Etsy can be a bride's best friend or...terrifyingly overwhelming. I've found some amazing items that have helped with planning and others I'm bookmarking as potential wedding favors, but a simple query can return hundreds of results. A girl gets a headache just flipping through them all. To help, I drank an extra iced coffee and dedicated myself to the search to benefit both you and me.
10 things worth shopping on Etsy:
1. Return-address stamp
It's like having the handwriting you always wished for. Pair with an embossing ink pad and heat gun for a luxe-looking finish to your invites. For long-term use, omit your last names so you can keep using it after you start using your new one. Shop here.
2. Favor tags
These make favors purchased in bulk look a lot more special. If you're going with homemade items (like baked goods—yum!), they're an easy way to make the final appearance a touch more polished. Shop here.
3. Coozies
I love a coozie, and collecting them from events and trips is kind of a hobby. They're trendy but also practical (no drink sweat on your hand!). Pop them in welcome bags or leave them near the bar at a welcome dinner or your reception. Shop here.
4. Matchboxes
Before coozies got popular, people were snagging matchboxes from restaurants and filling bowls at home. They're still an easy token to take home and something feels retro-sweet about them right now. Shop here.
5. Wire place cards
If your reception will be on the smaller side, consider upgrading to these twisted names for each setting. These are the exact sort of little touches I don't mind shelling out for—there's a better chance they'll pick these up and take them home instead of just tossing. Shop here.
6. Sparkler tags
Make a sparkly send-off even chicer by prepping the fireworks with these pretty cards. Shop here.
7. Temporary tattoos
One of the coolest new things I've seen popping up on Etsy: playful temporary tattoos! I think guests would have fun with them, but I'd put a caveat on mine: Please keep them on places you won't see in pictures. Shop here.
8. Candy-bar bags
Ah, the candy bar. It's a sweet nightcap to a reception and makes for a yummy favor that you know guests will love. Make yours feel like yours by stacking personalized bags nearby all the sugar. Shop here.
9. Handkerchief
I wish I could sew or embroider, but let's be honest: My skills are pretty limited. These classic keepsake gifts for your mom and his are so sweet. They'll look good folded in a jewelry box, but they're practical too (for dabbing tears during the ceremony). Shop here.
10. Personalized stickers
Put your touch on random items with stickers that aren't too specific—they're multipurpose this way. I can imagine slapping these on simple white paper bags to leave treats in guests' hotel rooms or securing cellophane bags with home-baked cookies for them to pick up on the way out of the reception. Shop here.
Some things worth skipping on Etsy:
Everyone's got a different wedding vision and priorities for their budget, but in my eyes, certain things aren't really worth it. On top of my list?
1. Personalized hangers for your bridesmaids
They look cute in pictures, but after a few hours, they're pointless (and in most closets, way too thick to be practical).
2. Photo-booth props
Having one is super fun, but why spend extra cash on items to stock it when I guarantee you've got enough funky pieces in your real life. Check out the dollar store or look online for mask templates you can print out and bring.
3. Totes for welcome bags
I love a welcome bag but feel so guilty at the end of the weekend when I don't know what to do with it. Use a simple paper bag or box instead, and put the extra money toward what's inside.
4. Coloring books
Putting a stash at a reception table with kids is genius, but don't spend more for theme books little kids won't pay a bit of attention to.
Have you used Etsy much while planning? Any amazing finds?