Fast forward to when I started working. Whenever there are special ocassions like birthdays or christmas parties at the office, we would decorate the area of the birthday celebrant or the whole office (for christmas/halloween/valentines). As a newbie, I was tasked at the decorations. No I wasn't the head artist/decorator (whew!). I was just assisting in the cutting or putting up of decorations. I still lack in the artistic skills department. But as time passes by, I learned a thing or two in decorating. I become passionate about it. So by the time the throne was passed on to me, I already had some ideas on what to do. Thanks to Pinterest! I got most of the ideas there.. When I had somehow mastered the craft, one of my officemates asked for my help.
She was getting married and wanted the idea of DIY. She asked me to help her in her little project. Without even knowing what it was, I said yes without hesitation. By then I was enjoying doing arts and crafts. It was my way of releasing stress at work.
When we got to sit down for a meeting on what I could help her with, she said she wanted me to make her wedding bouquet. Her wedding bouquet!!!! Honestly, I silently freaked out. It's a once in a lifetime event and it's a big responsibility. I don't want to mess it up. The bouquet would be in a lot of pictures! But I don't want to turn her down, so I accepted the challenge.
I started searching for inspirations, as usual in pinterest. I showed what I found out to my officemate. When she finally chose the one, she said she trusted me that I can do it. Wow big words! It's my first major DIY project and I know I had to do it good.
The Process
I gathered the materials needed for the project. We went to Quiapo and Divisoria to scout for the materials. Since it was a diy, it should also be money savvy.
Materials needed:
- Styro foam
- Glue gun
- Glue stick
- Ribbons
- Stick
- Candle
- Swarovski (flat)
- Lace
Originally, she wanted real flowers. But when she learned that it costs a thousand pesos, she opted for diy.
For this diy bouquet, the budget trimmed down to more than half of the total price of the real one. Good thing about this diy is that you can keep it forever. It's last longer than the real ones.
When we bought everything we needed, I started creating the bouquet. It wasn't a full time thing, I still have to work, so I only do it during my free time. I thought it was easy. But it wasn't. So I asked for help. I needed more manpower to finish it on time for the wedding. I don't want the bride to be holding nothing on her special day.
Thankfully it was finished before the big day. Sleepless nights paid off. I was happy with the outcome. I never imagined that I can create something like that.
On the eve of the wedding, my friend and I went to the hotel where the bride was staying to check on the bouquet and do some finishing touches. I put some swarovski to add shimmer on the bouquet when she walk down the isle. I also made a bouquet for the maid of honor, corsage for the bridesmaid and boutonnaire for the groomsmen.
Even though I didn't get paid for the service, the happiness I saw from the bride was worth it. The appreciation I get from the guests was more than enough. And as I have said, it was my way of releasing stress. So it's a win win for us.
What I learned from this experience was to never limit yourself on the things you could do. I wasn't a born artist, but with motivation and the urge to learn something, you can do it.
You also have to trust in your abilities. It was a big responsibility, but you just have to believe in yourself and put effort in what you do, you will be surprised with the outcome.
Ladies and gentlemen, the final output.
The bride
My diy project
