How and why I set up DIY Brides

I didn't set out to be a DIY bride. The main motivation for my DIY wedding wasn't money either. Of course, saving money was a massive bonus. But the main features of my DIY wedding were that I had lots and lots of fun, learnt lots of new things and had a truly unique and personal day.

Back in 1999, I was running my own children's opera company, directing opera in small theatres across West London on a freelance basis and do

ing part-time work as a supply teacher. In the six months leading up to the wedding, as a DIY bride, every free evening was devoted to making stationery, making cake decorations and even sewing my bridesmaid's dress. You can find out more about my actual DIY wedding and what I did on the Wedding Stories page.

There wasn't a book on the market that had a bit of everything in it for the DIY Bride. That told you how to make wedding invitations or how to make sugar roses. Believe me, if such a book had existed back then, I'd have bought it. So, after the wedding, I decided to have a go at writing it myself. The complete guide for the DIY Bride.

I sent my idea round lots of publishers and was rejected. But I knew it was a good idea. So three years later, I sent it off again and this time, to my delight, the Guild of Master Craftsmen decided to publish my book.

All I had to do then was write it. No mean feat because by then, I was working full-time. I'd had a complete change of direction, deciding to fulfill my dreams and pursue a career in television. I'd done a Masters degree in TV Production. Even before I'd completed the course, my first documentary idea had been commissioned by Granada TV. After the course, I started work at the BBC - initially on a 4 week, work experience contract, but I ended up staying for 5 years.
The book was finally published in July 2004. It was an absolutely thrilling moment opening the box and seeing my work in print, complete with full colour photos of all my wedding creations. Easy Wedding Planner is sadly out of print now. You can buy it secondhand on Amazon or get a copy from your local library. But I still want to share my ideas so I've set up this website. It's non-profit making, I'm not selling anything and even if you buy the book from Amazon, I won't get a penny!

Last year, I decided to combine my interest in weddings with my interest in film making and I set up 4 Life Films. I want to produce wedding videos that have all the creativity and high standards of production as my TV programmes.

Find out more about Easy Wedding Planner or purchase from Amazon. Or visit 4 Life Films website.

I hope that both the book and this website will help you have your dream wedding, whatever your budget!

Email: jennifer.page@mac.com
87 St Albans Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 0ND
Copyright Jennifer Page 2008