DIY brides x

Hi Fairy bugs! We have a special little feature for our lovely DIY brides. 

I was invited by the lovely Leanne at Manchester Arndale to come down and talk to 4 of the major high streets stores selling everything from homewares, electricals, cooking utensils etc. Now I know this is not the usual feature that I normally create for you, but there is method to what may seem madness.

So invitation in hand, I hopped, skipped and jumped over to Manchester Arndale (on my lunch hour), to find some wedding props for our DIY brides.

I power walked my little tush around the Arndale to Argos, Homesense, Wilkinsons and Clas Olhson. Now you may not think to visit these stores when planning your wedding day but trust me some of the finds are perfect for wedding day titivating and all at pocket friendly prices!!

So lets get tooting :)

First up we have Wilkinson, with a brand new revamped website which, i must say is much easier to navigate and has a lovely section 'Shop by trend". Now this little feature is great if you are looking for pieces to sit within your theme. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the finds on the site! DIY brides with and outdoor, summer wedding.....have you thought about what pieces you may want to use to dress the outdoor space? Outdoor is just as important as indoor! Well take a gander at the below items (best bit you can use them in your home after)!

The hanging hearts are super to spruce up any outdoor spaces or to simply hang inside parasols. These have a lovely pattern and are a steal at £6.00. Not your colour spray them! The outdoor moroccan lights add a real romantic touch and will flicker on into the early hours. At £15.00 each they may seam a little much but remember you can re-use them at home after, making them a super 2in1. Other items not to miss on the site are the lovely coloured tealights! An inexpensive way to add your highlight colours. The decorative metal ball lights which, compliment the pieces above. Then you really must look at the home accessories section. There are loads of great finds to spruce up your wedding. Visit Wilkinsons at http://www.wilko.com

Next our friends at Homesense. Recently invited to the store opening this store is full of trinkets ideal to accessorise your special day. Now the main thing about home sense is a good store visit! You may need to pencil some time in your diary, as once you step foot in the store you'll be in there for hours looking through the aladdins cave of everything lovely jubbly!

As a little contrast to the last offerings i showcased from home sense i now have some fun colourful quirky extras which will give your day an eclectic vibe. The enamel coated cases are amazing and as you can see come in different sizes and colours! Individually priced depending what size you choose, buy one of these eye popping trunks and bob it on your present table, they are a great way to collect your wedding cards! I know some of our brides to be love a bit of vintage quirkiness and the old skool jukebox & petrol pump boxes are a real delight. If your having a sweet table use these as a kooky feature filling them with bags and scoops. Check out the site now to find your nearest store http://www.homesense.com

Thirdly we have Clas Ohlson and I was happily surprised by the lovely seasonal offerings displayed beautifully at the front of their store. If you have a garden party or kitsch theme pop down now, don't miss out! Now although i may have focused on the outdoor pieces here there are lots of other finds to be had. Photo frames for table plans, disposable cameras (let your guests photograph your day) and much much more!

From tea lights to lanterns, ice cream pots & spoons to colourful picnic ware. Now as an up and coming theme, "the outdoors wedding" with its homemade essence are trending more and more so I must admit i gave a little squeal when i saw the wall of pink and aqua picnic ware! These items will definitely add a touch of fun to your wedding. From as little as £2.69 (for multiple packs) these pieces are sure to be flying out the doors. Don't fret you can get them online too at http://www.clasohlson.com for those of your who are wanting a true garden party feel there are matching paper plates and cups too! eek!

Lastly we have Argos. Now traditionally I think alot of us use argos for house hold and electrical bits and bobs. Well look again peeps! There are some bargains to be had. Hold on now this piece below is a great way to create a homemade table plan. Each cage can be a different table with name tags clipped to the cage (you can get miniature wooden pegs from any hobby shop)! Then in the photo sections add your favourite memories of you and your husband, or what about a representation for your table names (i.e places you live - photos of houses, street names etc). Don't worry if you have more than 4 tables get 2! Now they are £44.99 each but afterwords add wedding photos and give them as a gift to family members.......there's that lovely 2in1 idea again :)

Then what about these lovely little votives £9.99 for 3. Add a sweet scented tealight and they will flicker away happily on your tables or fill them with sweets for your guests to pick at. Whats more is these will look lovely in the home afterwards. Check out Argos now for more finds http://www.argos.co.uk

I really hoped we've helped inspire you to look for lovely finds for your special day in some of the shops we visit in our day to day! Not only will you have something that isn't off a bridal website you will find great finds at great prices and no one will know but you! Giving you the chance to add the DIY to your special day xx