Are you getting married, but feel lost in a sea of big name bridal magazines filled with traditional and often cliché wedding ideas? If so, you may not know where to turn for touches such as that vintage gown, that one-of-a-kind button bouquet, and what about those handmade cufflinks?
After you have perused the many amazing vendors on Etsy, if you find yourself still in need of some guidance, here is a handy list of some valuable resources. Instead of the bridal mags, why not save some trees and go cyber instead? These are some of the many amazing blogs and websites that make it a point to source those unique and creative touches for your big day:
BRIDE TO BE – Mini Jot and Go Recycled / Upcycled Journal Notebook
by ivylanedesigns, $6.
If you still prefer the printed page to the digital type, here are a few books that may give you a spark:
- Eco-Chic Weddings: Simple Tips to Plan an Earth-Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable Green Wedding by Emily Elizabeth Anderson
- The DIY Wedding: Celebrate Your Day Your Way by Kelly Bare
- Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides by Ariel Meadow Stallings
- Anti-Bride Guide: Tying the Knot Outside of the Box by Carolyn Gerin
For those who like to get some exercise while planning a wedding, you may be tempted to attend one of those big bridal fairs you see advertised on television. What a great way to sample some cake, watch a fashion show and pick up some business cards! However, many of the exhibitors at these types of event may not appeal to the more unconventional couple. So what is a gal or guy to do? Check your local city paper for any events in your area that may have interesting artists or designers. Try a local craft fair or two. You may just find that one of the jewelry designers at the show has an amazing bridal collection or your favorite paper goods company also does a wicked wedding invitation. To find a craft fair in your area, you can look to resources such as the Indie Craft Show Directory. 
“Indie I Do” craft fair in Vancouver, courtesy of Tracey Heppner
Alternative bridal fairs are a new trend, which cater especially towards the non-traditional couple. These are great places, not only to shop, but also to exhibit if you are a maker of anything potentially wedding related. So far, the few lucky cities hosting such an event are Vancouver’s Indie I Do, Unbridaled Expo in Philadelphia, and Indie Wed in Chicago.
Hopefully this list provides you with a few options for finding those distinctive and personal touches for your special event. If you know of any other resources, feel free to list them in the comments below!
Handmade Weddings Series | Vintage Wedding Items | Weddings and Celebrations Gift Guide
78 comments
Sign in to add your ownLaveMeSoapCo says:
if i had only know etsy before i got married. this is awesome!
3 years ago
uncharted says:
great resources!
3 years ago
CustomKids says:
I wish I knew about it when I was married to. But, my brother's getting married next month and I will definately refer him to this link!
3 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
Great Resources and Selections.
3 years ago
Doodlage says:
Great article! Oh, and Me-me-me, I have the rocks that can be personalized!!! Or if your LOVE is just written in stone ;) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20020143http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20020143 Custom orders are more than welcome :)
3 years ago
sandali says:
Love the peddle idea -- yeah, your wedding should be exactly what you want it to be -- the more natural & create & the more you the better !! Many blessing to all the new brides to be ;)
3 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
I have a wedding coming up! ... neat ideas :D
3 years ago
dogties says:
Great article... Wonderful items!!
3 years ago
JenniferRydinDesigns says:
Great article! I love doing custom jewelry for weddings. :)
3 years ago
MewPaperArts says:
Have you seen the FleaMarket via Vintage Glam??? It's a great place to post FREE wedding classifieds for items you're looking for, or selling from your wedding--from gowns, to table decor! http://vintageglamblog.com/classifieds/
3 years ago
sugarspicepaperie says:
I love weddings! That's why I am in the wedding business! OOAK invitations in my shop!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Beautiful! I love making custom headpieces for my brides!
3 years ago
quinnep says:
a great wedding photog friend of mine got me into etsy where i started posting my custom save-the-date doodles! weddings can be SO creative and expressive! all of the amazing resources on etsy offer limitless options!
3 years ago
paperstories says:
Glad everyone likes the article. Make sure you wedding crafters check out those alternative bridal fairs. They might be a great place to show off your goods! P.S. that top picture is me, Paperstories, and seller Horvatron getting married in an antique store under all the chandeliers. ;)
3 years ago
TwistedCrystals says:
LOVE this, thank you for sharing with everyone :)
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Fabulous article and wonderful selections! :)
3 years ago
chitownamy says:
A Practical Wedding: http://www.apracticalwedding.com/ is a great resource for indie vendors and inspiration.
3 years ago
maryjanefrances says:
stunning! check out my wedding things too~ <-----------------
3 years ago
EmmaGordonLondon says:
Lovely article - the more unique a wedding the better! I've been making lots of clutches for brides and bridesmaid gifts recently. I am loving getting into the whole feeling of their weddings, seeing their dresses and learning about their colour schemes for custom pieces.
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
I have a fantastic 1970 Bride's Magazine in my shop (with Cheryl Tiegs cover). It has inspired me - now it can inspire another bride-to-be! I am so excited about the blog and website links here. I'm going to be busy reading all night!
3 years ago
OhFaro says:
Love all the wedding articles!
3 years ago
bhangtiez says:
lovely stuffs & ideas...i made a head-piece 4 my wedding, macrame of course...check out da pics on my site! Happy weddings everyone...& I wish I knew ETSY when I got married too...but I'm glad I know u know...go ETSY!
3 years ago
invitesbyjen says:
I have been obsessed with weddings ever since planning my own! Now I get to be a part of people's most cherised day all the time -- I make handmade invitations -- remember that with handmade they are made your way!!
3 years ago
EpicBones says:
yes!! i want mine just like that!
3 years ago
MGMart says:
Lovely pieces. If you are looking for a head piece, please visit my store. ♥ PETALS ♥ Wearable Art Jewelry & Wedding Accessories ♥ All the best~Marianna
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Great resources!! If Etsy was there when I got married, it would be wonderful. Now, I would definitely recommend this to my girl friends. Oh, I have one necklace that would be a nice wedding gift http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21632237
3 years ago
ShiStudio says:
Handmade weddings - just say "I do"! We love outfitting wedding parties with our custom made accessories. We'll give you the choice of many amazing silk brocades, or we can work with fabric from your dress or any material that is meaningful to your wedding.
3 years ago
warblerzine says:
shameless self promotion alert: i just started an etsy wedding blog recently: http://idoalready.blogspot.com
3 years ago
AAngels says:
Great articles! Love alreadys reading about this area of etsy. Please visit my shop-----cool Ring Bearer Pillow
3 years ago
EyesOnMeJewels says:
These are beautiful ! Love it! Wedding seasion is coming, congratulations to all the upcoming weddings !
3 years ago
bunnyboutique says:
Absolutely love the claycraft bouquet. What a smart ide for your bouquet. No need to stress about preserving the flowers afterwards.
3 years ago
LittleMamasDesigns says:
Fabulous finds! The caketoppers are so sweet:)
3 years ago
undertheroot says:
inspiring and preciously delicious!
3 years ago
liliswan says:
love this article and great timing too!
3 years ago
sherrytruitt says:
Such lovely things, I just may get married all over again. I'll keep the same guy.
3 years ago
rikkicondon says:
sent this to a good friend..thankyou.
3 years ago
GemmaBeads says:
Handmade is absolutely the way to go for a wedding, or any other occasion for that matter.
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
I'd get married all over again to do it 'handmade'! Hey, do you think these friends could be used as ring pillows?...I'm trying to think of every possible use for them!... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22488460
3 years ago
mylittlejo says:
Great article and cool ideas to pass on to all my soon-to-be married friends. Thank YOU!
3 years ago
valeasc says:
I am not getting married anytime soon but I devoured this article :) I like dreaming about that day! Thank you ever so much!
3 years ago
BayMoonDesign says:
Being a "I love buttons" person, I adored the butoon bouquets. How cool!
3 years ago
weddingsosweet says:
This is a great article....I enjoyed it because I make pretty little things for your wedding day! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6921247
3 years ago
whichgoose says:
AH! I want to get married just so I can buy cute etsy stuff!! :) hehehe--kidding!
3 years ago
Hollyrocks says:
I am definitely going to get married etsy-style (maybe this summer if I'm super quick about it). Some of my family members think I am insane to not want a wedding that is traditional in every sense of the word. But I feel like I'd be a little insane if I DID want my wedding to look just like every other wedding I've ever been to.
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
Such pretty things. I wish I had resources like these 17 years ago when I got married.
3 years ago
KalliopeJewelry says:
Ain't love grand? I've done a few custom bridal pieces, and it's heartwarming to work with an excited bride and make a special treasure for her big day!
3 years ago
ohmay says:
maybe a handmade wedding for my daughter....
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
I LOOOOOOVE Offbeat Bride! Ariel is the bomb!
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
The Flapper Feather peice is adorable!!!
3 years ago
VintageinBohemia says:
I love those groomsmen ties! nice!
3 years ago
Tumus says:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading all these articles because with my wedding in October it's like sensory overload right now. Just when i think i see a great idea i'm set on I see something even more fabulous. The key i have to remember is that no matter what it's going to be seriously awesome. I'm making my own invites with plantable response cards so I can plant back all the happiness in my flower beds ^_^ I'm so excited green weddings are coming out into the open ^_^
3 years ago
lalala08 says:
SO COOL! We need an "Indie I Do" craft fair in the Lehigh Valley!
3 years ago
galit says:
New wedding collection! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5782792§ion_id=5831533
3 years ago
Thinkoutsidethebox says:
How amazing are the clay flowers from dkdesignshawaii?! I am blown away by each of her designs and still am in awe of the fact that they are created from clay!!
3 years ago
twigsandheather says:
http://www.weddingskulls.com. Punk rock, Indie, rockabilly weddings oh my! Great site.
3 years ago
savoiefairephoto says:
Nice collection!
3 years ago
LorenaCatalaniMorata says:
AWESOME! we just decided to get married IN JUNE of this year, and I'm definitely doing it etsy style.... which means i spend all my time checking out these articles and many etsy shops!!!!
3 years ago
Mattamorphis says:
How fab. I love that little booklet. -Matt
3 years ago
kharygoarts says:
If you decided to get married, please visit my shop at etsy to take a look of my custom made wedding cake toppers. Any design, any idea you have in mind I can make it. Unique pieces high quality!
3 years ago
asiajojo says:
Do you if want to find a serious supplier from China? Do you want to find reasonable price with the good quality? Hi friend donnt hesitant my dear friend. Welcome to visit www.asiahandbag.com www.good-handbag.com,we keep the price close to the costs of production. The quality of ours is as good as that of many other suppliers, while our prices are not high as theirs.
3 years ago
paperstories says:
If any of you folks are in the midwest, you should consider applying to be a vendor at the Indie Wed event. I am actually one of the organizers and we are looking for lots of great folks..... http://www.indiewed.com
3 years ago
kottageon5th says:
I'm jealous that DIY is so popular! When I got married, it wasn't 'in'...now look how it's exploded! Great thing - since it keeps me in business too!
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
So many great ideas and what a fun way to plan a wedding!
3 years ago
george100 says:
I was married on the 12th March and our wedding was made so very special by the fabulously lovely things made for me by the wonderful people of Etsy ! I was even inspired to make my own napkin rings !!! Being a novice cake decorator I even decided that my audience would not be as critical as one would imagine and so faced my fears and decorated my own wedding cake..it took me 9 hours over two days and the result was Fabulous !!! WONDEFUL ETSY PEOPLE I THANK YOU ALL !!
3 years ago
GreetingsthatGrow says:
Beautiful and I wish Etsy was around 7 yrs ago when I got married! I have purchased from Ivylanedesigns before and their notebooks are great! I love how customizable Etsy makes everything--even weddings! It is what hooked me as a buyer AND got me crafting and selling my plantables too!
3 years ago
KreatedbyKelly says:
Those of you that know me know I love doing weddings :) I blog about my wedding customs about 3 times a week!
3 years ago
designbymaureen says:
Really nice pics,really wonderful works!
3 years ago
2212jewelry says:
muchas felicitaciones! muy buen trabajo de seleccion
3 years ago
themefragrance says:
Nice selection of wedding goodies. Theme has perfect wedding favor perfumes! themefragrance.etsy.com
3 years ago
Cheerupcherup says:
Also try snippet and ink, another great wedding blog: http://snippetandink.blogspot.com
3 years ago
redonions says:
I was married 3 years ago. On a tight budget. I did a homemade wedding. I crocheted a ring pillow and my purse. I did my own flowers. My brother even made us a two layer cake in my colors and flavors. It was fun.
3 years ago
redonions says:
I still need to make a wedding album. I did make one for my brother and his ex- wife.
3 years ago
GemsandTreasures says:
Love the article. Wish I would have discovered Etsy before my Wedding! I love creating & designing Jewelry & Accessories from The Bride to the Flowergirls!
3 years ago
WeddingDecorOnline says:
I recently got married and the only magazine I thought was helpful for great ideas was Inside Weddings..all the other magazines were mostly adds. I love the online blogs and ideas at WeddingBee.
3 years ago
babinka1981 says:
Nice pics!
2 years ago
Positivelystoned says:
funny, I was just thinking that my designs would make amazing cake toppers... Little known fact: we already consume copper in avacado, lobster, etc etc!
2 years ago
Katsbouquets says:
Can tregular transfer paper be used for photo etching?
2 years ago
butterflieskiss says:
For classic, offbeat and alternative wedding stationery embracing diversity, from ethnicity to lifestyle contact Donna at www.butterflieskiss.com p.s. she's also the cover illustrator of Offbeat Bride!!
362 days ago