Crafting A Wedding Gift: A Guide To Making Memories

Wedding gifts can be a tricky business. While some couples create a wish list or registry to simplify the process, it can still be hard to know where to start. Luckily, there are plenty of options for thoughtful, creative, and personalized gifts that the happy couple will cherish forever. From custom table settings and monogrammed accents to DIY crafts and meaningful experiences, there's something to suit every taste and budget. So, whether you're the mother of the bride or a long-time friend of the groom, read on for inspiration and ideas to mark this special occasion.

Make a personalised photo album

A personalised photo album is a great way to commemorate a couple's wedding day. Here are some tips on how to make one:

Planning the Album

First, decide on the style and size of your album. You can match the theme of the wedding or go with a classic, elegant design. Choose a size that will accommodate the number of photos you plan to include.

Selecting Photos

You can include a mix of candid and posed shots, but be sure to get the couple's input on their favourite photos. Try to balance the lighting and colours, and group photos together for each page to create a cohesive layout.

Designing the Album

There are a few ways to design the album. You can go the DIY route and create your own layouts, or you can use templates and pre-designed layouts. Shutterfly, for example, offers a Make My Book service that can help with curation and design.

Adding Personal Touches

Consider adding special features like layflat pages, satin-finish paper, or a dust jacket. You can also include mementos from the wedding, such as invitations or notes, by adding a memorabilia pocket.

Finalising the Album

Once you're happy with the design, review it for any mistakes or typos before placing your order.

Where to Buy

There are several online options for purchasing wedding photo albums, including:

• Artifact Uprising
• Etsy
• Mixbook
• Mpix
• Chatbooks
• MILK Books
• PikPerfect
• Printique
• Framebridge
• Wooden Engraved Shop

Create a custom set of coasters

Creating a custom set of coasters as a wedding gift is a thoughtful and practical idea. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make a set of personalised coasters for the happy couple:

Planning and Preparation:

Start by gathering your materials. For this project, you'll need the following:

• Coasters: Choose a material such as ceramic tiles, wood, marble, stone, cork, or paper. You can find these at craft stores or online.
• Adhesive: Mod Podge or a similar craft glue is ideal. Avoid cheap glues as they may discolour over time.
• Decorations: This could include scrapbooking paper, photos, maps, sheet music, illustrations, or any other creative elements you want to include.
• Varnish: Envirotex Lite Pour-On High Gloss Resin is recommended for a durable, waterproof finish.
• Felt or cork: For the bottom of the coasters to protect surfaces.
• Other tools: Disposable cups, a wooden stirrer, adhesive tape, gloves, and a paintbrush.

Creating the Coasters:

Once you have your materials, follow these steps:

• Cut out your chosen decorations to fit the size of your coasters, leaving a small border.
• Clean the coasters with methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol to remove any grease.
• Apply a coat of Mod Podge or glue to the back of each decoration and firmly attach it to a coaster. Remove any air bubbles with a glass tumbler or similar tool.
• Allow the glue to dry, then apply two coats of Mod Podge or glue over the decoration, brushing in different directions and allowing each layer to dry in between.
• Varnish your coasters with Envirotex to make them waterproof and protect the design. Mix the resin from the two Envirotex bottles as instructed, then pour it onto the centre of each coaster. It will spread and drip over the sides.
• Use a piece of cardboard to ensure the resin covers the entire coaster and the sides. This will create a smooth, glass-like finish.
• Pop any bubbles that appear with gentle breaths or a straw. Alternatively, use a heat gun or blow torch, being careful not to hold it too close to the coaster.
• After about 30 minutes, wipe away any drips from the bottom of the coasters with cardboard. Repeat this step after another 30 minutes.
• Cover the coasters and let the resin cure for 24 hours.
• Remove any adhesive tape and any remaining drips with a nail file or sandpaper if needed.
• Attach felt or cork squares to the bottom of the coasters with glue or double-sided tape.

Customisation Ideas:

To personalise your coaster set, consider the following ideas:

• Include photos of the couple, their pets, or memorable places they've visited.
• Use the couple's favourite colours, or colours that match their wedding theme.
• Add their names, the wedding date, or a memorable quote or poem.
• Create a signature drink recipe of the wedding and include it on the back of the coasters.
• Experiment with different shapes, such as heart-shaped coasters.
• Package the coasters with a satin ribbon as a beautiful gift set.

Remember to plan ahead, be creative, and have fun with the process!

Design a custom serving tray

A custom serving tray is a thoughtful and stylish wedding gift. You can design and create a wooden serving tray with a personal touch. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Planning and Materials

First, decide on the dimensions of your tray. You can cut a project panel to 12 x 18 inches or customise the size to your preference. For the sides of the tray, cut a 1 x 2 board into two 12-inch pieces and two 19 1/2-inch pieces. If you want mitered corners, bevel the ends to 45 degrees. Gather the necessary tools, including a table saw, sander, wood glue, brad nailer, wood filler, and drill.

Assembly

Sand any rough edges of the wood pieces with an orbital sander or sanding block. Then, use wood glue and a brad nailer to attach the frame pieces to the project panel, forming the base of your tray. Fill in any nail holes or seams with wood filler and sand the surface smooth. Remove any glue residue by sanding.

Design and Customisation

Now, it's time to add your custom design. You can stain the tray, paint it with a solid colour, or create a design using painter's tape, vinyl decals, or stencils. If you want to include a personal message or the couple's names, consider laser engraving for a unique touch. Drill holes on the sides of the tray to attach handles, making it functional and ready for use.

Finishing Touches

Finally, apply a finish to protect and enhance the appearance of your tray. You can use a food-safe option like natural walnut oil, which gives the wood a beautiful finish and dries quickly. Your custom serving tray will be a cherished gift, perfect for displaying in the couple's home and serving their guests.

You can find inspiration for your design and customisation online, and some websites even offer personalised serving trays that you can order.

Craft a custom wine bottle

Crafting a custom wine bottle is a thoughtful and elegant way to celebrate the happy couple's special day and can serve as a memorable keepsake for years to come. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you create a unique and personalized gift:

Choose the Wine

Start by selecting a wine that suits the couple's taste preferences. You can opt for a California cabernet sauvignon, a sparkling wine, or any other variety that you think they would enjoy. If you're unsure, consider asking their close friends or family members for suggestions.

Personalize the Bottle

Engraving the couple's names, wedding date, and a romantic message or quote on the bottle is a popular way to customize it. You can also include an illustration, such as two clinking champagne flutes, to add a whimsical touch. Another option is to design a personalized label for the wine bottle, incorporating their names, wedding date, a photo, or a cute illustration.

Create a Special Box or Container

To make the gift even more special, consider presenting the wine in a customized box or container. You can opt for a wooden wine box, which can be engraved with their names or initials. Alternatively, you could create a unique wine bag or tote with their names, a meaningful quote, or a wedding-themed design.

Add Accessories

Enhance your gift by including some wine accessories, such as a personalized corkscrew or wine stopper. You could also add a set of customized wine glasses or flutes, perhaps engraved with their initials or a special message. These accessories will not only elevate the gift but also provide the couple with lasting mementos.

Presenting the Gift

When presenting the custom wine bottle, you may want to include a card with pro tips to make flowers last longer if they plan to use the bottle as a vase afterward. You could also pair the wine with a set of elegant glasses or a nice set of coasters to complete the gift.

Remember, the key to crafting a custom wine bottle as a wedding gift is to personalize it according to the couple's tastes and style. Get creative, and don't be afraid to add unique touches that reflect their relationship and personalities.

Create a custom doormat

A custom doormat is a great, unique wedding gift idea, perfect for the couple to display at the entrance of their home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a custom doormat:

Materials and Tools:

• A plain coir doormat: Coconut fibre doormats are durable, strong, and perfect for wiping shoes. You can find affordable options at stores like IKEA, Amazon, or Walmart.
• Stencils: You can create your own stencils using a Cricut cutting machine or buy pre-made stencils online.
• Sprayable rubber in a can: Flex Seal is a recommended brand as it provides a crisp and bold finish.
• Transfer tape: Dollar Tree ConTact shelf liner is a good option as it has the right amount of stickiness for the coir mat.
• Vinyl: Cricut outdoor vinyl is recommended for its ease of use and effectiveness.
• Paint: Use acrylic paint that is fluid enough to cover the doormat fibres evenly.
• Tape: Any regular tape or duck tape will work.
• Vacuum or lint roller: To remove loose fibres from the coir mat.
• Scrap plywood or foam board: To transport the mat without disturbing the stencil.

Steps:

• Prepare the stencil: If you're making your own stencil, cut out your design on vinyl using a Cricut machine or a similar product. You can add names, dates, or any other customisation.
• Cut and Tape: Cut the vinyl into pieces that fit your design, removing any excess. Tape the pieces together, paying attention to alignment and ensuring a perfect match.
• Prepare the doormat: Use a vacuum or lint roller to remove any loose fibres from the coir mat. Place the mat on a piece of scrap plywood or foam board to avoid disturbing the stencil when transporting it.
• Transfer the stencil: Apply transfer tape to your stencil. ConTact shelf liner is a good option as it's not too sticky and allows for easy transfer.
• Place the stencil: Line up the stencil with the doormat and secure it with tape.
• Spray the mat: Use sprayable rubber like Flex Seal and spray straight down to avoid getting spray under the stencil. One good coat should be enough to cover the fibres and create a deep black colour.
• Seal the doormat: Apply a UV sealant like Rustoleum's matte sealant to protect the design from sunlight, foot traffic, and other elements. Three to four thin coats should provide good protection.
• Peel and reveal: Carefully remove the stencil to reveal your custom design.

You can also get creative and experiment with different colours, fonts, and designs to make your custom doormat truly unique. This is a fun and easy project that will surely impress the newlyweds.

Frequently asked questions