Happy 10th birthday, Etsy!
Ilove everything about Etsy UK. I love that it houses a community of creators, crafting individual, handmade items that are wonderfully kooky and unique. I love how easy it is to browse almost anything I can think of. But most of all, I love the fact that’s it’s like falling down a rabbit hole of ideas – exactly what you need when it comes to planning a wedding.In honour of Etsy turning 10 years old this month, here are my top 10 favourite wedding ideas, found on Etsy:
1. Alternative guest books
Boxes, puzzles, tree trunks – there are a million ways your guests can sign their well wishes. I love the simplicity of this poster – stylish and easy to frame.
Wedding guest poster by Zunelle , found on Etsy UK.
2. Forget flowers
There are a million alternatives to real bouquets – although you might want to watch who you throw this heavy, retro brooch bouquet at! With rhinestones, pearls, fabric flowers and cascading detail, it’s certainly an original alternative to flowers.
Retro Chic Cascading Brooch Bouquet by Natalie Klestov, found on Etsy UK.
3. Fabulous fascinators
One of the first items I ever bought from Etsy was a fascinator for my brother’s wedding. It wasn’t just a fascinator; it was THE fascinator – huge, red rose, petals and velvet leaves from Japan, a birdcage that fell over my eye and a pillbox base. ‘Kate’ was handmade by Californian-based Arturo Rios, I took a small risk by ordering from abroad and colour matching to a photo of my dress. Luckily, it matched perfectly and elevated my wedding guest outfit to Hollywood glamour.
Natalie R Harris wearing ‘Kate’ by Arturo Rios, found on Etsy UK.
4. Clever cacti
I recently attended a wedding where I was given a little cactus plant as a favour. This was super sweet in itself, but the cactus had a little name place sticking out of it with my table number! I just loved how it doubled up as a favour and seating plan.
Black and white cement planter pot by Biff and Snorkelbear, found on Etsy UK.
5. Hang on
Treat your wedding dress aka the-best-dress-you-will-ever-wear with respect: give it a personalised ‘Mrs’ hanger with your new name on it. Not that there’ll be any doubt that the dress belongs to you, of course…
Wedding hanger by Handcrafted Affairs, found on Etsy UK.
6. Hashtag it
Socialise your wedding by creating your own personalised hashtag. Your guests can then share on social media and all your photos will be aggregated in one place.
Printable wedding Instagram sign by Nella Designs, found on Etsy UK.
7. Release your feet
Who said anything about heels? Etsy is filled with ideas for alternatives to traditional wedding footwear. Pearl, lace and crochet barefoot sandals are perfect for a beach wedding, while no honeymoon would be complete without some ‘Just Married’ flip flops.
‘Just Married’ sandals by Sand Imprint Sandals, found on Etsy UK.
Beach wedding barefoot sandals by Lady Vivienn, found on Etsy UK.
8. Mr and Mrs
I’ve seen the whole ‘his and hers’ thing taken a bit too far; I’m much more into a simple keepsake for the two of you that you can look at and remember in years to come. I love the quirkiness of this open book origami with the wedding date embossed as 3D art.
Book origami wedding date keepsake by Meiorigami, found on Etsy UK.
9. Ring bearing
Rather than the traditional pillow, why not transport your rings in a keepsake box and then open with a key when the time comes? There’s a whole host of options out there but this little ‘I do’ box does the job nicely.
Ring bearer box by The Party Posse, found on Etsy UK.
10. Decorate it yourself
And finally, Etsy wouldn’t be Etsy without its endless DIY options. Want something that’s not found on the high street? Want to craft, create, personalise, hang and adorn? You’ve come to the right place.
White LED paper lanterns by Light Sources, found on Etsy UK.
Paper garland bunting by Paper Notebook, found on Etsy UK.
