Weddingbee Blog

As a graphic designer, the details of my wedding day have definitely become one giant creative problem sitting in front of me, waiting for a solution. As I gather ideas, I’m constantly bombarded (okay, it’s my fault for buying all those magazines!) with pictures of wedding-related paraphernalia that I fall in love with, only to check the prices and faint away at the number of zeros. Once I recover from the shock, my typical resolution has been to make it myself… with a vengeance.

I’m the type of person who loves the challenge of doing things on my own, especially when it comes to artsy, crafty stuff. The problems come when the free creative half of me that thinks I can do anything clashes with the other, super-perfectionist half. If I’m going to make it myself, I don’t want to sacrifice quality or looks because of it.

Though it definitely causes internal struggles at time, this way of thinking has really helped me to whittle my DIY list of projects to a nice, realistic size. Those projects that I am pretty confident I can make as well as, if not better than, their inspirations, I take on. Those things that I know I cannot duplicate satisfactorily I buy, hopefully below MSRP.

It’s a good thing the perfectionism keeps me in check, or I probably would have tried to make my dress…

Here’s a few things I’ve decided I have the power to create beautifully myself. If there’s interest, I can post “how-tos” so you can recreate these yourself.

Ringbearer pillow - this one was inspired by one I saw on Perfect Details. Wasn’t hard to make at all and cost me about $7 for fabric, plus some extra beads I had lying around from my Swarovski bead craze days. Off-white satin with a matte georgette overlay on the “bow” part for subtle contrast.

Tiara. I initially wanted a very small, low one with crystals and a “not-too-floral” feel, and I couldn’t find one for a price I was willing to pay. Funny thing is, I don’t think I’m going to use it any more, as I’m going for a backpiece instead! Let me know if you like it and want it; maybe we can work something out. Made of heavy/light gauges of wire and Swarovskis.

The ever-popular DIY shoe jewels. I still feel like it’s a sort of silly, trendy little detail, but I did it just the same… I used a “Y” off a monogram I did, for my future last initial. Sobo brand glue works wonders - use a toothpick to apply it to the backs of the jewels.

Definitely more to come!