Rice or Roses?

Some wedding venues frown upon throwing (usually customary) rice at the newly weds, as they walk down the aisle for the first time as man and wife. So, why not replace the rice with rose petals? Just as the guests walk to the procession area, have someone hand out flower baskets. What a wonderful way to start out as newlyweds ...by people throwing aromatic rose petals at you!

You can do this on a small budget as well. Instead of buying expensive baskets for all the guests, you can make them out of paper, glue and ribbon. As I was searching for instructions on how to create a paper basket, I came across this one from Martha Stewart Weddings:

A pouch folded from colorful paper is a pretty alternative to a traditional basket; add a ribbon handle and bow, and it's ready for the flower girl's important role. We used vellum, so any moisture on flower petals won't damage the basket. It's so easy, your young attendant might like to help you make it.

Basket How-To:You will need a 12-inch-square sheet of colored vellum, a hole punch, 1/2-inch-wide ribbon, and a hot-glue gun.

1. Fold paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Place so that the triangle's longest side is at the bottom.
2. Fold right corner over as shown, creating a flap (the flap's top edge should be parallel to bottom of triangle).
3. Fold left corner over to form another flap, aligning its top edge with the top of the right flap.
4. Fold one layer of top section down. Secure with double-sided tape.
5. Turn basket over (this will be the basket's front). Fold other layer down. Tape.
6. Punch a small hole near the basket's top through all layers. Thread ribbon end through front hole, and knot inside; thread the other end through back hole, and knot.
7. Hot-glue a ribbon bow just below handle at front.

That Martha Stewart always has some very creative ideas!