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.

Using Your Monogram

Last week the Etsy Team Wedding presented ways to wear your monogram. This week we are featuring 3 ways to make your wedding personal by using your monogram on handmade pieces.

Keep in mind, tradition says that on items before you are married, such as invitations, welcome bags, etc, you use your first names or initials as the monogram. After the ceremony, you can also use the new last name or initial. So your monogram can be different depending on when you are using it.

In Welcome Bags. Personalize welcome bags for your out-of-state guests by including your monogram on the bags or its contents. {handmade by www.printyourparty.etsy.com}

As Table Decor. A monogram can be a great way to tie your different table decor pieces together. From the table numbers to menus, and from favors to table runner itself, you can make a huge impact with a simple design. {handmade by www.CustomizedWedding.etsy.com}


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

Handmade Ring Bearer Style

These days there are so many ring bearer pillows choices, many of which aren’t even pillows at all. So for whatever you want to be, there’s probably an Etsy Wedding Team ring bearer style to match. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Be Classic: Classic colors and beautiful details can make your ring pillow an absolute stunner. {handmade by www.YANDEBRIDAL.etsy.com}


Be Glamorous: Some details just say glamor. By incorporating feathers and jewels you can have high glamor with modern style. {handmade by www.bellesandcrystals.etsy.com}


Be Personal: Adding your initials or names can help make your ring exchange more personal and intimate. {handmade by www.TheBloomingSouth.etsy.com}


Be Heirloom: Extremely well made and timeless designs help you pass on your wedding traditions to the next generation. {handmade by www.NutfieldWeaver.etsy.com}


Be Coordinated: With matching flower girl basket and ring pillow, your littlest wedding party members can be cutely coordinated. {handmade by www.luly612.etsy.com}


Be Natural: For garden or outdoor weddings, your ring bearer style can reflect your surroundings or interests in nature. {handmade by www.MackensleyDesigns.etsy.com}


Be Reusable: Some ring bearer designs, such as dishes, allow you to experience a little bit of your wedding day everyday at home. {handmade by www.dawndalto.etsy.com}


Be Floral: There’s no reason the flower girl needs to get all the floral glory. Ring bearer pillows can be highly floral as well. {handmade by www.AmoreBride.etsy.com}


Be Themy: From St. Patrick’s Day to beach weddings there are many designs that help you match your theme. {handmade by www.ShellScapes.etsy.com}

For more ring bearer ideas and designs, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Flower Girl Power

Let’s just say it: flower girls are often the “awww” moment at your wedding. They make your guests smile. You can make that moment even more meaningful with the right accessories that reflect your style.

Here are 4 handmade style ideas for your flower girl from the Etsy Wedding Team.

Floral Wear. Beautiful floral hairpieces, corsages and necklaces in your wedding colors can make an adorable impact. {handmade by www.MGMart.etsy.com}

New Flowers. Looking for something a little different? Try unusual types of flowers, or even leaves. {handmade by www.Spoccdesign.etsy.com}

Flower Keeper. When your flower girl is too young to drop petals, or you simply don’t want to, flower balls, mini bouquets or baskets with attached flowers can substitute. {handmade by www.MackensleyDesigns.etsy.com}

Beyond the Basket. Try unusual shapes to carry petals. {handmade by www.NutfieldWeaver.etsy.com}

For more flower girl and handmade wedding ideas, browse the Etsy Wedding Team on the left.

Wedding Style Ideas for a Classic Bride

Simple shapes, elegant details and timeless style choices, these are hallmarks of a classic wedding. Add the personal touch of handmade and a classic wedding can be truly stunning. Here are 5 style ideas from the Etsy Wedding Team to create a classic style wedding.

Less is more. For classic style look for simple shapes and a few meaningful details, such as an elegant headband or a veil with beautiful trim. {handmade by www.sibodesigns.etsy.com}



Update Tradition. Classic style is rooted in traditional choices. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add some spice. Even pearls can be updated to make them your own. {handmade by www.maylui.etsy.com}


Timeless style. Ignore the trendy or super modern for styles, patterns, shapes and colors that may still be popular 5 or 10 years from now. {handmade by www.PostInvitations.etsy.com}



Finishing details. What also makes classic style timeless is the use of elegant details. Look for lovely lace, beading, gems, ribbons and other details to make your wedding pieces shine. {handmade by www.YANDEBRIDAL.etsy.com}



Classic Patterns. Damasks, florals and toiles are wonderful ways to add texture and interest to your wedding, while staying in the classic style. {handmade by www.abbeyandizziedesigns.etsy.com}

Browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left for more handmade style for classic weddings.

Wedding Style Ideas for the Eclectic Bride

If you aren’t tied to the traditional, the modern or the classic, then you may be a bride with eclectic tastes, pulling design ideas from many places, styles and time periods. To make it all work together, look to unify different design styles by color, shape or texture.

Here are some handmade ideas from the Etsy Wedding Team that can easily fit in an eclectic or funky wedding design.


Hair. If you are looking for something simple, yet beautiful, flowers are a great idea for hair. {handmade by www.AmoreBride.etsy.com}


Invitations. With layered invitations you can express your tastes with contrasting patterns and motifs. Just tie it together by color or mood and you’re safe to be bold and still stylish. {handmade by www.justpeachypaperie.etsy.com}


Jewelry. In an eclectic style wedding, antique jewelry pieces work well even with a very modern decor or dress. In fact, using elements from other time periods will give your wedding more of a unique feeling. {handmade by www.handmadebydiana.etsy.com}


Reception. You don’t have to use a traditional guest book to capture the thoughts and memories of your friends and family. Think about different materials and formats. {handmade by www.cutthecakedesigns.etsy.com}


Special Touch. Highlight your signature style by using an untraditional piece for a traditional part of your wedding, such as a unique flower girl basket. {handmade by www.MackensleyDesigns.etsy.com}

Find more special touches for eclectic weddings by browsing the Etsy Wedding Team artisans on the left.