It’s no secret that weddings cost a lot of money. However, in these cash strapped times not everybody can afford to spend thousands of dollars on their big day. So many brides are reliving their art classes and getting crafty with ways to save money by making key aspects of the wedding themselves. It’s not just the brides either: grooms, moms and bridesmaids are also getting in on the act. Why not hold a crafty party where all the attendants get together to make invitations, favors or even the wedding dress. I’ve salvaged what is left of my school Art qualification to bring you some of the best ways to do it yourself.

Invitations

These are some of the easiest things to make yourself- and you don’t need loads of artistic skills either. Take a look at existing invitations you like and see how simple they are- nothing fussy or complicated. Try this idea: using colored card, fold it in half and trim it to your desired shape. Glue some patterned wrapping paper in a complimentary color to the bottom half of the invitation and then glue matching ribbon over the line where the paper meets the card. Finish with a little ribbon bow or a couple of rhinestones glued to the left hand side of the ribbon. Beautiful and easy peasy too!

Favors

There are so many options to choose for favors that it is easy to find something to make yourself. Whether you choose homemade cookies or soaps, it is a cheap and personal alternative to ready made favors. One lovely suggestion is to make lavender hearts that can be hung up in wardrobes to add a gorgeous scent. Use scraps of pretty fabric- these can often be bought cheap or even for free at fabric shops. Using scraps also means that each one is different, perfect for a shabby chic look. Make a card heart template and use it to cut out hearts from the fabric. Place two hearts on top of each other with the pattern side facing inwards and sew up around three quarters of the heart. Turn the heart inside out so the patterned sides are on the inside and fill it halfway with dried lavender. Sew up the hole and finish with a loop of ribbon sewed at the top. Lovely.

Dress

Ah, the dress. The very pinnacle of wedding plans- would anyone be daring enough to make their own? Well, many brides do and it’s getting more popular during the current economy. If you have never picked up a needle and thread in your life, book yourself in for a few dressmaking lessons. It may cost a few dollars, but in total will be cheaper than buying a brand new dress and you will have a skill for life too. Many dressmaking classes let you make your own garment, so you can take a pattern with you and make your dress under the watchful eye of the expert teacher. You’d also have the huge benefit of being able to make the dress however you like: the color, style, length, fabric and embellishments are all your choice so you can be guaranteed that your dress will suit you perfectly.

These are just a sample of some of the things you can do yourself. You could also do the catering yourself, make your own drinks, do your own hair and make up… the list is endless. Of course then you can be in complete control and make sure everything is exactly the way you want it to be- and under budget too. Perfect!