Reception Decor
These are the DIY projects that I have completed so far for the wedding reception. I am really crafty, so I am trying to leave my personal touch on everything. My hope is the end result will carry my nautical theme throughout the reception without being overly whimsical. If you like what you see here, complete instructions for most of my projects are on my DIY blog, which is located under the DIY tab.
Card Basket
I wanted something for guests to put their cards in that fit within our reception theme. Card boxes are gorgeous, but they just seemed like too much. I decided to do a simple fishing basket that I decorated with some leftover ribbon and a sign that I made on my computer. Guests will put their cards in the basket at the beginning of the reception, and the reception coordinator will then move the basket to a more secure location. I love the simplicity, and after the wedding I plan on taking the ribbon and sign off so that I can use the basket in our home.
Table Numbers
Our engagement pictures were taken on the beach while Hurricane Earl was out to sea. The end result was amazing surf for the backdrop of our pictures, as well as a number of seashells washed up on the beach. I brought home a couple dozen large clam shells, and decided to turn them into table numbers! In addition to the number, each shell is decorated with sand, smaller shells, and a pearl.
Photo Guestbook
Tom and I received a $20 gift certificate to Shutterfly when we registered at Target. I used the gift certificate to purchase our photo guestbook, so I only spent about $12 for an 8"x8" hard cover guestbook. I used our engagement pictures throughout the book, along with love quotes on each page. I left plenty of white space for guests to sign the book "yearbook" style.
Toasting Flutes
I found some beautiful crystal champagne flutes while out shopping one weekend and the price was to good to pass up, $1.99 EACH. So I bought them and decorated them with some left over ribbon and a seashell accent.
Bubbles
I really like the idea of guests blowing bubbles over us as we have our first dance, so I bought some plain bubbles at the dollar store and decorated the bottles with purple ribbon and little bubble shaped tags that read "To fill the air with a little romance, please blow these bubbles while we have our first dance."
