DIY Wedding

DIY Brooch Bouquet Project Started

I have been pondering the idea of creating my own Brooch Bouquet for a while. Especially since the David Austin Flowers that I wanted for my bouquet were going to cost me over $100 for a dozen. So I was looking at approximately $200 just for my bouquet – CRAZEEE and not in my budget. My original floral budget for the entire wedding was $200 – HAHA.

Well, I figured if I’m gonna invest that I much then I would create something beautiful that would be a keepsake. Enter the Brooch Bouquet. So last week I took the plunge and ordered a bunch of brooches through eBay only to discover that atleast 10 of them are coming from Asia and have a new e.t.a. of 2 weeks before my wedding, which totally sucks. However, a few of them are within the US and I have been getting them in over the past few days. I’ve also scouted the thrift stores, with little luck. I even had another bride come in right after me looking for the same thing.

Since I’m the self-title “On-line Deal Queen” I found a website that sells brooches, especially the ones I need (rhinestone flowers and pearls), www.fabulousbrooch.com that sells most of their flower brooches for $3 - $5 each. I ordered 14 brooches and shipping was $8. I just got my order in and am amazed at the quality and quickness – 3 days from order to delivery from California. I think the company imports them from Asia and distributes them –

HALLELUIAH!!!! Now I’m sad I didn’t order more! I may be putting in a second order soon if I don’t get my others in the next week or so and I strike out at the antique stores.

My inspiration photo has flowers surrounding the brooch bouquet and I think I may try that with some of silk garden flowers that I liked. I will definitely post pictures of the process and of the finished product. So stay tuned!

********************UPDATE************
Went by Burlington Coat Factory yesterday and spent way more than the 20 minutes I alloted to look for brooches. There selection was around $6 each for Monet brooches in boxes and a few smaller ones for $5 each. But then I found the clearance rack where they had a tone of gaudy oversized rings, broken bracelets and other jewerly that the bling that I need. I had to go through countless racks of crap to find the items I was looking for way in the back. But it paid off. All in all I think I picked up 11 pieces for around $4 each.
Then I went home and took them all apart and started on the repairs for the few that have missing stones n such.
I'll post photos later.