Children at Weddings :: DIY Projects

Yesterday I shared the overview of a fun children’s wedding lounge photo shoot I did with Tara Whittaker Photography and today I’m going to give you a bit more detail about all of the DIY projects that were used in this fun lounge.  Creating the perfect party or wedding doesn’t have to break the bank if you tackle some of the personal touches yourself.  {Note: all photos credited to Tara Whittaker Photography unless otherwise marked.}

1.  An Ice Cream Stand with a Striped Awning

We created an ice cream station by making a backdrop out of foam board painted with chalkboard paint and topped it with a black and white striped awning.  To make the awning, use striped fabric, back it with fusible interfacing to give the awning some structure if needed, and cut a scalloped edge along the bottom.  We pinned it onto the chalkboard and added a fun and whimsical phrase in chalk.

2. A Pineapple Garland

Ribbons strung with pinecone pineapples hung above the tables.  These pineapples are simple to make and would also be so cute as a centerpiece or as a placecard.  To make them, simply paint large pinecones in the color of your choice and use fishing line to attach tissue paper stalks then tie them onto ribbon.

3. Patterned Paper Decor

Ali at Modern Pulp created colorful, patterned items that enhanced every area of the wedding lounge.  The ice cream toppings in pineapple boats sported bright sail labels …

… colorful two-sided pinwheels did double duty as fun centerpieces and a treat for the kids …

… and personalized party hats were given to all of the guests.  These details are all simple to make but add a festive flair to the gathering.

4. Stamped Table Runners

Black paper table runners with white stamped pineapples added depth to the table and carried the black and white of the awning to the seating area.  Tara of Tara Whittaker Photography cut a pineapple shape from a large dollar store car wash sponge then dipped it in white paint to make the runners.

5. Fingerprint Art Guest Book

Adults sign a guest book but wouldn’t it also be fun to have a record of the kids that attended your wedding?  Tara painted the top of a pineapple onto a black board, added faint dots as a template …

… and the kids added their fingerprints to the art piece.  The final result is a fun piece of art that will help memorialize the day and the special guests.

6. Activity Bags with Activity Books

Each wedding lounge guest received an activity bag filled with some goodies to keep them occupied during a reception.  I used my cutting machine to create a pineapple stencil and painted plain white tote bags for each of the kids.

I also stamped shirts so the kids would have a little momento from the day.

In addition to some candies, bubbles, and little treats, each child received some crayons and a personalized activity book made by Ali of Modern Pulp.

The book contained sweet and simple coloring pages …

… and activities …

… that the kids could complete alone or together.

Activity books are the perfect way to keep kids quiet during toasts and speeches!

7. DIY Style

No wedding is complete without a fancy updo and some classy clothes.  Lyana Gibert of The Art of Beauty styled Kennedy’s hair into the perfect bow and while I can’t provide a tutorial, I can provide a little inspiration.  Isn’t it fabulous?

And one more DIY wedding tip.  If you can’t find a bowtie that matches your little one’s outfit, use a hair clip!  This orange tie is actually a hair clip that’s been repurposed into a fabulous bow tie.  Simply feed the clip through a buttonhole and snap it together right through the fabric.  Instant {cheap} bow tie!

Which DIY project is your favorite?