our budget-friendly wedding III: DIY wedding paper

Almost every piece of our wedding paper was DIY. I didn't mean for it to happen that way, but as I researched costs of programs and menus and calligraphy escort cards, I realized that we could break our budget on wedding paper alone.

About a month before the wedding, I decided to pitch the "candle escort card" idea because I became obsessed with these little books. Obsessed! Inside these beautiful little books, I used a "Story of Us" book theme, which was also used throughout the rest of our ceremony and reception paper. It was entitled, "Chapter II: In the Beginning" and featured our tear-jerking engagement story. (Our menus [not pictured] were entitled, "Chapter III: Eat, Drink and Be Married," of course!) Unfortunately, my photographer did NOT get a shot of the escort cards in all their displayed glory. But, oh well, at least I have something. (I love how you can see the library books in the background!)

Next up are the Bride and Groom chair signs. This was a super quick project; seriously, it only took about 20 minutes, a printer, a xyron, and some ribbon. Of course, since our wedding, I've come across some really beautiful B&G signs, tied with thick, luscious ribbon, and now I totally regret not thinking that part out. But, oh well, live and learn...

Some of you may remember my original plans for our table numbers. Well, I searched and searched and couldn't find any "usable" digital images, so I forfeited that awesome idea, and went the super-easy route. This project was also extremely quick and cost effective. All that was needed were tent cards, a printer, and a xyron. Twenty minutes later, ALL of my signs were done - table numbers, bar menus, advice jar, everything. (There is an abandoned DIY project within these table numbers as well, but that's for a later post...stay tuned.)

(Disclaimer: Please excuse the quality of the next photo. We haven't yet had our final photography meeting, and therefore, have not received the final color corrected images.)

Our advice jars were placed in each of the large seating nooks. Apparently this was the perfect place for them, because EVERY SINGLE PERSON at our wedding left us a little note of advice. I almost feel guilty to have these little tid-bits of marital capital, almost like we should have to figure it out on our own... But, I'll admit, it was so much fun reading the advice with Nathan... One listed the author's version of the top ten marriage myths, the first one of which said, "it is actually okay to go to bed angry, as long as you make up for it in the morning!" It's almost too perfect, isn't it?!)

I expanded on the typical "advice note card" idea by fashioning library-check-out-advice-note-cards (which were inspired by this post by Creature Comforts). I made ours slightly larger than hers and customized it to read, "date: 11.01.08" and "issued to: Colleen & Nathan". I'll post the template in an upcoming entry...so stay tuned.

Last but not least are the programs. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but our photographers only got ONE shot of our programs, and it was only of the back cover. The back cover featured the chorus of "You're My Best Friend" (courtesy of i heart peonies inspiration), which is great and all, but I labored over the eight-page, all-inclusive, programs that featured a vellum pouch on the last page with a single tissue tucked inside...for their tears of joy. I'm so incredibly disappointed that I don't have a photo of them, because the hotel threw away the extra copies, leaving us (and anyone who was in the processional) with no keepsake. Bummer, indeed.

photo credit: Essence Photo and Video

related posts: Vendor Review IV: Photobooth, Vendor Review III: Wedding & Reception Flowers, our budget-friendly wedding II: ceremony, Vendor Review II: Hair and Make up, our budget-friendly wedding I: Attire, The photos are in!!!, Vendor Review I: Reception Music