Lynn Lilly said as a young girl she would beg her mom to watch Martha Stewart and then pretend to set up for a dinner party just like she had seen on TV, complete with utensils, napkins, plates, basically anything she could find around the kitchen. As she grew up, her knack for DIY projects only got stronger. In college at Auburn University, she planned craft dates for her friends and sorority sisters and always loved not only creating, but also teaching how to DIY. She credits her creativity to being an only child and having to find unique ways to keep busy.
It’s no wonder that she turned her passion for crafting into a full time career when she founded Craft Box Girls, a lifestyle brand that seeks to inspire the DIY in all of us through hands-on how to DIY advice.
I couldn’t wait to meet Lynn for several reasons. Her story is inspiring to me as an entrepreneur who is laser focused on using my strength as a writer and communicator to provide couples with the opportunity to document their extraordinary love stories and create a lasting and meaningful family heirloom. She also has a tremendous amount of expertise in custom creating “things” to bring added meaning to any occasion and with you in mind, I wanted to gush with her on easy-to-do and special DIY projects for your wedding day.
Lynn DIY’d her wedding to the nines! And she told me about some of her favorite wedding day projects that came together to personalize her big day.
Here's inspiration straight from her wedding day: She wrapped her bouquet in lace from her mom's wedding dress.
She hand made a ring pillow for the ring bearer which is now a keepsake for her and her husband to always remember their special day.
She filled a box with DIY favors including Charleston bloody mary mix, a mini bottle of vodka, salt and pepper shakers sealed with a custom sticker.
Her welcome bags included items that represented the cities she and her husband call home (Chicago, Pennsylvania, Georgia).
She made chalkboard signs for all their messaging (bar, seating, welcome table, social media hashtag).
She built a frame to display their favorite pictures from over the years.
A friend of hers made and embroidered towel wraps for the bridal party.
Aren’t these DIY details so lovely? I asked her how other brides-to-be could begin to take on DIY projects and customize their wedding day. Her tips will help you take the first and hardest step, getting started!
Think about how you can share little tidbits about you and your fiancé with your wedding guests, she advises.
Executing is the toughest part, she says, so use tools around you like Pinterest and CraftBoxGirls.com. But don’t try to execute all of it yourself. Bring in your friends, family, and bridesmaids. “Make your DIY a labor of love with your friends and family,” she counsels.
It’s your day, but think about your guests. What will they enjoy and remember about your special day? For instance, Lynn provided snacks and water on the bus to the reception as an example. She calls these “surprise and delights.” How can you surprise and delight your wedding guests throughout the entire wedding?
I hope my conversation with Lynn was as inspiring to you as it was to me. Let me know which of these DIY wedding ideas you like best by leaving me a note in the comments! Will you tackle any DIY projects for your wedding day?
XO,
Kristen
*Images Courtesy of Lynn Lilly
P.S - Before you go, don't forget to snag 20 creative ways to personalize your wedding right here!