Diy Archives | Page 5 of 6

In Accessories

Outdoor wedding games to celebrate your summer nuptials

November 19, 2018 No Comments

Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a summer soiree! From jJengato karaoke, the list of fun activities is endless.

By Taryn Wilson

1. BRIDE & GROOM TRIVIA

Let your guests put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of bride and groom trivia with fun questions relating to your relationship.

2. GIANT CHESS

If you’re hosting your big day at a big outdoor venue, be sure to include this fun and competitive game for your guests to take part in. Use giant chess pieces, or simply paint big water containers black and white to fit the chess board theme.

3. POKER

Adding a few poker tables to your reception area is a great way to keep guests entertained, and can go along with a fun casino wedding theme.

4. WORD SEARCH

Set up a chalkboard word game with words relating to your big day and let guests use their skills to find them all.

5. DRESS UP PHOTO BOOTH

Go big with your photobooth and include boxes with dress-up goodies. You can even be funky and include a few Snapchat filter look-a-likes to get some great pics and loads of laughs.

6. BOARD GAMES GALORE

Stack up on all of your favourite boardgames and lay them outside on a table with some picnic blankets for fun activies that will remind your guests of fond childhood memories.

7. KARAOKE

This one’s always a winner! One way to get the party started at your reception is to set up a karaoke station and get everyone to take part in singing their favourite hits.

8. PIN THE TIE ON THE GROOM

Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, set up a picture of the man of the hour and get guests to attempt to pin on a tie while blindfolded. It’ll be loads of fun!

9. LOTS OF LEGO

If you have children at your wedding, setting up a play area with big lego pieces will keep them busy and entertained during your reception. It may even attract some adult guests too!

10. A JENGA STATION

You can’t go wrong with Jenga! This simple game is an easy way to let your guests have a great time. Set up a few Jenga games on some tables and let your guests do the rest.

Image: Pinterest

In Diy

Ready, set, wed! Your wedding planning timeline

November 1, 2018 No Comments

Your wedding planning timeline is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay sane and make sure everything – from the big stuff to the tiniest detail – gets ticked off your list.

12+ MONTHS BEFORE

1. Create a wedding file or make a Pinterest board to keep track of all your ideas and inspiration.
2. Work out your budget.
3. If you’re going to hire a wedding planner, do that now.
4. Choose your date and reserve a venue (one of these is likely to depend on the other).
5. Book the venue for your reception, if it’s going to be different to the ceremony venue.
6. Choose the wedding party.
7. Start planning your guest list.
8. Book your officiant.
9. Choose and book an MC (see tips on page 40).
10. Have an engagement party, keeping in mind that anyone invited to this should also feature on your wedding guest list.

9-12 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Order your dress or book a designer.
2. If they’re not included in your venue hire, choose a caterer.
3. Book your DJ or entertainment (including ceremony musicians).
4. Research and hire a photographer and videographer.
5. Book your florist.
6. Reserve accommodation for out-of-town guests and pay deposits.

6-9 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Meet with your officiant to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork covered.
2. Have invitations made.
3. Send out save-the-dates.
4. Start organising bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl outfits.
5. Start planning your honeymoon (including renewing your passport and getting any required vaccinations).

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Fit and purchase your rings.
2. Do tastings and order your cake.
3. Buy your wedding shoes (and start taking them to dress fittings).
4. Book your hairstylist and make-up artist.
5. Plan the big-day timeline.
6. Start choosing the playlist.
7. Contact rental companies for anything your venue isn’t providing, from seat covers to fancy Portaloos.
8. Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner.
9. Compile your registry.

3 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Finalise the menu.
2. Finalise the flowers.
3. Order wedding favours, if you’ll have any.
4. Choose people to give toasts
5. Buy your wedding lingerie.
6. Make your vendors aware of the day’s schedule (they may have helpful feedback).
7. Hire wedding-day transport.
8. Book your spa treatments for the week of your wedding.

2 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Send out invitations.
2. Meet with your photographer to discuss specific shots, locations and people to be photographed.
3. Do a trial hair and make-up run.
4. Have menus and programmes printed.
5. Write your vows.

4 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Make a list of your RSVPs and follow up with anyone who has not yet responded.
2. Make a seating chart and have place cards printed.
3. Have your final dress fitting. You should bring along your maid of honour so she can learn specifics such as how to lace your corset or bustle your train (we’re not kidding).

2 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Let your venue contact know about any special vendor requests, such as additional power outlets for the DJ or refrigeration for the cake.
2. Send your DJ your final playlist, including any songs you definitely don’t want to hear.
3. Have your pre-wedding haircut and colour.
4. Wear in your wedding shoes.
5. Stock the bar.

THE WEEK OF

1. Give venue and caterers a final headcount.
2. Confirm times, dates and final details with every vendor.
3. Hand over programmes, menus and place cards, and any hired or DIY decor, to your reception manager.
4. Delegate wedding-day and post-wedding tasks – someone to be in charge of getting your gifts home, someone to handle rental returns while you’re on honeymoon.
5. Pick up your dress!
6. Make sure the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl attire are ready to go.
7. Pack for your honeymoon.
8. Make final payments to vendors, and prepare cash tip envelopes for waitstaff on the day.
9. Organise snacks and drinks for the dressing rooms.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

1. Rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party, immediate family and officiant.
2. Introduce the manager of your reception venue to the best man and maid of honour, or whomever you’ve delegated as the go-to person for any questions or problems during the reception.

THE BIG DAY!

1. Give the wedding bands to the best man and maid of honour.
2. Eat breakfast, stay hydrated and don’t rush!

Image: Unsplash

In Diy

5 DIY paper flowers ideas for non-traditional brides

August 7, 2018 No Comments

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to play by the rules, then DIY paper flowers will be ideal for you. You also won’t have to worry about wilting, watering or the fear of a guest knocking over an arrangement, not to mention the amount of money you’ll save!

1. Crepe paper bouquet

2. Paper flower initial

3. Tissue paper centrepiece

4. Paper flower backdrop

5. Paper flower crown

Images: Pinterest

In Decor

DIY skyline candle cut-outs

December 21, 2017 No Comments

With a nod to this fashion capital, this project is quick and easy for the busy bride. Give a romantic air to a city wedding with these London skyline candle cut-outs.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Printout of London skyline
Scissors
Cutting board
NT cutter
Craft glue
Tea lights

METHOD

1. Cut out your picture around the top of the buildings to create the shape of the skyline.

2. Place your picture on the cutting board and use the NT cutter to cut out any windows, doors or other details.

3. Glue one end of your skyline to the other to complete the candle shade. Place it around a tea light candle.

In Diy

DIY wedding favour bags

December 5, 2017 No Comments

Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Gift bags
Scissors
Felt
Craft glue

METHOD
1. Cut out ear shapes from the top of each bag.
2. Cut out felt ears, eyes, whiskers and noses and glue on to the bags to complete.
3. Set up a kids’ table with the pre-cut bags and felt, and let them create their own masterpieces.

In Decor

10 paper craft ideas for your wedding

November 7, 2017 No Comments

Soft and tousled, straight-cut, crinkled or dyed, let these paper craft ideas in their myriad forms be a part of your wedding story.

1. A message notebook as a striking centrepiece

Paper flowers, Love Paper Sew

2. Add paper flowers to your stationery

Menu, invitation with envelope and RSVP card, table number, name tags, and paper flowers, all Chrystalace Wedding Stationery

3. Paper cones with confetti

4. Sweet treats adorned with paper flowers

Nougat, MaMère Confections; paper flower, Chrystalace Wedding Stationery

5. A paper bouquet

Paper flowers, Love Paper Sew; laser-cut leaves, stylist’s own

6. A paper garland

Paper garland, stylist’s own; paper flowers, Love Paper Sew

7. Cupcakes with windmills

Cupcakes each, Florentines Cakes; paper windmills, stylist’s own

8. Chinese lanterns

Paper Chinese lanterns, The In Thing

9. A paper cake topper

Cake, Florentines Cakes; cake topper, Chrystalace Wedding Stationery

10. Hand-written thank you notes for your guests

Thank-you tag, Chrystalace Wedding Stationery; pencil crayons, The Deckle Edge; lined napkin, stylist’s own

Decor: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/hsmimages.co.za

In Decor

DIY candle table runner

October 3, 2017 No Comments

Create a striking focal point with an elegant DIY candle table runner. From there you can soften the candle base with a spray of greenery.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
4 cm × 4 cm pine strips, cut to the desired length
Drill with 10 mm drill bit
Whitewash
Paintbrush
Dinner candles
Glue gun

METHOD
1. Drill holes 2 cm deep and 7 cm apart along the length of each piece of wood.
2. Whitewash the wood (or leave natural if preferred).
3. Insert the candles and secure with a glue gun.

In Decor

DIY: Paper and painted placemats

August 3, 2017 No Comments

Simple things such as table runners, crockery and cutlery can cost a fortune once you add them together. With these two DIYs, you can reduce the cost of your table settings without skimping on style.

PAPER PLACEMATS

What you’ll need

• Ruler
• Pencil
• 120g craft paper
• Scissors
• Fine paintbrush
• White acrylic paint

How to do it

1 Using the ruler and pencil, measure and mark the size you want your placemat to be on the craft paper. Ensure there is enough room for an underplate, a large dinner plate and cutlery. Once you’re happy, cut out the placemat.

2 Measure 2 cm from the top and sides of the placemat to create a border where you will write the name of your guest.

3 Draw the border and write out the name of the guest in pencil, then paint over it with the white paint until the pencil is no longer visible. Allow to dry and repeat for as many placemats as required.

PAINTED PLACEMATS

What you’ll need

• Plain fabric placemats
• Paintbrush
• Black fabric paint

How to do it

1 Lay out the fabric placemat completely flat.

2 Dip the paintbrush into the paint then splatter it onto the placemat. Allow to dry and repeat for as many placemats as required.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text Robyn Lane
Styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za

In Decor

DIY + printable: Hot cocoa wedding favours

June 26, 2017 No Comments

Having a winter wedding? Give your guests a warm gift to take home with these cute – and totally easy to make! – hot cocoa favours. Plus, we’ve even created the perfect labels so you have one less thing to do – click here to download them now.

What you’ll need

• Sheet of paper
• Test tubes with corks or lids
• Hot chocolate or cocoa
• Chocolate nibs
• Mini marshmallows
• Labels printed on self-adhesive paper

How to do it
1 Roll the sheet of paper so it fits inside a test tube. Then scoop two teaspoons of hot chocolate or cocoa into the tube and add a few chocolate nibs.

2 Remove the paper and top off the tube with mini marshmallows. Close with a cork or lid.

3 Stick the printed label on the tube. Repeat for as many favours as you require.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text Robyn Lane
Styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za

In Decor

DIY: Macramé chair drape

June 9, 2017 No Comments

We may think of it as out of date but there’s a reason the older generation enjoyed a macramé piece or two – they’re decorative without being overwhelming. And, in today’s modern age, they add a touch of nostalgia to a rustic wedding theme. If you like the idea of a macramé touch, try your hand at this chair drape that adds a subtle yet quaint feel to a summertime wedding.

What you’ll need

• Rod or stick
• 15 strands of 2m string
• Scissors

How to do it

1 Suspend your rod in a horizontal position. Take one strand of string and attach it to both ends of the rod to create a hanging base loop. Starting at the far left, take one strand of string and hang it over the suspended string. Pull both ends through the resulting eyelet. Repeat this with the remainder of the strands, leaving a distance of 1.5 cm between each set.

2 Again starting at the left, take the first set of strands in your left hand and the second set in your right. Spread the strands of each set between your fingers with the centre strand of each set touching.

3 Taking the strand at the far right, move it between the two centre strands and bring it forward between the strands of the set on the left.

4 Bring the strand across the front of the centre strands and back between the loop formed by the set of strands on the right. Then pull the strand tightly towards the top.

5 Taking the strand at the far right, move it behind the centre strands and push it through the loop formed by the set of strands on the right. It should form a second loop.

6 Take this loop across the centre strands and push it through the left loop of the set of strands on the far left.

7 Pull tightly and let go.

8 Repeat this process (steps 2–6) with each of the next sets until the first row is complete.

9 For the second row, start at the second and third sets of strands and repeat steps 2–6 until the row is complete.

10 For the third row, start with the two sets of strands at the far left and repeat steps 2–6 until the row is complete.

11 Continue using two sets of adjacent strands to form diamonds until you reach your desired length.

12 Once you’ve reached your desired length, cross two sets of strands at the far left. Take one set over and backwards in-between the two sets. Pull tightly to form a knot.

13 Make multiple knots using the same set of strands until you reach your desired length of knot.

14 Repeat steps 12-13 with the rest of the adjacent sets of strands to create knots. Then use the scissors to cut the ends of the strands to your desired length.

15 Untie the horizontal base from the rod and attach it to the sides of a chair so the macrame falls across the chair back. Repeat for as many chairs as required.

Find this DIY and more in Issue 1-2017, on sale now.

Text & styling Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HMimages.co.za