Be the DIY Bride Pippa Wants to Be (Someday)

The world has had an eye on Pippa Middleton's revolving door of suitors ever since she first captured international attention at Kate and William's epic wedding of the century. And the past month, rumors of a secret engagement between the 30-year-old and her beau of eight months, Nico Jackson, have reached a fever pitch. Officially, they're not set to wed, but Pippa — no slouch in the tease department — did recently reveal in her column for British newspaper The Telegraph that she wants to be a "DIY bride." Oh, Pippa! We can see it now: Hair entwined with tea roses (in Pippa’s favorite color, Quicksand, “a sophisticated pastel”), twirling ribbons around silver birch branches and blanketing a lush forest-like backdrop with flickering tea lights. And Pippa isn’t the only one — there’s been a recent uptick of brides wanting to add a few handmade elements to their big day. No matter what your budget, even a little bit of made-by-me adds a warmth and personality that no amount of money can buy.  A word to the wise, however: Leave the dress and the food to the professionals. Homespun charm works best with atmospherical touches. A swath of burlap, and warm flicker of fire can render the blah-est of spots magical and enchanted in minutes, especially after a few glasses of champagne. Here, a round up of the best — and easiest — DIY wedding ideas, via Pinterest blogger extraordinaire, Aine Teahan. — Charlotte Rudge, Shine Staff