The Site Wizard walks you through the process of customizing your Theme, adding content or changing your site settings. Start by simply selecting the pages and/or tasks you want to work on. Then, all you have to do is just follow the steps to complete each one.

One of the reasons I love this new tool so much is because it is designed to help busy brides stay on track. Manage your overwhelm (or enthusiasm, as I like to say) by adding pages or tasks as you go. The Site Wizard will even track your progress, so you can work on your site at your own pace and feel that sense of accomplishment when you’re done.

The new WeddingWindow.com website allows you to personally experience the ease-of-use of each customization tool before creating an account. You can even view sample customized wedding websites created by other brides and grooms.

Up until now, our planning tools have only been available to couples who have chosen to purchase a wedding website hosting term. Now you can come to WeddingWindow.com to take full advantage of our suite of eight planning tools entirely for free. Included in the list of available free planning tools are a Wedding Checklist, Budget Tracker, Reminders, Calendar, Invitation Workshop, Thank You Note Workshop, Personal Wedding Journal and Vendors List.

Couples who choose to upgrade their account will have access to all of the tools they need to create a fully customized wedding website and can as well utilize 6 additional premium wedding planning tools, which include the guest list manager, customizable save the date ecards, email blast, event manager, invitation tracker and the gift tracker.

Our redesigned site editor, commonly known as the Site Center, is easy-to-navigate and fun to use. Visit our new site and create your free account today!

Consider using a potted plant or small tree as the focal point of your design. It will add impact and you will be able to take it with you for later use in your home or garden — your centerpiece will be a beautiful reminder of your wedding day for years to come. If your overall design includes several small elements, you can create reusable takeaways for your guests.

Photo Credit: InstyleWeddings.com via designer Michelle Rago

Photo Credit: Krisllyn Designs

Centerpieces don’t have to be limited to plants and flowers. Some of the most interesting designs include unexpected elements.

Photo Credit: DawnyPoo.BlogSpot.com

Photo Credit: ThingsFestive.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: BTBride BLOG

I recently came across these veggie centerpiece designs and fell absolutely in love them. Lanterns can be made from squash or pumpkin by carving a simple design or monogram in them. Or, if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional floral arrangement, consider radishes!

Photo Credit: VeggieBouquet.com

Photo Credit: Flickr.com - Cherries and Chives

Photo Credit: Flickr.com - Cherries and Chives

Photo Credit: Flickr.com - Cherries and Chives

Photo Credit: Flickr.com - Cherries and Chives

Don’t be afraid to step out-of-the-box when it comes to your centerpieces. Make your wedding a memorable event by creating an experience for your guests and by introducing elements that are unexpected. Most of all… have fun with it!

Photo Credit: OnceWed.com and meganwphotography.com

Photo Credit: OnceWed.com and meganwphotography.com

Photo Credit: OnceWed.com and meganwphotography.com

Photo Credit: OnceWed.com and meganwphotography.com

Photo Credit: OnceWed.com and meganwphotography.com

Anna of LilaFrances has always had a passion for sewing and design. But, Anna’s passion took a new direction once her son was born. Children became her muse and from that came LilaFrances. She began by making custom hangers for children and found a way to turn her passion into a career.

I love hearing about people who find a way to do what they love for a living. I am someone who was fortunate enough to be able to do that as well. Great things in life are inspired by what we love and fortunately for Anna, her inspiration has led to a booming business.

Although she began by creating hangers for children, she has also developed a huge bridal following.

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - Lilafrances

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LilaFrances

Photo Credit: ClassicBride.com

The need for a custom hanger for your bridal gown may not currently appear at the top of your wedding checklist, but now that you’ve seen them…

I originally tried to keep the list to my top 50 wedding DIYs, but just couldn’t stop there… and you’ll see why! Get ready to get inspired!

Bubble Bath from EatDrinkChic.com

Bridesmaids Gifts
1. Bubble Bath (downloadable templates)
2. Earring Packaging
3. Hobo Bag

Bird Cake Topper from BlueLightBride.com

Cake Toppers/Stands
4. Bird Cake Topper
5. Fall Cup Cake Topper
6. Figurine Cup Cake Toppers
7. Swarovski Crystal Monogram Cake Topper
8. Jeweled Monogram Cake Topper
9. Tree Pedestal Cake Stand
10. Glass Vase Cake Stand

Peony Centerpiece from OnceWed.com

Centerpieces
11. Peony Centerpiece
12. Moss Centerpiece
13. Candle and Petal Centerpiece
14. Origami Flower Centerpiece
15. Paper Wrapped Vases

Ice Cream Parlour Buffet from EatDrinkChic.com

Dessert Buffets
16. Ice-Cream Parlour (downloadable templates)
17. Winter Wonderland Dessert Table – originally found on Eat Drink Chic

Sea Glass Candy from IntimateWeddings.com

Favors
18. Sea Glass Candy
19. Persian Cotton Candy Wedding Favours
20. Mini Candy Cartons (downloadable templates)
21. Favors Tins (downloadable templates)
22. Bouquet Boxes (downloadable templates) – created by Livy at A Field Journal
23. Handmade Recipe Books
24. Home Made Jam Packaging
25. Matchbook Favors
26. Tile Coasters from Style Me Pretty
27. Tile Coasters from All Things Heart and Home
28. Tile Coasters from WedLoft
29. Learn to Tie a Pretty Bow – useful for bow tying on favor and gift boxes

Fabric Flower Containers from OnceWed.com

Flowers
30. Fabric Flower Containers
31. Fresh Pomanders
32. Boutonnieres

Guestbooks
33. Story Line Style

S'mores Kits from TwigandThistle.com

Guest Room Gift
34. S’mores Kits

French Flea Market Invitation from BirdandBanner.com

Invitations
35. French Flea Market Invitation
36. Hand-Drawn Poster-Sized Invitation
37. Photo Booth Wedding Invitation
38. Helpful Hits for Creating DIY Invitations from Weddingbee

Pearl Necklace from StyleMePretty.com

Jewelry
39. Pearl Necklace

Lighting
40. Tea Light Lanterns
41. Tin Can Lanterns
42. Elegant Room Lighting
43. Photo Lanterns

Menu Wheel by DesignSpongeOnline.com

Menus
44. Menu Wheel
45. Personalized Wedding Menu

Mossy Monograms
46. Mossy Monograms from The Bride’s Cafe
47. Mossy Monograms from Old Willow Farm

Paper Cones
48. Wedding Cones

Chalkboard Seating Chart from SimplyCreativeInsanity.blogspot.com

"Seating" Chairs from MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Seating Chart/Place Cards
49. Chalkboard Wedding Seating Chart
50. “Seating” Cards
51. Succulent Placecard & Favor – via SMP and kellyoshiroevents.com
52. Patterned Fabric Escort Cards (downloadable templates)

Photo Displays
53. Wedding Photo Display
54. Fall Family Tree/Memory Tree

Fan Wedding Programs from AyleeBits.com

Programs
55. Fan (display) Wedding Programs (downloadable templates)
56. Fan (function) Wedding Programs

Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates from MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Save-the-Dates
57. Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates (downloadable templates)
58. Save-the-Date Ribbon (downloadable templates)
59. Photo Booth Save-the-Date

The Details
60. Stir Sticks (downloadable templates)
61. Pinwheels

Table Numbers
62. Illuminated Numbers and Monogram
63. Table Number Love Notes

Thank You Note Tees from The Bridal Blog

Thank You Notes
64. Wedding Thank You Note Tees
65. Wedding Thank You Parasol

Wedding Toss
66. Bird Seed Wedding Toss – Airmail Envelopes (downloadable templates)

If you have a DIY project/idea that you would like for us to feature on WedLoft, please let us know. You never know… your idea may appear on my Part II list of wonderful wedding DIY inspiration!

Backyard weddings are no longer the exception, and in 2010 they are only going to increase in popularity. DIY brides are finding that they can still have the wedding of their dreams on a modest budget and in the comfort of their own home. Providing your own venue and creating your own wedding elements will not only save you money, but will also afford you the opportunity to have a wedding that is a unique reflection of you as a couple.

Sherry and John Petersik, a fun-loving couple from Virginia, decided to get married on their 2-year anniversary (of dating), which turned out to be a very popular date – 7/7/07. So… rather than compete with 36,000 other couples for wedding resources and locations, they decided to host their wedding in their very own backyard!

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Sherry and John are very creative and hands on, so they decided to put their DIY skills to good use. They worked together to fix up their home and created everything for their wedding from the invitations to the decor to the food. Fortunately for them, they didn’t even have to venture far to find their entertainment and the officiant. John’s best friend Kevin was the musician and his cousin Travis officiated.

I personally love their favors and place cards (below; upper right). Sherry and John placed a gladiolus blub in a brown paper bag. On the back of the bag, they wrote the planting instructions. To the front, they affixed a photo strip that featured Sherry and John with a face covered in kisses and a message that read “Plant one… on us! Smooooch”. Love it — both “green” and creative! For their place cards, they hand stamped the first initial of each guest on a small square of card stock. Then, they hand-lettered the full name of the guest underneath the initial and secured it to the table with a river rock.

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Sherry and John managed to host the entire event for under $4000 — as you can see, they’re giddy about their savings.

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Here’s the budget breakdown:

Venue: Free (backyard)
Music: Free (family friend played ceremony music on guitar & we used an iPod for the reception)
Photography: Free (brother-in-law is a photographer)
Officiant: Free (cousin got certified online)
Food: $500
Wine & Drinks: $100
Cupcakes & S’mores: $125
Table & Chair Rentals: $350
Centerpieces: $70
Save The Dates/Invitations/Thank Yous (With Postage): $260
Favors: $75
Servingware: $250
Fabric For Tablecloths & Runners: $300
Lighting & Candles: $120
Flip Flops/Photo Clothesline/Welcome Sign: $75
Mosquito Sticks/Candles/Spray: $50
Bouquet: $20
Attire: $500
Photo Booth: $1200 (the one big splurge- and so worth it)

TOTAL: $3995

They even donated a lot of the serving-ware that they purchased from Ikea to charity, which not only afforded them a tax write-off, but also allowed them to help those less fortunate. Kudos to you!

To learn more about Sherry and John’s fabulous backyard wedding, please visit younghouselove.com.

I have heard some pretty extravagant proposal stories over the years, but I think Todd Grannis may “take the cake” for the most daring marriage proposal of them all. I know it’s not exactly the Fourth of July, but ’tis the season for holiday proposals, so I thought I would share this one with you. Please kids, don’t try this at home!

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Todd wanted the love of his life Malissa Kusiek to have a memorable proposal story to tell one day, so he arranged to have himself set on fire at a Fourth of July party. I know… there are probably safer ways to create a story-worthy event, but Todd wanted Malissa to know that she makes him hot!

Todd’s friend, Eric Barkey, a professional stuntman, was thought by all to be performing the stunt for the occasion. Eric had, after all, performed hundreds of human-torch fire jumps in the past, so this was not unusual for him. However, Eric was not really the one who was to perform the stunt that evening.

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Instead Todd, who had only informed a handful of people (including Malissa’s 16-year old son) of his plan, donned a water-soaked fire suit and a cape that had been doused in gasoline and climbed atop a 10-foot platform. Fortunately, there were several precautions in place to ensure his and everyone else’s safety because Todd was about to willingly light himself on fire in an attempt to illustrate his “hot” love for Malissa.

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Soon a torch ignited the cape and Todd was covered in flames. Although Todd’s experienced friend Eric had suggested that he wait 20 seconds, Todd decided it was time to jump into the pool below as soon as he saw flames before his eyes and felt the hint of warmth on his body.

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

As he exited the pool, Malissa was there, heart-pounding and full of emotion. Before getting down on one knee, Todd looked at her and said “Malissa, you make me hot. I want to get the point across that I’m on fire for you.” I think he definitely succeeded in doing that, don’t you? He then looked up at her and said “Will you marry me, Malissa?” and slipped the 2.25 ct diamond ring on her finger. Fortunately, she said “yes!”

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

You can read more about Todd and Malissa’s unique proposal story on HotProposal.com.

Your invitation set introduces your wedding to your guests and is the first formal element they will receive. To create a sense of continuity, your monogram should be incorporated in your invitation design and should coordinate with the style you have selected for your invitation set. Therefore, you may want to scout out some paperie options and stationery styles before settling on a wedding monogram design. Below are some examples of invitation sets that have included the use of a monogram.

Photo Credit: Ajalon Printing

Photo Credit: Social Circles Design

Save the Dates are the first impression piece of your wedding, so if you intend to include a monogram in your wedding plan, you will want to make sure that it is incorporated into your invitation set before your Save the Dates are distributed.

Photo Credit: Sugarflower Design

Monograms can be created to match virtually any wedding style — romantic, classic, contemporary, casual, simple, symbolic, etc., so talk to your wedding planner/monogram designer about your vision before developing the design of your monogram. Below are a few monogram style samples:

Photo Credit: MarryMonograms.com

A custom monogram can even be included in your cake design or as a cake topper. If you would like to learn how to make the below wedding cake monogram, see ArtofDessert.com — they provide a wonderful step-by-step tutorial for doing so.

Photo Credits: Beau-coup.com

Photo Credit: Art of Dessert

If you intend to feature a particular wine at your wedding, include your monogram in your custom label or hang tag design.

Photo Credit: MarryMonograms.com

Another way to establish a sense of continuity is by creating monogram stickers so you can carry your monogram through to your other wedding elements.

Photo Credits: MarryMonograms.com

And last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to include your monogram in your wedding website design! Below are examples of two couples who were successful in doing so.

Designing your wedding can certainly be fun, but it can also be overwhelming at times! Just remember that less is more and consistency is key and you’ll be fine. Happy planning!

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - Allison29

Ideas for Remembering Your Loved Ones

Bridal Bouquet Charm – By simply attaching a photo charm or locket to your bridal bouquet, you can keep your loved one close to you. If your father is the one you wish to remember, this could be a particularly meaningful way to pay tribute to him because he can still “walk you down the aisle”. Or, if you prefer to recognize someone privately, simply pin a charm or locket to your crinoline instead.

Photo Credit: MyJeanM.com

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - JourneySeek

Accessories – Wearing something handed down from your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather such as a veil, gown, earrings or cuff links allows you to subtly honor them in your celebration while incorporating something old. However, if something new is what you need, you could create a custom charm bracelet that includes the photos of any family members or pets who have passed.

Photo Credit - shop.fineartoffamily.com

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LittleMandCo

Remembrance Trees - If there are several family members that you would like to honor at your wedding, you could create a memory tree that would be displayed during your ceremony, cocktail hour or reception — Natural Manzanita Branches are the perfect material for this purpose. The branches could be adorned with beautiful photo ornaments of the loved ones you wish to remember. Or, if you prefer to embellish it a bit more, you could also add candles, flowers or poetry.

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LowellandSon

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - lesliejanson

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - tfakler

Single Empty Chair - Another meaningful way to pay tribute is by featuring an empty chair at your ceremony. Create an elegant embroidered sash that displays the names of each person being remembered that day. Or, simply leave a single flower on the seat of the chair.

Photo Credit - Flickr.com - Rachel Ann Photography

Candles - Candles can be a beautiful feature at any wedding and candlelight can be associated with life. They can also allow you to celebrate your loved ones in a more private or personal way. Create a nice vignette by incorporating some candles with a few other elements (ie. photos, flowers, etc.). Or, if drama is what you are after, you might consider creating a display that includes several candles of various sizes and shapes. On the bottom of each candle affix a photo or a label that includes the name of the person you are remembering – the candle light would represent the light of their life.

Music – Sound is something that can be easily linked to experiences — immediately upon hearing certain songs, you think of specific people, places or things. If the person you wish to remember can be associated with a particular song, consider incorporating that song in your ceremony or reception in some way. Better yet, have someone you know sing it live. Not only will that song have special meaning for you, but it will assume new significance with regard to your wedding day.

Donations - Making a donation to a cause that was important to the person you wish to recognize is a wonderful way to honor them. If your loved one did not support a particular charity, look for one that compliments what they once enjoyed. For example, if your grandmother was a teacher, supporting DonorsChoose.org would pay tribute to her by celebrating her life’s work.

Remembering those who have passed can be as simple as including a mention in your program. As long as they are honored at your wedding in a personally meaningful way, celebrating their memory will only add to the entire experience.

Jennifer and Kevin are a couple who spent most of their relationship on opposite sides of the country; Jennifer in LA and Kevin in NY. Fortunately, however, Kevin is a pilot, so making travel arrangements came a bit easier for him.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

When their photographer, Caroline Tran was conceptualizing their engagement photo-shoot, it occurred to her that an airport would be the perfect location to capture their… journey together. Kevin, being a pilot, was able to arrange for them to shoot at the Santa Monica Airport.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Caroline shared with Jennifer her vision of including folded paper airplanes, who took the idea a step further by incorporating vintage maps in the design.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Caroline’s vision of capturing the couple under a sky of the little paper airplanes wasn’t realized — the little planes just wouldn’t cooperate. However, as luck would have it though, the couple (and Caroline) ended up loving the airplanes strewn all over the ground. Lesson learned… being flexible can sometimes lead to a better solution in the end.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Thinking of little ways to incorporate aspects of your relationship into your wedding experience will make it more special for you and for your guests. Jennifer and Kevin were fortunate to be able to work with Caroline, who had a vision and was able to help them include an undeniable aspect of their relationship in their engagement photos. Years from now, they will look at these photos in a different way, because they do more than just capture Jennifer and Kevin’s image — they tell a story.