DIY Doily Wedding Decorations

Envelopes made from folded square doilies contain special missives for your guests -- their reception seating cards. On the outside, notches cut into the lace pattern hold small name cards calligraphed in gray ink; table assignments are written on larger cards nestled inside the folds. Lay them out on a linen tablecloth, propped on the lacy points of the top flaps.

Doilies and silk ribbons combine to make graceful garlands to be draped over pews at the wedding ceremony or festooned along reception tables. From top: Lacy circles are laid flat and threaded directly onto ribbon, then slid close to overlap. Accordion folds add a cheerful cadence to paper trim. Folded pairs of heart-shaped doilies create a three-dimensional effect. Round doilies are gathered into frilly puffs, then wired to a ribbon. A scalloped edge comes from folding circular doilies in half, then pressing them close as they're strung together.

Guests will be wowed when they learn that this gorgeous chandelier was made from paper doilies. Best of all, it's easy to make and a low-cost wedding decoration. 

A row of enchanting luminarias is composed of large glass candleholders surrounded by screens made from square and rectangular doilies mounted on sturdy translucent vellum.

A waxed round doily rests beneath a glass charger. The calligraphed place card is sandwiched between paper lace disks: To make, fold two 2 1/2 -inch-diameter round doilies in half, right sides in; fix the back half of each doily to either the front or back of the calligraphed place card with a glue stick, and fold down other halves to make a base, affixing a 2-inch-diameter round label to the underside for stability; stand the charming result atop the plate.

A flower girl in an eyelet dress holds a nosegay of blue hydrangea in a prim doily cuff; flowers made of trimmed and gathered doilies enhance the bouquet and the barrette in her hair.

Send guests off with candies packaged in deftly folded paper lace. The "crackers" on the stand are clear tubes filled with candy, then rolled in waxy rectangular doilies and tied at the ends with ribbon; a scalloped sticker stamped with the bride and groom's initials is a becoming seal. At right, doilies of various shapes are folded into imaginative containers for paper cups brimming with traditional blue almond dragees.

During the reception, the newlyweds can stand beneath this capacious bell of papier-mache and paper lace, surrounded by breezy white garlands of Mexican cut-paper flags. The pinata surrenders its lighthearted treasures with a simple tug on the tassel clapper -- no blindfolds or stick-swinging required. A delightful shower of confetti results -- white candies, flower petals, and strips of white paper inscribed with good fortunes -- to be distributed among the guests.

Give the decorations at your wedding reception the romantic look of lace. The intricate patterns shining through these luminarias (paper-bag lanterns illuminated by votive candles) are courtesy of doilies glued inside.

It's only fitting to present the symbols of a new union on a beautiful "something old": a pillow embellished with an heirloom handkerchief or another vintage linen. A few stitches keep everything in place and can be snipped later. If you don't have a vintage piece, you can find one at a flea market.

Homespun white cupcakes are crowned with fondant hearts cut with a cookie cutter and imprinted with the bride's and groom's first initials using a new rubber stamp. Those bearing a B are paired with napkins marked with an H, and vice versa. The cake stand is made of Styrofoam and boards, with a 3-inch-wide doily trim.