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| Photography by Lauren Gunter |
Beautiful, isn't it?
I have been dreaming about doing this post, even before the blog was born, so I am thrilled to finally put it in print! (That piece of paper I talked about before, ya know, the one with my blog ideas on it that sat in my desk collecting dust, had this as one of my possible reasons to start blogging.) Since it is the start of wedding season, this could be particularly helpful for the DIY bride. This is one part of the many wedding decor projects I completed, with step-by-step directions, featuring some of the gorgeous photography of Lauren Gunter (and some of my not so gorgeous camera photos). This particular theme may not suit your fancy, but the process of these projects may be just the key to get you started!
I have been dreaming about doing this post, even before the blog was born, so I am thrilled to finally put it in print! (That piece of paper I talked about before, ya know, the one with my blog ideas on it that sat in my desk collecting dust, had this as one of my possible reasons to start blogging.) Since it is the start of wedding season, this could be particularly helpful for the DIY bride. This is one part of the many wedding decor projects I completed, with step-by-step directions, featuring some of the gorgeous photography of Lauren Gunter (and some of my not so gorgeous camera photos). This particular theme may not suit your fancy, but the process of these projects may be just the key to get you started!
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In March of 2013, that is how I found myself: engaged, planning a wedding with my then fiance, with five and a half months to do so, and a sudden DIY bride-to-be. For years I had dreamed up my future wedding... but I had neglected to decide on an ultimate theme. Colors? Flowers? I dunno? I was pretty late on the uptake of Pinterest, but it suddenly became my new friend as I created a wedding board, focusing in on the style of my wedding. I discovered that I wanted romantic, elegant, slightly vintage and absolutely classic. I settled on the idea that I wanted centerpieces consisting of baby's breath floral spheres, resting on top of classical pedestals.
I comparison shopped for renting or buying the pedestals and priced the floral arrangements. And the total was staggering. Unless I wanted to feed my guests the baby's breath, I knew I would have to find a way around it. Thus I became the DIY bride.
Pedestals
I, along with my mom and one of my bridesmaids, scoured the local Goodwills on a weekly basis. We went on Saturdays especially, since it is 50% off day (Culture Thrift wink), looking not just for a type of pedestal or candle holder, but also for something that has that same shape. What may that be, you ask? Old lamps. Lamps have the perfect pedestal form and just need to be taken apart. They unscrew from the bottom and have the basic bolt-pipe-bolt with the electrical wire running through. Unscrew the bottom, cut the wire to remove the light bulb, then screw back together.
Whether lamp, candle holder or pedestal, color doesn't matter (quite ridiculous a collection, aren't they?) because the theme will be tied together by the miracle of spray paint. Two cans of spray paint later, thanks to Hobby Lobby, and they look like this:
Let me just say that spray painting in the garage, in the middle of July in Phoenix, can really get to you.
Baby's Breath Floral Arrangements
Again, I visited Hobby Lobby, this time armed with coupons, to find floral foam blocks which I found to be the most economical option. I needed half spheres to balance on top of the columns, but it was much cheaper to buy rectangular blocks, cut in half, then shape with a knife in the perfect size. Make sure you buy the floral foam that can be soaked in water- not the dry kind.
The best option for baby's breath was ordering online, through a website called Flower Explosion. I ordered 12 bunches of Gypsophila and chose the "New Love" variety of baby's breath for $115. They arrived either Wednesday or Thursday, for my Sunday wedding, to allow the flowers to rehydrate and fully bloom. Part of these flowers also became the flower bouquets for my bridesmaids, which was another DIY project (to be posted!).
Money, however, can't buy me love, as The Beatles say.
Love was pouring out everywhere as my family, friends, bridesmaids and groomsmen helped with our wedding in so many ways, I probably am not even aware of them, nor could properly thank everyone. The Friday before the wedding, my bridesmaids and bridesmoms had a work morning where we spent about four hours and knocked out the floral arrangements, bridesmaid bouquets, and favors (followed by several hours that night setting up the reception venue by everyone). We finished the arrangements, then refrigerated them until Sunday.
The creative process of making these come to life was so enjoyable for me and the floral creations were another excuse to spend time with all my gals.
The best option for baby's breath was ordering online, through a website called Flower Explosion. I ordered 12 bunches of Gypsophila and chose the "New Love" variety of baby's breath for $115. They arrived either Wednesday or Thursday, for my Sunday wedding, to allow the flowers to rehydrate and fully bloom. Part of these flowers also became the flower bouquets for my bridesmaids, which was another DIY project (to be posted!).
Money, however, can't buy me love, as The Beatles say.
Love was pouring out everywhere as my family, friends, bridesmaids and groomsmen helped with our wedding in so many ways, I probably am not even aware of them, nor could properly thank everyone. The Friday before the wedding, my bridesmaids and bridesmoms had a work morning where we spent about four hours and knocked out the floral arrangements, bridesmaid bouquets, and favors (followed by several hours that night setting up the reception venue by everyone). We finished the arrangements, then refrigerated them until Sunday.
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| Photography by Lauren Gunter |
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