Nature Inspired Etsy Finds for Your Wedding

The trend towards the unique, handmade, upcycled, and one-of-a-kind, green wedding has inspired many a bride to turn to local artists for their favors, stationery, and wedding decor. Sometimes it just isn't possible to find what you need locally and other times, every other bride in your social circle has already found it. When you want something creative and new, where should a bride turn? Well if you don't know already, Etsy is the place to go for hand-made art, gifts, and decor that will make your wedding day completely unique. Here are just a few of our recent Etsy faves with a nature vibe.

The Vermont Branch Company- Recently Featured on Etsy's Facebook page, this husband and wife duo makes natural wood toys, rustic decor, and more. We love these natural birch table numbers!

Colleen Jordan - These wearable planters would make the most adorable boutonniere alternatives! We love the idea of handing them out to guests as well.

Trinkets818 - We're in love with these silver forks stamped with mr and mrs on each one. These would be such a wonderful keepsake and eventually a family heirloom from your wedding! While they aren't strictly nature inspired, They are so deliciously cute we can't hold that against them. They also have that upcycled vibe everyone loves and will fit right into your natural decor.  

ElizabethAO's Twine Wedding Shop - Is your wedding on the rustic or fanciful side? These water bottle labels that read "drink me" on aged paper can be customized for your wedding. What a great way to dress up your refreshment table. This shop also carries candy bar wrappers, escort cards, and more to match.

Visulingal - This shop's adorable "seed bomb" wedding favors come packaged in screen printed pouches. The seeds are encased in a ball of clay and other nutrient rich ingredients so you can just "throw and grow" as the listings read.

We think these items from Etsy would look great with our new eco-friendly kraft cocktail napkins. Check 'em out here!











Now that you've got a good start on your nature inspired wedding, it's up to you to get browsing and get inspired and get creative! Isn't wedding planning fun?

Savoring Summer with these Outdoor Wedding Favors

While walking through the stores this weekend I noticed back to school supplies are out and fall and Halloween decorations are sneaking their way on to the shelves. It makes part of me long for the crisp air and crunch of leaves that autumn brings, but another part of me refuses to give up summer without a fight! We have a good month and a half of summer weather left here in the Midwest! In honor of that, here are some ideas for those who love the sunny outdoors! 

Enjoy and help preserve the outdoors with ecofriendly favors such as plantable seed packets, polished rock place card holders, and adorable notepads that definitely remind me of climbing trees as a kid. You can also find other nature inspired decor,  like natural wood plaques, at most craft stores. These would look adorable with initials or table numbers carved into them.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Living

You can also give guests a little bit of nature to take home with them. Small bouquets wrapped in a cone of pretty paper can be hung with ribbon along chairs or placed in an arrangement for guests. A sign reading "take your pick!" can be placed near the flowers to be sure guests know that they are not merely part of the decorations.  Another way to incorporate fresh flowers in your favors is by giving hair clips, corsages, and boutonneires made by you or your florist. These can be pinned to a linen covered peg board for guests to choose from. If flowers are too fussy for you, potted plants and herbs are a great way to go!

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Living

If you will have your event outdoors, be sure to provide plenty of water and shade for guests. If no trees or tents are available, you can always provide paper parasols and hand fans. Fans can serve a double purpose if you have your wedding programs printed on them. It is also considerate to provide sunscreen and bug repellant wipes, or have citronella candles lit to keep away uninvited guests.

Today's summer wedding favors are available in a wide range of themes and styles to accomodate any outdoor wedding reception or party.

Remember, it is sunny days with friends and family that will keep you warm through the winter months!

~Jenna