From HEYLOOK: To give a little industrial edge to this sweet valentine’s table setting, we made a zip tie chandelier inspired by Anthropologie displays.

For this project, you’ll need:
- Spraypaint in the colors of your choice
- Zip-ties (we used 200 small ties for this chandelier)
- Clippers and metal wire

Start by making a circle of metal wire. Depending on the thickness of your wire, you’ll need to make it a double or triple round. It needs to be relatively stable so it won’t bend too much when the weight of the zip-ties is added.

Then add some lines of wire to the inside of the circle to give your chandelier some layers. Depending on how full you want your chandelier to look, you will need to add more wire lines. Now, if you’re not going for the industrial edgy look, you can replace the wire circle frame with anything more sleek and pretty. You could use any ready-made wooden, plastic or metal hoops. Spraypaint them if you like. Use a large hoop for the outside and smaller ones for the inside. Then either tie them together with thin metal wiring or make the entire chandelier separately (you’ll end up with different sized, single line chandeliers that you can use either apart or hang them layered into one another).

Now make the zip-tie chains. Tie one loop (just until you hear the first click, so you get a very open loop), then tie the next one into it. Continue in this way. Now again, if you’re going for a symmetrical look, you can make all the outside chains one length and all the inside ones another one (the inside ones should be longer). We variated the chain lengths throughout the entire chandelier.

Tie the chains to the frame, then grab a bunch from one side, lay them out flat on a covered surface and spraypaint them in one color. You can spraypaint the chains entirely or go for a white to color gradient look as we did. Hang them up to dry (make sure the painted chains don’t touch the unpainted ones – just tape the unpainted ones together), then repeat with another color.

Now, imagine a whole venue full of these. Awesome! You can make rainbow colored chandeliers or keep them all in one color or different shades of one tone.

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 5 comments | Posted under: DIY Projects chandeliers, decor, DIY, handmade, HeyLook, red, Valentine's Day, yellow

From the bride, Andrea: It changed throughout my engagement but in the end the style was more rustic/country. I’m not sure if DIY is a style but everything was handed made by myself and close friends.

I did not have a color scheme, I used earth tones so browns, greens, and auburn colors. Pretty much everything was DIY, the aisle decor, the dessert table, the guest sign in table etc. I would describe my wedding as country, rustic, low key, detailed.

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? Let people who you trust help you, especially if you are doing DIY projects!

From the photographer, Candice Benjamin: Andrea and Andres planned their wedding for 100+ people for under 10k in Southern California. Other than the Photographer and DJ, everything else in the wedding was completely DIY. Andrea had crafting parties with her bridesmaids and made everything for her wedding. Even to the point of going to the flower market the day before her wedding at 4:30 am to pick out the perfect flowers. It was a true DIY wedding and she used everything she could. Andrea and Andres wanted the outdoors wedding to have a rustic, vintage theme… but not in such a way that was way overdone. It was all about the little touches — a sign hanging over the large tree they got married under and the Mr. + Mrs. sign she painted only a few days before the wedding.

Wedding Songs:
Bride’s Processional: “Alywas Forever,” Phil Wickham
Communion Song: “How He Loves Us,” The David Crowder Band
First Dance: “Everything,” Michael Buble

Wedding Vendors (Los Angeles, CA):

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Orcutt Ranch / Wedding Photographer: Candice Benjamin Photography / Wedding Cinematography: Jakfoto Films / Flowers: DIY / Event Design: Done by bride / Event Planning: Nichelle Obrien / DJ: Eric the Deejay / Wedding Caterer: Stonefire Grill / Wedding Cake: DIY / Invitations: DIY / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaid Dress: Amanda Rose Bridal / Groom’s Suit: Calvin Klein

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 21 comments | Posted under: DIY Weddings brown, California, Candice Benjamin, DIY, handmade, Los Angeles, outdoor weddings, rustic weddings, Southern California

From the bride, Stephanie: We wanted a fun, circus-y feel with bright colors and as many handmade decorations as possible.

Our decorations were all handmade with the help of family and friends! We set up a photo booth with fun props, we made our own mustaches for guests to wear, colorful handmade bunting everywhere, my craft group knit over 100 unique flowers and made them into pins for everyone to wear, we refurbished an antique door to use as the alter for the ceremony backdrop and my Mom and sister made all the invitations by hand, they turned out to be amazing. Our color scheme was turquoise, red and yellow which seemed to fit nicely in the old elementary school venue.

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Utilize your wedding party and print out tasks for the day of to keep everyone organized. Focus on one thing at a time, so that you don’t get overwhelmed.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Songs:

Processional: Traditional wedding march
Recessional: “When I’m 64,” The Beatles
First Dance: “Faithfully,” Journey

Wedding Vendors (Portland, OR):

Wedding Venue: The Mcminamins Kennedy School / Wedding Photographers: You Look Nice Today Photography / Wedding Flowers: Erica of Moda Floral and Event Design / Wedding Dress: Vintage from Xtabay Vintage / Wedding Shoes: Report / Gold Cuff: H&M / Bride’s Hair: Kristen Engleman of Akemi Salon / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Target and Vintage / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Groom’s Shoes: H&M / DJ: DJ Bootz / Wedding Caterer: The Mcminamins Kennedy School / Cupcakes: St. Cupcake / Wedding Invitations: Designed and made by bride and bride’s family / Transportation: Prestige Limousine Service

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 11 comments | Posted under: DIY Weddings DIY, handmade, Oregon, Portland, school, teal, You Look Nice Today Photography

From the bride, Danielle: The theme — if there was one — was apples. It was a Fall wedding in Connecticut in September which is apple picking season. We wanted the apples to be the theme. We used them in many different capacities. We used caramel apple for the seating card and favor, we used apples all over the place for decor and in the center pieces. We also had two types of apple themed cocktails. Our invitations were handmade by a friend and had an apple tree on it. Pretty much the whole wedding was DIY. Some of the things my mother made were the cake toppers, we had a clothesline with many old pictures of our families from past weddings (our grandparents, and great grandparents, cousins, etc.), at the end of the night we had a homemade cookie table for people to much on after the wedding was over. We also had a beautiful vignette of old furniture set up in the barn. It added to the rustic and homey feeling.

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? My advice after going to so many weddings is there are certain things you should not skimp on, but other things that you can totally do yourself if you want to save money. Food and venue should always be good. The layout of a room is important and there should always be plenty of room to dance. Also music should be fantastic. After that- you really can improvise. What people mostly commented on at our wedding was the love between my husband and I and they couldn’t get over how “different” the venue was. So at the end of the day- it all comes together and your marriage is the most important thing.

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From the Jubilee Events: Danielle and Ramsey were married at a gorgeous and intimate barn in Connecticut, surrounded by their closest family and friends. We had the fortune of being part of their wedding day as they planned their wedding from LA. Danielle is currently guest starring on one of our all time fave television shows — Community! One of my favorite parts of this wedding was that it wasn’t just a celebration of a new family unit, but it also honored their history. The couple was married on the lush lawn overlooking the river surrounded by their closest family and friends. Their ceremony was deeply personal as their parents and siblings stood by them underneath the Chuppah, which housed them with a family prayer shawl. Guests made their way up to the cocktail hour, where they were greeted by one of the most cheerful and entertaining A Capella groups, the LarKings. Guests were quick to find their seats as the sweet candy apple escort cards were too good not to touch!

Wedding Songs:
Groom’s Processional: “Annie’s Song,” John Denver
Bride’s Processional: “Make You Feel My Love,” Bob Dylan
Recessional: “Whenever I See Your Smiling Face,” James Taylor

Wedding Vendors (Middletown, CT):

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Barns at Wesleyan Hills / Wedding Photographer: Raya Carlisle / Wedding Cinematography: Vantage Point Films / Event Planning: Diana and Candice of Jubilee Events / Wedding Flowers: Azalea Floral Design / Wedding Cake: Palmer’s Bakery / Wedding Dress: Marisa / Wedding Shoes: Anthropologie / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew / Bride’s Makeup and Hair: DD Nickel / Wedding Invitations and Event Design: Bride’s Mother / DJ: NSR / A Capella Group: The LarKings

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 10 comments | Posted under: Rustic Weddings brown, Connecticut, handmade, Jubilee Events, Middletown, multicolored, Raya Carlisle, red, rustic weddings

From the bride, Tammie: My vision & goal was to make a beautiful handmade wedding without breaking the bank! I did my research for every little detail and although it was a lot of work, I’d rather work hard and not over spend. You have to find a balance in what is worth spending on and what you can probably make your self. I thrifted a LOT, I went to yard sales, I checked craigslist, I checked the clearance aisle any where I went! I would find things on the road, I would just go and knock on people’s doors to see if I can have something! Yep, I doubled dared myself and it helped me out a lot.

Check out their DIY photobooth backdrop!

Josh and I got engaged in Paris. I didn’t want the Eiffel tower stamped on everything but I still wanted some of the elements of our engagement in our wedding. I found this gorgeous handmade Eiffel tower at the thrift store for $1.00 and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I made ‘Bride & Groom’ figures out of wood clothespins.

My step dad and I made the dessert & drink tables out of wood pallets that were free. One day I drove by someone’s house and saw they had a vintage bike outside and knocked on their door and asked them what they were going to do with it, and the owner said to me “I was going to throw it away, if you want it, it’s yours” — sold! A free bike? Thank you! I’ve also been collecting little knick knacks here and there before I got engaged. I never wanted to be that girl who was planning her wedding way before she got engaged but my friend, Danielle had the most gorgeous wedding ever seen! It was a Anthropologie dream wedding, really! Her advice to me was “Get over it, you know you’re going to marry him, be that girl and start collecting things,” so I did. A lot of the details I started collecting cost pennies! Trust me when I say, I really wanted to work with what I found.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Vendors (Florida):

Wedding Venue: Private residence / Wedding Photographer: Dave Lapham Photography / Wedding desserts: Publix and Sam’s / Officiant: Kirby Alfaro / Ceremony Musicians: Bonnie Whealton and Leo A. Gallego / Wedding Dress: Bespoke / Hair Accessory: made by bride / Bride’s Jewelry: Target / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: H&M and Forever 21 / Groom’s Suit: H&M / Groom’s Shoes: Forever 21 / Groomsmen’s Suits: H&M

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2012. | Permalink | 16 comments | Posted under: DIY Weddings barn, Dave Lapham Photography, DIY, Florida, handmade, horses, orange, rustic weddings, teal, wedding dresses with sleeves

From the bride, Alex: When Travis and I got engaged, we were living in Portland, Oregon. We decided that we wanted to get married in our home state of Michigan, even though it meant planning from thousands of miles away. We did everything we could from there – got our outfits, booked a venue sight unseen, booked our photographer – and then scrambled to get the rest done once we moved back. I am a crafter by nature (and by profession) so of course, that meant I wanted to make EVERYTHING. I ended up giving in and having someone else make my dress (good decision), but I made my headpiece, designed all the paper-bits, made our canopy (if you can call it that) and did all the florals with some help from friends. Our overall “look” was a sort of “antique prettiness mixed with old-timey-natural-science-museum,” complete with dinosaur skeleton cake toppers (a tribute to my husbands dino-geekery. He also wore authentic dinosaur bone cufflinks!)

We decided early on that we wanted our wedding to reflect only the things that mattered to us, with little regard for tradition. Instead of walking down the aisle, we had a parade to our outdoor ceremony site, complete with kazoos and other instruments. Our ceremony was extremely short- just a few words by our friend/officiant and an exchange of rings and red string bracelets (which we also handed out to guests.) Then we went inside to have dinner and rock out.

We skipped the special dances and sappy songs, opting to let things unfold naturally- I ended up dancing with my father to “I wear my sunglasses at night”, haha. We hired a photo booth to give people something to do when they got tired of dancing, with some amazing results! Our goal was to create a true celebratory atmosphere, high on love and fun, low on cheesiness, stuffiness, and waiting-around. I think we succeeded :-)

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Wedding vendors (White Lake, MI):

Wedding venue: Indian Springs Metropark, Environmental Discovery Center / Wedding photographer: Nicole LaDonne / Wedding cake: Decadent Delight / Wedding caterer: Kosch / Succulents: Succulent Designs / Wedding dress: Urchin Re.Design / Hair accessory and jewelry: made by bride / Wedding shoes: Irregular Choice / Groom’s suit: Bespoke by Duchess Clothier / Groom’s shoes: Walker & Whyte / Wedding stationery: bride / Transportation: Motor City Party Bus

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2011. | Permalink | 4 comments | Posted under: DIY Weddings DIY, handmade, Michigan, Nicole LaDonne, vintage details

From the bride: I always dreamed of having a simple late summer wedding. After seeing Forrest Gump when I was seven years old, I always wanted a wedding like Forrest and Jenny’s. Simple, yet beautiful. I wanted a very homemade, cozy, relaxed vibe at the wedding. We decided to fold 500 paper cranes to include my husband’s Japanese heritage in the celebration. We strung and attached them to an old curtain rod and hung them in the big willow tree we were married under. It was so special to have that symbol of love in front of us while we were saying our vows.

For the reception we laid a bunch of quilts out underneath the trees and put games out for the kids to play. I wanted a really informal wedding so I thought a sort of picnic themed reception would be perfect. We had sandwiches, sun chips, veggies and hummus, fresh fruit, and fruit tarts. We also served old fashioned coke and root beer. I wanted a lot of little cakes instead of one big cake.

For the favors we took two tulip bulbs and wrapped them in burlap and tied them with a string. I loved the fact that our guests could be reminded of our special day every spring. We did the flowers ourselves. My family and friends arranged them in old wine and whiskey bottles as the center pieces. I made my bouquet the morning of the wedding with flowers from my mom’s backyard.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Be sure to watch their video by Digital Memorys Video Productions:

Wedding music:
Wedding party processional: “In My Life,” the Beatles
Bride’s processional: “First Day of my Life,” Bright Eyes
Recessional: “My Sweet Lord,” George Harrison

Wedding vendors (South Jordan, UT):

Venue: The McMullin House / Wedding Photographer: Jessica Janae Photography / Makeup: Melissa Petty for Bobbi Brown / Flowers: Costco; arranged by bride / Officiant: Zoe Potts / Ceremony musician: Preston Ewell / Wedding Dress: White by Vera Wang / Veil and Hair Accessory: bride’s grandmother / Shoes: Urban Outfitters / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Forever 21 / Groom’s suit: Zara / Videographer: Digital Memorys Video Productions

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2011. | Permalink | 14 comments | Posted under: DIY Weddings budget, garden weddings, handmade, Jessica Janae Photography, orange, origami, paper lanterns, Utah, white

From the bride, Nicki: Ty and I both adore the mountains in the fall, so we couldn’t think of a more ideal setting for our wedding than mid October at the Sundance Resort in Utah. We actually had our first kiss on a night we went on a date at Sundance, and that is also where Ty proposed, so Sundance holds a special place in our relationship; it’s only fitting we had our wedding celebration there as well.

We wanted our guests to feel cozy, comfortable and welcome at the event, so we focused on a relaxed rustic mountain feel that kept things from getting too stuffy. The groomsmen wore jeans, button-up shirts and vests. Bridesmaids wore a relaxed, long-sleeve printed dress to add to the rustic vibe. And our invitation encouraged classy casual dress for our guests. We also kept the decorations personal, minimal and rustic.

For vendors, we mostly used friends and relatives of friends. Ty and I really loved the idea of employing people we know and love for our wedding, rather than strangers, so we did so at every opportunity we could. As a graphic designer, I designed our invitations, then we had them printed by our good friend Leland Rowley at Rowley Press. My dear friend Julia Smith did all of our flowers. A bridesmaid, Anna Habben, made our simple mock-cake. Erin Rupp, a sister of a friend, made the macaroons we served as dessert. Our amazing photographer, MegRuth Stay, is a dear friend. Our rings were made by a jeweler friend of Ty’s. And both family and the wedding party pitched in to decorate the venue.

If I were to offer advice to other brides out there, I would say start early and plan just a little bit at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. And make everything simple so on the day-of you can just enjoy without having to stress over the details. As far as budget goes, use your money where it will have the most impact; minimal effort, maximum impact, that’s my motto!

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Vendors (Utah):

Ceremony Venue: Draper, UT LDS Temple / Reception and Catering: Sundance Resort / Wedding Photographer: MegRuth Photo+Video / Invitations: Designed by bride, printed by Rowley Press / Flowers: The Bloom Co. / Engagement Photographer: Clark Goldsberry / Wedding dress: Bespoke by Cheryl MacArthur / Groom’s Suit: Joseph Abboud / Groom’s and Bride’s (second pair) shoes: Allen Edmonds / Bridesmaid Dresses: Vero Moda from ASOS / Groomsmen’s vests: Forever 21 / Ring: Antoinette’s Antique Jewelry / Macaroons: Dolce Bella

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2011. | Permalink | 10 comments | Posted under: Rustic Weddings blue, DIY, gray, handmade, indoor weddings, LDS weddings, MegRuth Photography, outdoor, rustic weddings, Utah

From the event designer, Jessica: I recently had the immense pleasure of designing an inspirational shoot in a fabulous bohemian style. Some of the vintage focal pieces include the absolutely amazing statement jewelry from the 1910s through the 1960s and a mixture of copper and cobalt blue glass centerpiece containers from antique malls throughout the state.

There are a few DIY elements in the shoot, including paper pinwheels we used to accessorize the chairs, but which can also be used as napkin decor, etc. Another DIY project was the ribbon curtain that can be used as a ceremony backdrop or added element for your head table or cake table to create a beautiful focal point.

Some of the best vendors in the state contributed to the shoot, including design & styling by Finishing Touch, flowers by Tanarah, jewelry from Mae’s Heirlooms, paper products from Molly’s Paperie, organic desserts from Beland Manor, and Photography by Melissa McCrotty.

View all images from this shoot in the gallery

Wedding vendors (Hartford, AR):

Venue: Family farm / Photographer: Melissa McCrotty / Event Designer & Stylist: Finishing Touch Event Design / Desserts: Beland Manor / Florist: Tanarah / Jewelry: Mae’s Heirlooms / Gown: Danielle’s Bridal / Shoes: BCBG / Stationery: Molly’s Paperie / Hair and Makeup: Stacy Killingsworth of Ephiphany Salon

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2011. | Permalink | 8 comments | Posted under: Design Inspiration Arkansas, bohemian, green, handmade, Melissa McCrotty, purple, vintage details, wildflowers

From the photographer, Lindsey: DIY weddings might just be my favorite. So much love and personality goes into all the banner making, lemonade mixing, cake stand gluing. It’s really touching to realize the hours and hours that go into creating such a creative and personal day. And creative is just what Ashley and Kevin did; all the way from the mustache photo booth, to her mom’s childhood bike. It was perfect. Funny thing was, leading up to it, a few little “minor” things went wrong. Two (or was it three?) cake designers cancelled on Ashley, the order form for Kevin’s ring went to a discontinued fax, the dress had some little (big) snafu’s that needed to be fixed last minute. I’m sure it was stressful, but you would have never known. It was kind of a joke that all of her sisters had inclement weather on their wedding days too, but we kept our fingers crossed, and it ended up being gorgeous and sunny and perfect. Just right for Ashley and Kevin, who are a little bit gorgeous and sunny and perfect themselves.

Ashley knew she wanted a homemade, DIY feel to her day and her sisters (all 4 of them, plus a sister-in-law) are all very talented. They worked hard with Ashley to create her wedding. Ashley is the youngest sibling, so there was lots of love and support from older siblings and family. Also lots of fun little nieces and nephews running around. The candy table, lemonade, and photo booth were perfect for them! The reception was at an historic farmhouse, with an amazing yard that lent itself perfectly to the backyard, laid-back feel Ashley and Kevin wanted. I loved Ashley’s smile and laugh, and Kevin was so sweet with her. They grew up in the same neighborhood, but started dating after high school. They are a sweet and fun couple!

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Wedding vendors (Salt Lake City, UT):

Ceremony venue: Salt Lake Temple / Reception venue: The McMullin House / Wedding photographer: Green Apple Photography / Dress: Avonlea / Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Groom’s tie: Nordstrom / Bridesmaids’ tops: The Loft / Bridesmaids’ skirts: Macy’s / Wedding cake: Bayshore Cakes / Flowers and vintage bottles: Flower Affair / Catering: State Street Food and Supply Caterers / Brownies: BYU Creamery

© 2008-2012 Ruffled® , 2011. | Permalink | 5 comments | Posted under: DIY Weddings DIY, Green Apple Photography, handmade, LDS weddings, Peach, Utah