Using books as wedding decor is something that I find so adorable! For the couple who can’t contain their book collection, incorporating their love for the written word into their big day seems like a no-brainer! Check out these adorable ways to use books in your wedding!

from top to bottom, L to R:
wedding shoot styling by Honey and Poppies, photo by Jessica Claire via 100 Layer Cake, Letterpress library card bookmark from PaisleyDogPress on Etsy, Save the Date bookmark by BeanSproutStudio on Etsy, Books as wedding invitations from Jessica Claire, Books as centerpieces from Style Unveiled, More book centerpieces from Type A Images, Books as a cupcake tower from Type A Images.

What do you think of this idea? Love it or leave it?

One of the most expensive aspects of a wedding can be the flowers. Especially if you swoon over blooms that are out of season during the month of your wedding. Although the effect of beautiful fresh flowers is breathtaking, there are fabulous and budget-savvy alternatives to help you save some of your valuable budget bucks.

This will be an ongoing series on Tuesdays for the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy this look at alternatives to the typical flowers used in bouquets and decor. Perhaps it will inspire you to add your own personal touch to your big day as well.

This weeks’ special guest, Paper flowers! The great thing about paper flowers is that you can use them for your bridal flowers or for decor! Centerpieces, garlands… they can bring a really lovely handmade aspect to your special day.

paper anemone bouquet by St Judes Creations

I just love the look of this- who would ever know it wasn’t real? GORGEOUS!

This adorable DIY wedding shot by the fabulous Tara of Dixie Pixel featured TONS of paper flowers, all the bouquets and decor were made from paper! Beautiful!

Perhaps you remember the tissue paper pomanders my mom, her friends, and I slaved over for my own wedding? At only $5 per ball total, these balls of fluffy paper make quite a statement!

This paper garland tutorial is really simple with the help of a few paper punches and some glue! I just love paper garlands- you can really make some interesting decorations with paper that don’t cost alot of money!

What do you think? Would you attempt paper flowers for decor or your bouquets?

Stay tuned for upcoming posts in the Flower Alternatives series, including posts about button, fabric, feathers, felt, vintage brooches and more!

I’m all for the printed page. I nearly did my senior thesis project on the fact that I thought magazines would stand the test of time even in our ever-increasing digital society. There’s just something so magical and personal about holding a magazine in your hands and turning it’s pages… I LOVE magazines. At one time I subscribed to around 20 different publications… however… I can’t help but fall in love with the idea of a e-zines and digital mags. The eco-friendly aspect gets me. The accessibility gets me. The FREE aspect gets me.

I have been anticipating the release of the new Nonpareil Magazine ever since Maddy at Inspired Bride announced it on her blog. I am a huge fan of Maddy and might have a tiny girl crush on her, not only for her wonderful blog but her design eye. She is one of the creators of Nonpareil Magazine.

Nonpareil Magazine‘s first issue is chock full of inspiration and ideas that you can pull off yourself. They’ve even included tutorials with step-by-step instructions for how to make felt/yarn boutteniers, adorable headpieces for your bridal look, and also have a page devoted to template downloads for numerous different wedding paper items such as save-the-dates, invitations, favor boxes and more!

This is definitely a publication that I think would be helpful and inspiring to all of my fellow budget savvy brides. Please RUN, don’t walk, over to check out the first issue!!

Back when I was searching for wedding items on the cheap, I came across this site that sells cloth napkins in basically every shade you can imagine. For cheap. .83 cents apiece if you’re ordering over 72 napkins. I thought it seemed like a good deal, and a great way to add that extra POP of color to your table decor. Check em out here.

I starred this in my Google reader many moons ago, but never shared it. How cute are these? I know they look like adorable antique milk bottles… but would you believe that they are just Starbucks Frappucino bottle spraypainted white? Talk about easy, budget friendly, and green! Don’t throw them away, use them to decorate! Go get to guzzlin’ some frappucinos, ladies.

{ instructions found here. via one of my faves iDIY }

These would have looked great with my Mason jars for my centerpieces. Precious, no?