The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Wedding

by Khris Cochran

From choosing a delicious menu to assembling the guest list, hundreds of details go into planning a successful wedding. The DIY Bride helps brides put their stamp on the big day without breaking the bank. Written by the creator of the number one Web site for wedding crafts, DIYBride.com, this fun, easy guide showcases unique, easy-to-do craft projects that range from beautiful handmade announcements and invitations to personalized favors and much more. Khris Cochran includes valuable cost-comparison sidebars that clearly detail the huge savings involved. She also shows brides how to involve their friends and families in the project-making process, making this a fun journey for all. The DIY Bride is an essential purchase for any woman who dreams of an unforgettable wedding--from the inside out.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[LD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sure, Pinterest wasn't around when this book was published, but even if you take that into consideration, this book is still a poor choice for DIY wedding projects. The crafts are tacky, just like the craft glue that unites them together. Gone are the days of adhering a paper daisy to a watering can for the flower girl. If you're planning a DIY wedding, skip this book and head to Pinterest.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

None of the crafts felt modern to me, I browsed but was not impressed.

[Lana. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very innovative and quirky projects for even the novice crafter. Slightly higher-end style options than those found in "The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown" (e.g. Couture silk Pocketfold Invitation, Bamboo Centerpiece) while still keeping a fun and hip esthetic (e.g. The Viewfinder Save-the-Date Card). Definitely a good jump start to inspire the crafty.

Pro:
- Stylish, fun, useful, and thoughtful projects that look good and can easily be customised
- Includes projects for invites, thank you notes, party favours, centerpieces & other decor, attendant gifts, and more!
- Projects for self, bride & groom, and the girls
- Crafty Calculator gives an idea of savings for each project (though often do not include hardware as noted in "Cons")
- Project planning guide in introduction gives a checklist of when supplies need to be bought and what projects to start (even a tip to plan ahead so you're ready for the sales)

Cons:
- Unlike "The Countdown" - time required for project is not listed

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently got engaged and am hoping to pull off a backyard wedding in October 2011. I’ll definitely be using The DIY Bride and The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown by Khris Cochran for inspiration. Each book contains “40 fun projects for your ultimate one-of-a-kind wedding.” From save-the-dates, invitations and thank you notes to jewelry, accessories and wedding favors, there are so many neat details that you can create yourself to make a wedding really special. I am a firm believer that events, celebrations and holidays aren’t just about the actual day. All the days that lead up to the event are meaningful and important too. The planning and creating part is my favorite! These books are plum full of fabulous ideas to get the ball rolling.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

while I wouldn't say all 40 projects are useful, enough of them were, and while not all of them were my style/taste either, I know that more DIY-ers are kitschy and shabby chic and this would resound more highly with them. what I liked was the ideas it spawned in my head, and the basic principles of - make it because you like it and do what you want. Don't spend a fortune if you don't have to, and it's easily done by you, your love, your friends, or fam, and all combinations therein. Can't wait to finally be able to view the site (it's been down for a week for upgrading!) Recommend as a library book rather than buy it yourself unless you really want to go whole hog and do all of them.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific for any bride thinking of making her decorations, invitations, favors, etc. herself. Every project has a price break down showing the difference you will save doing-it-yourself. In contrast to most DIY bridal craft books, nothing here is too country, hokey, or cheap looking. Everything is chic and stylish, and the directions are clear. My only criticism is that the projects aren't categorized according to difficulty - some are super easy, and some would require some serious crafty know-how. So if you use this book, read all the directions thoroughly before you begin!

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

borrow rather than buy

Modern ideas with great photos and illustrations. I like the cost comparison of store bought vs. DIY included with each craft. Read it for the DIY invitations and the ceremony and reception decor, skip the jewelry crafts.


Stand out projects:
Rhinestine Monogram Cake Topper
Embellished "BEST DOG" collar
Personalized Aisle Runner
Ceremony Canopy (chuppah)
Decoupage Flower Girl Bucket

*I would have liked to see some DIY wedding card box.

[Cicily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains some pretty cute ideas, but there's only one that I'm seriously considering using. I know this isn't very old, but I think they should do an updated version of this book with more feasible ideas. There are many other clever wedding projects that DIY brides can do. There were too many Save-The-Dates in this book and not enough ideas for DIY centerpieces, hair fascinators, wedding favors, etc. in my opinion.

[Katje van Loon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas in here for more standard weddings, or inspiration for more off the wall weddings. I've bookmarked a few projects.

Some heteronormative and gender-role enforcing language in it, but easy to ignore. I read it for DIY ideas, not feminist wedding philosophy.

If you're already experienced with DIY stuff you might not learn much from this book; I'm an amateur and I picked up some new stuff.

[X · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a few pretty cute ideas, a few wtf ones, and a lot that were like "okay I COULD do that... Or I could get something that serves the same purpose from the thrift store for much less money and effort." I also wish they had more pictures of the objects being used rather than close-ups - the veil and jewelry projects, for example, would have been better shown on a model. Still there's a couple ideas in here I'll definitely consider.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library to find ideas for my wedding. Since I was getting married in 30 days, I didn't have a lot of time, but I wanted to see if there was anything I could or would make myself. Most of the projects were cute, but I didn't have the time to do them myself before my wedding day.

It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a DIY kind of bride-to-be.

[Allanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

For as crafty as I'm NOT, this is a nice little reference guide.

And, no, I'm already happily married (and have been for some time now) ... I'm just the matron-of-honor for a friend and am WRACKING my BRAIN for any cute (INEXPENSIVE) ideas for favors and decor for the bridal shower.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed through this book and only found a few things that provoked my interest to actually read them. This is more for people who want to do the traditional wedding, but "DIY" it up. Not bad, just not what I was looking for.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few fun projects that I might do, but mostly too kitschy for my taste!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

some of these crafts are cute. Others, not.

[Kate Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chuppah instructions were helpful, and I'm looking forward to trying Cochran's use of google maps to print direction cards. Everything is very clearly illustrated!

[Sarah]

A great book of projects. While there are only two in here that I will probably do, it gives a wide variety that are simple and fun.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has good, practical, easy projects to do that don't seem hard or stressful. Two key things in wedding planning.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely some stuff in here I'll use...even if I switch it up some and not EXACTLY what was in the book :)

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I wouldn't do every project Khris suggests, I definitely think there are some nice tips and tricks and inspirations that anyone could take an apply to their own wedding.

[Cari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The crafts are great; the writing is twee.