Plan Ahead: 14 DIY Fall and Winter Wedding Centerpieces

July 30, 2015 by FaveCrafts

Spring and summer are the two biggest seasons for weddings. My sister just got married about three weeks ago, so I know how much planning she had to do in an abnormal amount of time in advance, just to make sure she got everything done before the rush for all the other summer weddings went through. Her maid of honor had the bachelorette party planned and booked about three months ahead, all without a wedding guide or planner. Summer in Missouri is relatively safe weather wise, except for this year when the entire Midwest is practically drowning. Luckily, it was a humid, sunny day, so the worst that happened was that our heels would sink into the mud. We had no problem finding colors and wedding crafts for the summer, but that got me thinking. If most wedding dates are in the spring and summer, what about those fall and winter weddings?

DIY Fall and Winter Wedding Centerpieces

It kind of breaks my heart because I would love to have a fall wedding and they seem so under-appreciated. It’s a little cooler outside, so the guys aren’t dying in their tux’s. If you choose to wear satin, then you won’t be suffocating either. If you choose real flowers for pretty bouquets, then they won’t wilt as fast from the heat, and color schemes are a lot more versatile. A huge theme is doing a palette of colors. For instance, I would like to have gray bridesmaid dresses, but have slate blue, lavender, plum, and white throughout all of my DIY decorations. It really is much cheaper to make the little items all by yourself. If you get ahead (like the moment you get engaged), and plan out the items that you are going to craft, it saves a heap. Not to mention the swap and shops that are all over Facebook. That’s how my sister got all of her table decorations! Glass vases from swap and shop, fake flowers from a bulk website (these were the first craft done), and silver ribbon on clearance at my local craft store.

Anyway, I feel like the fall and winter weddings need a little love. They’re just such beautiful seasons of the year. These are some inspiring DIY wedding ideas for the guest tables and the head table. Obviously you can tailor them to your theme and your colors, but I think these wedding centerpieces are just to die for.

Fall

Lace and Burlap Mason Jar

Cheerful Citrus and Burlap Mason Jars

Sublime Autumn Tealights Centerpiece

Vibrant Fall Harvest Succulent Centerpiece

Romantic Floating Cherry Blossom Centerpieces

Woodland Nymph DIY Candle Holders

Beautiful Birch DIY Candle Holders

Winter

Frosted Pinecone Mason Jar Lights

Elegant Winter Wedding Candles

Faux Bark Winter Wedding Centerpiece

Rustic Winter Wonderland

Dazzling Winter Wedding Foliage Table Garland

Rich Marsala Winter Wedding

DIY Gorgeous in Gold Striped Vases

What was your favorite part of your own wedding? Or for my unmarried “homies,” when do you want to have your wedding?

21 Stunning Summer Wedding Finds

April 28, 2014 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

Wedding season is on the horizon, and we’re on the hunt for stand-out details to inspire the brides of next summer and beyond (or those still tying up loose ends for their upcoming nuptials). If the weddings you attend aren’t this fabulous, then we apologize for making you wickedly jealous.

Bright colors are one way to welcome the sun, but there are also many more creative ways to turn the dog days into the season of puppy love. From unbelievably beautiful wedding cake designs with fresh flowers and delectable insides to the most brilliant way to serve appetizers, this collection has it all. We’ve searched high and low, far and wide for the most original, most stunning, and most fun summer wedding ideas.

Use the photos below as eye candy, inspiration, or models off of which to design your wedding. These wedding ideas are the best of the best, and we want you to have the first-rate affair that features them before anyone else. Guests’ jaws will drop, eyes will widen, and smiles will spread as they discover each amazing detail your celebration has to offer.

Make the first impression unforgettable with a mason-jar-lined aisle and exquisitely decorated seats.
Fresh flowers add a delicious scent to the already present romanticism in the air.

When committing to a summer wedding, you’re also committing to an incredibly stunning bouquet.
The vibrant colors of summer flowers radiate in these grabbing arrangements.

Prevent any confusion on the reception grounds by clearly directing guests to their destinations.
This fun sign does so in a trendy and rustic way.

Pair mint with some brighter pink hues for a delicate, romantic color scheme ideal for summer.
This color combination works beautifully in an outdoor space lit with strung Christmas lights.

Once the sun sets, you want to ensure guests can still see everything happening.
Light up the night in a fabulously original way to keep guests’ interests piqued.

For a daytime wedding, brighten up your space with strung flowers.
This gorgeous bohemian look is sure to get guests talking and gawking.

Creative food ideas are wonderful ways to rope in guests who aren’t as impressed by gorgeous decor.
No one will be able to turn down this amazing idea for passed hors d’oeuvres–mini salad!

Get innovative with drink serving by thinking outside of the box.
Aesthetically-pleasing and original setups draw guests’ eyes and encourage participation.

Ditch typical table numbers and bring yours to life with edible centerpieces.
This sweet idea works for place cards as well.

Present your dessert in fun ways with out-of-the-ordinary treats and presentations.

Go unique with wedding cake designs for a final course that no one else will have.
Match the flowers with the rest of your event for a truly exquisite finale.

What’s your favorite season for a wedding?

Light Up the Night: 25 DIY Lighting Ideas for Your Wedding

April 23, 2014 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

You glow, girl, and on your wedding day, you’re going to glow even more brightly than ever before. Filled with love, magic, and a whole lot of smiles, the only thing missing from your glow is uber-romantic lighting. Don’t rely on the setting sun or the awful fluorescents your venue offers to make your wedding shine like it should. There are amazing DIY lighting ideas that will give your big day the radiance it deserves, so do yourself justice by making one come to life. No matter your wedding theme, a soft, dreamy glimmer belongs. What’s creating that gorgeous glimmer is up to you. From mason jar crafts to rustic wedding candles, this list boasts DIY lighting ideas for every type of wedding. Indoors or out, small or big, we’ve got your wedding glistening like it should.

Explore the DIY lighting ideas below to find an option that truly suits you. Advanced and beginner crafters alike will find skill-appropriate projects that are undeniably perfect. These crafts are also easy on your wallet, giving you a magazine-worthy look without the price tag. Glow crazy, and light up the night!

Mason Jar Ideas

Mason jars are ideal for wedding decorating because of their low cost and incredibly versatility. Their adaptability is abundantly clear in these five projects, all using the containers in drastically different ways. From gorgeous chandeliers to an adorable centerpiece, this list of mason jar ideas is sure to drop jaws.

DIY Candles and DIY Candle Holders

Personalize your space with DIY candles and DIY candle holders that truly speak to you. Craft your wedding with love, and it will only give back even more. Rustic brides, vintage brides, classic brides, and glam ones will all find DIY candles and candle holders that fit perfectly into their wedding themes.

Unexpected DIY Lighting

Make sure your wedding stands out with unexpected DIY lighting. Guests will immediately realize that this isn’t just another day of “I do”s when they see your incredible lighting ideas shining brightly. As an extra exciting bonus for those brides who often feel left out, there are DIY lighting crafts for wedding of all seasons in this fun list!

Would you rather attend a candlelit reception or a bulb-lit affair?

How to Arrange Flowers: Buy, Arrange, and Care for Flowers Like a Pro

March 17, 2014 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

The Flower School New York prepares florists and floral designers with classes in introductory, intermediate, advanced and intensive floral design, as well as advanced wedding floral design, master classes and workshops. Students learn principals and techniques of floral design, flower procurement, and flower conditioning to prepare for careers in floral design. But you don’t have to study floral design for years to use be able to arrange flowers like a pro.

Use the Right Tools

To handle and prepare flowers for beautiful and creative arrangements, you need to use the right tools. Make sure you get a hold of the right tools before attaining the flowers and greens. Floral clay, foam, wire, and tape help to keep stems and leaves in place within the arrangement and keep flowers and greenery from moving or sticking out at odd angles. Use a water spray bottle to keep flowers and foliage fresh, plastic liter soda bottles with the tops cut off to hold plant materials as you work on arranging them, and chicken wire to hold stems and other materials in place. Sharp scissors and clippers are necessary for snipping leaves and cutting through tough stems and twigs, as Country Living explains. Rubber bands hold stems together and keep flower bunches upright. Cooking spray seals the pores of flowers like tulips and orchids to conserve moisture and make flowers last longer, and a tablespoon of bleach in the water prevents mold, mildew, and bacteria that attack flowers and greens and shorten their shelf life.

Incorporate Greenery

In “Fresh Flower Arranging” by DL Publishing, the authors recommend using seasonal foliage whenever possible, especially when working with expensive flowers like specialty roses or exotics like bird of paradise. Greenery provides a contrasting backdrop to highlight flowers, as shown in the Flawless Flower Arrangement right, and even add fragrance. Evergreens like pines and arborvitae lend a fresh, clean scent to florals, and herbs like mint and rosemary add pleasant green fragrances. Branches clipped from shrubs with interesting foliage traits such as red bark or variegated leaves add color and texture to arrangements.

Flower Arranging Tips

Cut flowers and leaves can transpire or lose moisture into the air, quickly. If you’re ordering flowers from a delivery service, ensure your flowers will last longer by misting them with a water spray bottle and adding floral preservative to the water once they arrive. If you’re arranging flowers yourself for bouquets, like the gorgeous Exotically Vibrant Bouquet below, or centerpieces, there are various things you can do to make flowers look nicer and last longer.

Place arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from heating and air conditioning vents to slow moisture loss.
If using flowers of one color, use different shades of the same color or interesting textures with leaves, twigs, and other materials for contrast.
Remove all leaves from stems that will be below the water line in the container to prevent rotting and bacteria.
If you have tightly closed flower buds, put their stems in warm water to get them to open.
Whether using store-bought flowers or freshly cut flowers and foliage from the yard or garden, clip the ends of stems off and put them in water as soon as you get them inside to arrange. This helps them take up more water to stay fresh longer and prevent wilting.

What is your favorite type of flower?

Link Love: Beautiful Wedding Crafts

February 26, 2014 by FaveCrafts

This loud and proud single lady has something to admit … I love wedding crafts. I have zero plans to get married, but I often find myself on AllFreeDIYWeddings, checking out the latest and greatest flower arrangement designs, table displays and invitations. Weddings are an occasion when you can be yourself and show off your own personal aesthetic. Love pink? Add pink to your color scheme. Crazy for leopard print? Throw some special fabric on your dinner tables. If you can dream it, you can make it happen. Since wedding season is just around the corner, I can’t help fawning over creative DIY wedding ideas. Who knew there were so many ways to personalize your special day?

Wedding crafts are all about personalization, whether it’s through color schemes, embellishments or monograms. Instead of buying a generic guest book, use scrapbook paper and other creative materials to design your own Wedding Guest Book. The messages and special touches will make you smile every time you take it out. You might not believe it, but pinwheels are making a huge comeback. Polka Dot Paradise Pinwheels are super simple to make and can line an aisle or dance floor. You can also give them as favors at the end of the night – be sure to incorporate your wedding colors into the design! If you’re a bride-to-be consider giving your bridesmaids a Bridesmaid Tote Bag filled with personalized goodies. They’ll save the bag and remember your special day for years to come.

So what if you aren’t getting married in the near future? You can still daydream about your ultimate DIY wedding and make plans for your hypothetical big day. And don’t forget – you can always use the craft ideas for a party or special celebration!

Vintage Wedding Dress Necklace from Little Red Window
Mini Rose Pomander from Blitsy Crafts
Wedding Guest Book from Living Your Creative
Plantable Paper Heart Favors from My Own Labels
Filter Poms from Muslin and Merlot
Doily String Lights from Cogs and Cupcakes
Kusudama Paper Flower from Eclations, Papercraft, Etc.
Glitter Dipped Feather Garland from Green Wedding Shoes
Wedding Table Number Display from Happiness is Creating

What’s your wedding style – an over-the-top occasion or an understated event? Why?

The Great Gatsby Wedding of Dreams

February 18, 2014 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

I attended a New Years’ Eve wedding, which was pretty much heaven on Earth. Everything about it was perfect, and the Great Gatsby theme only lent itself to the absolute perfection. I loved that the theme wasn’t in your face, but it was subtly tied in throughout the day. The Art Deco/Great Gatsby wedding theme was ideal for New Years with the rich gold color mixed beautifully with black, white, and tons of sparkle.

When I walked in the reception room, my jaw literally dropped. The draping from the ceiling was exquisite, and the addition of the chandeliers just put it over the edge. The bride, my roommate from college, looked spectacularly classic with a modern twist. She literally exuded “princess.”

Consistent with current wedding trends, there were a few different centerpieces which alternated throughout the room. All classy, all with a 1920s-feel, and all gorgeous. The head table was a fun, long curved table adorned with the most beautiful candelabras. The chairs at the head table also had a little something extra with a simple but stunning black ribbon. Restricting this to the head table is a fantastic way to add a fun touch while keeping yourself on budget.

They made the most of the winter weather taking romantic photos in the snow. The bride and bridesmaids all sported darling fur coats to get the photos. It was truly a winter wonderland wedding.

I absolutely adore the reflection in this photo.

Gorgeous Art Deco-inspired heels worn by the bride, subtly but perfectly in line with the theme.

These photos of the bridal party crack me up. They’re so “Mad Men” meets “Great Gatsby.”

Such a pretty and simple way to distinguish the chairs at the head table.

Heavenly.

Thanks to the low lighting and hundreds of candles, the entire room felt like it was lit by candlelight which was so romantic.

I love the detail in this centerpiece: the gold-sequined fabric, black and white marbles, and the beading on the box.

This floating candle and calla lily look is a huge wedding trend as of late. It looked delicate and charming.

The room was literally draped in crystals.

Surrounding the dance floor were these lounge-like low chairs with appropriately sparkly pillows. A lovely way to be in on the action without feeling pressure to dance.

The lighting made for the best photos.

The bride and her father danced to “Brown Eyed Girl,” which was adorable. It really alleviated any pressure for them.

The crafty bride made these adorable DIY headbands for all of the female guests. They were all adorned with feathers, beads, and flowers, perfectly complementing the theme and adding a fun layer to the evening.

I loved the baby’s breath and candles surrounding the beautiful cake.

There was a midnight toast. A perfect end to a perfect wedding.

Wedding Planning Tips: Kid-Friendly Wedding Ideas

February 7, 2014 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

Some brides make the decision to make their wedding a kid-free affair. This can eliminate some hassle. It can also mean some of your most beloved friends and family members will not be able to attend. If you don’t want to force your friends into getting a sitter, try these unique wedding ideas for keeping kids busy at your wedding. These Wedding Planning Tips: Kid-Friendly Wedding Ideas are sure to make it a stress-free experience for both parent and child. As long as you plan ahead and think about the kiddos along the way, you will have no problem having kids (no matter how rambunctious) attend your festivities.

Tip One: Keep Kids Busy and Occupied

Kids act out and start to misbehave when they are bored. If they cannot keep their little brains happy, they start to get rambunctious. The best way to plan for this is to install kid-friendly wedding ideas into your wedding from the start. Surprisingly enough, plenty unique wedding ideas double as boredom-busters for kids.
1. Use free wedding printables like this I Do Printable Activities for Kids during the ceremony and dinner downtime.
2. Install fun little activities like this DIY Wooden Swing, so they have a place to play.
3. For older kids, you can get their brains working with a fun scavenger hunt and photo activity. Free wedding printables are perfect for this.

Tip Two: Involve Them in the Process

Kids will also act out when they feel like they are not getting enough attention. Since weddings are such an adult-centered event, you really need to plan for the little ones. If they feel like they’re involved, they won’t act out quite as much. Use these unique wedding ideas to keep adults and kids involved.
1. Give them their very own table at your DIY wedding. If they have their very own space and it is exciting enough, they won’t be running to mom and dad constantly.
2. Let them do some of the big kid stuff like hopping into your DIY photo booth and playing with props like these Goofball Photo Booth Props. Kids absolutely love taking silly photos.
3. Since kids will probably refuse to step out of that DIY photo booth, create a separate play area that is similar for them. This dress-up box is a brilliant kid-friendly wedding idea.

Tip Three: Think Like A Parent

One reason parents are so great at keeping kids busy is that they are fantastic at anticipating what a child will do. When you are planning your wedding, seek out unique wedding ideas that will make your wedding tables and reception kid-friendly and safe.
1. Use unique wedding ideas like these General Store Candy Jars or this Hot Air Balloon Sweets Table to provide sweet treats for the little ones as well as limiting access to it. If you have a candy table, parents can control how much the kids grab instead of your over-worked waitstaff who might have a hard time saying no.
2. Keep wedding tables clear of danger. If you have a beautiful DIY centerpieces at every table, skip it at the kids’ table. This is especially true for DIY centerpieces with glass or lit candles in them. Better yet, find a centerpiece that will be out of reach like these Sensational Sky DIY Centerpieces.
3. Serve kid-friendly food. This is probably one of the most important tips to take with you. Kids will probably refuse to eat your yummy salmon dish or fancy chicken. Be prepared to offer something like these Dinosaur Shaped Sandwiches to keep their bellies happy. Hungry kids are naughty kids.

BONUS!

Enter to win a darling Bridal Bundle for yourself or your favorite bride! The giveaway ends at midnight on February 10, and you can enter once a day.

Did you love or loathe weddings as a kid?

Have You Seen This Stunning Wedding?

January 28, 2014 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

Weddings are gorgeous; there’s no doubt about that. Some, though, just stand out from the crowd as sensationally special, and Autumn and Pete’s earns that title. Photographed beautifully by Frenzel Studios, this romantic vintage celebration calls for ogling. So go ahead and ogle, girls!

Here are some photos to tease you. Click here for full coverage of this vintage-chic soiree.

Printable Tutorial

Love these rustic wedding centerpieces as much as I do? You are in luck, lady. We show you how to get the look here. With just a few materials and a couple of hours, you can complete all of your wedding centerpieces. There is no denying that this combination of items looks stunning, and to think you can have centerpieces called “stunning” for mere dollars is amazing. Thank goodness for DIY wedding ideas; am I right?

There’s more where that came from! We love helping you get your favorite looks for less. Here is another full tutorial for one of the most creative ways to display your escort cards. Escort card tables are so last year, and unique ideas are in. Wow your guests with this fabulous method of guiding them to their seats. Unique wedding ideas may seem far and few between, but on AllFreeDIYWeddings.com, they’re all over the place. From dessert tables you’ve never even imagined, to ceremony surprises that guests will love you for, we’re here to make your day the most original yet.

If it’s not clear already, I adore vintage wedding themes, and I want your vintage wedding dreams to come true. Here is a collection of vintage wedding crafts from the invitations to the dessert table.

What’s your dream wedding theme?

18 Dreamy Altars and Aisles

December 3, 2013 by AllFreeDIYWeddings

Every bride focuses so intently on the design of her cocktail napkins, the fit of her dress, the look of the centerpieces, and the taste of the food, but many forget to make their walk down the aisle special. As you approach the man of your dreams, you should also approach the altar of your dreams. Feel like a queen walking down an aisle made especially for you, and say your vows beneath a breathtaking altar to make your big day one for the books. And not just your books. Your photographer’s, relatives’, and friends’ books too.

Here is inspiration for aisles and altars that will take your breath away:

“Cinderella Story”

features a chandelier in a garden setting. The juxtaposition is heart stopping.

“Like Vines We Intertwine”

sends a message of unbreakable union with a romantic, rustic look.

“Classic Catwalk”

a DIY aisle runner featuring you and your partner’s monogram. See the how to.

“A Bright Idea”

for an ethereal, soft touch.

“Bohemian Beauty”

gives you an angelic background for photos you’ll adore.

“Outdoor Oasis”

provides a fanciful aisle of scattered petals and floating flowers made for a goddess.

“Breathtaking Boho”

is a goose-bump-inducing altar that you can do on your own. Here’s the tutorial.

“Draped in Florals”

is the most stunning altar I’ve seen to date. You can do this yourself with monofilament, a large needle, and a ton of carnations.

“Pink and White Whimsy”

covers you from the first step to the first kiss with gracefully draped fabric and pink floral accents.

“Falling in Lush”

weds just the right amount of bright flowers with light branches. My favorite part is the hanging wisteria.

“Over the Rainbow”

lets you incorporate tons of in-season flowers in one breathtaking altar. This is a great way to save some dough.

“Rustic Reverie”

is truly the altar of dreams. Featuring birch trees and dripping flowers, this will definitely draw attention.

“Green Goddess”

cuts costs and increases romance by using mostly fabric and greens with just a touch of florals.

“I Do in the Round”

gives every guest a VIP seat at your ceremony. The yellow/orange flowers are perfect for an early fall wedding. Line the aisle runner with the same flowers used on the altar for a cohesive look that you won’t trample.

“Concentrated Clusters”

gives a pop of color every so often, allowing the naturally beautiful birch to take center stage.

“Aisle Love You Forever”

is a ravishing way to welcome your guests, and the perfect walkway for a bride.

“Firework Fantasy”

is an unreal display under which to say your vows. It’s explosive dynamism will wow your guests and allow for incredible photos.

“Vintage Simplicity”

gives you and your honey the focus while supplying a subtly gorgeous backdrop.

Which is your favorite ceremony look?

14 Ways to Cut Costs with a DIY Wedding

August 13, 2013 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

Weddings are always beautiful events, and they mean so much – especially to us girls! Because your wedding day is supposed to be the most memorable day of your life, it can be easy to get carried away with your budget. Our free eBook, DIY Wedding Ideas: 14 Wedding Crafts, DIY Wedding Gifts, and More was put together with blushing brides-to-be in mind. These handmade treasures will be sure to help plan a wedding for less. Why not remove some pressure from the bride and help her save some cash with a few of these adorable wedding crafts. Make memorable moments with close friends and relatives as you join together to create handmade decorations for the shower and reception, DIY save the dates, DIY favors, and more. Take your talents as a crafter and use them for some good while you help make her big day the best it can be. It will mean the world to her!

DIY Wedding Decor

There’s no better way to cut costs than to minimize your expenses when it comes to wedding decor. Take some help from these simple tutorials and create DIY wedding decorations that will save you some cash and add a creative spin to each event. Personalize the days and events leading up to the wedding day with these DIY decorations. From handmade pomanders to DIY centerpieces, the selection of wedding decorations included in DIY Wedding Ideas: 14 Wedding Crafts, DIY Wedding Gifts, and More will be sure to keep you busy during the planning period.

Handmade Wedding Gifts

Go handmade when it comes to the wedding jewelry, garter, and other accessories – you’re bride will look stunning for less. These DIY accessories will allow your bride to use her budget for more important things, like the food, pictures, and reception entertainment. With all of the different wedding crafts for the bride included in this collection, DIY Wedding Ideas: 14 Wedding Crafts, DIY Wedding Gifts, and More you’ll have plenty of handmade accessories and different styles to choose from.

DIY Wedding Crafts for Guests

Make the extra effort of creating DIY favors for the wedding; your friends and family members will love the personalized touch. Included in DIY Wedding Ideas: 14 Wedding Crafts, DIY Wedding Gifts, and More you will find a selection of handmade favors that are simple, inexpensive and don’t take up too much time. From DIY shower favors to favors for the wedding itself, this collection will leave you with more than enough room to pick and choose your favorites from. Plus, when you plan out the DIY favor that is one more thing the bride can move down on her priority list; make her life easier with these DIY favors!