Jump to content

DIY Message in a Bottle Save the Dates w/ Pics


Recommended Posts

save+date+pic.jpg

 

 

 

 When I started thinking of a destination wedding, I couldn't think of a better way to "Save the Date" than a message in a bottle. When I started browsing online websites, I was quickly turned off by the pink sand, sparkly sea shells or frilly looking paper. I was looking for something more natural and "realistic" looking. ...They always say if you want it done right, do it your self.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1: Purchase supplies. Supplies needed:

- Glass bottles (I purchased mine from ebottles.com for $1.48/ea including cork)

- Sand (I already had some we had purchased to fill our outdoor basketball hoop)

P1000594.JPG- Any ornaments or sea shells (I purchased some small sea shells from Michaels)

- A beachy scent (I purchased Pina Colada scent from Michaels)

- Raffia string to tie around your message (I purchased from Michaels)

- Parchment Paper for message (I found mine at Walmart)

- A funnel to fill the sand

- A pencil to assist in rolling the message

- Packaging to mail it in (unless you are hand delivering). I purchased 4x4x8 boxes and brown crinkle paper from ULINE.com. The boxes were perfect size and the crinkle paper stuck with the "natural" look.

P1000598.JPG

P1000598.JPGStep 2: Print your message on Parchment Paper

 I just used Word to draft my message and printed it on my parchment paper. I also printed name tags to attach to the exterior of the bottle.

 

Step 3: Give your paper some character!

P1000600.JPGI choose to burn the edges of my paper using long matches and a candle (to re-light the new matches). This is quite messy...I did it over my sink...and still made a mess and inhaled quite a few fumes but it was all worth it! :)

 

Step 4: Fill the bottles with sand & add your scent

P1000592.JPGI used a funnel I found in the garage and filled the bottles pretty easily (I filled the bottom about 1 inch to ensure I left enough room for the message). A helpful tip is to "bake" the sand before using it. This allows the sand to dry out as much as possible so it doesn't stick to the edges when you're filling the bottles. After filling, I added a few drops of the Pina Colada scent in each bottle and dipped the bottom of the corks in the scent. (p.s.- This was my favorite part. Every time I smell this scent now it makes me think of the bottles, the engagement, the wedding, very happy thoughts)!

 

Step 5: Roll the message and tie with string

By far the most difficult and tedious part. Rolling these little suckers small enough to fit in the bottles was not simple (or fun) but it did get easier as I got the hang of it and you have to keep in mind that the crinkles are all giving the paper a little "character." I used a pencil to roll it, starting at one end and keeping it as tight as possible. There really isn't a rhyme or reason to the method except for practice. Once I got it small enough I quickly put the end inside of the bottle before it expanded any and I had to start all over :). THEN I tied the string around the middle of the paper and left about 4-5 inches of string hanging out the top of the bottle. Next, press the cork in (it goes in pretty easily, especially after dunking it in the scent so don't press too hard!).  Then repeat, repeat, repeat! :)

 

Step 6: Attach label & finish with string

I punched a hole in the label using the tip of my pencil (a hole punch would have created an "unnatural hole) and then just tied knots in the string around the label. The bottle looked a little plain so I tied some string around the bottle to spruce it up a bit. I thought it looked quite nice.

 

Step 7: Box them up and ship!

P1030594.JPGP1030591.JPGI stuffed my boxes with lots of the brown crinkle paper and made sure they would not break and then taped them up. To label the boxes, I printed addresses and return labels on my parchment paper. I just ripped the paper to give it "character" and glued it to the box. I also created a label that said "FRAGILE, This Side Up" using the same paper and rip/glue method. I hand delivered a few of them and shipped the others. The shipping of course took up the majority of the cost but I was proud and excited about the bottles (and I think it was worth it..the price and the time consumption!).

 

*Other good ideas, that I did not use:

- Using a plastic bottle so you can just ship it without boxing it...would also be cheaper.

- Giving your paper character by using tea bags, rather than burning the edges.

 

P1030588.JPG

 

P1030587.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you! I am going through all of my items now and have left over supplies to sell:

- 22 Glass Bottles w/ Corks: $25 + shipping

- Bag of sea shells: $2 + shipping

- Raffia String (about 1/2 roll): $2 + shipping

- Crinkle Paper (about 6 lbs): $10 + shipping

 

*I will sell everything for $35 + shipping (essentially including sea shells and string for free!)

 

Please private message me if you are interested or would like to make an offer. Thank you!

P1030897.JPGP1030901.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for posting everything with the "steps" included! I'm not a super crafty person, so sometimes I need a little help!

 

What did you mean my using tea bags to add character?? This sounds interesting! I don't know if I want to do the tedious task of burning the edges.

 

I actually bought plastic bottles with the initial thought of saving money on shipping...but now I don't know quite how I should ship them! Would it look tacky to slap a label and stamp right on the bottle?!?! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think slapping a shipping label on the bottle is your only option (other than boxing it up of course). You could probably take it to the pots office and ask them about your options. And then you could design your own stamp (once you know how much it is to ship) on Zazzle.com that says something cute! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 3 years later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...