Find out how planning an Etsy wedding helps make your day extra unique
Everyone wants their wedding to be their own special day, and there’s nothing less special than generic decorations, mass-printed invitations and -- dare we even say it -- an off-the-rack dress.
But these sorts of things don’t come cheap.
Luckily, there are sites like Etsy, where you can get hand-crafted invites, unique decorations, and one-of-a-kind dresses. Plus, most of the items sold on Etsy are sold by small business owners, so there’s a very small chance you’d stumble upon these products at your local bridal boutique. Or worse -- your best friend’s wedding.
Why should I plan an Etsy wedding?
It's pretty rare to find a shop that sells hand-made wedding gowns, alternative bouquets of flowers, customised wedding bands and vintage ring pillows. You'd have to pop from store to store, likely all over town, just to find what you need for your wedding.
Or, you can just pop online. On Etsy, there's plenty of options, all in one convenient place. Just browse through the different sections on the weddings homepage to find just about everything you need for the big day.
What can I buy during my Etsy wedding planning?
Wedding dresses
Bridesmaid dresses
Wedding bands
Invitations
Ring pillows
Favours and Decorations
Flower girls
Wedding Cake Topper and Stands
Pet costumes
Bouquets
Wedding dresses
Whether you’re after something that’s original and one-of-a-kind or just hate the idea of going to a bridal store and trying on dress after dress, turning to the web to find your perfect wedding dress is a great idea.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about pushy sales people, trying stuff on in stuffy change rooms or any of that!
Sites like Etsy offer a massive selection of just about every style of wedding dress you can imagine, in just about every price range.
Having a beach wedding, after a vintage-style dress or want to go boho-chic? No need to worry. Etsy’s got it.
Etsy store: Milamira Bridal
Simple Wedding Dress
Etsy
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Beach Wedding Dress
Etsy
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Lace Wedding Dress
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Lenny Fashion
Etsy Store: Grace Loves Lace
Etsy Store: Grace Loves Lace
Bridesmaid dresses
It's hard to find a dress that all your bridesmaids like, let alone look good wearing.
Avoid the arguments that could easily ensue by bringing everyone to a store together, and turn your search online.
One of the great things about shopping for bridesmaid dresses on the web is you can keep all your ladies happy by having them all send you their thoughts, designs and prices and search for those on a site like Etsy. Or, you can send them all over a bunch of options and see what they all think.
Plus, if anyone from the bridal party lives out of town, they can easily shop for theirs too and even get it shipped to their home town.
Etsy store: Luminia
Handmade Bridesmaid Dresses
Etsy
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Vintage Bridesmaid Dresses
Etsy
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Lace Bridesmaid Dresses
Etsy
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Etsy Store: BLUSH FASHION
Etsy Store: Beloved Vintage Bridal
Etsy Store: Dioriss
Wedding bands
Hoping to get something so unique that you and your spouse are the only ones donning them on your ring fingers? Then Etsy's a great place to look.
The handmade jewellery section here is massive and has just about everything you can think of. From traditional, solid-gold bands and personalised, engraved rings, to the more outrageous designs emblazoned with superhero logos and designed to look like tree branches, you'll probably be able to find what you're looking for quite easily without ever having to set foot inside a jewellery shop.
Many of the shops offer a range of ring sizes (including half sizes), have extreme close-up images so you can get a good idea of the quality and texture of the ring, and offer free shipping on your purchase. One thing to remember about purchasing online is to order with plenty of time before the big day. If your ring needs to be resized (which some sellers will do at no additional charge), you'll need to consider the time it takes to ship the ring back to the seller, for them to fix it, and for them to ship it back to you.
Etsy store: Jorgensen Studio
Men's Wedding Band
Etsy
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Women's Wedding Band
Etsy
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Wedding Band Sets
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Point No Point Studio
Etsy Store: The Sly Fox
Etsy Store: Precious JD
Invitations
Weddings can be anything classy affairs with formal gowns and tuxedos, or casual parties with sun dresses and strappy sandals, and the invitation tells guests just which way it's going to go. Luckily on Etsy you can find an invitation that will set your party's atmosphere from the get-go.
Having a rustic wedding in a historic barn in the country? Consider printing your invitations on tree bark (or paper that looks a whole lot like it). Treating your guests to a garden party? Look into invite options that have pressed flowers between the pages (or within them!).
There's nothing like a first impression to set the mood for an event, and for most attendees at weddings, the invitation is it. So nail it with Etsy.
Etsy store: Ink and Love
Rustic Invitations
Etsy
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Handmade Invitations
Etsy
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Invitation Stamps
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Cheer Up Cherup
Etsy Store: Ink Glitter
Etsy Store: Paper Sushi
Ring Pillows
It may seem like a rather small touch in the wedding ceremony, but when you think of it, what's one of the last things you'll look at before putting on your rings for the first time? Looks like ring pillows play a surprisingly important role in the ceremony, so you'll want to get it right.
You shouldn't have to worry about rings slipping off, not shining bright against the fabric, or being too big or small for your ring bearer (especially if he's a young one). So take your time when looking for the perfect pillow.
Etsy's got plenty of options, including vintage and handmade options, or for something a bit different, there's also the option of ring boxes.
Etsy store: Le Petit Mariage
Handmade Ring Pillows
Etsy
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Ring Boxes
Etsy
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Vintage Ring Pillows
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Collective Made
Etsy Store: Alisa Mayde
Etsy Store: Maui Rock Soup
Favours and Decorations
It's all in the final touches. After-dinner mints, a slow-burning candle in the middle of each table, and elegant centrepieces. While they probably won't make or break the big day, wedding favours and the decorations can certainly add an extra something special to your ceremony and reception.
You can find just about every decorative item and party favours (for everything from the engagement, to hens and bucks parties, to the big event) on Etsy. Here, you're able to get even the smallest things customised if you'd like.
The options are pretty much endless, from chocolates and biscuits with your wedding date printed on the packaging to the more outrageous customised temporary tattoo and sunglasses. There's something for just about every taste and occasion.
Etsy store: Sheri Sew Sweet
Favours
Etsy
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Decorations
Etsy
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Lighting & Candles
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Baby Essentials by Mel
Etsy Store: Sweet Invitation Co
Etsy Store: Bragging Bags
Flower Girls
Whether you're looking for a mini-version of your own wedding dress, a bright frock to match the rainbow of petals she'll be sprinkling down the aisle, or just the most adorable small dress you can find, we don't think you'll have a problem shopping here. Etsy's got an entire section dedicated to flower girls.
But, it's not just dresses you'll be able to find here. It really is a one-stop-shop for your flower girl. You can easily find floral accessories (think head pieces and flowers for her hair) and the perfect basket for her to tote during the procession.
Plus, like with bridesmaids, turning to an online shop for a flower girl can be a great option, especially if your flower girl doesn't live in the same place as you or is a bit of a finicky shopper.
Etsy store: Rompers Bows and Bands
Dresses
Etsy
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Accessories
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Baskets
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Bailynn Bou Nique
Etsy Store: My Fashion Creations
Etsy Store: Bragging Bags
Wedding Cake Toppers & Stands
The perfect place to add in a touch of adorableness to your reception? Atop the cake.
While you two love birds are cutting the cake, there could very well be another pair of love birds sitting atop it. Or, if you're more traditional, place a modern version of a classic bride and groom atop your dessert.
For an extra touch, find an Etsy store who will customise the couple for you. One of you wears glasses while the other has a beard? Not a problem. That can be added on. Want to make it a family affair and add in your toddler and house pet? No dramas.
If you'd prefer to let the wedding cake shine in all its glory, or if the decorations don't allow for anything to be placed atop it, you can also consider getting a customised stand — which can be used for years to come.
Etsy store: Mochi Egg
Lovebird Cake Toppers
Etsy
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Wedding Cake Stands
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Handmade & Customised Cake ...
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Perilla Pets
Etsy Store: Jeanette Zeis
Etsy Store: Blossom Cake Toppers
Pet Costumes
No part of the family should be excluded from your special day, including man's best friend or any other household pet.
If you're having a more formal event and would like to dress your pooch up to the nines, browse through shops specialising in dog collars with bows and ties. You'll be able to find something in just about any shape or colour you can imagine, for just about any size of dog you can imagine. Or a more complete look for a black-tie affair, consider picking up a hound-size tuxedo or dress.
Hoping to make Fido your ring bearer? You can even find dog-sized ring pillows here.
They really think of everything, don't they?
Etsy store: Me and Matilda
Pet Ring Bearer
Etsy
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Pet Bow Ties
Etsy
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Pet Costumes
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Designer Shindigs
Etsy Store: Tuna Wear Pets
Etsy Store: Gurr and Purr
Bouquets
Finding the perfect splash of colour to carry along with your crisp white dress may just be a bit harder than planned. You can browse through dozens of varieties, endless hues, and a range of bouquet sizes. So why not just scrap the whole idea of a traditional bunch altogether?
For something completely different, search through a range of alternative floral arrangements for your wedding.
Consider a collection of paper flowers that will last a lifetime, or a selection of succulents for a pop of green. Or, jazz up a traditional bouquet with personalised charms and ribbons. There are some pretty unique options out there, and Etsy makes it easy to find them.
Etsy store: Bragging Bags
Bouquet Charms
Etsy
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Succulent Bouquets
Etsy
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Paper Bouquets
Etsy
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Etsy Store: Wedding Bouquet Charms
Etsy Store: Bride in Bloom Weddings
Etsy Store: Miss Poppins and Me
What exactly is Etsy?
Etsy is designed to be an online version of your favourite local market... And the local markets of users around the world, which is what makes it so great. You can find unique, often hand-made and customisable products from all around the world. If you're looking to add a little Indian flair to your Australian wedding, or a touch of France to an American affair, Etsy's a great place to look.
There are more than 32 million items for sale from more than a million sellers around the world.
The post Etsy Weddings | How to plan your wedding with Etsy appeared first on finder.com.au.