When one of our clients approached us with the idea of using doilies, I thought it was such a novel idea. One that wouldn't cost the earth and at the same time be easily incorporated into most aspects of the wedding.

When incorporating doilies, you don't necessarily have to use the real thing all over, perhaps bring in the patterns or incorporate lace detailing. Adding elements such as fairylights to the doilie strings could work very well in the garden and for outside decor. You can also incorporate it in your bouquet (by wrapping around the stems) or add doilies to your favours.

I love how some brides have even gone as far as using doilies as cocktail umbrellas for pre-drinks, confetti cones as well as seating place cards. It really is up to you how much or how little you want it to be a part of your wedding theme, as this would influence how you would go about using them.

With summer almost in full force, we don't blame the brides for wanting outdoor weddings. In sunny South Africa late afternoon weddings have become increasingly popular and this DIY favour tag will fit in nicely with an outdoors wedding theme.

Follow the simple steps below to make your own butterfly seating tags.

This is what you’ll need:

• Crafting Moss
• Styrofoam Balls
• Terracotta Pots
• Butterflies
• Wooden Stir Sticks
• Ribbon and or Twine
• Place Cards
• Glue Gun
• Scissors

Now follow these easy steps:

STEP ONE

After printing your table numbers and names on the place cards, fold them in half and cut them to size.

STEP TWO

Wrap the stir sticks in ribbon or with the twine leaving a section open for the glue.

STEP THREE

Take one of the styrofoam balls and cut them in half. Put one of the halves in the terracotta pot with the flat side facing up. Put another styrofoam ball (uncut) on top of the flat side and secure with hot glue.

STEP FOUR

Remove the moss from the packaging and gently seperate them making bunches and sticking them with the hot glue onto the styrofoam ball untill the ball is completely covered.

STEP FIVE

Add your butterfly details.

When I first came across the novel idea of having a picnic reception, I wasn't quite sure many couples would opt for this untraditional style of entertaining, but I was pleasently surprised. With this being an incredible cost saver, couples have opted to have a full on wedding picnic reception, or incorporated this idea in their wedding "cocktail hour" - normally the hour in which the guests are entertained whilst the couple have photo's taken.

Either have individual picnic baskets/boxes made for your guests or have a buffet table where the guests can help themselves to some snacks.

If you are thinking of making many things yourself or wanting to personalise plenty of items at your wedding, then this is also the route to go. If you don't fancy having everything picnic style, then incorporate only certain aspects to give it the same feel.

Have some blankets or scatter cushions on the grass and put up a few parasols for some additional shade if need be. You can even go as far as providing outside entertainment for the guests such as croquet.