DIY Flower baskets, centerpieces,etc..need help!

[gingersnaps2002]

Ok..the wedding is just 6 months away...we haven't decided on the rings yet, we haven't decided the invitations. I have a dress picked online but can't order it yet..no money for that and I'm trying to diet. My goal is to have it ordered by February.
I have decided instead of buying flower baskets it can be cheaper to make my own. My plan is to find 2 medium sized wicker baskets with a handle and decorate them myself. I picked up some small red and white rose flowers, the tiny ones with movable paper stems sort of..and I was planning on sticking them through the weave, and getting red and white ribbon and wrapping the handle and make it come down on either side in a big bow.
The ceremony is going to be small and we might have 2 flower girls..so one will toss red petals, the other will toss white. For the most part I'd like to leave the base of the basket alone instead of having too much frilly lacy stuff.

I don't know yet where the reception will be. We are getting married at my parent's place but I really don't want to. It's small, bad parking, not able to have a good reception there because there's no way to set up a dancing area. I was thinking for centerpieces just get mason canning jars, get some pretty colored pebble sor whatever for the base and fill with my wedding flowers. I have NO idea what to do for favors....it's a small,laid back ceremony and reception. I know I want personalized napkins but there needs to be more..something I can set out on each table so everybody can take something from the wedding.

I feel like I am behind..it's only 6 months now. We have the maid of honor and best man picked, if the best man is able to come for it, I know what I want in my bouquet and the flowers used, I have a dress picked but not bought.
As far as the reception dinner..also have no clue! LOL It doesn't help that we are on a super tight budget either. Might have to postpone the wedding.

Any ideas on how I can decorate the baskets and do the centerpieces and what favors would be nice to use? I'd like to save as much as I can by making my own things if possible.

[gwenshack]

Hey there!

I can't help you with the DIY stuff - which I could but I'm SO not good at that stuff. Fortunately these other ladies are awesome.
I did want to say one thing in regard to the dress though - I don't know where you intend to order from but just make sure that the place can get it to you in time. I ordered my dress last May and I received it in December. I'd hate for you to not allot yourself enough time!

Best of luck!

[gingersnaps2002]

I am ordering from a wholesale company located in China, but the dress is custom made to fit my measurements, the company has nothing but good reviews and it said it takes about 3 weeks total. I plan on getting the dress ordered by February, or earlier if I can.

Another question is....is it better to have the wedding and the reception at the same place? Or does it not really matter? I have a reception place picked out, but I don't think I want to have the wedding there, it's the town community center, with only one large room. But if the reception is in a different location, will there still be people show up at the reception afterwards? I want everyone to go to the reception too.

[hmz819]

I can't help with the DIY stuff either! I am not crafty at all. AS far as the reception and ceremony....we are having the ceremony on one spot and the reception site is about 20 min away.