Materials Needed:

• a wooden box (Look at antique stores or shops like Three Potato Four. Just make sure the box you use isn’t too deep.)
• green florist’s styrofoam
• a small hand saw
• needle nose pliers
• copper wire (you can find it at craft stores like Ben Franklin)
• tent fold escort cards
• a wire cutter or a pair of heavy duty scissors to cut the copper
• reindeer moss
• Spanish moss
• acorns

Directions:

1. Measure the height, width and depth of the box.

2. Cut the styrofoam to size with a hand saw.

3.  Fit the styrofoam in the box

4. Cover styrofoam with reindeer moss.

5.  Cut the copper wire into 5″ pieces. You will need as many pieces of copper wire as you have escort cards.

6. Grab the end of a piece of copper with your needle nose pliers. Turn pliers in a clockwise motion to form the circular shape that will hold the escort card.

7. Release the pliers from the copper and smooth the outer edge of the copper (which is probably sticking out at this point like in the image. Just clasp either side of the copper with the pliers and push them together to smooth the edge. You can loosen the grip of the wire to make room for your escort card later if you need.)

8. Determine how many rows of card holders you’ll need and how many cards will go in each row. Space the holders accordingly.

9. Place the escort cards in the holders, being sure that the name is on the outside of the card and that the table number is on the inside. (*Also keep in mind that your cards should stand higher toward the back of the box and rest lower toward the front so every name is visible.)

10. Nestle spanish moss and acorns around the box. Display the box in a place where your guests will easily see it during cocktail hour. (image courtesy of Elizabeth Messina)

Well, if you’re as talented as art director Alan Valek, you can easily whip out a save-the-date like his. Simply Photoshop two pictures, hire your local screenprinter to print your design, source a local alteration shop to saw the photos onto a chipboard, paint the edges and voila! You got yourself a beautiful and memorable save-the-date.

However, if you rather use your talent doing something else. Check out some of Jayda’s eco-friendly save-the-dates.

Credits: Hair Piece by SmittenXOXO; Box photo by Marlene Munoz via Project Wedding; Napkins embossed with calligraphy by John DeCollibus via Martha Stewart; Favors/Seating Cards by Martine’s Chocolates via Martha Stewart; Homespun lanterns via Martha Stewart; Floral design photo by Elizabeth Messina Photography via Project Wedding; Wedding Gown by KT Jean via Etsy.

If you’re a DIY bride with some time, talent and patience, this is a project you could definitely take on. This is all you need:

• Corked glass vials from Sunburst Bottle
• Handmade paper like the one offered by Of the Earth
• Sealing wax
• Hemp twine cord
• Key charm (don’t be afraid to substitute the key charm with your initials or even another symbol that represents both of your personalities)

As an alternative to getting the message done, just print it out on your home printer or use a rubber stamp. And voilà, you got yourself a very personal and stylish wedding favor!