DIY unity candle

Instead of spending between $40-$50 for a unity candle (and about 99% of them I do not even like!) I decided to make my own. I'm happy with how it turned out:

It was so easy! The monogram is a clip that I found at Michael's, and then I just got some sheer dark purple ribbon and some applique pearls and those swirly pearly-rhinestone things are appliques, as well. All I did was clip on the monogram to the ribbon, hot glued the back of the ribbon and started sticking stuff. I thought about adding some more detailing to the top left and bottom right of the candle, but at the same time I think it looks great as it is - I don't want to add "too much." I kind of like the abstractness of the swirly appliques.

Here is the taper candle:

Same concept with the ribbon and then I just stuck on those pearl appliques with rhinestones down the middle. I might have to go back and hot glue them on, though, depending how well they hold up.

I'm having a hard time finding a unity candle stand, though. Part of it is because I'm cheap (don't feel like paying like $40 for a stand) and don't feel like spending any more money towards this wedding but at the same time you get what you pay for. I got a $20 stand from Pat Catan's and it was sooooooo cheap and flimsy.

I'm also going to make the memory candle. I got a cylinder glass vase and at the bottom I will put clear/white marbles, then fill with water and put a floating white rose candle on top. Only I'm having a hard time finding rose candles, so I might have to get a floating round candle instead (not just a tealight, these candles do not have a metal base to them). I'm going to come up with some nice wording and print it on some vellum paper and then stick it to the glass and viola! I just need to do it in a way where it won't look funky, because you can definitely see hot glue through stuff. Maybe some double-sided tape?

10 more days! Tomorrow I am getting sushi with my brother and Thursday I will be in the Akron area, so I figure I will go to Wadsworth while I'm there and give the reception venue the final count, even though it technically isn't due until Friday. I'm also going for a final fitting and getting my dress steamed.

I also forgot to post a side-view of my hair, so here it is: