I Love... Origami Details

There's something really rather wonderful about origami - the intricacy of it, the delicate beauty, the patience and time taken to create something so special. I also love the packs of origami papers, the colours, the patterns and I guess there's also something about the idea that one minute, it's just a piece of paper and the next it can be folded and shaped into something amazing. The romantic in me sees parallels with human relationships - from ordinary life to extraordinary life in the blink of an eye when you meet 'the one'. Awww, please excuse my mushy musings!

Anyway, origami is totally great for weddings - the papers come in so many beautiful colours and patterns, it is, by it's nature, completely perfect for DIY, your finished details can be used right through the wedding and they are just so effective, you really get a lot of bang for your buck. So, on with some ideas...

Above - this is just such a beautiful cake with the origami papercranes swirling up it. I love the colour of the paper and it works so beautifully against the cake and stand. More cranes were used through this wedding and there are instructions and video tutorials on-line. Image - Ashley Gillett

Above - more papercrane prettiness here with cranes sat on escort cards. This is a great sophisticated colour palette and a table full of these beautiful birds (also known as peace-cranes) would look absolutely stunning. Image - Be In Love Designs

Above - here's another great idea for an origami heart ceremony program. Again, there are instructions on-line and you could use any colour paper. How fab would these look hanging from chairbacks or even from a tree by the entrance to your ceremony? Image - Bride Pop

Above - papercrane gorgeousness. This wedding had over 1,000 papercranes decorating the marquee and I have to say, I really love this. Imagine them moving in the breeze, they'd look amazing. With five or so cranes on each downward thread, these are then attached to to ribbon strung between the poles of the marquee. Just fabulous. Image - DBI Events

Above - I love this papercrane chandelier above the table for a few reasons. Firstly, it's beautiful, secondly, it's a really unusual alternative to flowers and finally, it's so great to see a clear, uncluttered table top but the height of the chandelier still gives a wonderful effect. Perfect.  Image - Gwyneth Colleen

Above - a moment of dress extravagance with this amazing origami inspired gown from John Galliano. Just had to include this!  Image - John Galliano

Above - I really love this simple piece of origami for place settings. The full instructions are really easy to follow and I like the idea of adding a little height to a place setting too. A simple and cost effective place card that would look great with any colour scheme.  Image - Martha Stewart

Above - love love love these origami favor packets with little sachets of seeds nestling inside. Again, the origami details turn this little packet into something really special. Those handwritten instruction cards inside are a perfectly personal finished touch too. Image - Martha Stewart

Above - what a brilliant seating plan and what a feature this would be! Just love it! The strings from which the papercranes flutter also have cards with each table's guests on them too. It's such a great idea and really easy to copy. To stop the cards slipping, tie a little knot behind or even use a tiny dab of glue to hold them to the the ribbon. Image - via Bridal Hood

Above - more beautiful 'flying' papercranes, this time filling an outside space with colour. How great would it be to hang hundreds of cranes from trees around your reception area - can you imagine how fabulous these would look in the backgrounds of photos and the wow factor during your drinks reception would be amazing too. Image - via Wedding Bee