Crafting A Wedding Gift: Tips For Thoughtful Presents

Weddings are a time for celebration, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a thoughtful, handmade gift? Whether you're the mother of the bride or a friend of the groom, a DIY wedding gift is a unique and meaningful way to show your love and support. From personalised coasters to custom wall art, there are plenty of options to choose from that will surely impress the happy couple. So, get your creative juices flowing and craft something special that the newlyweds can cherish forever.

Customised glassware

When creating customised glassware as a wedding gift, you have a variety of glass types to choose from. Champagne flutes are a popular choice for weddings, as they are often used for toasting and can be engraved with the couple's names and wedding date. You can also opt for wine glasses, which come in different styles such as stemmed or stemless, and can be engraved with a message or the couple's initials. For a more casual option, consider beer glasses or mugs, which can also be personalised with engravings.

In addition to the type of glassware, you can also choose from a variety of engraving options to customise your gift. A popular choice is to engrave the couple's names and wedding date, especially on champagne flutes or toasting glasses. You can also add a special message, a quote, or even a logo that holds a special meaning for the couple. If you want to include the wedding party, you can engrave the names of the bride and groom as well as their bridesmaids and groomsmen on individual glasses.

When creating your customised glassware, it is important to consider the quality and durability of the glass. Look for options that are laser-engraved or etched, as these techniques ensure that the text, logo, or design will not rub off. Additionally, consider the glassware's design and how it aligns with the couple's style or the wedding theme. You can choose from elegant, classic designs to more rustic or contemporary styles.

DIY photo album

A DIY photo album is a perfect post-wedding project and a great way to relive your wedding day. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful and professional-looking wedding photo album.

Gather and Organize Photos

Collect all the wedding photos you want to include in the album, including both professional and candid shots. Categorize them into folders based on the different parts of your wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, and any other memorable moments. This will make it easier to sort through the photos and ensure you don't miss any important moments.

Select Your Favourite Shots

A typical wedding album usually contains around 50 to 100 images. Narrow down your selection by choosing a variety of shots, including group photos, romantic couple portraits, and details such as your bouquet, wedding rings, cake, and other decorations.

Choose an Album Style

Decide on the format and style of your album. You can opt for a traditional printed album, a photo book, or even a digital version displayed in a digital photo frame. Consider the material quality, durability, and customization options available for your chosen format.

Select a Theme or Layout

Choose a cohesive theme that complements your wedding style. For example, if your wedding theme was rustic elegance, select earth-toned shades, woodsy elements, and script fonts for your album. Decide on the layout by figuring out the size and orientation of the images, how many will fit per page, and what other details or text you want to include.

Plan the Storyline

Arrange your photos chronologically, starting with getting ready photos and ending with your grand exit. Include short captions or anecdotes to add context and personality to your album. This helps tell the story of your wedding day from beginning to end.

Finalize and Print

Before finalizing, review your layout to ensure your photos fit neatly within the selected album. Adjust sizing if needed. Once you're happy with the overall selection, print your photos or finalize the digital version for sharing.

Personalised coasters

Materials:

• Resin (two-part epoxy resin is recommended)
• 4-inch white tiles (one for each coaster)
• Photographs or other memorabilia (ensure these are printed on glossy paper)
• White craft paint (optional)
• Disposable cup and spoon
• Felt
• Adhesive (e.g. hot glue)

Steps:

• Cover your work surface with plastic to protect it from the paint and resin.
• Paint the edges of the tiles with white paint (optional).
• Trim your photos or memorabilia to fit the tiles, leaving a margin of about 1/4 inch.
• Use a glue stick to attach the photos to the centre of each tile and set aside to dry.
• Prepare the resin by mixing equal parts of the two-part epoxy resin. Stir thoroughly for at least 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
• Line up the tiles and spoon the resin onto the centre of each tile. Gently spread the resin outward to the edges, ensuring an even coat.
• Repeat for each tile, checking for any missed spots and using your breath to pop any bubbles.
• Allow the resin to dry for 48-72 hours.
• Cut felt into 4-inch squares and attach to the bottom of each coaster with glue to protect your furniture.

Alternative Method:

If you don't want to use resin, you can create personalised coasters using Mod Podge. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Purchase tiles from a hardware store (e.g. Home Depot or Lowe's).
• Gather decorative paper, photographs, and Mod Podge (Hard Coat formula is recommended).
• Cut out cardboard letters and cover them with the decorative paper.
• Take photos of your children holding each letter.
• Print the photos in 4 x 6 size, cropping them to fit the tiles.
• Paint a thin coat of Mod Podge onto a tile and lay the photo on top, smoothing out any air bubbles.
• Repeat for each tile and let dry for 15-20 minutes.
• Seal the coasters with Engine Enamel or Minwax Polycrylic.
• Trace each tile on a piece of cork and cut it out.
• Use adhesive spray to attach the cork to the bottom of each tile.
• Place a book on top of the tiles to apply pressure and ensure the cork adheres properly.
• Let dry for 24 hours before using.

Handcrafted gift packaging

Boxes, Bags, and Cards

With the help of crafting tools like Cricut, you can create beautiful and personalised boxes, bags, and cards to hold your gift. From elegant boxes with intricate designs to whimsical bags adorned with ribbons and charms, the possibilities are endless. You can also include a heartfelt message inside a custom card, making it a gift that the couple will treasure.

Gift Wrapping with a Personal Touch

Consider using unique materials for your gift wrapping, such as handmade paper, natural fabrics, or even maps. You can also add embellishments like dried flowers, ribbons, or wax seals for a luxurious touch. If you're feeling creative, try your hand at calligraphy to address the gift directly to the couple.

Themed Packaging

If the couple has a particular theme for their wedding, you can incorporate that into your packaging. For example, if they are having a rustic-themed wedding, you can use burlap, twine, and wooden accents. Or, if they are having a beach wedding, you might use seashells, starfish, or sand dollars as part of your packaging decor.

Sentimental Details

Include sentimental details in your packaging that reflect the couple's relationship or shared memories. For instance, you could use their favourite colours, incorporate song lyrics that hold a special meaning, or add a map of the city where they first met. These thoughtful touches will make your gift truly one-of-a-kind.

Natural Elements

Bring the beauty of nature into your gift packaging. Dried flowers, leaves, or pressed greenery can add a delicate and romantic touch. You can also use natural materials like wood slices, twine, or bamboo for a more rustic and eco-friendly approach.

Remember, the key to handcrafted gift packaging is to be creative, thoughtful, and personalised. By putting time and care into your packaging, you'll not only make your gift stand out but also give the couple a lasting memento of their special day.

Customised doormat

Materials:

• A coir doormat: Coir is a natural fibre made from coconut husks, which is durable, water-resistant and ideal for outdoor use. You can find coir doormats at various retailers, such as Amazon, Target, IKEA, Home Depot, and Hobby Lobby, usually priced between $10-$35.
• Paint: Exterior house paint, outdoor acrylic paint, or sprayable rubber paint like Flex Seal are good options.
• Stencil material: Freezer paper, Oramask stencil vinyl, or removable vinyl work well and can be cut with scissors, a craft knife, or a Cricut cutting machine.
• Optional: Stencilling brush, sealer, painter's tape, an iron or hair dryer, pins, and a board to place under the doormat while working.

Steps:

• Design: Decide on the wording or design for your doormat. You can use online software or programmes like Cricut Design Space to create your design, choosing fonts and sizing them appropriately for your doormat.
• Cut the Stencil: Cut out your design on your chosen stencil material. If using freezer paper, cut it with the shiny side down, and use the "Copy Paper" setting on your Cricut machine with the pressure set to "More".
• Apply the Stencil: Use an iron or hair dryer to heat the back of the freezer paper, which will help it adhere better to the doormat. Place the stencil carefully, using tape or pins to secure it in place.
• Paint: Using a stencilling brush or spray paint, carefully paint over your design. If using spray paint, ensure you spray straight down to avoid paint seeping under the stencil.
• Seal: Once the paint is dry, apply a sealer to protect your design from the elements. UV-resistant sealants are a good option to protect against sunlight.
• Reveal: Carefully peel off the stencil to reveal your design.

Your customised doormat is now ready to be gifted to the happy couple!

Frequently asked questions