diy wedding

Much like other aspects of our life, Ryan and I were sticking to a budget for our wedding.  Our goal, although not achieved, was to come in under budget.  (Damn, weddings are expensive!)  I first looked to Pinterest for inspiration and Etsy for cheap wedding finds.  What I discovered was most of what I liked I could do on my own, and for cheaper.  

To make DIY more fun, my mom flew down from Spokane to turn the weekend into a craft extravaganza.

We started with a to-do list:

1.  parade streamers

2.  escort cards

3.  photo booth frames

4.  photo booth bunting

5.  flower girl baskets

6.  table numbers

7.  rehearsal dinner centerpieces (to double as center pieces for the desert table, bar, and guest book table)

8.  signs for buffet table

9.  table runners (left over burlap was sold on craigslist for $50!)

Then, we headed to Michael's, one of the most overwhelming stores in the world, second only to IKEA.  After setting up the supplies, pouring the wine, queuing up Orange is the New Black, we got started.  

Stella is always ready to sit on whatever you are currently working on.

First up, flower girl baskets.  I found baskets on Etsy, that I liked, but I wasn't into spending $39.99 plus shipping for each of the two baskets I needed.  Our baskets, which were easy to make, were only a total of $5 each.  

The inspiration

Our baskets

Next up, table numbers.  I was going for a rustic feel, with simple clean lines.  Once again, I found table numbers on Etsy that had the feel I was going for, but they were $75 for 15.  I knew I could do it for cheaper.  We ended up spending $50 on our table numbers, and once again, we didn't have to pay for shipping.  

The inspiration

Our table numbers

Pictured with our parade streamers

For escort cards, I turned to my sister.  She has an interest in calligraphy, and other things creative.  Not only did she address all of my envelopes, but she also made the place cards, the menu, and the signs for the buffet.  Our escort cards set us back $12.  

The inspiration

Our escort cards

My new name, for the first time!

Buffet cards

Because of our love for Papalote salsa, the rehearsal dinner centerpieces were a cinch.  We reused the mason jars that once held the addicting salsa, and added rafia and floating candles.  This simple centerpiece, which was used for both nights, was just $10.  

The inspiration

Our mason jar centerpiece is pictured on the guest book table with our DIY Paper Source letters.  

Last, but not least, we wanted a few picture frames to use as props in our photo booth.  I bought three frames at a garage sale for $6.  One was already a lovely gold, and after we spray painted the other two  silver and blue, they were photo booth ready.  

There you have it, our DIY wedding.

Professional photos by Katrina Davis Photography and Luke Keegan Photography.

Photo booth photos curtesy of Lech Naumovich Photography.