer is always worth knowing about!

http://www.winyourwedding.co.uk/show_details.php?show_id=65

http://www.uk-wedding-directory.co.uk/wedding-freebies.html

http://www.weddingfreebies.co.uk/

http://sayitwithasweetie.co.uk/SpecialOffers.aspx

Always worth checking every so often for up to date offers and freebies!

Free Downloads

2011-07-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

I’ve been trawling the net again (‘so you don’t have to’ as they say!) for some more free downloads. Everything free always helps at such an expensive time!

Some fab free downloads including thank you notes, ribbon wands, table numbers from Betsy White

Lots of DIY projects and free downloads from Creature Comforts

Free wedding planning tool to help you design the floor plan, seating plan, guest list, menu options, track RSVP’s and lots more!

Free wedding website templates

Free wedding image downloads

Will keep adding to the list as and when I find them!

More Lovely Vintage....

2011-07-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts...I have just returned from a wonderful holiday in sunny Cyprus!

As this seems to be a very popular theme and a favourite amongst many of you, here is some more vintage inspriation with hints of navy and dusky pinks....

25% off Personalised Items!

2011-06-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Confetti are offering 25% off personalised items until midnight 30th June - be quick, the offer isnt on for long!

Unique touches for your day...

2011-06-28T02:41:00.000-07:00

Why not add some personal and unique touches, making your day as memorable for your guests as it is for you...

• Personalise your ceremony by writing your own vows or asking a friend to read a meaningful poem or passage at the service.

• For any out of town guests, budget permitting, prepare a gift basket or gift bag with goodies that they can enjoy in their hotel room. You can deliver the gift bags to the front desk at the hotel ahead of their arrival or present it to them the first time you see them

• Have a screen at the front of the reception dance floor (where the dj stand is) and have a slide show of pictures of you as a couple and with friends and family at the evening reception

• Ask your married guests to bring a photo of themselves from their own wedding day, and pin all the photos on a special board at the reception.

• Create your own cocktail! Use this as a welcome drink or the toast

• Book a calligrapher to write out some well-known romantic poems and/or love and marriage quotes then frame these and put them in the middle of your tables, surrounded by tea lights

• Venue permitting, ask for a small room to be set aside for you and your partner – perhaps with champagne and chocolates on standby – and arrange a time to meet your other half there alone. This gives you some precious moments to savour your wedding day together without being interrupted

• If time and budget permits, send a photo from the wedding of the guests with their thank you card

• Instead of tossing the bouquet, present it to the mother of the bride or groom or someone special

• If you have a close friend or family member who has passed away, make him or her part of the occasion by inserting a small photo in your bouquet, or lighting a Memorial Candle at the church ceremony

• Do something for the guests. Make a video of you and your fiancé talking about the people who are special to you. Mention friends who have shown real loyalty, love, or family members who made great sacrifices for you. Intersperse your video with their photos. This is your chance to say thank you to all of them.

• Put a basket in the toilets at the wedding venue containing things such as plasters, deodorant, mints/chewing gum, hand cream, rennies, needle and thread –all the little emergency things that guests will really appreciate!

• If you’re having children at the wedding, have a ‘kiddie’s corner’ or ‘kiddie’s table’ and put some Colouring and Activity Fun Bags, bubbles etc for them to play with to save them getting bored. You could create personalised colouring books (lots of templates on the internet available for these) and incorporate the table with your colour scheme/theme

Celebrations Plus

2011-06-24T01:52:00.000-07:00

Celebrations Plus have a fantastic range of DIY invitations and embellishments...
These blank cards are only £3.25 for ten cards and envelopes. They are produced in 4 different sizes, and 6 modern colours - Lilac, White, Pastel Blue, Burgundy, Baby Pink and Ivory.

Why not coordinate these with some place name cards? £2.50 for 10 and are available in Gold, Silver, Pearlised White, Silk Embossed or Parchment style.

Then the fun bit – personalise them!