The aisle that you walk down on your wedding day is sort of like a bridge that connects the engaged you to the married you. It is the last walk that you will take before you become a wife, so why not make it fantastic?

Winter weddings are always beautiful, but how can you spice up your aisle without making it look like you’re on your way to the North Pole? Here are some ideas that will make your walk up the aisle one to remember. To get away from the holiday feel, try using colors like silver or blue. These will reflect the season, but your guests won’t expect you to ride in on a reindeer. For aisle cones, use white feathers and beads or even frosted foliage. Winter is all about sparkle and ice so try to embrace some bling by using sparkly or clear snowflake ornaments in your aisle cones. For an aisle runner consider a textured pattern; depending on the style and detail you can make it look like you’re walking on a path of freshly fallen snowflakes. The more texture, the more realistic it will look.

If you’re getting married in a warmer season, there are many ways that you can make your aisle shine. If it’s outdoors then you have an excellent opportunity to use some of nature’s best assets. An aisle enclosed with trees is always beautiful and it gives you the option to add some of your own decor without taking away from the simplistic elegance of mother nature herself. Adding a few ribbons or lights that complement your colors and theme will give your aisle that personal touch. Outdoor aisle markers can be made by using clear vases filled with anything you like—flowers, sticks, stones, and candles. If you’re looking for a simpler and more natural feel, throw down some fresh flower petals as a runner and leave the aisle markers out. If you’ve got a picturesque location, you won’t need to add a lot of decoration to make it memorable. Use flowers that match your theme; fall weddings are a great time to use reds, oranges and yellows and you can even use some dried wheat to accent them. Spring and summer weddings will give you the chance to use brighter colors and to experiment more. Summer aisle cones can be made by using almost anything you’d like, from mini-bouquets to color co-ordinated bows.

When choosing the decor for your aisle, remember to match your theme and to think outside the box. It may be a short walk, but it’s an important one and you deserve to enjoy every step of it. There are many DIY options out there, so if you have a strict budget don’t shy away from something you like because of the price tag; embrace your creative side and enlist some friends to give you a hand!

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After coming across this cool DIY, my future bridesmaid’s will surely be getting a box of their own when my wedding comes! And with each box being so easily customizable, you can really get creative and show each of your bridesmaids just how much you care.

With just 4 simple steps, Project Wedding shows you how to master this DIY project . . .

Materials needed: Boxes with lids, Ribbon, Computer/Printer and assorted charms or tokens.

Step One: Measure box and layout text accordingly in a program like Microsoft Word or Adobe Illustrator. You’ll want to make each one according to your bridesmaid’s interests. Print it out.

Step Two: After printing, cut out the strips of paper and fold them accordion style. Be sure to leave a little flap at the top to adhere the strip to the lid of the box.

Step Three: Attach the tokens or charms by tying or gluing them to the paper then adhere the strip to the lid of the box.

Step Four: Tie with a ribbon and voila! A special gift for your special friend.

Do It Yourself, or DIY is a fun way to personalize your wedding. From invitations, to decor, flowers, favours and even dresses, there are do it yourself opportunities for brides who have the time, interest, and motivation to explore them.

Here are a few ideas Bridal Fantasy has come across recently:
1) This is a great DIY initiative because it doesn’t require the bride to do any of the “DI” ing. When an overseas wedding meant that some freinds and family couldn’t make it, this couple invited their friends to create peices of art to be sent over and included in the special day.

2) This handmade cake-box is a twist on the classic card box - into which guests drop their well wishes for the new couple. A slot at the top makes this box a practical peice of decor that can be customized to suit your own wedding theme. For step by step details, visit Oncewed.com.

3) Simple, classic Mason jars can make lovely vases for centrepeices. Add a ribbon in your wedding colour or leave the jar as is.

Ooh la la! Bridal Fantasy recently came across Green Wedding Shoes’ tutorial on DIY Favor Bags filled with macarons! Mmmm . . . macarons, such delectable little things . . . simply mouth-watering just thinking about them.

With color-coordinated labels already made to download, you’ll only need a few more things for this delightful DIY project:
- Color printer
- Glassine favor bags (found here)
- Ruler
- X-acto knife
- Double sided tape
- And of course . . . MACARONS!

Luckily for us Edmontonians, The Duchess Bakery is open every Tuesday to Sunday with a variety of macaron flavors to choose from! These DIY Favor Bags would be great for a wedding or bridal party favor. So say Merci by sharing these little French treats with your family and friends.

Here are the instructions from Green Wedding Shoes’ Blog:
1. Download (visit Green Wedding Shoes to download) the label graphic. Follow the directions in the PDF for printer settings, label folding tips, and cutting advice.
2. Add a finishing touch to the bags and scallop the top with a pair of pinking shears or a rotary cutter.
3. Add macarons and fold down bag opening.
4. Affix the color-coordinated label using double-sided tape.
5. To maintain freshness and avoid food stains on the bag, line it with parchment paper.
6. Voilà! You’re ready to treat your guests to a little taste of Paris.

Be Nice and Treat Yourself, Guilt-Free

For the stressed and budget conscious bride, wind down every month with a DIY (Do It Yourself) home facial, your skin will thank you for it!

1. Always start a facial with clean skin. Start by washing your face with your usual cleanser. Apply in circular motions from your neck moving upwards and then wash off.

2. Next, fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling) and add lavender or eucalyptus oil to the water to induce greater relaxation. If essential oils are not available on hand, feel free to throw in a bag of green tea or chamomile (or even loose tea leaves) to have the same effect. Place your head above the bowl of hot water and drape a towel over your head to contain the steam so that it can help open up your pores. Relax and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

3. After your DIY steam treatment, gently massage your exfoliater onto your face and jaw line in circular movements. Then wash off and pat dry to prepare your face for the facial mask.

Make sure your skin is dry to allow for your mask to dry. Using a face mask that is suited for your particular skin needs, apply the face mask and leave it on for five to ten minutes. Then pop a couple slices of cucumber over your eyes or opt of some cold tea bags to soothe any puffiness around the eyes.

4. Once the five to ten minutes are up, rinse off the face mask with cool water to tighten up your pores.

5. Then tone your skin with a hydrating or clarifying toner, whichever is best for your skin type.

6. In sweeping motions, apply your moisturizer onto your skin from the neck up and then massage it in with small circular movements. By massaging the skin with your moisturizer, it will encourage new cell growth and proper circulation.

7. Finally apply your eye cream gently around your eyes and make sure to not apply much pressure or drag the skin around your eyes.

8. If you are planning on being outside later on, make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 to your skin to protect it. Or remember to apply some to your face before you head out.