How to successfully DIY your wedding day.

Lace & Ribbon Ceremony Backdrop

Of all the things you could try to DIY for your weddings, this simple, but gorgeous ceremony backdrop is one you shouldn’t pass up. It adds a special touch that takes a ceremony from boring to beautiful. Not only can it be used as a ceremony backdrop but it also works great as a cake table backdrop, for a Photo Booth, or any occasion that needs a decorative touch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Canvas - Painter canvas drop cloth or equivalent (burlap, calico). Approx. 22cm x 30cm.
Ribbon - Various colours and widths.
Lace - Try recycling lace tablecloths from an op shop. Alternatively, you can opt for fabric.
Safety Pins - One box of small pins work best.
Scissors
Pipe or Wooden Pole - To hang the materials off. Will need to be the width of your desired backdrop.

Step One : Stripping the Materials.

Start by tearing your canvas into strips. You can vary your strip width between 2.5cm and 10cm.An easy way to do this is to cut a small slit with scissors at the edge of the canvas, then tear it the rest of the way. Do the same with lace and fabric, cutting or tearing accordingly.

Step Two: Prepare your Ribbon

With your pipe or pole suspended to the height you desire, measure one length of ribbon so it loops over the top about three inches, and then hangs to the ground. Cut it and then use this length of ribbon as your guide to cut many more in different widths and colours.

Step Three:

To hang your fabric strips and ribbon, lower your pole to a height you can reach. Loop one end about 7.5cm over your top bar, and pin it, on the backside, with your safety pins. Continue to pin and layer, alternating between canvas, lace, and ribbon, varying your widths. When you’re finished attaching your pieces raise the top bar to your desired height. Trim any fabric or ribbon that might be too long. That’s it, you’re done! Add any other decor to your lovely backdrop for the finished look.

Rhythm & Harmony

Your wedding will require many different tones of music. Throughout the day you will have key moments, which will involve a specific choice of song, and there will be other times that you won’t mind so much but will need some sort of playlist or background music. Key moments to consider music for are:

Walking down the aisle
Signing the marriage documents
Walking out of the ceremony
Grand reception entrance
First dance
Father daughter dance

Aside from these moments keep in mind that there is a large importance for background music at the beginning of your ceremony as your guests are being seated, and at the end as guests mingle. There will usually be a time for socialising before dinner and for the reception as guests are enjoying the evening, prior to your late-night entertainment. From here it is dancing time where you can flaunt your choice of DJ, band, or singer for the dance party to follow the events of the day and get everyone up and strutting their stuff.

Top 20 Wedding songs for 2017:

Can’t Stop The Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Sugar - Maroon 5
Single Ladies - Beyonce
Shut Up and Dance - Walk The Moon
Special - Six60
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sherran
Kiss Me - Ed Sherran
Signed,Sealed and Delivered - Stevie Wonder
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
Wild Thing - Tone Loc
How Would You Feel - Ed Sherran
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Perfect - Ed Sherran
Move - Ludacris
Fresh Eyes - Andy Grammar
Love Me Now - John Legend
Forever - Six60
24K - Bruno Mars
Time of My Life - Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley
Amazed - Lonestar

Catering

For some people the venue will come with its own catering however for those venues who don’t, finding the best caterer for you can be hard work. The Catering that you choose to provide will be an important part of the day, the type and style of catering that you select will need to fit in with the style of the wedding that you are planning. Ensure that you engage the services of a professional well-established company and select a menu and service style that fits in with your overall theme and budget. Decide on the style of food that is going to suit your wedding as well as type of service for your meal. There are many different ways to get food to your guests. This can come in the form of a Buffet, plated meals, or even the latest fad of platter mains that are delivered to the table and shared around.

Questions for your caterer:

Can we sample your food? Is there a cost for samples?
Can we swap and change from different menus that are available?
Do you have testimonials from recent clients that I can view?
When do you need to have the menu confirmed?
When do I need to confirm final numbers?

Tip: Ask friends and workmates for recommendations, consider not only your likes and dislikes but those of your guests - ensure that you provide options for those with special dietary requirements (allergies, gluten free, dairy free).