Weddings, Summer 2011

We like to think of DIY as "design it yourself" rather than simply "do it yourself." That's because coming up with a great idea for your celebration -- and handing it off to a pro -- can be every bit as satisfying as making it on your own. Whatever you decide, the key is to dream up the personal touches that will make your event unique. Keep that in mind as you plan your wedding, and let what you love lead the way!

From the Magazine

Begin at the Bakery

Learn how to transform a store-bought cake into a stunning focal point.
Gallery:
Read the story
Projects:
Glitter Dust Wedding Cake How-To
Chocolate Leaf Cake Decoration How-To
Silver Laurel Garland Cake Decoration How-To
Silver Pleated Rosettes Cake Decoration How-To

East Meets West

California couple head across the country for their intimate nuptials on Martha's Vineyard.
Gallery:
See the photos
Projects:
DIY Ideas for Creating the Nautical Look of Lilly and Charlie's Nuptials

Easy Elegance

Florists create amazing arrangements with inexpensive flowers and foliage.
Gallery:
Browse the ideas
Projects:
Baby's Breath Wedding Decor How-To
Tiered Bowl Wedding Centerpiece How-To
Spray Wedding Centerpiece How-To
Rustic Wildflower Wedding Ceremony Aisle Runner How-To

A Sweet Soiree

Darcy Miller throws a shower for Dylan Lauren, owner of Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City.
Gallery:
See the photos
Projects:
Glamorous Candy Rings How-To
Candy-Shaped Note Cards for Guestbooks How-To
Candy Glossary:
Our comprehensive index of wedding candy options for favors, decorating, and more

Just Add Color

Vibrant accessories put a personalized twist on the season's best gowns.
Gallery:
Browse the ideas

Fete With Fabric

Find dozens of ways to incorporate chic textiles into your day, from your stationery to the decor.
Gallery:
Browse the ideas
Projects:
Cut-Out Wedding Invitation How-To
Fabric Save-the-Date How-To
Fabric-Covered Pot Centerpiece How-To
Fabric Cut-Out Table Card How-To
Fabric Pom-Pom Flower Girl Headband How-To
Striped Denim Ring Pillow How-To
Ring Bearer Elbow Patches How-To
Paper Denim Wine Label How-To
Fabric-Wrapped Wine Wedding Favor How-To
"Enjoy" Rolled Favor How-To
Fabric Popcorn Cone How-To
Recipes:
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Dark Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Graham Cracker Sandwich Cookies
Macadamia Nut Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Banana Whoopie Pies Recipe

Flair for the Dramatic

Two movie aficionados infuse their San Francisco wedding with the glitz and glamour of the big screen.
Gallery:
See the photos
Projects:
DIY Ideas for Creating the Look of Courtney and Jose's Nuptials

In Love with Handmade Details

Occasions this special call for extraordinary details -- like the hand-crafted items seen here.
Gallery:
See the products

Good Things

Ideas for summer weddings.
Gallery:
Browse the ideas
Projects:
Fill-in-the-Blank Conversation Starter How-To
Scratch-Off Save-the-Date How-To
"Sweeten Up" Favor Tag
Recipes:
Smoked Salmon and Sesame Seed Macaroon Recipe
Cupcake Ice Cream Cones Recipe

Real Weddings

Two couples prove that planning a destination wedding requires just love and a little ingenuity.
Galleries:
Courtney and Hunter, Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii
Leanne and Brad, Granville, Ohio

Seasonal Arrangements

Tropic Wonder Floral designer Oscar Mora's spin on summer blooms.
Gallery:
See the arrangements

Special Delivery

One-of-a-kind invites.
Gallery:
Browse the ideas
Project:
Wraparound Address Label How-To

Get Ready Guide

Master your own makeup, manicure, and more.
Gallery:
Summer Wedding Nail Polish Ideas
Articles:
False Lashes How-To
Manicure How-To

Artistic Genius

Three creative visionaries offer their most innovative DIY strategies.
Articles:
Advice from Floral Designer Kate Holt
Advice from Crafter Denise Sharp
Advice from Bartender Mayur Subbarao

Entertaining Essentials

All the items you need to throw a party with panache.
Gallery:
Browse the photos

Good Together

Accessories that suit the neckline of your dress.
Gallery:
See the styles

Hit the Right Note

Songs for your celebration.
Classic Playlists:
Ceremony Prelude Songs
Ceremony Processional Songs
Ceremony Recessional Songs
First Dance Songs
Parent Dance Songs
Last Dance Songs
Surprising Playlists:
Ceremony Prelude Songs
Ceremony Processional Songs
Ceremony Recessional Songs
First Dance Songs for Weddings
Parent Dance Songs
Last Dance Songs
Article:
DIY Wedding Music Tips

Perfect Palette

Peaches and cream is fresh, modern, and gloriously memorable.
Gallery:
See the ideas
Projects:
Geometric Terra Cotta Pot How-To
Painted Bouquet Ribbon How-To
Recipes:
Peaches-and-Cream Ice Pop
Peaches-and-Cream Martini
White Peach Iced Tea Recipe
Peach Gin Fizz Recipe
Peach Rose Bellini Recipe

Honeymoon Retreats You Can Rent

Consider kicking back in your very own place.
Gallery:
Browse the destinations

Location Scout: St Lucia

Ideas for planning an incredible destination wedding.
Gallery:
See the ideas

Honeymoon Diaries: India

A look behind one couple's unforgettable trip.
Gallery:
Read the article
Real Wedding:
See the photos