DIY Votive Favors

These votive holders are a great (and easy) idea for DIY favors. Consider hosting a "dinner night" for your bridesmaids, mom, and future mother-in-law and have them help assemble. It will be a great bonding time!

Supplies:

• Glass votive cups with a smooth surface that don't taper much
• Measuring Tape
• 1/8" double sided adhesive tape
• Paper or fabric of your choice
• Pencil
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Cardboard or sheet of heavy cardstock

Directions:

1. Create a template in order to make cutting paper to the right dimensions easy. To do this, you'll need to determine what size strips to cut. First, measure around the circumference of the cup and add 1/4" to the length. Then measure the height of the cup and cut the corresponding measurements for the cardboard or heavy cardstock. Note: covering votive cups that taper from top to bottom is a bit trickier; there needs to be a slight curve to the top and bottom of the paper when it's cut. To get the proper shape for your template for tapered votives, wrap a piece of scrap paper firmly around one of the votive cups ad hold it in place. With a pencil, trace along the top rim and bottom edge of the holder onto the paper. Unroll the paper and cut out the shape, extending the length 1/4" to create a small overlap when the votive is wrapped. Copy the shape onto cardboard or cardstock and cut it out to make a reusable template.
2. Now that you've determined the correct size and shape of the wraps you'll be using, you can cut them out of the decorative papers. Straight-edge scissors are the most obvious choice here, but decorative scissors from craft stores can be really fun. Try using small scalloped or pinking edge scissors for a look that is unique.
3. Attach the papers to the votive cups by applying a length of 1/8" adhesive tape from top to bottom. (The peel off tape usually has a red liner; remove this liner from the tape) Line up the edge of one of the wraps over the adhesive and press down to secure it. Wrap the paper tightly around the votive cup and apply another strip of tape under the unsecured edge of the paper. Remove the tape liner and press the adhesive to the votive cup.

Note: You can use this same idea to make custom match boxes. Just remember to leave the match strike area exposed so that guests can light the matches later.

This project was taken from the book The DIY Bride by Khris Cochran

Great Stress Relievers

Let's face it...planning a wedding can be stressful and overwhelming. Before you know it your weekends are packed full with florist appointments, dress fittings, tastings, and venue shopping. It is very easy to get bogged down and lose sight of the bigger picture. 

To avoid this scenario, make sure that throughout the planning process you take the time to enjoy your relationship and each other's company. Plan special "dates" where the two of you can relax and remind yourselves of why you are getting married. This is sure to rejuvenate you and keep that flame alive!

Here are some ideas to get your imagination going...

1. Go on a weekend getaway to a bed & breakfast

2. Go horseback riding

3. Take a hot air balloon ride

4. Go to a couple's spa

5. Pack a lunch and have a picnic at a local park

6. Have a game night

7. Tour a local vineyard and do some wine tasting

8. Visit an amusement park

9. Take dance lessons

10. Visit a local museum that you have never had the chance to explore

Go Green!

Are you looking to "go green" for your wedding? Check out Cream City Ribbon. They offer a huge selection of biodegradable ribbon in a range of colors and patterns. You can even customize your ribbon with your names, wedding date, or your own special saying in a variety of colors and font styles! 

Noteworthy Collections

I have to admit that I am a sucker for stationery. I love different types of papers...textures, colors, patterns, shapes, sizes...everything. And I won't even get started on envelopes and all of the super cool ways to package and send notes, cards, and anything else for that matter. So, needless to say, when it came down to selecting my own personal stationery I had a very difficult decision ahead of me. One aspect of sending mail that often gets overlooked is the return address. For myself, I knew I wanted to bypass the traditional rectangular sticker with my initial or some cute little picture on it, but I wasn't sure what else was out there. Then...I came across the Noteworthy Stamp Collection. I had to have it! Noteworthy stamps are circular stamps that can be customized with not only your address, but with a monogram, initial, or just about anything. They have hundreds of options to choose from, all of which are very classy and stylish. 

Noteworthy stamps would not only be great for your personal life, but would be fantastic for wedding favor tags, napkin rings, menu cards, and a whole slew of other items. What a great way to personalize your wedding! They are available online and only run about $40 each, quite a bargain in my opinion.

Personalized Napkin Rings

In a recent issue of Modern Bride, I came across a fantastic article called "100 Things We Love". After looking at all of these dandy wedding picks (and the prices), I too fell in love. What especially caught my eye were personalized paper napkin rings from ForYourParty.com. You may be thinking...paper? But these napkin rings are truly elegant wrapped around a colorful cloth napkin and can be custom designed to match your colors, initials, and font style. And even better...they are only $33 for 50. It is definitely worth checking out.

Check back soon...I will be sharing more of my favorite wedding must-haves!

Magnet Street

If you are looking for a save the date that will really impress your guests, consider sending them a magnet. Guests can stick this on their refrigerator and continually be reminded of your upcoming celebration and all of the fun things that are in store. There are many websites that offer this type of product, but I would recommend checking out Magnet Street. I came across their website recently and was impressed with their fabulous selection of designs, colors, themes, and sizes. There are so many great ways to personalize your magnets. They also offer a beautiful line of invitations, reception items, thank you notes, and labels. Make sure to check it out!

Get Married

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved reading wedding magazines and books and watching wedding shows on TV. It wasn't until recently though that I realized I am absolutely addicted, especially to the Lifetime series "Get Married". The show is hosted by world-renowned event designer, Colin Cowie, and is jam packed full of ideas, suggestions, tips, and hot new wedding products. They always feature a "real life" wedding and it is so fun too see all of the photos and great ideas. "Get Married" airs on Lifetime every weekday at 7:30am. It would be the perfect show to watch while you are getting ready for work or, if you have the amazing DVR, record and watch whenever you get some free time. They also have a great website filled with pictures, ideas, a wedding shop, planning tools, and a blog where you can post about your own wedding or read posts by other brides. I hope you enjoy it!