Category Archives: Creative Ideas

Corky Weddings

www.etsy.com/shop/AmeliaKayPhotography

Photo credit: AmeliaKayPhotography

There are many ways to have a DIY wedding, and one of those ways is to get creative with cork! Cork is such a lovely product, it is versatile in the ways people can use it for household and craft projects, and it is eco friendly. Here are just a few ways that any bride can create DYI projects to make her wedding just a little corkier.

Cork Escort Stands:

www.etsy.com/shop/CorkeyCreations

Photo Credit: Corkey Creations

A lovely way to display your wedding’s escort cards is to use cork! These little cork beauties can be easily purchased on www.etsy.com. You can also purchase custom printed caps and plain cork caps (in bulk) at: www.widgetco.com

However, if you do have the urge to create these cork escort cards yourself, not to worry!  Any bride can easily make this her own DIY project.  The supplies that are needed to create these cork escort stands are cork caps, a utility blade & ruler, and a permanent marker. First, with the utility blade slice one side of the cork cap off to create a flat ‘bottom’ for the stand. Second, cut along the top side of each cork cap in order to create a slit for the table-seating card to be placed in. Lastly, write a decorative saying or drawing on the front of the escort stand with the permanent marker or other specialty pen. Afterward, you can enjoy all your crafty work!

Coasters:

www.etsy.com/shop/urbansparrow

Photo Credit: UrbanSparrow

www.etsy.com/shop/Cabin

Photo Credit: Cabin

Giving coasters as wedding favors or using them as part of your wedding décor is a great way to use cork. As a wedding favor, cork coasters can be given in a set of 4 and can be beautifully packaged with a silk ribbon. Giving coasters is a very practical gift that your wedding guests can enjoy long after the wedding. Cork Coasters can be found with a design pattern or without. Anyone can easily create a custom coaster with a specialty craft marker or if you are short on wedding crafting time, you may order custom design cork coasters on such websites as: www.motivators.com.

Cork Top Bottles:

Photo credit: www.save-on-crafts.com

Photo Credit: save-on-crafts.com

Photo credit: www.etsy.com/shop/lovenostalgicwhimsy

Photo Credit: LoveNostalgicWhimsy

Another fantastic idea for a cork wedding favor is to purchase simple jars with cork tops. Couples can use these jars as their wedding favors. The jars can be filled with just about anything you wish, anything from olive oil (for the food-lover couple), bath salts and lavender (for the spa couple) or even sand and seashells (for a beach themed wedding).

Bulletin Boards:

Photo credit: Jerry Naunheim Photography

Photo credit: Jerry Naunheim Photography

Cork bulletin boards are such a great resource for weddings! They can be easily created by people at any craft skill level and can fit any design scheme with their versatility. Using bulletin boards is a fantastic tool for a wedding. Although it is usually used in an office environment, it can easily be transformed for a wedding. Consider using a bulletin board for a photo collage for your guests to view during the cocktail hour, or use it to pin your guest’s escort cards so they can find their table number in style. One more way to use a bulletin board at your wedding is to use it as a type of guestbook.   Have your guests write sweet notes or well wishes on a small piece of paper and let them pin the notes on your bulletin board for everyone to read. When buying or crafting a custom bulletin board, remember that you can use any type of frame for your board, and you can paint cork with any color to match your wedding theme. You could also cover your board with any fabric and add ribbon to match.

I hope this expands your crafty outlook on the world of cork …

Happy Planning :)

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Also filed under: Our Brides & Grooms

More Guestbook Ideas!

Looking for more guestbook ideas? Well, look no further!

One of my favorites is the mailbox guestbook! Both Martha Stewart Weddings and Grapevine have their own take on the idea. Make it your own with themed postcards or stationary.

Photo credit: Grapevine

Photo credit: Grapevine

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

How about a bowl of wishes? Pick a unique bowl or frame to dress up the guestbook table!

Photo credit: Jenne Hohn Events; Zoom Photography

Photo credit: Jenne Hohn Events; Zoom Photography

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings is always a great source for unique and Do-It-Yourself ideas. Click here for more of Martha’s guestbooks!

I love this idea! Make a guestbook using relationship mementos! Below is a book printed through Blurb for less than $30.

Photo credit: Snippet & Ink

Photo credit: Snippet & Ink

Or just make a scrapbook of photos for guests to sign around. I love this book with black and white photos, black pages and metallic pens!

Photo credit: Cameron Ingalls, Inc.

Photo credit: Cameron Ingalls, Inc.

Photo credit: theknot.com

Photo credit: theknot.com

Give your guests some inspiration with these creative guestbooks in a casual or formal look. Choose pages with or without a photo spot, and top it off with the cover of your choice.

Photo credit: Guestbook Store

Photo credit: Guestbook Store

Let’s not forget the guestbook platters and other dishes, which should last quite a while barring any run-ins with the tile floor, etc.

Photo credit: theknot.com

Photo credit: theknot.com

Or have your guests sign a matte or frame that can surround a pre-wedding photo for the big day. Then insert your favorite wedding photo afterward.

Photo credit: theknot.com

Photo credit: theknot.com

Like the old-fashioned sign-here guestbook? Try one of these with a personalized cover.

Photo credit: Jenni Bick

Photo credit: Jenni Bick

And last, but certainly not least, the eco-friendly option! Make an online guestbook on your WeddingWindow.com wedding website! Save the page and cherish it forever!

Photo credit: WeddingWindow.com

Photo credit: WeddingWindow.com

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Also filed under: Our Brides & Grooms

Chalk Up Your Wedding!

Chalkboards are fun and very inexpensive details that are perfect for casual weddings! If you are planning such a wedding, think about using chalkboards throughout the day. You can use them in a number of different ways – in everything from details to decorations!

Here are some ideas for using chalkboards in your wedding day …

Signs and decorations

Photo Credit: InspiredbyThis.com

Photo Credit: InspiredbyThis.com

Photo Credit: ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

Photo Credit: ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

Photo Credit: ClassicBride.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: ClassicBride.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: DudeSignDaily.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: DudeSignDaily.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: Sara Bonisteel

Photo Credit: Sara Bonisteel

Table numbers

Photo Credit: LittleThingsFavors.com

Photo Credit: LittleThingsFavors.com

Photo Credit: NoteWorthyDesigns.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: NoteWorthyDesigns.Blogspot.com

Escort Cards

Photo Credit: GoodLifeGab.com

Photo Credit: GoodLifeGab.com

Photo Credit: RealWeddingAwards.TheKnot.com

Photo Credit: RealWeddingAwards.TheKnot.com

Photo booths

Photo Credit: Sarah Maren

Photo Credit: Sarah Maren Photography

Photo Credit: Sarah Maren Photography

Photo Credit: Sarah Maren Photography

Photo Credit: Ayleebits.com

Photo Credit: Ayleebits.com

If you’re a DIY bride (or groom), chalkboard paint may be the way to go and can be found at your local craft store. Rather than searching for the perfect size chalkboards for your needs … you can create your own! With chalkboard paint you can turn just about any surface into a chalkboard that you and your wedding guests can get draw and write on!

Photo Credit: WeddingPaperDivas.com

Photo Credit: WeddingPaperDivas.com

Favors

Looking for favor ideas? The chalkboard paint might come in handy. One idea is to create mini chalkboards to give to your guests. Paint square or rectangle scraps of wood or cardboard with the chalkboard paint. You can make a boarder out of fabric or popsicle sticks. Let dry … and they’re all done! Tie the mini chalkboards and a few pieces of chalk together with a bow and you have your favors!

Photo Credit: GrammasBabyStuff.com

Photo Credit: GrammasBabyStuff.com

You could also paint simple favors such as votive candle holders with the chalkboard paint and include a couple pieces of chalk. It’s an inexpensive and cute favor that all of your guests will have fun with!

Photo Credit: EventAccomplished.Wordpress.com

Photo Credit: EventAccomplished.Wordpress.com

Chalkboards are a great wedding detail for you and your guests to get creative with. Have fun and get chalky!

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Also filed under: Our Team

Nature-Inspired Centerpieces

Although centerpieces can be floral, the designs that I find most interesting feature non-traditional materials. Landscape centerpieces, a trend for 2010, typically showcase natural elements such as moss, mushrooms, tree bark, fruit or even vegetables and are oftentimes story-like and multi-layered.

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: http://www.beyondthebride.com.au

Photo Credit: InstyleWeddings.com via designer Michelle Rago

Photo Credit: beyondthebride.com.au

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: beyondthebride.com.au

Photo Credit: DawnyPoo.BlogSpot.com

Photo Credit: BTBride BLOG

Photo Credit: ThingsFestive.Blogspot.com

Photo Credit: BTBride BLOG

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: 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

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!

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Also filed under: Our Team, Wedding Design/Decor

Hang Your Gown on This…

I am absolutely in love with these personalized bridal hangers by LilaFrances — talk about a fabulous shower gift. I first saw them featured in the below OnceWed.com real wedding and almost every post comment was abuzz about the maker of the adorable custom hangers, so I knew that I needed to share them with our WedLoft brides too.

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

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: Etsy.com - LilaFrances

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LilaFrances

Photo Credit: ClassicBride.com

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…

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