Paper Doily Ideas for a Wedding

Paper doilies can help create a romantic, Victorian style for a wedding.

The average cost of a U.S. wedding rose to more than $25,000 by mid-2011, but couples can save money in myriad ways and still have the wedding of their dreams. Using crafty ideas for everything from the wedding invitations to the decorations can help them trim expenses. Paper doilies are a simple craft item with a variety of money-saving uses for a wedding.

Invitations

Paper doilies can be used to create envelopes for a hand-crafted, Victorian design. All that’s required are square-shaped paper doilies along with tracing paper, adhesive and a ruler. The finished product looks just like an envelope made of lace. Print the invitation or reply card on another paper doily.

Favors

To carry the Victorian theme to the wedding, paper doilies can be used to create favor holders. Make them by rolling the doilies into cones, gluing them along the seam and inserting tulle. Favors, such as candy, potpourri or wedding rice, then can be inserted into the doily cones. Doilies also can be used as mats on which favors can rest.

Place Settings

Paper doilies make simple work of setting the tables at a wedding reception. Place cards can be made by cutting doilies into small shapes or keeping them full size and using them as place mats. Calligraphy adds a formal touch to place cards or table references. It’s also possible to use paper doilies as mats for centerpieces or on dinner platters or dessert trays.

Decorations

The June 2010 issue of "Martha Stewart Weddings" includes a way to decorate using paper doilies to create chandeliers and chair swags. Circular paper doilies can be folded two or three times to create a triangular, 3-D shape that can be hung on the back of chairs or from a mobile. An option is to create a paper doily flower garland by cutting shapes into doilies and stringing them together into a garland.

References

• Cost of Wedding: Wedding Budget vs Real Wedding Cost
• Ruffled; DIY Paper Doily Envelopes
• PaperCrAftart.com: Paper Wedding Crafts from Victorian Times
• One Stylish Bride: Chic Doilie Place Cards
• The Sweetest Occasion: DIY Paper Doily Craft Ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings
• FactoryDirectCraft.com: DIY Wedding Decorations – Doily Flower Wedding Garland