Upscale DIY

I mentioned yesterday that my company Fete Perfection is being considered for a spot on a cable television program which will feature coverage of the Engage!09: Something Blue symposium occurring later this month in Grand Cayman. One of my homework assignments was to outline local trends.

One of those trends is Do It Yourself or DIY as it's called in wedding circles, but for big budget brides. I am not talking about homemade favors, centerpieces or invitations that look...well homemade. I'm talking who-would-ever-know-the-difference-because-it's-so-stylish-and-professional-looking DIY projects. One of those DIY opportunities is in our own backyard - Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Fine Floral offers classes on do-it-yourself centerpiece design and arrangements as well as the basics of bouquets, boutonniere's and corsages for the bride who truly wants a "hands on" experience.

A talented colleague in Seattle, Jody Taylor-Smith of Good Taste Events offers Good Taste Do It Yourself evenings in her design studio. Jody said the products, papers and designs that leave her studio at the end of the night are elegant, creative and most of all tasteful. She said brides of all budgets come in, but the trend is towards higher budget weddings for the pleasure of creating a memorable event and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Huge Cost Savings

I love do-it-yourself projects but only if they don't end up looking DIY. You know what I'm talking about - silk bridal bouquets, for example, that look silk and homemade. Personally, I'm with Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory...silk doesn't belong in weddings unless of course you're talking about Shantung, Dupion or Taffeta as in your bridal gown.

My friend, Merina sent me a couple photos of her wedding complete with this DIY for her ceremony and reception. She used one roll of high-quality sod, and 100 feet of galvinized rain gutters to create this mock-wheatgrass decor. I love the look and better yet, love the price. Her DIY project cost $50 big ones - that's it. This same look in wheatgrass was estimated at $750.

The easiest part of this project was cutting the sod to fit the gutter. Place the sod on a flat level surface, green side up please and press the metal edges of the gutter down on top of the sod. Pushing slighty, the sharp edge of the gutter slices through the grass and soil and gives a straight clean edge. Flip the gutter upright and place the sod snuggly down into the gutter. There....finished!

Sprinkle with water to keep the grass hydrated until use, don't over water and just after placing the grass at your ceremony or reception sites, have your wedding coordinator {hint, hint} spray lightly for that fresh, finished and professional look.

Good luck and enjoy saving significant dollars on this DIY project.

Perfect Wedding Show Photos

The Perfect Wedding Show was held on Sunday at International Market Square and was very well attended. Over 670 brides enjoyed the opportunity to meet wedding professionals all in one location kind of like speed dating squared.

I had the opportunity to show off our design techniques by creating four themed tablescapes - Fall - Winter - Spring & Summer. I started with fabulous new linens from La Tavola in Napa Valley and accessorized with Base Plates, China, Silver, Crystal, Votives and numerous other accessories.

Dozens of brides loved our ideas and took photos for future reference. In fact someone loved my ideas so much, they literally stole some of my accessories. Sorry people, I wasn't giving out samples...I guess I should be flattered that they truly loved my ideas, however taking them without asking is just plain wrong. Oh well, I can have replacements made.

Enjoy these photos which pretty much speak for themselves.