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”.

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.