Origami can be a great, cost effective and fun way to make your own wedding decorations. There are so many styles you can choose, from the classic swan to a lotus flower or rose. Here are some origami instructions to get you going.

The Origami Crane

They are known as a symbol of dedication. A bride who wishes to show her commitment to the union does so by folding one thousand cranes. It is said that whomever folds a thousand cranes is granted a single wish. Cranes are known as symbols of prosperity and happiness. And the crane is also a symbol of peace.

Origami Paper Cranes

1. Start with a perfectly square sheet of paper. Paper made specifically for origami can be found at most craft stores. It is usually colored only on one side. I used a sheet that was colored on both sides.
2. Begin by folding one edge to meet to other, with the colored side outward.
3. Open up the paper and lay it flat. Now repeat step 2 in the other direction, and open up it up again.
4. Fold it diagonally with the white side out (pink here). Line it up corner to corner.
5. Open up the paper, repeat step 4 in the other direction, and open up the paper again.
6. Lay the paper with the white side up. (pink here) Bring in the side corners, while bringing the top corner down.
7. With the open side pointing towards the left in this picture, fold one corner of the square so that the edge is lined up with the center line.
8. Repeat step 7 with the other flap.
9. Flip the paper over and repeat step 7 for the other two flaps.
   
10. Fold the top flap down and crease hard. Now fold it the same way in the opposite direction.
11. Open up one side, and lay it flat.
12. Lift the top flap on the open end (the lower end in this picture) and fold it upwards, bringing in the sides and lay flat
13. Flip the paper over and repeat steps 11 & 12 for the other side.
    
14. With the open end towards the left in the picture, fold in one flap in so that the edge lines up with the center line.
15. Repeat step 14 for the other flap
16. Flip the paper over and repeat steps 14 & 15 for the flaps on the other side.
17. Fold over one side and lay flat.
18. Fold up the top flap on the open end, so that the tip of the lower flap reaches the tip of upper flap.
19. Fold two of the flaps over and repeat step 18 for the other lower flap.
20. Fold one flap over and lay flat.
21. Fold the top flap down.
22. Flip the paper over and repeat step 21 for the other side.
23. Invert fold one of the upper tips to form the head.
24. Pull back the other tip to form the tail.
25. Gently pull the wings apart to form the body.
26. And now it is complete!