One of 2017 hottest wedding trends comes from an unexpected source: paper. Although most think of paper as nothing more than a boring office staple, creativity and DIY know-how prove that this decorating tool has the potential to produce some truly mind-boggling and beautiful wedding themes. Before settling on traditional wedding decorations, consider these unforgettable paper-inspired wedding motifs guaranteed to transform your special day.
“Senbazuru:” 1,000 Blessings
Photo By || Stephanie Haller Photography
Originally inspired by ancient Japanese lore, the crane is a traditional wedding symbol of strength, grace, and ultimate love. The crane is one of Japan’s holiest creatures and is often used to inspire good fortune and blessings, especially for weddings. The term “Senbazuru” represents the 1,000 years of life these supernatural birds are said to live. Using traditional the Japanese paper art, origami, these cranes are a special symbol of weddings. Traditionally, 1,000 origami cranes are created for the celebration, each representing “one year of happiness and blessings” for the couple. These delicate paper creations are used for decorations, guest favors, table dressings, and even wedding cake accessories. The more of these special cranes that are present, the richer the wedding experience becomes.
Regardless of whether you or your spouse is Japanese, this ancient wedding tradition is the perfect way to inspire a sense of great blessings and intimacy, for both you and your guests. These symbolic paper cranes are easy to create yourself; however, the sheer number of these creations may prove overwhelming. Many vendors and paper crafters are happy to supply as many cranes as you desire for your wedding.
Forever Flowers
Via || Paper + Lace
The bride’s wedding bouquet is one of the sweetest wedding symbols in existence. However, despite how beautiful these flowers are on the special day, they only have a limited life span. For brides that wish to create an original bouquet that will last forever, paper flowers are the perfect option. Using specialty craft paper and basic supplies, it’s relatively easy to create eye-catching flowers in a huge array of colors and flower styles. For an added touch of uniqueness, consider using pages from a beautiful vintage book. The delicate wording on each petal will give your flowers a special charm, particularly if these words are from a book you love and hold dear.
Centerpieces
Via || Smarty Had A Party
Weddings that are held outdoors or during the evening hours require special table dressings and centerpieces. Give your tables a warm glow by using paper lanterns and luminaries to bathe your tables and guests in soft, welcoming light.
Create your paper luminaries with paper craft baggies and LED artificial lights. Decorate each luminary with bows, flowers, or ribbon in your choice or colors and style.
Paper lanterns can be used in a huge variety of ways. Depending on your taste, dress your lanterns up as makeshift flower vases by placing small bouquets in the top opening of each lantern. These lanterns can also be used as plain, minimalist table centerpieces. To give your lanterns a glow, include a small LED light inside.
Origami Table Placards
Via || Destination I Do
Originally designed guest seating placards are the perfect way to give your seating plan a touch or unique charm. Using origami, fashion paper hearts, cranes, or other unique designs to hold name cards. These placards can be placed at each seat for a lovely personal surprise every guest will appreciate. These origami placards also double as easy favors your guests can take home as personal gift.
Garlands and Backdrops
Via || The Glitter Guide
No wedding is complete without decorations and original decor. Even the most minimalist wedding needs several well-planned decor ideas to establish their them. Using paper, unique wall garlands and backdrops are easy to create to dress up any space or room. Select hearts, flowers, or other simple designs and trace out large paper shapes. String together with twine, ribbon, or light strands for a quick and easy wall hangings. Most designs are relatively easy and cheap to create, especially if you’re running short on time.
To enhance your wall decorations and also create a unique wedding guest book, provide your guests with a “picture station.” Set out a Polaroid camera, clothespins, and simple picture props or backgrounds. Your guests will enjoy taking fun snap-shots of themselves for your “photo guestbook.” After they finish, they can pin their pictures to a garland or decorative display to commemorate their visit. Even after your wedding is over, all these priceless pictures are perfect for creating a memory collage or wedding photo book you and your spouse can enjoy for years to come.
Wedding Cake Toppers
Via || Red Light Studio
No one even considers the possibility of using paper as a wedding cake decoration. It simply isn’t done. However, this is precisely what makes paper wedding toppers such amazing accessories. Regardless of your cake style, creating a paper couple to proudly display on top is a unique decorative touch you won’t regret. In addition to traditional wedding toppers, paper flowers, and Senbazuru paper cranes are also great decoration alternatives. Each of these toppers are easy to save as treasured wedding day mementos.
Wedding Send-Offs
Via || Isabelle Selby Photography / Ruffled
Consider abandoning the simple rice send-off most weddings use. Although steeped in tradition, it’s far easier and unique to create your own style of send-off as you leave your guests for your honeymoon. Paper confetti cones are beautiful and easy ways to store dried flowers, sequins, or whatever confetti option you choose. For a more personal touch, consider vintage heart confetti to give your send-off an even greater romantic appeal.
Guest Favors
Even after you and your spouse have left the party, your guests will still have you both on their minds. Give them a final farewell and thank you with a special paper-inspired guest favor. “Popping by” guest baggies stuffed with popcorn or caramel corn are fun and tasty guest favors everyone will appreciate. For a more elegant spin create or purchase origami flower boxes to fill with whatever goodie or prize you like.
Although nontraditional, paper provides a treasure trove of amazing decoration and motif ideas perfect for your wedding day. With a little searching and creative planning, you can use this simple tool for nearly every aspect of your special day.
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