Kat and Zakk Wedding Favor Suite

 

Cufflinks for the Groom

Wedding Accessories are next on the wedding planning check list for Andrew and Emily.  Since the groom was not as familiar with Etsy, I started doing some cufflink shopping for him to give him an idea of what's out there in the wonderful world of handmade...

These cufflinks by JMGJewelDesign are functional compasses!  I think they fit with the woodland setting of the wedding, and they definitely add a little fun to the groom's outfit.

These map cufflinks by Bellamodaartist feature the east coast, the area to which Andrew and Emily took a romantic road trip.

These steampunk cufflinks by StJoshua would add a small touch of the techno-surrealism so inherent to the steam punk aesthetic.  They also fit the color scheme of the wedding quite eloquently.

These cufflinks by nouveaumotley are definitely steam punk!  And the copper clock works fit with the copper in the bridesmaid dresses.

Here's another pair of clockwork cufflinks this time by CufflinkConnection.

These smoked topaz cufflinks by SimpleYetElegant are elegant and their warm color would fit well with the color scheme in the wedding party's accessories.

These cufflinks by Cufflinks are definitely playful!  They remind me of the bride and groom because they are both well known for their love of Scrabble.

These eucalyptus wood cufflinks by CASEmethod fit with the warm colors of the wedding while also being a unique way of reflecting the wedding's natural setting.

This is another pair of beautiful wooden cufflinks, this time by dfuss. 

The Wedding Planner Searches for Guest Books

Here is a lovely and diverse selection of hand bound guest books that I found on Etsy.  Maybe one of these will find it's way to Andrew and Emily's wedding!

Sheet music guest book by Elegantly Bound

Paisley guest book by Earmark

Leather Journal by crearting.

Journal by lacunawork.

Blank book by huishbooks.

Another book by huishbooks.

Honey and indigo guest book by EmersonBindery

White lace guest book by Daisyblu.

Bird cage guest book by kateblocher.

Groomsmen Ties

Etsy has once again proved to be a gold mine for wedding accessories.  I am doing some research for a tie which would be a gift for each groomsmen as well as a stylish accessory to bring continuity to all their outfits on the big day.  I found toybreaker's shop which has a special deal when you buy 6 groomsmen ties at the same time...

The six ties can have any design regularly featured in the shop.

This tie would fit a steampunk theme.

The poppies on this tie would fit natural Art Nouveau themes.

These ties are perfect for an outdoor wedding.

A tie tree pattern like this would also be perfect for a woodland wedding.

The bride mentioned the possibility of using bees in the decorating theme, and these ties would be perfect.

All the ties listed above are microfiber, and more colors for ink and fabric are available!

Steampunk Wedding: Bridesmaid Accessories

Almost immediately after announcing her engagement, the bride had already purchased the bridesmaid dresses from a fantastic local designer called Moshi Moshi. The color and style of the dresses have been a starting off place for the rest of the wedding's color scheme. I am thinking a great way to add a touch of steam punk style without heavy doses of clockworks will be to use the dark Victorian femininity so prominent in steam punk fashion. Here are some really lovely steam punk accessories that I think would look great on the bridesmaids at Andrew and Emily's wedding!

I am thinking feather fascinators, lace, and boleros...

This rooster feather headband by mandiesuee has beautiful colors and textures.

This feather fascinator by PegasusMaiden matches the colors of the brides maid dresses perfectly: coppery reds, black and shades of white.

This lace necklace by treeandkimball would accentuate the black lace and pearl details in some of the bridesmaid dresses.

This black silk bolero by maryandangelika would add a victorian element to the bridal party's ensembles.

Steampunk Wedding: Bridal Accessories

It's that time in the wedding planning process to start buying wedding accessories.  And since it's the bride's special day, why not look at some special accessories with a steampunk flair just for her?

This raw silk bolero by maryandangelika would be a really lovely way of giving her outfit a bit of edwardian refinement.

This bolero by bonzie is also made from raw silk and would be another gorgeous way to keep the bride's shoulders warm.

Though this particular vintage parasol sold by GraciesCottage might be a bit too shabby for the bride to use as is, it is still a truly exquisite piece that definitely evokes the antique style I associate with steampunk.

This small parasol sold by VintageWarehouse is for a child and might not do much to protect the bride from the elements, but it would certaintly add an elegant touch to her ensemble.

This lace clutch by recycledrings would be the perfect combination of useful and beautiful for any bride to carry around.

These bridal cuffs by bonheur are a delicate adornation for the wrist and filled with sumptuous textures.

This bouquet by buttonmoonbouquet would be a delightful and unique alternative to flowers, and these button blossoms would last forever! 

Steampunk Wedding

After a brief holiday break, the business of wedding planning has started to keep me busy again. I spoke with the bride and groom for the Autumn Wedding I am planning, and after looking through some collages in her "wedding idea book" I suggested incorporating some steam punk aesthetic into the decorations, as a way of having something a bit gothic and Victorian without too much black. As usual, I turned to Etsy as a way of exploring some really beautiful handmade touches capable of adding a unique, steam punk touch to the celebrations.

These table numbers by AdornedbyDana have a pretty victorian design that would add sophistication to a wedding tablescape.

These place cards by happyhound have a stately feel that would add an aristocratic and antique touch to the decorations.

This vintage style signs by the backporchshoppe would be a great way to guide guests in the right direction while adding a charming visual effect.

This ring pillow by Joyananda is a quirky but exquisite piece that would add a very special touch to the wedding ceremony.

The Handmade Touch

Though Andrew and Emily's wedding is by no means into the decoration planning stage, I can’t help but jump the gun. I am trying to blog about some of the inklings fluttering around my brain, so they don’t dissolve before the official brainstorm begins!

Handmade weddings are preferable not only because they are cheaper but because they are always more unique. Every lovely detail is created with one wedding, one couple in mind.

Lately I’ve been dabbling in a reverie of beautiful handmade event decorations. Any excuse to feast on design blogs and browse Etsy merchandise is a good excuse. I’d like to share some of the things that inspire me.

I adore these handmade paper garlands from lobsterandswan. I discovered her Etsy store after becomming a follower of her blog. Though she’s currently sold out, she may make more, so check back in her shop.

These birdnest place cards by LittleRetreats are a lovely way to add to an outdoor theme.  I also envision them as table numbers, or as ambience on the cake table.

I am also excited by unique uses of flowers at weddings. Blooms can be strewn on tables or used to adorn cakes. And these sachets of lavender blossoms by layla would make great gifts for the bridesmaids.

Browsing Etsy always provides overflowing buckets of inspiration.  I love the idea of paper cranes as a decoration. You can use virtually any paper, for whatever color or texture you want. And they can be used in dozens of ways; hanging from the ceiling, resting on a table, or even adorning a cake. 

I am also thinking about a handmade guest book and a handmade ring pillow… There is a nearly endless number of places to put the handmade touch.

Walrus Wedding

A couple of weeks ago I was hired by my wonderful friends Andrew and Emily to be their wedding planner!
Because they have a tight budget, we agreed on a method of bartering goods and services instead of traditional monetary compensation.  Emily is making me a gorgeous gray and pastel cowl made from silk, alpaca, and merino wool right now!

Since the wedding blog hasn't been set up yet, and I want to start posting some of my ideas and discoveries, I thought I'd share a bit on here.

The groom is decidedly obsessed with walruses.  He came to my Mad Tea Party last Spring as a Walrus, and whenever he has a moment of free time, he looks up pictures of walruses on his smart phone.  Whenever we have a wedding planning meeting, he tries to find any way possible to get walruses into the decorating.  Since I unmercifully vetoed the idea for a walrus shaped cake, I want to find something else that's really special that will fit seamlessly into the rest of the wedding plans while also satiating his want for walruses!  Here's a few lovely Etsy finds that fit the walrus theme...

This cute pin (or magnet! or keychain!) is sold by theangryrobot.  These would make great favors.

This gorgeous pin is sold by tarataratara.  I envision it on the groom's lapel.

This tote bag by wonkyrocket would be a great alternative to a gift basket for the members of the wedding party.

Here's another tote, this time by rainbowswirlz.  It comes in several colors, and could be matched to an overall color scheme.

I adore this card by erinaellis.  It combines the theme of love and romance with walruses!  What could be more perfect for a wedding.

This walrus journal by kilfish might be a nice gift for someone in the wedding party.

These labels definitely show off the potential for a walrus to be cute.  I can think of a dozen uses for them.  They are sold by nutandbee.

The bride and groom were considering walrus cake toppers.  These plastic resin figurines by thebili were the closest I could find.  A little veil and top hat might do the trick...

Another adorable love themed walrus card, this time by smackofjellyfish.  The inside of the card reads: "I would growl, grunt and bark for your affection."

Though we are still in the drudgery of the early planning stages, we'll soon be into the fun part of choosing and making all the details that will make this wedding truly special.