Crafty brides love DIY

My lovely friend Colette is getting married next year and we had a chat recently about clever DIY solutions to expensive wedding fripperies. This is a huge subject so here’s a few ideas to get you started if you’re planning a wedding…

Firstly, The Dress: I’m all about sourcing an excellent vintage or second-hand number. There’s so many out there, and if you’re on a budget you can lop a large sum off your total spend right here. Not long ago we had a weekend away in the Blue Mountains and I spied, hands down, the most beautiful wedding dress I’d ever seen at Victory Theatre Antiques. The slim sheath was circa 1940s, made of silk-satin and French lace in a gorgeous pale tea colour with long sleeves, high neck and divine covered buttons up the back and arms. The price? A mere $400. But the St Vincent de Paul on Alexander Street, Crows Nest always has a huge selection for $80 each (as do most charity stores, which you’ll find similarly priced – often with a tatty veil thrown in you might want to re-donate). You’re looking at 1980s rather than 1940s, but give it a go. The fabric alone is usually worth a fortune and can be re-purposed.

I find op shops a far more fun environs to try on dresses than stuffy wedding boutiques anyway, but maybe that’s just me. Take a friend. BYO champers.

Other top spots to source good second-hand frocks are ebay and flea markets such as Rozelle Markets, where I found a beautifully beaded, silk taffeta wedding dress from the 1950s for a paltry sum. I’m going to dye it emerald green for an upcoming party. Remember, you can always have it altered professionally, or ask a crafty friend to do it for you if you’re none too agile with needle and thread.

More on flowers and invitations later, but check out Once Wed (thanks for the heads up, Anna!) for more inspiration on all things wedding-related.