Wedding Songs Planner App

Posted by Khris in Fab Finds Friday

One of the biggest DIY projects Jason and I took on for our own wedding was taking charge of our wedding music. We’re huge music nerds with eclectic tastes. Finding a DJ we liked, could afford, and who *got* what we wanted for our wedding turned out to be impossible so we opted to create our own wedding day soundtrack. In the day before a kabillion online music sites (and even the iPod – yikes, we’re old!) this took, quite honestly, several weeks of our time. The process of finding songs we liked, acquiring them for our collections, fitting together in our playlist consumed our free time day after day after day. It was sometimes extraordinarily fun; most of the time, not.

You young whippersnappers with your iPhones have GOT IT MADE when it comes to creating playlists for your big day thanks to the Wedding Songs Planner iPhone app.

Instead of searching through dozens (even hundreds) of wedding song and music sites for the perfect tunes, the Wedding Songs Planner puts thousands of songs suggestions at your fingertips. You’re able to search for songs by genre (over 25 to select from), preview them in the app, create lists, and even email them to your fiance, DJ, or BFF if you so desire.

The app has DJ-suggested songs for:

• Wedding Ceremony Prelude
• Wedding Ceremony Processional
• Singing of the Registry
• Unity Candle Songs
• Wedding Ceremony Recessional
• Grand Entrance /  Wedding Party
• First Dance
• Father-Daughter
• Mother-Son
• Cake Cutting
• Bouquet Toss
• Garter Toss
• Last Songs

What I love about this app is that it’s so easy and fun to use! The team Appstract Art took great care to create an intuitive, user-friendly interface and it shows. For a $1.99 it’s one of our top picks for “must-have” wedding tools.

Take a peek at the video.

Hershey’s Nugget Favor

Posted by Khris in Favors + Gifts

It’s favor time!  They’re one of the toughest DIY problems couples encounter because they need to be (a) inexpensive, (b) easy to make, and (c) appeal to most guests. For those reasons, we’ve been recommending edible favors.

Blythe, who created this fabulous favor bag for us a while back, shares this quickie project that dresses up Hershey’s Nuggets for a sweet ‘n’ easy  favor.

Notes

1. This project does require a manual die-cut machine, such as the Big Shot, Cuttlebug, Big Kick, or Grand Calibur. Though not cheap tools, they are 100% awesome and a great investment for paper crafters.
2. Blythe is a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator (a direct sales/home party craft supply company) so her supply list includes Stampin’ Up! materials. The numbers in parentheses next to each item corresponds to the item’s number in the Stampin’ Up! catalog. Of course  you can source similar materials in other patterns, colors, and textures from other companies.

Supplies:

• Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (item #113439)
• Two Tags Die (115954)
• 1 sheet 8.5″ x 11″ Card Stock in Lucky Limeade (122926)
• 1 sheet 8.5″ x 11″ Card Stock in Whisper White (100730)
• 1 sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (Hostess Item)
• 1 – 10″ long piece of 3/8″ Ruffled Ribbon in Pool Party (122975)
• Designer Series Brads – Lucky Limeade (122940)
• Dimensionals foam adhesive strips (104430)
• Double-sided tape
• It’s a Wrap Occasions (123590-wood mount; 123592-clear mount) stamp set
• Ink pad in Pool Party Classic
• Bone folder
• Ruler
• Hershey’s Nuggets

Directions:
1. The Two Tags Die (for the Big Shot) is comprised of 2 tags.  You’ll the one on the right side.

2. Cut two pieces of Lucky Limeade card stock  to 2-1/2″ x 5″. Following the die-cutter manufacturer’s recommended plate+die+cardstock configuration, cut two of the scallop-top tags.

3. Using a ruler and bone folder, score a line across the short side of each tag, 1″ from the bottom.  Crease on fold to get a nice, crisp line.

4. With the bottoms of the tags facing each other, layer them one on top of the other, to form “U” shape. The bottom edge of the top layer will align with the crease of the bottom layer so that you’re making one long piece with the decorative scallops at each open end. 

5. Attach the layers together with double-sided tape.

6. The next step is to decorate the Hershey’s Nuggets. Take off he outer wrapper (but leaving the foil). Cut 1″ x 3″ pieces of Designer Series Paper and wrap each Nugget, securing the paper in place with double-sided tape on the inner edge of the underside of the paper.

7.  Secure the Nuggets to the inside of the packaging. Apply two strips of adhesive to the bottom of the “U”, where the nuggets will rest.  Set one nugget on the adhesive.  Put a bit of adhesive on the bottom of the second nugget and set it on top of the first.  Pull up both sides of the “U”.  Poke or punch a small hole on the top of both sides. Set aside for a minute.

8. Tie a bow using a 10″ piece of Pool Party ribbon.  Carefully poke a hole through the center of the ribbon.  Push a brad, carefully again, through this hole and then through the hole in the top of the tag.  Secure at the back of the Nugget Holder.

9. Finally, using Pool Party ink and Whisper White card stock, stamp the “Thanks So Much” image from the It’s a Wrap Occasions stamp set. Cut it out, leaving an narrow white edge.  Attach to the front of your Nugget Holder using 3 Dimensionals (double sided foam pop up adhesive dots).

Blythe Klipple, Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator since 1996.  Fresh ideas almost daily on my blog:  http://www.stampinwithblythe.com

DIY Bride Anniversary Giveaway: Silhouette Cameo

Posted by Khris in Contests

In honor of DIY Bride’s 8th anniversary, we’re celebrating with awesome giveaways from August 29 until September 29.

Oh, friends, this is one of the giveaways I’m most excited about. I’ve had my eye on this baby since it was announced this summer. Behold, the Silhouette Cameo, a computer-operated die cutting machine.

{Contest closed! Thanks to all who participated and a big congrats to our winner, Gen!}

What can it do? From the manufacturer:

The Silhouette CAMEO™ is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac® with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 12″ wide and 10 feet long. The machine also boasts a quiet motor and the ability to register and cut printed materials.

In the box

The Silhouette CAMEO™ ships with the following important items:

• Silhouette electronic cutting tool
• Silhouette Studio® software for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac® OS X 10.5.8 and higher
• 51 exclusive cuttable designs
• Power cable, USB cable
• 12″ cutting mat
• Cutting blade
• $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store
• Basic Instruction Guide

Just think of the awesome invitations, favor boxes, scrapbook pages, bunting, and other crafty awesomeness you can create!

IMPORTANT:::: This item has not yet been released from the manufacturer. The estimated release date is early-October so, realistically, it may be into November before it arrives on your doorstep.

Check out the promo video:

Are you not dying for this thing? Want!

To Enter: Simply reply to this post by 7 a.m. PST (California time, y’all) October 03. 1 winner will be selected via random draw. One entry per person. Please be honest. Cheaters will be mercilessly mocked in our office and suspect entries will be deleted at our discretion. Open to all US residents (Sorry, international folks!).

Special Note: I’m skipping town Friday – Sunday and won’t be approving comments during that time. Don’t freak if your comment doesn’t show up until Monday morning; our comments are held for moderation before they’re approved. Gracias!

[Disclaimer: DIY Bride is not affiliated with nor receives compensation from the company listed above. Prize is paid for directly out of my pocket.]

Turning Down A Vendor

Posted by Khris in Real Etiquette

Have a burning question about modern wedding etiquette? DIY Bride answers those perplexing and often sticky dilemmas in our Real Etiquette column.

Dear DIY,

My fiance and I found a vendor we loved and, until last week, we thought we were going to hire her. Long story short we had to cut our budget and can no longer afford to hire this person. I feel bad because we’ve had a lot of back and forth with her and told her we were looking forward to hiring her. How do we let her know we’re not going with her company without seeming like we’ve been stringing her along? – Lisa

 

Dear Lisa,

The best approach is to simply be honest. Contact the vendor and let her know your situation: you’ve had a significant budget cut and can no longer afford the product/services you had been discussing with her. There’s no shame in telling the truth.

Are you cutting out this product/service completely or are you going with a lower-cost vendor? You may be able to negotiate with your favorite for a modified product/service that fits into your new budget. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Need Favors? Check Out WeddingFavors.Org

Posted by Khris in Favors + Gifts, Product Love

One of the most agonized details for do-it-yourselfers is what to give as the wedding favor. Finding that one great little gift that’ll please all 175 of your guests and not break your budget is the Holy Grail of DIY planning, isn’t it?

To help you find the perfect token of thanks to your guests, I’m very pleased to introduce WeddingFavors.Org, an online merchant of favors, favor supplies, shower favors, and even small gifts for your wedding party.

My first time visiting WeddingFavors.Org, was a tiny bit overwhelming. The selection is huge! Their products span hundreds of items in countless themes, colors, and materials.

If you’re hit with a case of overwhelm or indecision about your favors, don’t worry. Their Favor Finder feature lets you enter the price range you want to spend, the color you’re looking for, the season of your event, and the type of event then outputs a huge list of recommendations that fit your criteria.  It’s so easy!

Even better? If you’re not happy with your purchase, WeddingFavors.Org, has a generous return policy that gives a full refund and will pay for return shipping back to their warehouse so you can buy with confidence.

Some of my favorites:

Meant To Bee Personalized Honey. A sweet treat for your lovely guests.

Snowflake Design Place Card Holders. Gorgeous For Winter Weddings or Holiday Fetes.

Kensington Personalized Travel Tumbler For Your Maids

Cherry Blossom Elegance Mini Pillar Candle. Perfect For Spring.

Prices range from under $.50 for for favor packaging to over $15.00 for things like bridesmaid gifts. With many favors, you get bulk discounts. Buy more, save more.

BONUS: WeddingFavors.Org is extending a discount to DIY Bride readers from now through October 31st. Use coupon DIYBRIDE to get 15% off of your order! Favors, favor supplies, bridal shower favors, gifts – it’s all eligible.

Don’t forget to visit WeddingFavors.Org on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about their company, products, and special insider information!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, meaning that DIY Bride has been compensated for the article. We firmly stand behind our review and recommendation and are committed to promoting only those companies we feel offer our community excellent products, ethical business practices, and outstanding customer service.