Name Cards

The place cards were very simple, once the Order of Service image had been edited. 

I had run out of card, and had to resort to scraps that were left. I cut all of the cards to size and was then unable to print on these. I had to print the place card names on cream paper and cut to size, then glue in place (friends were drafted and wine was consumed!) 

Here is how I botched the name cards...

1. Find the graphic to use on the place cards

I took the Order of Service graphic and just shortened it. 

2. Add names to the graphics

I created a table in Word and added the image to each box. I had created an RSVP list in Excel, so simply created a mail merge and added all first names to the table.

3. Putting it all together

I printed the document on paper, cut and glued onto the pre-cut place cards. 

We offered our guests a choice of three started, three mains and three desserts. I am always forgetting what I have ordered in advance, so I put everyone's dinner choices on the back of the name cards. (I had to provide the venue with this information in advance of the wedding, so had everything saved on my computer)

Not how I would have liked to have done these, but they worked and I was short on time and materials. 

Order of Service

So, as previously mentioned, I made as much stuff for the wedding as was possible.

The Order Service (OS) was one of the easier items to make.

I didn't really have any inspiration for this, I just went with it.

You will need card for the cover and paper for the insert (like a very short book).

1. Design the cover

I found a lovely image online, but it was on a cream background, as I was printing in black and white, I needed to edit the image, I opened the image in Paint and set it to the highest zoom, then got to editing! 

2. Add the details to the cover

I found guides/templates online and took bits and pieces from lots of different places. 

Here is what we used:

THE CELEBRATION AND BLESSING

      OF

Bride's Name 

   &

Groom's Name

Date

Location (Hotel/Manor House)

City, State, Country

3. Design the inside

Ensure that your margins are correct, and print a test first. 

I created the Order of Service using Word in two columns. 

We then printed it on cream paper. 

4. Putting everything together

Cut half a cm from each edge of the insert, this will ensure that it does not stick out when it was all put together. 

Using a flat surface fold all of the covers and inserts (I used a butter knife along the fold to create a sharp crease).

Take the folded insert and apply glue to the crease (I used a glue brush to keep things from getting messy), place the insert in the cover, and repeat. I had this on a production line. 

5. Adding a personal touch

I decided that this needed something extra. I took some very thin ribbon, measured the ribbon (double the length of the OS with a few extra inches) and cut it to size. I then tied the ribbon around the OS and tied it at the bottom. 

                                             

6. Distribute

My brothers were the ushers and they handed out the Order of Service, along with a Thai fan (Or dear friend Sina had flown in from Thailand to be with us, and she brought enough back for all the ladies). 

Confetti Cones

I am not one of those girls who dreamed of a big wedding since being a kid, but I did have this ingrained image of how I wanted to get the 'throwing of the confetti' picture after the ceremony. 

In order to achieve my dream photograph, I first had to make sure that our guests had confetti. So, provided it myself (I'm not sure if this is a common thing to do, but I loved it).

I kept my eyes peeled and bought boxes of confetti when it was on sale, I think we paid about 50p / 75c per box and bought about 20 boxes.


1. Cut square pieces of paper

I used the coloured paper that I also intended to use for the invitations. I also glued a piece of lace down one side to add decoration. 

2. Put some doublesided tape alone one edge, roll and secure. 

I had a bunch of friends and wine to help with this process. 

3. Fill the cones and display 

I found a cute basket at home that worked really well to hold ever

We got our perfect confetti throwing photo from the wedding! 

My First Wedding Craft - Favour Boxes

Here is where it all started! The favour boxes!!

Before moving to the US, I had to wait for my Fiance Visa. I decided that the time would be best spent at home with my family and friends in England. It ended up being a long six months, but it allowed me plenty of time to get wedding plans together and some much needed quality time with some amazing people! 

I loved the idea of the personalized M&Ms and just needed a way to get them to our guests. So I got to Googling some images and came up with a simple 'box and bow' combo. I borrowed my brother's craft knife and cutting board, got some card and ribbon, and got to work! I bought the cream card from WH Smith in the UK and the ribbon from Hobby Craft, I am sure that there is something similar available in Hobby Lobby or Michael's in the US.

1. Find a template online, I can send you the template that I used if you need it.

 I printed it on paper and cut out a master template on a thick piece of card (I think I used the back of a pad of paper!) 

If you would like a copy of this template, please let me know and I will email you the PDF

2. Cut out the box bases and lids

I made a test box to make sure that it was what I was expecting and to ensure that the lid fitted. 

Then, I cut out all of the box bases and all of the lids, I then scored along the folds to make the creases sharp.

3. Putting the boxes together

I used PVA glue, Elmers will work fine. I would advise leaving the glue to become tacky before folding the flaps to create the box. I also held the flaps in place using paper clips, it was better than holding them in place myself. 

4. Add decoration

I wanted to have bows on my boxes but was not prepared to tie the bows in the days leading up to the wedding, so I bypassed the base of the box and just put the bows on the lids. 

5. Fill the boxes

I found some theme coloured tissue paper and shredded it (well, mum did that!), I put the M&Ms in netting and tied it up with ribbon, and then they were done!