DIY Bride

Fab Finds Friday is a weekly showcase of some of the fabulous resources available to the wedding community. This week’s wedding goodness is LimoncelloSTYLE’s DIY Rescue.

I am so excited to see this service alive and available in our crafty wedding community!

I did DIY finishing services up until a couple of years ago and was bummed that there weren’t others out there to fill the void when I had to stop. When Miriam from LimoncelloSTYLE contacted me about her rescue services, I did a little happy dance.

DIY Rescue is pretty much what it sounds like: someone will bail your butt out of a craft problem. If you find you’re out of time, out of patience, or have otherwise worked yourself into a DIY dilemma LimoncelloSTYLE can take those projects off your hands and do them for you.

Miriam specializes in stationery but can handle lots of other projects. She can do full design and creation or assembly and all of the repetitive “grunt” work that you’d like to get rid of. Need STD magnets made? Invitation assembly? Out-of-town bags put together? No problem!

Prices are negotiable, depending on the project(s), and she takes clients at any time during their process. (That means last minute emergencies are welcome if she has the availability.)

Website: LimoncelloSTYLE

My normally optimistic economic outlook has slid to the side of extreme caution this year. Record fuel prices, increases in food/living costs, the housing crisis, rising consumer debt, and big jumps in job losses are all indicators that the economy is in trouble. Having weathered the dot com bust in the Silicon Valley a while ago, I know that there are forces beyond your control that can utterly destroy your financial security in mere months.

For those of you currently in the planning stages, it’s of great importance that you step back and start preparing for troubled economic times ahead. I don’t think it’s all doom ‘n gloom on the horizon but I do think precautionary measures are needed for the coming months.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Get your personal finances in order NOW. While the wedding is an important event, you must put your financial, physical, and mental well-being at the top of your priority list. You can start doing things right now that will protect you during times of economic uncertainty so that you can still have a wonderful wedding and a great life after the big day - even in tough economic times.

• Pay off high interest and revolving consumer debt (credit cards) as soon as you can. A $5000 credit card debt at 14.9% interest will take 78 months (over 6 years!) to pay off with a minimum $100/month payment. The less debt you have, the less worry, and the less vulnerable you are in times of uncertainty.
• Start a personal emergency fund if you don’t have one in place. The general rule for emergency funds is to have enough cash to cover your basic expenses (rent/mortgage, food, utilities) for 3 - 6 months. You need to take care of yourself! This is not for wedding expenses, movie tickets or anything else but basic survival.
• Establish a spending plan for your personal expenses. Don’t be afraid of this! Creating a budget - and sticking to it - is, hands-down, one of the smartest things you can do for your financial well-being. Living within your means is healthy, sane, and the best thing you can do for yourself.
• Cut back on unnecessary spending. Do you really need a $4 Starbuck’s fix? ($4 per day x 20 days = $80/month in coffee.) All the little extras and treats add up quickly. You needn’t go cold turkey. Just cut back or go for less expensive alternatives.
• Create an open dialog about money with your fiance(e). Honestly talk about your financial goals with each other. It’s absolutely of the utmost importance to know what the financial priorities, fears, and habits are of each partner before the wedding. When you’re both on the same page and have shared goals, it’s easier to create a healthy financial future together. You’ll also be better prepared to should anything happen to your jobs or financial situation.

2. Be wedding smart. Weddings (and wedding planning) are such emotionally charged events, it’s easy to get caught up in the romance and fantasy of it all. But, bubble burster that I am, I’m here to remind you that the wedding is just a small part of this experience. There’s a very serious side to weddings that involves legally-binding contracts, balancing large budgets, and maintaining the physical wellbeing and comfort of 150 of your nearest and dearest for 6 hours.

• Together with your partner prioritize what’s important to each (and both) of you for your wedding day and allocate your funds accordingly. I know this is hard but don’t let anyone else influence what you spend your budget on. Family and friends sometimes impose their opinions and wishes. They likely don’t mean any harm but, ultimately, this is your celebration. Not your mom’s. NNot your BFF’s. Not your planner’s. Not your DJ’s. This is your financial future at stake.  It’s perfectly ok to set firm, clear boundaries.
• Just because you have a $30,000 budget doesn’t mean you must spend $30,000 on a wedding day. There’s absolutely no shame in small- or mid-range budget weddings, no matter what’s being advertised to you. Small budget doesn’t equate tacky or that you’re not “measuring up” in any way. Get those thoughts out of your head right now! Spend only what’s in your financial comfort zone and what you can afford on your own.  (And thank you, Liene, for introducing me to the concept of the Financial Comfort Zone.)
• Don’t go into debt for any wedding expenses. I’ve written about the perils of this before (from personal experience) and want every engaged couple to know that getting into deep debt for what’s essentially a big party is just plain financial stupidity. Sounds harsh, I know, but this is coming from someone who had a solid financial plan and the best intentions for getting out of debt fast but got caught in a downturn in the economy (dot com crash). It took years to rebound  from that. Years, people.
• Don’t count on outside sources to fund your wedding. Things are getting tight all over. Getting a personal loan will be harder as banks are starting to tighten their belts. Credit card companies are offering fewer credit line increases at low/affordable rates and newer cards are coming with higher APRs. While mom & dad may have offered a generous sum several months ago, their financial situation may as perilous as anyone else’s right now. Stock prices are dropping, the housing market is a mess, job security is … you get the idea. What was once a surplus may totally disappear in the coming months.
• Choose vendors and venues wisely. In times of economic trouble businesses feel financial pressures, too. They’re trying to survive just as much as you are.  Knowing a bit about your vendors is key. How long has the vendor/venue been around? Have they weathered economic storms before? While you’re not going to be privy to their financial statements, you can ask around about their reputation. The wedding industry is small. Word gets around fast when someone is in trouble or is a monumental pain in the arse. Some warning signs to look out for: deep discounts that are out of line with their normal prices, severely undercutting the competition, poor customer service (not returning calls, evasive answers to simple questions, hostility), recent staff reductions, vague or odd contract wording (or willingness/desire to work without a contract), recent bad press.
• Get everything in writing. Everything. While it may not prevent disasters from happening (like a disappearing vendor), having a signed contract and/or a receipt may help you recoup some or all of your expenses when things go bad. Without documentation, you’re pretty much screwed when it comes time to pursue legal recourse or to fight credit card charges. And, I have to add this — READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING. Look for cancellation policies, hidden fees, anything that makes you liable for damage/expenses.
• Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best bargains on goods and services. A little research and some time spent bargain shopping will serve you well. Become an expert in craft supply sale schedules at your local craft stores, negotiate prices with your vendors (please note that there are good and bad ways to do this - we’ll discuss in a future post), and don’t feel bad buying sale items.
• Scale back. While a totally blinged-out 300 guest Preston Bailey-inspired affair is your dreeeeaaaaam, you’re not going to get it on a $15,000 (or even $50k) budget. Go for quality and not quantity in every aspect of your wedding from guest list to meal selections to favor to flowers to… everything.
• Do more DIY - if you can handle it. Going DIY is often a great way to save some cash if you have the time and patience to take on some of the projects yourself. Handmade means you have creative control and budget control. You’re not locked into any set prices or quantities so you can scale back or totally revise the project as necessary. Don’t overwhelm yourself, though! DIY does take time, money, and patience.
• What’s your worst case scenario plan? Do you have one? I know planning is stressful enough without dwelling on “what ifs” BUT it’s important to know your options. Get together with your partner and talk about alternative wedding plans. If one of your loses your job or promised cash disappears or a vendor goes belly up, what can you do to minimize your loses and still get hitched?
• Invest in wedding insurance. This is one thing you can do to help protect yourselves at a minimum cost. Beware, though! Not all wedding insurance policies are the same. Read the fine print before you sign a policy.

In an effort to better serve you, I’ve created the poll (below) to help me focus on the areas of DIY you’re interested in. I’d be delighted if you’d take a moment to tell me what you want.

Please feel free to add suggestions in the comments or shoot me an email via the contact form, too.

Thank you!

If you’re not yet familiar with Portovert, you absolutely must visit immediately after you read this post. One of my favorite sites on the entire world wide web, Portovert exemplifies all that is great in the bridal community: high style, smart & friendly writing, and incredible ideas and resources for a green wedding.

It thrilled me to learn that they’ve declared March as DIY Weddings Month. Two of my favorite topics - DIY and eco-friendly weddings - come together. Heck, yeah!

Do check out Portovert for a special DIY contest, great articles, and lots of fantastic inspiration.

Hey DIYers,

The April issue of Crafts ‘n Things magazine is on the shelves and there’s a project from my book in it! Check out page 28 for Crystal Drop Cake Jewelry and a short & sweet review of the book. There are other cool wedding projects inside from different contributors.

I’ve seen the magazine at large book sellers and I found this issue in my local grocery store today.

Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart Weddings is going on tour with Wendy Kromer in the coming week or so. Catch them at Macy’s in Louiseville, Washington DC, and St. Louis on the following days:

Sunday, March 2
1 – 3pm
Macy’s Oxmoor
7900 Shelbyville Road
Home Store, 3rd Floor
Louisville, Kentucky 40222
RSVP: 502.423.3356

Thursday, March 6
6:30 – 8:30pm
Macy’s at Tyson’s Corner
8000 Tysons Corner Center
McClean, VA
RSVP:  703.893.4900 ext. 515

Sunday, March 9
12 – 2pm
Macy’s at St. Louis Galleria
1550 St. Louis Galleria
Home Store, 3rd Floor
St. Louis, Missouri
RSVP: 314.726.1810 ext. 3205

This is your opportunity to chat directly with Darcy and Wendy to learn all about wedding planning, registries, and wedding cakes.
The Details (from MSLO):
Darcy will educate brides with Wedding Planning 101 – highlighting style, personalization, examples of memorable weddings featured in the magazine and how to register. Wendy will highlight some of the more than 100 delicious and inspiring ideas for timeless and beautiful confections that are perfect for every style of wedding as featured in the new book – Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes.  Wendy will sign copies of the book, available to purchase at the retail price of $60 plus tax.

Darcy Miller and Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry will be on hand to answer registry questions like: How many place settings do I register for? What is hard anodized? And what exactly is a duvet, anyway? This, plus tips on Macy’s registry rewards, and more will all be at brides’ fingertips during the event.

Canadians, you’re not to be left out in this eco-fabulous wedding weekend. The first Eco Wedding & Lifestyle Show (EWLS) is this weekend, March 1st and 2nd, at the Design Exchange in Toronto. E

Sponsored by Absolute Tent & Event Rentals and Weddingbells, The Eco Wedding & Lifestyle Show will feature a diverse collection of stylish and unique wedding and lifestyle vendors, all of whom have a commitment to the environment.  Some of the featured vendors include: Whole Foods, Plantatree Wine, Eco Flora, LPK’s Culinary Groove, CarbonZero, Toronto Botanical Gardens, The Richmond, Merchants of Green Coffee and Bullfrog Power.

Tickets are available online or at the door.

A discounted price for two hot GREEN events is available! For $20, attendees can go to the Eco Wedding and Lifestyle Show, AND enjoy free admission for 2 to the GREEN Spring Market put on by Green Mom. In addition, they will receive a GREEN VIP card valued at $15, with exclusive offers and discounts worth over $200 at Green Vendors around the city!

Single tickets to the Eco Wedding & Lifestyle Show are available online for $12.95, or at the door for $15. Visit www.ecoweddingshow.com to purchase.

Thinking an eco-friendly wedding is for you but have visions of granola and tie dye? Never fear, my posh-minded Southern California brides, you’re in for a very special treat. Pink Cloud Events is hosting their first Eco-Luxe event, Love Is In The Air, this Friday, February 29 from 12 - 4 pm at the Avita Co-op in West Hollywood.

Chat up eco-friendly vendors, enjoy on-site manis/pedis, organic hors d’oeuvres, and get make-up consultations with Josie Maran. Proceeds from the admission fee are being donated to the Coalition for Clean Air.

For more info, do visit Love Is In The Air

Ok, that title is really bad. Forgive me - I’m nursing a post-bday celebration weekend brain. (Why does it take so long to recover from fab parties? I didn’t even get tipsy and I’m weirdly out of it days later.) Enough about me.

Today’s project uses rub-on transfers and a clear glass vase to create a fun, simple decorative piece. Perfect for centerpieces, a wish bowl, toasting flutes, or even votives this is a quick ‘n’ easy project ANYONE can do. Don’t think you’re crafty? No problem! The rub-ons provide all of the creativity. All you do is … rub.

What you need:

• Clean glass vase with a smooth surface.
• Glass cleaner, paper towel
• Rub-on transfers (available at nearly every scrapbooking shop and craft store.)
• Scisscors
• Rub-on tool. (Most rub-on sheets come with a little popsicle stick to do the transfers with…that’s perfect.)

How to:

1. Clean the outside of the glass with the glass cleaner. Dry the glass completely. Rub-ons don’t work well when there are body oils or dirt on the surface.
2.   From a sheet of rub-ons, cut out the design you want to transfer to the glass.
3. Place the cut design, face (sticky-side) down on the glass.
4. With one hand, hold the transfer paper in place. With the other hand, use the transfer tool (popsicle stick) to rub the back of the design. Firmly pressing down as you rub will transfer the design to the glass. Sometimes it takes several passes to get the transfer to stick. Don’t worry. That’s normal.
5. As you rub an area, pick up the edges of the paper just a little bit. You’ll be able to see where the transfer isn’t sticking. Just go back and rub, rub, rub.

Notes:

• Rub-ons are available in hundreds (thousands?!) of different designs.
• Most are available in black or white but many manufacturers also have them in full color. Cool, right?
• The bummer is that most packages have only 1 sheet per package with several different designs/motifs per page. If you need to have all matchy-matchy vases, you’ll need to buy several packages of rub-ons and that can get spendy.
• The package used in this project, from Tinkering Ink, cost $6.99 at my local scrapbook store. Not outrageous, but definitely something to consider when you’re budgeting.
• Rub-ons can be used on paper, metal, class, tile, wood … nearly any smooth surface. And they work on any color surface, too.

Resources: Rub-on designers to check out….

Doodlebug (Great alphabets, pretty colors)

Basic Grey (Awesome designs, sophisticated patterns)

Bo Bunny (Fun, whimsical, trendy)

Cosmo Cricket (Great sentiments)

Fancy Pants Designs (Great colors, fun designs)

Foof-a-la by Autumn Leaves

Hambly Screen Prints (Trendy, hip, fun)

My favorite online places to buy rub-ons:

Two Peas In A Bucket

Lifetime Moments

This is filed under “Why didn’t I think of that?”.  Here’s a quick way to add instant impact to your centerpiece vases: cover them with placemats.

Home by Sunset has the step-by-steps on how to do this super-easy, super-inexpensive project to take your centerpieces from nice to WOW. (Found via Heavy Petal - a really cool gardening blog.)

I can picture using some really neat beaded or capiz shell mats or how about a gorgeous shantung? Brocade? Start searching at home & bath stores for interesting finds (especially in the clearance bins).

So, I’m thinking how awesome the placemats are and … hmmm, wouldn’t vases be cool wrapped with:

• Vellum (printed and solids available from Martha Stewart Crafts, Paper Source)
• Grasscloth
• Sheets of moss (available at craft stores and floral supply houses)
• Rich, textured fabrics
• Hot wrapping papers (think Whimsy Press, eieio, Midori)
• Vintage wallpapers (eBay!)
• Modern/contemporary wallpapers (Nama Rococo, Design Public)
• Sheets of punched tin
• Tree bark or wood laminate sheets
• Rows of ribbon in coordinating colors and different sizes. (I love this one! This was actually a candidate for the 1st DIY book but didn’t quite fit.)