Weddingbee Blog

This DIY project is not for the faint of heart (or those without proper Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator skillz). So, way way back in Mr. Dolphin’s and my wedding planning process (like 1 1/2 years back), I came across the design firm Melangerie Inc of New York. They make these FABULOUS wedding relationship charts. They are unlike anything I have EVER seen. Check out these fantastic pieces:

Melangerie Inc Wedding Lineage Genealogy Chart; $550

Wedding Constellations Chart; $550

Absolutely gorgeous!!
Chandelier Genealogy Chart; $700

I know it is difficult to see in these images (you should really check out their amazing Etsy shop), but these charts have all the names of the wedding guests and how they are related to the Bride and Groom (plus some fun little tidbits about their relationship to other guests, and the bride and groom).

After seeing these (and the price tag) I thought, “hey, I’ve got some skillz and some free time, why couldn’t I tackle my own version of these lovelies?”

And this is where I say… this DIY is not for the faint of heart. I totally understand their price now, because it took me many hours longer then I ever expected to get this done. Our version doesn’t compare to the beauty of Melangerie Inc’s work but we love what we put together, and it is totally us.

Step 1: Open a new document in Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator (whichever your heart so chooses) and make two columns of names—one column of guests from the bride’s side, the other from the groom’s side.

photo by Miss Dolphin

Step 2: Start to divide these long column into groups of people, like the bride’s family, groom’s relatives from Newfoundland, childhood friends, etc.

Step 3: Print it out and start to draw lines connecting different guests. Who went to the same high school together? Who share the same Alma Mater? Who is in the Armed Forces? This was actually a really fun part for the Mister and me, as we tried to draw connections between our two families (we hope our guests will find these connections as fun as we do!).

photo by Miss Dolphin

Step 4: Now add little tidbits about certain people related to their relationship with the bride and groom. For instance, a special story about how they met the groom.

photo by Miss Dolphin

photo by Miss Dolphin

Step 5: The hard part… put all that goodness you have just drawn out, into the computer. Add all the connections, tidbits, etc. in the colors/fonts of your wedding (remember to try and make it easily readable).

Step 6: Add a snazzy border to your document in your wedding colors, along with a title and PRINT! We are lucky enough to have access to large format printers, but any printing store will most print this for you at a cost of about $50, ex Target Copy, etc.

photo by Miss Dolphin

Step 7: (man there are a lot of steps!) Frame your lovely and finished Wedding Relationship Chart. We chose the IKEA Ribba frame size 19.75″ x 27.5″ priced at $22.99. In the beginning you should choose what frame you want to put it in, and size your document to fit that frame.

Step 8: Sit back and enjoy your hard work because you sure have worked hard for it!

I know you can’t really see all the detail we have put into this chart. It was incredibly difficult to photograph (reminding myself to get non-glare glass next time). But I hope the preview detail shots above will give you an idea of what it looks like up close. And yes, Dolphin Kitty just HAD to get in the picture… she’s obsessed with the camera. I think it’s nice, as Dolphin Kitty is giving you an idea of the scale of the chart.
photo by Miss Dolphin

And of course… when Dolphin Kitty got in the picture, she just begged me for a mini-photo shoot:

How could you ever say no to this cute face? This is partly why I’ve raised such a little brat, but I still love her!
photo by Miss Dolphin

Our finished Wedding Relationship Chart! I wish I didn’t have to blur out all the names, because it looks way better not blurred up. {sigh} Photo by Miss Dolphin

How do you think our Wedding Relationship Chart turned out?

We think it’s pretty cool and we hope our guests get a kick out of it during the cocktail hour. We plan to place it on an iron easel next to the place cards (which will be displayed a gorgeous baby grand piano… LOVES).

If you aren’t so Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator inclined then I highly recommend the work of Melangerie Inc. They do amazing stuff with these Wedding Genealogy charts, which are sure to be a fantastic remembrance of all your friends and family who attended your wedding (plus, it’s a super cool thing to look back at 20, 30, 50 years later). I say this is a definite splurge item, but sooo worth it.

What was the most unique and fun thing you ever came across in your wedding planning process?