Handmade Weddings: Gifts for Maids & Men from Brides Local Magazine

BridesLocal

Story by BridesLocal

Published on Sept 29, 2009 in Shop

Photo by EricaWeinerJewelry

Julie Raimondi is the editor-in-chief of Brides New York and Condé Nast’s 15 other regional wedding magazines (known collectively as Brides Local Magazines), which have been featuring Etsy sellers on their pages for years. Julie’s particular Etsy addiction has made her the butt of many office jokes; her magazines are a testament to her passion for original style (and so are the decorative, found-it-on-Etsy contents of her living room!). Julie knows that the options for bridesmaid and groomsman gifts are usually limited (which is probably why money clips and engraved jewelry boxes have been de rigueur for decades). But Etsy sellers create items that consistently fulfill her good-gift criteria by offering quality, originality, and customization opportunities.

 

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The real style-makers are not the marquee names offering “witty” commentary on morning TV or the authors of glossy party-planning books. They are real brides and vendors who have the guts to do things differently. When I created Brides Local Magazines in 2005, I wanted to celebrate these folks, and show our readers creative, alternative ideas and options they won’t see anywhere else. When I was asked to guest curate a selection of bridal party gifts, you can imagine my delight, then hours and hours of guilt-free browsing. There are a million things on Etsy that I would love to give or receive, but I forced myself to approach this task within the context of what brides and grooms are really after: a single, affordable item that appeals to a very broad range of tastes.

Here are some of my favorites:

Bridesmaids

Merit Badge for ‘going out on a limb’

Give leemeszaros’s merit badges for things like “being sweet as pie” or for “going out on a limb” — it’s like graduating from bridesmaid scouts. $24.

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Custom UnNaked Family of 5 – Peggie Style

If you have a whole family of helpers, a custom portrait from nakedpeggies would be an exceptional gift. (We love the cake toppers too, natch.) $70.

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cranberry weeds bottle set

Many of annaspots cool bud vases are angled as “romantic” but many could apply to friendship as well. Love the cranberry weeds in particular. $39.

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salmon pink and black peacock 4-tier antique jewelry stand

Jewelry boxes are a classic choice in the bridesmaid gift arena — but these antique jewelry stands are so much more functional and beautiful, thanks to vintage plates and whomadeit. $80.50.

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Poppy note cards – set of 12 personalized

Gorgeous custom stationery never goes out of style. PeonyPaperie’s stock is superb — notecards can be ordered with names and colors to suit every bridesmaid’s preferences. $12.

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Chain Calling Cards

I own, have given these as gifts, and put them in our magazine — the aesthetic (with lots of options) all cross between girly and modern. By avie, $15.

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Double Initial Silver-plated Letterpress Necklace

This letterpress initial necklace is an edgier and more interesting take on the always-popular initial necklace gift for bridesmaids. By EricaWeinerJewelry, $65.

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Leather Poppy Wristlet- Raspberry

A serious handbag would be too specific (and expensive) for a group of friends, but a fun leather poppy wristlet that comes in a variety of colors is exactly right. By tmStudioDesigns, $62.

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2 Side Inscribed Hammered Circle Pendant . Add a quote, poem or names . your choice of chain included

Say something nice and unique on this inscribed pendant. By bddesigns, $49.

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Sea Bubbles, Leather Journal, Notebook Suede

Beautiful journals like this one cover a variety of hobbies and interests so each one feels hand-picked and unique. By Kreativlink, $46.

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custom embroidered frame pouch – personalized with initial

We included oktak’s personalized embroidered pouch in the magazine because it comes in a beautiful array of colors with adorable embroidery. There are tons of non-custom, less expensive options too. $72.

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No. 6 Custom Address STAMP (self inking) Calligraphy in middle (HOLLY style)

Beautifully utilitarian, emililies’ custom hand calligraphy stamp can be created in a variety of calligraphy styles. $37.

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Reading the Stars

I like the idea of giving her the stars with this embroidered wall hanging, and you can customize it. Check out MiniatureRhino’s needlepoint custom heart sample if you’d like to pick up something for yourself. $28.

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Groomsmen

Custom Groomsmen Poster Gift

A customized groomsmen poster can make any rag-tag band of bros look cool. By DropletStudio, $75.

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Elegant Custom Vintage Map Cuff Links

Every friendship has a city — the hometown, the college town, the vacation spot — where you and he ruled. These custom vintage map cufflinks can honor that reign. By sherrytruitt, $50.

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CUSTOM Leather Keychain – Fobs – text on one side

Simple, clean, classic — a custom leather keychain never goes out of style. By leathermadenice, $10.

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Set of 4 Mustache Pint Glasses

It’s hard to imagine a guy who wouldn’t find BreadandBadger’s Mustache Glasses funny. And if he doesn’t, do you want him in the wedding party anyway? $52.

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flask safe ”going places, the guide to travel guides” (flask included)

Nothing we love more than a very classic groomsman gift re-tooled as a more inventive, slightly subversive, work of art. By pommesfrites, $40.

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Experiment, science and chemistry silkscreened necktie

Even guys employed at jobs with permanent casual dress codes will want one of these silkscreened neckties. They come in a huge array of motifs. By toybreaker, $30.

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Wedding Invites and Favors Guide | Weddings Category | Wedding Attire Guide

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