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.

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 Weddings: Table Numbers

Handmade table numbers can be a fun way to further decorate your reception tables or carry through your wedding theme. From the Etsy Wedding Team here are 4 ways to dress up your table numbers.

Beyond Paper. Go for the unexpected with table numbers made out of unusual materials. Wood, metal or even number labeled wine bottles can be used for table numbers. {handmade by www.SignsByDiane.etsy.com}


New Shapes. Break out of the box, or rectangle, with unique shapes for your table numbers. Circles or unique edging detail will add personality to your reception table design. {handmade by www.maidavale.etsy.com}


Luxe Numbers. Adding dimension with textured paper, patterns, layers and embellishments can also make your table décor special. {handmade by www.invitesbyjen.etsy.com}


Get Personal. With handmade table numbers you have the chance to personalize your numbers. Add a monogram, your names, wedding date or favorite quote to make your numbers an expression of you. {handmade by www.stickermechic.etsy.com}

For more handmade wedding style, browse the Etsy Wedding team 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 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.

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.