In preparation for my own “handmade” wedding next year, I have been doing  tons of research to find inspiration. Many couples have beautiful, simple, meaningful weddings that accomplish all of the “should do’s” on my personal list and include thoughtful elements created by the bride, groom, and wedding party.

How do you make sure your wedding looks carefully crafted and still has tons of style?

image courtesy of http://www.garrisonphoto.org

Here are a few tips and ideas…

Roll Your Own (Invitations):

I am crazy about the look of letterpress invitations, and happily, it can be done inexpensively. How fun it would be to throw a letterpress printing party with your family and bridal party. Use a rolling home letterpress machine like this one or build your own letterpress. You can make the wedding invitations and guests can make their own stationary while you have all the materials ready! (This also allows you to choose recycled paper stock and Earth-Friendly inks too) Here’s how to Make Handmade Wedding Invitations.

Go Vintage:

Vintage glass items are gorgeous with casual, country flowers and look very chic! What a beautiful and appropriate visual – fresh, gorgeous wildflowers growing from something that has been around for a long time.  Try incorporating vintage vases or trays like this one in your centerpieces.

To Have And To Hold – Crafty Wedding Favors You Can Make:

Personalized Treats: Water bottles, mini candy bars, gum, lip balm, and other small items can be personalized with custom labels using just a printer (preferably laser printer so ink will bleed less, ) scissors, clear craft glue. Pictures, instructions, and template included. We’ve all seen this at a million weddings, but with a meaningful quote, it can become something special and doing it yourself can save money.

Simply Sparkle: Make simple necklaces or key chains for guests with the couple’s names, favorite quote, and wedding date out of stamped polymer clay, and beads.

Travel Candles: Make very easy melt and pour travel candles in metal tins or even recycled baby food jars labeled with your wedding info. Candles can be customized to include your wedding colors and scented like your wedding flowers.

Embellished Flip Flops: Add your names and the wedding date to ribbon flip flops using waterproof, craft safe fabric paint and stencils.

Custom Blankets: For outdoor or fireside weddings, give guests a cozy, personalized micro-fleece throw blanket that will keep out the chill and remind them of your magical evening for years to come!

More wedding craft ideas from great sites like DIY Bride.