Out of the Box Wedding Ideas

For couples looking for something a little different, handmade designs offer lots of choices. Some of the most interesting can be repurposed objects used in new, unexpected ways. Looking to show your originality? Here are 5 handmade wedding items from the Etsy Wedding Team that break out of the norm.


Flowers that aren’t. Button bouquets can be a sweet permanent floral arrangement that works well for vintage and glamorous weddings alike. Other interesting permanent floral ideas include clay flowers and fabric flowers. {handmade by www.letters4lilly.etsy.com}


Ring Pillows that aren’t. There’s great variety in ring pillows for your wedding. And increasingly there’s lots of choice in non-pillow options as well. Ceramic, baskets and even carved wood are some unique ideas for handmade weddings. {handmade by www.dawndalto.etsy.com}


Save the dates that do. Who says your stationery has to be actual stationery. With bookmarks, magnets, calendars and even floppy disks, couples tend to have a little more fun with their save the dates. But you can also carry that into your later wedding stationery, especially if you have a strong theme. {handmade by www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com}


Guest books that aren’t. How about a guest box instead where guest write notes for the couple on cards? Other ideas for unique guest books: postcards, fabric and stones that guests can leave personal messages on. {handmade by www.cutthecakedesigns.etsy.com}



Necklaces without jewelry. Fabric necklaces can be even more stunning than jeweled ones. In addition to fabric flowers, lace, beading and clay appliqués can add beauty and interest to your bridal necklace. {handmade by www.hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com}

For more unique handmade wedding ideas, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Monogram It Treasury!

Curated by GlitzyEvents, click the photo to view.

Handmade Weddings: Layer It On

One of the bonuses of using handmade designs for weddings is the ability to add more dimension to your wedding accessories. Layering is a fun, sophisticated way to add your style to your handmade designs. From the Etsy Wedding Team here are 5 way to use layering to personalize your wedding.

Traditional on Modern. Using traditional or ornate designs like lace over simple shapes makes an elegant, modern statement. {handmade by www.DivineWeddingDecor.etsy.com}


Pattern on Pattern. Depending on what patterns you choose, layering them can give you an elegant, funky or vintage look. {handmade by www.creativemontage.etsy.com}


Layer on Color. Layering different colors on your accessories can be an easy way to bring in your wedding accent colors or complement your flowers. {handmade by www.Beadz2Pleaz.etsy.com}



Layers on Layers. You can create a lush look by layering the same shapes on itself. The more elegant the material, the more dramatic the outcome. {handmade by www.DavieandChiyo.etsy.com}


The Unexpected. Often seemingly contradictory things can look the most interesting. Soft on hard textures, feminine on masculine shapes and other combinations can make wonderful conversation starters. {handmade by www.LittleWeeShop.etsy.com}

For more handmade wedding style, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Handmade Cake Topper

Often the center of attention at the reception…outside of the newlywed couple, of course…your wedding cake can be dressed to fit your theme, personality and whimsy. From the Etsy Wedding Team, here are ways to personalize your cake with handmade cake toppers.

Go Personal. Forget those bride and groom toppers that are everywhere. Why not put you and your new spouse on your cake? {handmade by www.dandelionland.etsy.com}



Go Floral. Match your wedding flowers with a floral cake topper. And with clay flowers like these, you can keep them, and keep your wedding alive in your home. {handmade by www.dkdesignshawaii.etsy.com}


Go Glam. Just like on other accessories, jewels and feathers can create high drama on your cake. Perfect for evening weddings, glamorous Hollywood themes and times when you just want to make a statement. {handmade by www.AmoreBride.etsy.com}


Go Theme. Match your wedding locale or a special theme with your cake topper. {handmade by www.ShellScapes.etsy.com}


Go Cupcakes. If you are doing cupcakes instead of one large cake, or a dessert table, you can still top them off in a personal way with monogram flags. {handmade by www.GoAgainstTheGrain.etsy.com}

For more wedding reception ideas, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Beautiful Birdcage Veils

So fashionable and modern, birdcage veils are popular choices for many brides today. Handmade birdcage veils are classic on their own. But add accessories and you can make your veil more personal. From the Etsy Wedding Team, here are some ways to beautify your birdcage.


Add Floral. Floral fascinators pair nicely with birdcage veils. Change the overall look with different sizes, designs and colors. The larger, more colorful or more sparkled the floral you choose the bigger the drama. {handmade by www.annemichelleheirloom.etsy.com}


Add Glamour. Vintage or vintage-style hair combs can really give you that golden age Hollywood glamour that birdcages often evoke. Rhinestones and feathers especially reveal that vintage charm. {handmade by www.TessaKim.etsy.com}


Add Bling. It’s possible to incorporate design on the netting itself, such as jewels, beading, dots, for a unique look. These wonderful details are treats when seen up close. {handmade by www.heknowsmyname.etsy.com}


Add Height. Birdcage veils may be smaller than many traditional veils, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Add drama and fun to your veil by adding height, through feathers, flowers, jewels or other stunning accessories. {handmade by www.hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com}

Add Color. Beyond white and ivory, you can often request handmade veils in other colors, like black and red. This is a great option if you have a non-white dress or will be adding coordinating colors on a sash, shrug or other accessories. {handmade by www.JadeRoseDesigns.etsy.com}


Add a Headband. Headbands, in addition to clips, pins and combs, give you another way to secure your veil. In some designs they are intended to disappear into your hair. But with some options you gain more surface area for lush accessories. {handmade by www.BeSomethingNew.etsy.com}

For more veils, birdcages and other bridal accessories, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.