Do It Yourself

Thanks you so much for your ideads- a friend also gave me this one which was so good I wanted to share it. Buying mini pumpkins from a local produce junction/ store (usually 3 for $1) and either cutting the stem to insert the place cards or use a think black marker or black paint and write the names right on them. Decorate the table they are on with items from the same produce store- seasonal flowers such as mums are very cheap, pumpkins are also inexpensive, white pumpkins look beautiful, too especially w. tea light candles or candle sticks coming from them. You can use Indian corn, making cornucopias, corn stalks, etc. All are great additions for a fall wedding that are easy to find and cheap to purchase. I also love looking thru the marthastewart.com site for ideas. Check this out: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pumpkin-flower-vase This is a great idea to ‘gut’ out a pumpkin and insert the mums right in, using the pumpkin as the vase.

I too love the craftiness of desiging parts of your own wedding! My bridesmaids (i.e. the 'other loves of my life') are helping me by taking our 3 flower girls/ jr bms and our 2 ring bearers for a morning of apple picking at a local orchard in NJ. Apples are REALLY cheap if you get them fresh by the bushell. We are then making them into CANDY APPLE favors by buying cornsyrup, food coloring and adding water (the recipes are online and show you by the specific ingrediants depending on the amt you need to make). Now, wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon and either a love poem or a thank you note!!! Favors for way under $1 a piece!! But it is a whole day of fun & excitement, as well.

I love the do it yourself attitude! Although it may be a little more 'elbow grease', it will save you a substantial amount without making your wedding look cheap. Here are a few ideas I am playing with right now- Cutting leaves from a pattern & attaching them to branches (which can be found in the woods)planted in beautiful handpainted cermaic pots. Write the names/table numbers on the leaves, punch a hole (I prefer the small hole punches that are designs & can be bought at the dollar store), and tie with satin ribbon that matches your colors.