Category: Favors + Gifts

A Guide For Functional Wedding Gifts: Buying Home Goods the Couple Actually Needs

There are basic wedding rules everyone knows: Don’t wear white to the wedding, be on time to the ceremony, and don’t bring uninvited guests. Here is one you may not have considered : get the wedding couple gifts they actually need. 

The stresses that come with pre-wedding jitters, event planning, and the inevitable post-wedding credit card debt can overshadow  major part of the marital process: building a home for two. For many couples, living together isn’t an option until after they tie the knot. This means that the couples are forced to bring two sets of home goods into one home–a fast-track to cluttered chaos.

The worst thing you can do as a wedding guest is add to the couple’s stress. As cute as that yard gnome may be, gifting functional home goods that combine utility with style will inevitable benefit the couple for years to come.

Cookware is certainly at the top of many couple’s registries, but there are far more functional gifts than just pots and pans. Here is a guide for functional wedding gifts that are sure to make the newlyweds send a heartfelt thank you.

1.Bedding and Linens

Cohabitation brings on a myriad of potential relationship stressors. How should the dishwasher be loaded? What temperature is the house? How often is the bathroom cleaned? Or perhaps the most underrated: How firm is the bed?

Mattresses, bedding, and linens can become a pricey affair. The cost of high thread count sheets and a luxury mattress can deter couples from buying new bedding for their home. What they are neglecting, though, it that quality sleep is imperative for the success of a relationship.

If you are insecure about gifting such a personal item, simply be upfront with the couple and let them know your plan. They will be eager to help select this thoughtful gift that will last them a decade. There are even helpful guides that can help you buy a mattress online and have it shipped directly to their home.

2. His and Hers Smart Wallets or Item Trackers

If you have ever lost a credit card, you know the gut-wrenching feeling that swiftly follows. Imagine being newly married, stressing over legal paperwork and changing ID’s , then discovering that you cannot find your wallet. Cue panic attack.

According to Tile, the average American spends over 60 hours a year looking for missing items. Luckily, there is a variety of tech on the market to help combat your prized possessions. Buying the bride and groom a smart wallet that can  track if a card is missing, or a GPS tracker they can put on their keys will cut down on time tearing the house apart, and maximize quality time with each other. These products are especially useful if the couple is going on an international honeymoon.

3. Smart Home Gadget : Security and AI

After an expensive wedding, buying the latest tech isn’t always in the budget. Products such as the Amazon Alexa can aid in every day tasks like buying groceries, or can help set the mood with music on demand. Moreso, a smart home equipped with industry-leading security can set a new couple’s mind at ease. This is especially true when they may not be able to afford a home in the safest neighbourhood in town.

Give the couple the gift of peace by simplifying their life and keeping their home safe.

4. High-tech Cleaning Supplies

Whether you love cleaning or hate it, everyone could still use a little help every once in a while. High tech cleaning supplies such as Roomba vacuum can help alleviate some of the stress. This is particularly true if the family has a little one on the way, or already has a few small humans in the house.

Here’s a story: a good friend of mine was once the best man in a wedding. He gave the couple a really nice trash can. Do you know what that couple still uses 3 years later? The trash can. It may not be the most glamorous gift but the couple will certainly use it.

5. Handcrafted Art

Handcrafted goods add a sentimental touch to what can feel like a very impersonal exchange of goods. Commissioning a painting of the couple’s favorite photo, engraving a set of ceramic flatware, or buying a handcrafted wood cooler might just be the unique gift they cherish for a lifetime.

Customizing basic home goods to the couple’s specific needs is a great way to show you care for the couple, and provides them with things they would probably never have the chance to buy for themselves. However, don’t get too crazy with the design unless you really know the couple. A neutral color palette will help your gift remain timeless.

6. Subscriptions

When you are trying to cut costs, the first thing a financial planner will tell you is to cut your subscriptions. Why? Because they are expensive! Subscriptions to Netflix, HelloFresh, Dollar Shave Club, or Barkbox can seem like unnecessarry luxuries. Though the money adds up, people subscribe because they feel the service will improve their quality of life. So rather than gifting them another set of mugs, give them a gift that will keep on giving.

7. Gift Cards to Home Stores

If you aren’t sure what item to buy the couple, don’t stress. There will be lots of unforseen necessities that weren’t on the registry. By providing them with a gift card, you take the stress of buying these home goods off the couple. Though it may seem impersonal, you are providing  them with the power to buy what they truly want. Some great stores to keep in mind would be Home Goods, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, or even gas stations or their favorite local restaurant.

You can even provide your gift before the wedding. help the bride take care of pre-wedding hygiene with a gift card to her favorite salon. here is a guide for pre-wedding self care if you need help picking a service.

Can’t decide where to buy a gift card to? Don’t stress about that either. Cash is always a welcomed gift at any major life event (or just in general…)

When it comes to wedding gifts, it is best to follow the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Come to the wedding with a smile, be on time, and be sure to give them a gift they will actually use. You will feel better knowing you saved the couple some stress, and they will be truly thankful. Happy shopping!

About the Author: Stephanie Annon is a freelance writer in Raleigh, North Carolina. When she isn’t writing, she loves playing with her goldendoodle Ollie and spoiling her nephew.

 

 

 

Five Ways to Personalize Your Bridal Shower

Image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/anniversary-birthday-blue-bow-264787/

Your bridal shower is an opportunity to bring together your closest girlfriends and family members to celebrate before your big day. So, make it count with personalized touches that evoke your sense of style.

These days, brides are getting more and more creative when it comes to decking out their showers in style. Whether you want your bridal shower to feel relaxing and calm, romantic and sweet, or glitzy and a little bit glamorous, here are five ways to personalize your bridal shower.

Come Up Withe the Perfect Theme

Image from : https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-plate-flowers-table-134575/

Personalizing your bridal shower will come naturally when you decide how you want your bridal shower to feel. The details about the best venue, decor, food, and so on, will all fall into place. Do you want to inject a sense of whimsy in your shower with a  tropical themes bash or a nautically inspired party? Or are you more of a traditionalist, who appreciates an intimate, polished brunch gathering at your local country club?

To make your shower feel like “you”, create an experience for your guests that is influenced by your personality and your style. If you love boho chic style, a bridal shower with 70s-inspired decor and a morse rustic setting could be a great fit, while classic fashionistas will go crazy over the refined elegance of this Chanel-themed bridal shower. Here’s a great guide to some fun hem options- choose one you love, or mix and match elements of each to create the bridal shower of your dreams. And remember, this party is all about you, so don’t forget to have fun while you plan!

Personalize your Decor

Image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/arts-arts-and-crafts-bloom-blooming-529927/

Image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-blackboard-935867/   & https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-and-yellow-flowers-931179/

Chalkboards are a great option for bridal shower decor because you can use them in a variety of ways and they are easy to decorate with a custom message. Whether you want to let guests know about the food and drink menu, offer a countdown to the big day, share a bridal shower hashtag, or write a fun welcome message for their arrival, chalkboards are a fun and flexible decor item that will help your shower feel more personal.

And no matter what your theme is, fresh flowers or succulents will help make any venue feel gorgeous and celebratory. But save your big flower budget for your wedding day and opt to make your own flower crowns, bouquets, and arrangements with store-bought flowers. Here’s a handy guide for making perfect, professional-level arrangements on your own.

Customize Your Invitations,Place Cards, and Your Menus

Image from: https://www.twenty20.com/photos/9ce2fb61-2445-4331-aa85-2fb00d978436

There are so many online resources that make it easy and inexpensice to order or print your own custom paper products for invitations, menus, and more. Once you’ve decided on your theme and bridal shower locale, you’ll have a better sense of how to best customise your invitations and any other details you want to make for your shower. We love this guide for printable bridal shower invites that you can DIY ( check out that super cute Hawaiian themed invitation! ) Making your own place cards will also add a personalized touch to your shower and will make your table settings pop. Here’s a great resource for DIY place setting ideas that range from cheerful to rustic to sophisticated.

Offer a Custom Cocktail

Image from: https://pixabay.com/en/lime-drink-mineral-water-ice-mint-2353741/

A custom cocktail is a sweet way to welcome your guests to your shower and help them get settled in. Depending on the time of year for your shower you can create a chilled option ( check out these fun punches, sangrias, and slushes), or do a cozy, comforting cocktail, like one of these amazing spiked hot chocolate variations, for  warming drink during the winter months. There are also so many delicious non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink – here are some tasty mocktail ideas to get you started!

Send Guests Home with Amazing Favors

Images from: https://pixabay.com/en/wedding-shower-bridal-shower-2447531/    &    https://www.lifetimecreations.net/personalized-bachelorette-wine-glass/

Make sure that your guests can take a little bit of the party home with them with customized bridal shower favors. But don’t worry, favors don’t have to be extravagant or complicated. Like with any party, food favors are always a fun way to go: we love the idea of sending your guests off with something sweet like personalized M&Ms with your name on them, a petite box of champagne truffles, or a package of cute custom cookies. Another fun option is personalized wine glasses, so they can continue to toast o your special day in style. You could even round things out by giving your ladies a split of prosecco with their wine glass. Remember, the best bridal showers are the ones where you and your guests are able to have fun and enjoy one another’s company.  Your bridal shower doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to do anything by the book. And as the date of your shower approaches, just remember to savor this amazing day with the women you love and bask in this amazing moment when they all have come together to support you as you get ready to embark on this new phase of your life.

Image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cakes-chocolate-close-up-cupcakes-959079/

Katie McDaniel, freelance writer and editor, enjoys and loves writing about party planning, weddings, and other decorating trends.

 

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Day

Weddings are really very stressful. There are a lot of things which needs to be done and should be accomplished a month before the wedding. And well, aside from the stress brought by the things which needs to be done, preparing for your wedding day is of course expensive. Of course, we all aim and wish to save money without compromising the beauty of our big day. Here are 26 tips on how you can cut down your expenses but still have the kind of wedding that you expect and imagine.

Reception:

1.Cut down your guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.
2. Think off-peak season and save thousands.
3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot. It will cut the travel time for the vendors you pay by hour.
4. Skip the Saturday Wedding.
5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.
Flowers:
6. Use more greenery than flowers.
7. Swap out costly flowers- did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?
8. Stick to one or two kinds of flowers.
9. Buy flowers that are in season.
10. Include nonfloral pieces, like seashells or fruit.
Food & Drink:
11. Skip the main course- just have passed hors d’oeuvres or stations.
12. Offer beer, wine and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.
13. Skip the champagne toast.
Cakes: 
14. Order a small one-or two-tier cake and then supplement it with a larger sheet cake (hidden in the kitchen).
15. Keep the add-ons simple.
16. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.
17. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.
Stationary & Favors:
18. Get single-page invites to save on postage.
19. Give out one favor per couple.
20. Make your cake the favors.
21. Have favors double as escort cards.
22. Email your save-the-dates.
23. Make your own menu cards, escort cards and wedding favor packaging.
Photo, Video & Music:
24. Have a photographer you love but can’t afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.
25. Opt for smaller band
26. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.
Cutting down your budget doesn’t mean that you need to compromise the the quality and beauty of your big day.  Enjoy your wedding without spending too much.
https://www.theknot.com/content/ways-to-save-money-on-wedding
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Gift Ideas for Bridesmaids from the Bride

As the wedding date gets closer, the little details begin to elevate in importance. As the weeks tick down, the last-minute preparations often include confirming (and re-confirming!) plans with vendors, final fittings for your dress and packing for the honeymoon. But for many brides, there is usually one more important purchase: gifts for the bridesmaids.

While, according to Bustle, 4.5 bridesmaids is the average number of bridal attendants, maybe you have a whole squad of ladies standing beside you or perhaps you just chose one or two close friends or relatives. Regardless of how many honorable maids and matrons will be preceding you down the aisle, they have probably each helped you along the way…throughout the journey of the engagement and the planning.

Wedding etiquette dictates that the bride should present each of her attendants with a gift for serving in the wedding. And The Knot recommends that brides should spend around $75 to $150 on each bridesmaid.

Every woman, however, has her own unique style. So what do you get each attendant without seemingly showing favoritism?

Brides often struggle with the attendant gift idea. While you don’t have to get anything luxe, you should give each woman something meaningful. If you’re struggling with gifts for your bridesmaids, check out these ideas:

An Initial Necklace

A simple gold or silver chain with each woman’s initial is both simple and timeless. Just make sure the chain length isn’t awkward against the bridesmaid’s dresses. If the budget allows, you may also include a birthstone charm. Check out Etsy or your favorite jeweler for ideas.

Pearl Earrings

Pearl stud earrings are classic and elegant. But you don’t have to buy expensive pearls. Freshwater pearls are beautiful and very budget-friendly…and pearls come in a variety of colors to complement each woman’s style preferences.

A Unique Piece

Maybe you want to select a gift that captures each attendant’s unique style. If some of your bridesmaids loathe conservative jewelry, celebrate their individuality and pull inspiration from their personal fashion. Consider edgier options like zodiac pendants, celestial jewelry, or even a vintage gift like a stainless steel spoon ring (love them!) or an authentic 70s owl pendant. One of my favorite necklaces features a mustard seed encased in a plastic teardrop charm, and it is extremely sentimental to me. You can stray from traditional jewelry and make a statement instead.

Totes Adorable!

Monograms create a sweet, personalized touch, and monogrammed tote bags for bridesmaids double as both a gift and a classy gift bag. Choose a tote in your wedding colors or give each woman a tote in her favorite color. You can fill the tote with comfortable foldable ballet flats for dancing at the reception, some survival items for the wedding day, and a cute cashmere wrap (if it’s a fall/winter wedding).

A Spa Day

Gifts don’t have to be something tangible. Many brides treat their group to a spa day—with the bride snagging the tab! Have nails painted and make-up and hair perfected for the big day. You also may treat each woman to a relaxing massage, because bridesmaids need to relax, too!

No matter what gifts you choose for your attendants, keep the purchase meaningful. Don’t buy something just to check off the box on your to-do list. Start thinking about what to get your favorite squad a few months before the wedding…and surprise each woman with a gift that she will love!

 

 

REAL WEDDING: STACEY AND MICHAEL’S WINTER ELEGANCE WEDDING

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The couple finally wed after actually meeting at someone else’s wedding. A Winter Elegance themed wedding saw their special day incorporating Stacey’s Jewish heritage throughout and hosted in a beautiful timber book barn at Bendooley Estate (NSW, Australia.)

Stacey always joked about running through an AFL banner on her big day and her and Michael bonded over their love of football – he a bombers supporter and she a swan’s, so her favourite part of the day was running through the banner at the reception reading ‘TWO TEAMS, ONE LOVE. STACEY & HOBBSY.’

See the beauty of the winter elegance wedding! You may even get amazing inspiration from them! Remember to check their wedding details.

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The Wedding Details

How did you and your partner meet?

We met at a wedding in Melbourne. An old school friend of mine was marrying Michael’s cousin. Michael’s sister had planned to set him up with another old school friend at the wedding but when she introduced them the match was not meant to be and Michael & I ended up chatting for the most of the night. At the very end of the wedding I saw Michael striding over to me out of the corner of my eye and I was overcome with butterflies. He asked for my number and a date once we were both back in Sydney and the rest as they say is history.

How did he propose?

Michael surprised me with a helicopter ride from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island where we spent the day relaxing by the pool at the One & Only resort. That night he organised a private dinner on the beach and he got down on one knee under a super moon with the waves lapping beside us and proposed. Funny side note: the super moon meant the tide came in a lot quicker than expected and by the end of dinner we were basically sitting in the ocean! We then spent the rest of the week sailing around the Whitsundays and basking in engaged bliss!

How did you choose your wedding gown?

I had been looking for a wedding dress for a while and just didn’t feel like anything I tried on was ‘The One’. I kept expecting to have some kind of holy moment when I would try a dress on that would give me the sign that it was ‘The dress’. I happened to visit Savvy Brides in Sydney on a weekend when Erin Clare was having a trunk show of her collection there and I immediately fell in love with ‘The’ dress. It was made even more special to have Erin herself there so talk everything through. Erin made the dress to fit my measurements and I ended up going up to her studio in Noosa for a dress fitting which was a surprise getaway with my mum that I organised for her birthday. While I was having my dress fitting Erin showed me a veil that she had made to match my dress design and not already having found a veil, I knew I had to have it. It was a wonderful and very special experience to deal directly with my dress designer and really made the whole experience quite unique.

What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?

‘Winter Elegance’ – a roaring fire, a beautiful timber book barn, cosy and oozing with love.

What was your favorite moment from the day?

Running through our AFL banner (with the song Holy Grail by Hunters and Collectors playing) into the horas (Jewish dancing that the function begins with).

The banner read “TWO TEAMS, ONE LOVE. STACE & HOBBSY”.

Michael and I bonded over our mutual love of footy and he is a bombers supporter while I am a swan’s supporter. We were both raised on football and I had always joked that I would run through an AFL banner on my wedding day. I had it made by a banner maker in Victoria and shipped to Sydney for the big day.

Also – The groom secretly organised a flash mob for me with his groomsmen (to ‘I want it that way’ by the Backstreet Boys). A few months before the wedding the best man was in a scooter accident and broke his ankle. He was adamant that he would still be able to perform the dance on the night…. And that he did – walking stick, limp and all like a total superstar!

I had no idea what Michael had planned (and choreographed!) and was totally shocked and amazed and laughed hysterically with joy and surprise throughout the whole performance.

Any DIY décor elements?

Our individual, personalised origami paper ‘fortune tellers’ designed, printed and folded by Michael & I were used as an all-in-one place setting, menu and message to guests. We painstakingly printed, cut out and folded 150 individual origami pieces but it was worth it to see the curiosity and delight on our guest’s faces when they opened and read them and realised we had made them all especially for each one of them.

We sourced vases of various shapes, sizes and colours (blue, crystal and gold) from various variety stores and op shops for the table flowers and I made the table numbers from old classic looking children’s books tied together in a bundle to create a holder for the table number.

We also set up a photo booth table with Polaroid cameras, an album and pens for guests to take photos and leave a note as a memory of the night.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change?

Nothing!…… except I would do it earlier so my grandmother could have been there. She was too unwell on the day to come to the wedding and passed away shortly afterwards and I will always think that I shouldn’t have waited a year. Time really is so very precious.

Any tips that you can give to future brides?

Be true to yourselves and chip away at it every week ahead of the wedding. Do your research! There are plenty of DIY projects and fun things you can do together or with friends for the wedding that really give it a personal touch and will definitely save you a lot of money! If there is something you realllly want, be as inventive and creative as you can to achieve it.

As stressful as the wedding planning was sometimes, we were really happy in the end that we had planned the whole wedding ourselves. It meant that our wedding was a true representation of who we are as a couple. The whole day was everything we could have ever imagined and more!

Anything else you’d like to add?

I (Stacey) am Jewish so it was very important to both myself and Michael to incorporate as many of the Jewish traditions into the ceremony as we could. We were married under a chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy) borrowed from a friend who was also married under it,  we were both walked down the aisle by both parents, I circled Michael seven times as I entered the chuppah, family members said the seven Jewish wedding blessings, we drank wine from my grandparent’s kiddish wine cup (from my grandparent’s own wedding in 1948), Michael smashed the glass to conclude the ceremony, we signed a traditional Ketubah (Jewish marriage contract); and we danced the horas at the beginning of the wedding function (which were sung by a close friend of ours.

To top it off our close friend Leor became a celebrant especially so he would marry us. It was an incredibly generous and heartfelt gift that we will be forever humbled and grateful for.

Having family and friends involved in the whole day was something that was very important to both of us.

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The Team

Dress: Erin Clare http://www.erinclare.com.au/

Makeup: Nicky Lurie http://www.nickylurie.com.au/

Hair: Hair by Louka https://louka.co/

Shoes: Panache

Accessories: My grandmother’s engagement ring pinned to my bouquet (something old), Pearl earrings (given to me by Michael as a first anniversary present) from Mazal Jewelry (something new), Pearl head piece from my sister in law (something borrowed) & Blue Ostrich feather bolero by Diamante dresses (something blue).

Bridesmaids Dresses: The only request I had for my bridesmaids was to wear a blue dress (my favourite colour) in whichever shade they wanted. Three bought dresses from Alannah Hill and Review and the other two wore dresses they already had. I wanted them to wear something that they felt completely comfortable and beautiful in and that they would wear again.

Grooms Suit: Peter Jackson Menswear

Photographer: Milton Gan http://miltongan.com/

Wedding Invitations: Adorn Invitations https://www.adorninvitations.co.uk

Cake: 3 tier cheese wheel cake by Bendooley Estate

Food: Bendooley Estate

Flowers: Flowers by Emma http://www.flowersbyemma.com/

On The Day Wedding Stationery: http://www.bweddinginvitations.com/

Ceremony Venue: Bendooley Estate Gardens http://www.bendooleyestate.com.au/

Reception Venue: Berkelouw book barn at Bendooley Estate. NSW.

Band: Mike Champion and the Cool https://www.mikechampion.com/weddings-events

AFL entry banner: Milestone Banners http://www.milestonebanners.com.au/

Ketubah / Personalised Jewish Wedding contract: Etsy

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DIY: Teacup Candles

I feel like I have seen teacup candles all over gift guides on the internet and while I think they are absolutely adorable I refused to pay the price that comes along with these trendy gifts. Read below to see how I made these DIY teacup candles for less than a dollar a piece!

Supplies 

  • Something To Melt The Wax In
  • Candle Wax
  • Wick
  • Teacup

Time 

  • 10 Minutes not including cool time.

Difficulty

  • So simple and so chic!

Your local thrift shop will be your best bet when on the hunt for teacups. Start by getting the wax melting for your candle. If you remember I had made some ombre candles in the past so you can click here to see the best way to melt your wax.

While your wax is melting, measure your wick and trimming off the extra length.

Place the wick in your teacup and pour the wax into the cup.

Set to cool and you’re all ready to give these as gifts or decorate tables for your afternoon tea bridal shower.

What did you make with teacups? Post your photos to our Facebook wall or tag @DIYBrideBlog on Instagram.

Xoxo,

Alex

DIY: Hot Cocoa Favors

My best friend is getting married, and we threw her a winter wonderland themed bridal shower. Read below to see the instructions on these simple white chocolate hot cocoa favors I created.

Supplies 

  • Mason Jars
  • Hot Cocoa Mix About 65 Oz
  • 12 Oz Bag of Mini Dehydrated Marshmallows
  • Pearl Candy 5 lb Bag

Time 

  • 30 Minutes for 50 Favors

Difficulty

  • Super Simple

This is all about layering

Start with a layer of the white cocoa mix. Since I was using jelly mason jars I used about 1/4cup of the cocoa mix.

Top with a layer of pearl candies. I used about 2 tablespoons of these edible pearls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finish with mini marshmallows.

Seal, tie with ribbon, and you’re done!

Did you make your own edible favors? Post your photos to our Facebook wall or tag @DIYBrideBlog on Instagram.

Xoxo,

Alex

DIY: Marbled Clay Jewelry Dish

These marbled clay jewelry dishes are so easy and there are endless variations to customize them to fit your style!

Supplies

  • Round cookie cutter
  • Clay
  • Paint Pen
  • Rolling Pin (or other cylinder to roll out clay)
  • Parchment Paper

Time

  • 10 minutes prep + 25 minutes to bake

Difficulty

  • If you can use a rolling pin and oven- you can do this!

First, preheat your oven to 300F. Most brands of clay come with indents to help you break it into even pieces. You’ll want about nine 1/2 inch blocks.

Roll each block into a strand that’s about 8-9 inches long. Once all of your colors are rolled into long strands, twist them together and then into a ball. It should look something like this by now.

Then, using your rolling pin, roll the clay out until it’s about 3/4 inch thick.

To make it a perfect circle, use your cookie cutter.

Now, just push the edges up to create a little lip all the way around the dish. Pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes (check on them after 15 minutes or so to make sure they are ok.)

Once they’re cooled off, it’s time to paint around the edge of them with your paint pen. After that, you’re done! Style them, gift them, use them, whatever you want!

These are the perfect gift to give to your bridesmaids or just to make for a holiday gift for someone in your life. If you make these, tag us on Instagram @diybrideblog so we can see them! I love seeing all of your gorgeous creations!

Xoxo,

Sarah

DIY: Ombré Candles

These DIY ombré candles would make beautiful gifts for your wedding party or easy favors for any shower.

Supplies 

  • Glass jar or vase
  • White Candle Wax (We used soy wax)
  • Colored Wax
  • Candle Wicks
  • Scented Oils (optional)
  • Disposable jar or can to melt the wax in

Time 

  • 3-4 hours including hardening time

Difficulty

  • It is hard to mess this one up.

We chose to use a double boiler to melt the wax because this is the safest option when heating wax to such a high temperature. We used a mason jar to melt the wax, but you can also use a cleaned out tin can. This will allow you to throw out the vessel once you are finished and you will not need to worry about trying to get all of the wax out of the jar. The darkest layer should be at the bottom of your candle so be sure to add the most amount of color to this batch and start melting it.

While your wax is melting measure and trim your wick to fit the correct size of your jar.

Warm up a small amount of the candle wax in your hards and press it to the bottom of the jar to keep your wick in place.

Pour your first layer of wax into the jar. Place in the refrigerator and let hardened for about 1 hour.

Melt more wax and add a little less color this time around. Once the first layer is hardened pour the next color layer onto. Repeat the steps until you are a few inches from the top of the candle. Let harden completely, light, and enjoy.

*To avoid cracking in the wax allow the candle to harden on its own rather than in a refrigerator. It is also hard to tell the true color the wax will be once it hardens, so test a small layer in another jar to get the colors just right!

What did you do with your DIY ombré candles? Share with us on Instagram @DIYBrideBlog.

DIY: Ombre Terracotta Pots

With a few simple supplies you can turn your ordinary terracotta pots into beautiful planters. Look how we transformed these ordinary pots into ombre terracotta pots!
Supplies 

  • White Spray Paint
  • Terracotta Pots
  • Tumble Dye
  • Bowl With Water

Time 

  • 5 Minutes

Difficulty

This DIY is very simple, but makes a big impact.

Tip

The spray paint can make it difficult for the dye to adhere to the pots, so if at first you do not get the desired color try adding more dye to your water!

Tag us on Instagram using @DIYBride or email us at hello@diybride.com to share your dyed terracotta pots!

Xoxo,

Sarah

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