Wedding DIY

Wedding expert Abby Larson, editor and founder of Style Me Pretty, knows the ins and outs of what makes a fabulous big day. And she's sharing her expertise with us with tips and tricks for tying the knot. She helped us out with advice on recycling your wedding and gave us ideas for wedding favors that give back. Now Abby shares projects to get your bridesmaids in on the DIY fun minus the stress. "Tedious tasks give being a bridesmaid a bad rap, so I thought of a few ways to make those to-dos a bit more fabulous," says Abby. "Think bubbly, PJs, and lots of inside jokes — with a few DIYs that will dazzle on the side." Check out her bonding project ideas now!

If you're looking for a fun, simple way to add a personal touch to your big day, look no further than a creative wedding sign. Whether it's guiding your guests to the ceremony, welcoming them to the reception, or helping them find their seats, a unique sign is one of the best ways to convey your style. Need a bit of inspiration? Check out these 33 statement-making signs to help you channel your own creativity.

When it came to planning Courtney and Philipp's California casual wedding, attitude and feeling set the tone, rather than a distinct theme. Seeking a celebration that was relaxed yet elegant, vintage touches and pastel colors filled every detail of their outdoor wedding. A creative couple of sorts, the San Francisco locals who met through work tied knot on July 14, 2012.

With help from wedding planner Genevieve Roja from Lily Spruce, they decided to begin the planning process by drawing touches from the deco details on Courtney's dress. They then found a grand, carnival-like tent for the reception and a unique variety of flowers to inspire the color palette. From the hand-calligraphed invitations to the pastel linens, every part of the wedding planning seemed to reflect the ease of the couple, until their dream venue canceled — two-and-a-half weeks before the wedding!

Upset and in a rush to find a country venue to accommodate all that had been previously planned, the couple found Krug Winery, a stunning property with breathtaking grounds in St. Helena, CA, to come to the rescue. Creative accents like bell jars, refurbished vintage pieces, and cultural traditions completed the couple's earthy yet elegant wedding.

Photo courtesy of Juliette Tinnus

Creating an imaginative DIY wedding came naturally for video editor Ivy Calhoun and graphic designer Scott Gardenhire. After bumping into each other at several magazine parties, the two eventually became a pair. Four years later, they decided to get hitched and settled on a Spring wedding in early May.

After their initial venue choice fell through, they called on wedding planner Kendra Pfeiffer-Wershing for help finding a last-minute venue. Unsure about whether or not they could afford to hire a planner, Kendra assured them that she could save them money in the long run. After she suggested Stone Barn Ranch in Sheridan, CA, Ivy and Scott's interest piqued. The new venue not only surpassed their checklist of requirements, but was also more than 30 percent lower than the price of their original venue and even included some equipment rentals. After scheduling an appointment that day to pay the ranch a visit, they fell in love with it immediately and hired Kendra right away.

Inspired by the scenic country setting and their favorite junk food snacks, Ivy and Scott decided to put their artistic skills to work by creating a colorful, insanely fun, DIY carnival wedding. Take a look through their wedding gallery for tips on styling an eclectic wedding party, keeping guests entertained, crafting your own decor projects, and more!

Photos courtesy of Tom Tomkinson

Although it's hard to beat fresh flowers, there's something to be said about their paper counterparts. While they've had our attention for some time (largely due to the creative visions of Zoe Bradley), their versatility have made them quite the star of weddings, parties, and tabletops lately. Looking for any and all excuses to put them to good use, we found nine creative ways to give your space a floral touch — no green thumb necessary.

When it comes to wedding decor, it's the details that lend a personal feel. Once you've said your "I dos," consider celebrating your first meal as husband and wife with custom chair backs — DIY, of course. Fit for any theme, the options are endless: ribbons, wreaths, and recycled wood are just a few of our favorite ideas. Whether you're planning a wedding or simply want to be inspired by the creative use of materials, check out the chairs that perfectly complete these festive receptions.