Handmade Bridal Butterfly

It’s the little touches here and there that pull a theme together and the same is true for a butterfly theme. Here from the Etsy Wedding Team are some ideas for using beautiful butterflies in your wedding.

Stationery. Your butterfly motif can be used as an icon, an overall pattern or in a monogram repeated throughout your stationery. For a more varied look, use butterflies in new ways. These butterflies fluttering in flight offer a different view. {handmade by www.anaderoux.etsy.com}


Jewelry. Wear your theme in jewelry with earrings, bracelets and necklaces that feature butterflies. With many options you can find designs to match your style, from classic to bold. {handmade by www.MGMart.etsy.com}


Hair. With color and stylish accessories, such as crystals and feathers, a butterfly hair accessory can become a statement piece in your bridal look. {handmade by www.Mikiye.etsy.com}


Flower Girls and Bridesmaids. Distribute your theme to your wedding party. Shoe clips, cufflinks and headbands are wonderful places to add butterflies. {handmade by www.luly612.etsy.com}


Ceremony. You don’t have to wait until the reception to use your design motif. Ceremony program, ring pillow and petal cones can all include your butterfly theme. {handmade by www.YANDEBRIDAL.etsy.com}


For more beautiful handmade wedding accessories browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

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 Wedding Theme: Birds

Birds can be a perfect theme for weddings. Weddings do center around love birds after all. From the Etsy Wedding Team, here are five ways to incorporate birds into your wedding style.

Iconic Birds. With a bird theme you can use birds as a large graphic element, or as part of a larger design as seen in this wedding invitation. {handmade by www.DesignCircus.etsy.com}

Nests. Play off the idea of birds by incorporating nests. From alternative ring pillows to jewelry there are many ways to use nest designs during your ceremony and reception. {handmade by www.bobbijordan.etsy.com}

Feathers. Both whimsical and elegant, feathers add texture and dimension to wedding designs. {handmade by www.Mikiye.etsy.com}

Bird Seed. For the send off or as wedding favors, bird seed can carry a bird theme to the very end of your wedding. {handmade by www.2birdsinlove.etsy.com}

Peacocks. Great for vintage and elegant weddings, peacocks can be used to add high style to your wedding. {handmade by www.cutthecakedesigns.etsy.com}

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

Beyond the Bouquet: Modern Florals for Handmade Weddings

When most people think “wedding”, they think “flowers”. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t new, modern ways to use flowers in your wedding style. From the Etsy Wedding Team here are 5 modern floral ideas for handmade weddings that go beyond the bouquet.Try Iconic. Simple is modern. So by using one or just a few iconic flowers, you can make a design impact in a very modern way. {handmade by www.elanink.etsy.com}



Use Pattern. Not your traditional floral pattern, another take on modern floral is to use an iconic flower design repeatedly in a pattern. The key to making it modern is simple lines, and not too much detail. {handmade by www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com}


Go Large. Flowers can be quite dramatic. To make a statement using florals, try using a few of them very large. {handmade by www.YANDEBRIDAL.etsy.com}

Color it Bold. Bold or dark colors in florals instantly read modern. For maximum statement pair dark colors with light ones and bold colors with paler ones. {handmade by www.tessakim.etsy.com}

For more style ideas for handmade weddings, browse the Etsy Wedding Team members on the left.

Some RedSpiration!

Featured from Left to Right: mikiye, beadz2pleaz, artisticedition, hairbowswonderworld, yandebridal, arippke, originalsbylynnette, parsi, and invitesbyjen.

These items were found searching etsyweddingteam + red on etsy.

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.

How to Choose the Right Invitations

Before guests see your dress and reception space, they see your invitation. So invitations are your chance to give guests a sneak peak of the wedding you are planning.

In addition to increasing your choices, handmade invitations signal the care and thought behind your wedding. Here are some other things to consider as you are deciding on invitations.


Wedding style and colors? One useful thing about handmade invitations is that you can usually customize the design to match your wedding colors. That frees you up to focus on style and other things. Consider the tone and your personal design sense. Are you creating a super modern, vintage or casual and fun wedding day? Choose a wedding invitation style to match. {Handmade by www.EllasPaper.etsy.com}



Lots of enclosures? Destination weddings and weddings with many out of town guests often have lots of enclosures: response, direction, accommodation and reception cards. Pocketfolders, boxes, ribbon ties and self-contained booklets are great ways to keep everything together. Invitation designs in Etsy can often be customized for the look you want. {Handmade by www.BGDesignstudio.etsy.com}



Unified look? You can think of your invitation (and even save the date) as the start of your wedding style. So if a unified look is important to you, consider re-using elements like a monogram or a motif on your reception stationery as well (placecards, table numbers, menus, etc). Or have your invitation designer create the rest of your reception pieces. {Handmade by www.taylortt2.etsy.com}


Are you making a statement? There’s so much diversity in invitations these days, that your choice can be a true reflection of you. Do you want an eco-friendly wedding? Luxe? Unique? Un-wedding? Whatever you want your wedding to say about you, look for invitation details, styles or production methods to help you say it. {Handmade by www.KembaCelebrations.etsy.com}


Is there a theme? You can develop a theme from something you love, a time period, your cultural heritage or where you are getting married. Whether it be beach, travel, winter wonderland or something else, there’s probably a handmade invitation design to help you celebrate it. {Handmade by www.anaderoux.etsy.com}

For more inviting invitations, browse the Etsy Wedding Team designers on the left.

5 Planning Tips for a Memorable Handmade Wedding

{This sign is by www.SignsByDiane.etsy.com}

The best weddings are felt in the details.

They capture the mood of the day that we remember most. And handmade details show the care and thought behind your special day. Use these 5 tips to make your wedding more memorable with handmade details:

1. Make the Moments Special
What are the most important wedding and reception moments to you? Opening the invitation? The walk down the aisle? When guests enter the reception? The guest book signing? The cake cutting?

Look for handmade touches to make your favorite moments shine.

{This necklace is by www.jurgitahandmade.etsy.com}





2. Add Surprise
From modern to traditional weddings, an unexpected touch delights your guests and makes your wedding unlike any other. Find something that makes you smile and it will brighten your wedding as well.

Want quick inspiration? Break out of the box by browsing through handmade items made by the Etsy Wedding Team.

{These cake toppers are by www.dandelionland.etsy.com}


3. Share the Love
No matter the size of your guest list, sharing something you love will make the gathering feel more intimate. Whether it’s your culture, sense of style or some of your favorite things, you become more connected to guests when they see you in your design choices.

Find handmade items that speak to you and can speak for you. {These cake servers are by www.Beadz2Pleaz.etsy.com}



4. Define Your Style
When you are looking for pieces from a variety of artists and vendors, it’s important to unify them. An easy way to do that is to choose a style or define a mood for your wedding. That way as you are shopping, you can easily see what works.

And because handmade items can fit almost any style, you’ll still have lots of choices. {This invitation is by www.maidavale.etsy.com}

5. Be Free with Color
Think beyond 2 colors and choose a color palette for your wedding of 3 to 5 colors. This will give you more choices as you are seeking out unique pieces. And what you create will be more visually interesting and result in a more creative design. {This bouquet is by www.AmoreBride.etsy.com}

Do you have more ideas or tips for how to use handmade details to make weddings special? Share them here. Get more inspiration on Etsy by searching “etsyweddingteam”.

Modern Whimsy: An Interview with Cheerupcherup

Today's interview is with the talented Alaina of Cheerupcherup. She brings charm and her sense of modern style to play when creating spontanious stationary for brides from all over.

Where are you located?

Columbus, Ohio

Tell us a little about yourself.

I love bright colors and can never seem to get away from using them, not only in my designs, butin pretty much everything I do. My kitchen is bright green, my laundry room is bright orange, and my office is purple… and I’m pretty much wearing a different colored pair of shoes everyday. I make wedding invitations in my spare time, and I work full time as a graphic artist.

What special things do you create for weddings?

I design and make wedding invitations, and other important wedding paper goods.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?

Good question. My best answer is that weddings are so much FUN.

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?

I am obsessed (maybe a little OCD) with the way the envelopes HAVE to match the invitation PERFECTLY…. I’m not sure if that is interesting or not.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?

Wish we had hired a professional photographer, instead of having a friend do it.

What is your favorite wedding song?

“True Companion” by Marc Cohn

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?

Cake tasting!

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?

Don’t be afraid to spend the extra money on something you really love. It’s worth it. You only get married once (hopefully)

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?

Italy

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?

Oprah?

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?

I’m not sure, but my calendar save-the-date is very popular, and is really versatile and can work for any wedding because the color possibilities are endless.

Links where we can find out more about your work:

www.flickr.com/cheerupherup or http://whimsicalbliss.blogspot.com

A Etsy Wedding Treasury!

This gorgeous treasury was curated by Elena of TickledPinkKnits.

Fine-Lined Design-An Interview with Izzy and the Bean Design and Photography

Our featured artist for the day is Ashley Rippke of Izzy and the Bean Design and Photography. She and her husband create custom wedding stationary and graphics design at prices that won't break your wedding budget. Their beautiful designs and eye-catching colors are certain to have brides saying "I do!"

1. Where are you located?
Corpus Christi, TX

2. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a full-time graphic designer, with a BFA from Iowa State University. My husband and I are both graphic designers and moved to TX for jobs a year ago with our two baby dachshunds, Izzy and Bean. I love my job, and my newly found obsession with Etsy!

3. What special things do you create for weddings?
I create beautiful, but affordable, custom wedding invitations and stationary.

4. Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
When I got married I wanted to design my own invites. But, being a working college student, I wasn’t sure I had the time. So I searched and searched for an invitation to use and never found anything I liked for under $7 a piece…which was not in my budget. I ended up designing my own, and decided a wanted to start a business that gave people a low-stress place to buy professionally designed and printed invitations within their budget.

5. What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
I work really fast, and if needed can get invites designed, printed, and shipped in about 2 weeks. And for some of my designs I can do really high quality digital prints, instead of the offset I usually use, which is a great way to save a lot of money!

6. If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t? More knowledge about flowers.

7. What is your favorite wedding song?
Crazy Love, Van Morrison. It was our first dance. J

8. What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?
Don’t get stressed. It goes by so fast! So enjoy all of it.

9. What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
Las Vegas! Great food, good entertainment, and super affordable…especially for June weddings.

10. If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
Ewan McGregor

11. If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?
A fully “branded” wedding, in which every piece (invites, programs, menus, table numbers) match the other. It’s a really easy way to bring the whole event together.

12. Links where we can find out more about your work:
Arippke.etsy.com, Rippkedesign.blogspot.com

The Wedding "To Do" List: Save the Date!

The instant many brides are first engaged their minds are suddenly flooded with all sorts of the ideas and possibilities there are for their wedding. (Some are even dreams from their girlhood!) Then minutes after that may come the moment of panic---where to begin?

We at the Etsy Wedding Team would like to present brides and grooms with an ongoing series known as the "The Wedding To Do List" in which we present all those items on the ever famous brides' check-off lists, as well as a few neat things you may not even have thought of. We'll give you hints to help you plan all the details as well as give you some resources and ideas where to find fabulous items to personalize your wedding.

Of course, the first big step is always setting the big date! Once that is done, the very first thing brides and grooms need to do is send out "save the date" notices to their guests. Here are some lovely ideas from members of the Etsy Wedding Team:

If you're going for a classic and elegant look consider these "Elegant Save the Date Cards" from JustAnotherDay. They're a good value at $65.00 for 50 postcards. Better yet, the colors can be customized to fit your wedding scheme.For those that like a little bling (very tasteful bling!) visit fubabee to view the "Crystal Swirls Save the Date" card. Your wedding date will be printed on gorgeous pearl shimmery card stock with either a blue or textured black backing. Even more delightful, your guests will be charmed to open the cards and discover they are adorned with eight tiny crystals. Lovely!



If you are looking for something more casual and cute check out the "Cute Flowers Save the Date" cards by PolkaDotsandPaisley. These cards are bright and cheerful with lovely colorful flowers and a modern design. You can also order samples to determine your favorite look before committing to an entire run of cards.

The shops have many more styles to choose from. So be sure to visit and browse if you're looking for something other than what is pictured.

Stay tuned for features on additional paper items (invitations and more), accessories, gifts and other wedding items.