Beautiful Bridal Clutches

Clutches are a stylish finishing touch to your bridal look. From classic to whimsical, your bridal purse can say a lot about your personal style. From the Etsy Wedding Team here are 4 looks for handmade bridal clutches.

Feminine Whimsy. Purses with lovely fabric folds and dangles can work well with similar elements in your dress or just the opposite, such as a whimsical clutch with a sleek dress. {handmade by www.bellesandcrystals.etsy.com}



Pattern and Color. For something a little different try colorful patterns. These are also great for bridesmaid purses and gifts. {handmade by www.DavieandChiyo.etsy.com}


Classic Elegance. For classic grace that never goes out of style, you can't go wrong with black and white with lace. {handmade by www.percyhandmade.etsy.com}



Sleek and Stylish. For modern and evening weddings, consider sleek clutches with a touch of drama. {handmade by www.thesocialseam.etsy.com}

For more handmade bridal style, 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.

Wear Your Monogram

From invitations to favor tags, monograms are wonderful ways to tie together your wedding stationery. But your monogram can become even more personal when you wear it. From the Etsy Wedding Team here are 3 ways to wear your monogram:
On your bouquet. Embroidered fabric ribbons can be personalized with your monogram, wedding date or both. Make a bigger statement by including your bridesmaids’ bouquets in coordinating colors. {handmade by www.michaelangela.etsy.com}


With your dress. You can keep your monogram close by wearing it as a garter. Save the monogram version for yourself, and use a non-personalized one for your garter toss. Another idea is an embroidered wedding dress label with your monogram, wedding date and/or a special message. {handmade by www.MondeDesign.etsy.com}


As an accessory. Carry your monogram on your bridal purse, or in it as a handkerchief. Custom or unique embroidery can make it a personal, special piece worthy of passing down through the generations. {handmade by www.FairyDavis.etsy.com}

For more unique monogram ideas for handmade weddings, 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.

Bridesmaid Handmade Gift Guide: Part 1: Purses and Bags

Your bridesmaids have shared this wonderful wedding journey with you. So how do you thank them in a personal, meaningful and creative way? Handmade bridesmaid gifts provide unique designs and artistry that they’ll cherish.

This week it’s purses and bags. From funky to elegant there’s enough diversity in handmade style to please all the lovely ladies on your list (or snag a special gift for yourself!)



Classically Elegant

Some styles of bags, purses or clutches go with almost anything, adding instant grace. Perfect for the Audrey Hepburns in your bridal party. Or a go-to gift that you know anyone would love. {This purse is handmade by www.classabags.etsy.com}



Modern

Sleek and sculptural bags make a stylish statement. Perfect for your high-fashion bridesmaids. Or anyone looking to be. {This purse is handmade by www.thesocialseam.etsy.com}


Funky

Some women are divas, and they should have a bag to match. Perfect for bridesmaids with singular style, and a personality to go with it. {This purse is handmade by www.leighannkline.etsy.com}




Natural

Purses can be conversation starters. Perfect for bridesmaids who embrace handmade artistry. Or anyone in your bridal party who loves the unexpected. {This purse is handmade by www.selecta6.etsy.com}



Useful

A good tote will go everywhere with your bridesmaids. Perfect for the on-the-go, carrying-it-all ladies on your list. Or as a personalized keepsake from your wedding. {This tote is handmade by www.pinkvelvetpress.etsy.com}

Browse the artists in the Etsy Wedding Team (listed on the left) for fashionable gifts for your bridesmaids.

Next week in The Bridesmaid Handmade Gift Guide: Part 2: Jewelry

Leigh-Ann Kline featured on Art Addict

I just wanted to extend a congratulations to Etsy Wedding Team Member Leigh-Ann Kline, who I featured on Art Addict. She also recently made a front page appearance on Etsy. She makes gorgeous and elegant handbags and clutches. Of course, Leigh-Ann is no stranger to the press. Her bags have also been featured in publications such as Inside Weddings and Divine Details. If you take a look at her gorgeous creations, you'll understand why. Check out the article on Art Addict here:

A Most Elegant Handbag