DIY Life

If you're getting married this summer, it's probably a little late to start planning your big day right now. If you're tying the knot next year, however, or just looking for some last minute tips then -- wow! -- have we got some ideas for you!

Blushing brides learn what to do with treasured wedding mementos, hopeful grooms get pointers on the perfect proposal, and if you're the maid-of-honor, you'll be her hero for suggesting economical ways to make table center-pieces and party favors!

Let's face it: everything today is expensive. Where they really get you, though, is with anything wedding. You can always benefit financially from doing-it-yourself. You've probably thought about making and assembling your own wedding invitations and favors, but have you considered creating your own wedding bouquet?

Simple bouquets are more stylish these days, and that works in your favor. Some general tips for making your own wedding bouquet are at All Wedding Ideas and include:

• coordinating colors and tones with the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses
• making sure to have at least eight of the main flowers in your bouquet on hand
• arranging starting with the largest main flowers and work out from the center
• accentuating the finished floral arrangement with beads, tulle, ribbon, and lace

I love fresh cut flowers, but sometimes it is really difficult to get them to stay fresh for a long time. Flowers shops don't always put a packet of flower preservative in the package, so more often than not, you may end up with dead flowers in just a couple days.

It isn't so difficult to maintain fresh cut flowers. When you first receive them, check to see if there is a packet of flower preservative. Fill a vase with lukewarm water and sprinkle in some preservative. Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle with a knife or kitchen shears, and remove any leaves that may come in contact with the water. If you don't remove these leaves, they may end up rotting in the water. Change the water on a daily basis, each time cutting the stems a tiny bit more to ensure they receive the fresh water. You'll be amazed at how long your flowers last.

You can make your own preservative with this simple recipe from Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Check out the wonderful tips for keeping your flowers smelling fresh and looking lovely long after you would normally have thrown them in the compost bin.