A few days ago I posted a blog about how to turn paper and string into wedding decorations. I know a lot of modern brides are looking for do-it-yourself, budget-friendly options but let’s be honest, not all brides are crafty. You may love these little do-it-yourself project but don’t have the time, tools or patience to actually do it yourself. Fear not, as always Etsy will come to the rescue.

use these mini garlands indoors or out

Decorate with paper streamers and garlands without owning your own sewing machine thanks to the kategreiner shop. She makes an assortment of adorable sewn decorations that are just as affordable as a do-it-yourself project. Check out her circus decorations – these little cuties can be used almost everywhere outside the big top.

origami wedding flowers

Marthastewartweddings.com loves to share do-it-yourself paper flower directions. Having wedding flowers that don’t need to be in season and will last forever is tempting, but those directions can be daunting. Box64Studios creates adorable origami paper flowers in your wedding colors for a completely affordable price. I love the bright papers!

Your wedding day lasts just that long – one day. It’s the pictures that last a lifetime. I know I’ve already emphasized the importance of a quality wedding photographer. But if you pour over pictures on stylemepretty.com you know good wedding photo props are key. These things usually don’t happen by accident – I mean you may pose in front of a street sign as a last minute decision but those oversize ampersands don’t just appear on the scene. You need to come prepared.

Shopping for wedding photo props is fun! Look through your wedding day inspiration folder – I’m sure you have a physical binder or dedicated folder for these photo downloads you’d like to duplicate. Choose the props that come up most often in your photo folder or the ones that stand out most to you. Here are a few of my favorites:

Ampersands. Your wedding day is about unity – two people becoming one married couple. Ampersands represent the essence of that bond and a wedding in general.

Mustaches. These simple little details add so much fun to your photos.

Chalkboard. You can write anything from you wedding date, a simple heart drawing or thank you for your cards.

So many more activities surround a wedding than just your big day. There’s all the planning (which is the single largest event), engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and more. Whether you’re a bridezilla who is picking out the details of every event or you’re a member of the bridal party throwing one of these events, be sure to pay attention to the details. And nothing sets the tone of an event like the invitation.

Bridal showers are not about the joining couple – it is all about the bride. But remember, this is an event most family members are invited to so keep all the other stuff for the bachelorette party. Bridal shower doesn’t necessarily have to be girly if the bride is not, but I love these couture wedding gown sketches for the invitation.

Planning a bachelorette party? Plan around the bride’s tastes but usually you can have a bit more fun with these invitations.

Or highlight the bride and the location of your gathering with theses night on the town invites.

No matter what style you’re looking for, you have a ton of options. Picking out these special details will make the bride’s wedding even more amazing.

Wedding monograms add a custom detail to all of your wedding elements; from the invitations to the reception décor, your custom wedding monogram can be used to bring all elements of your wedding together. Modern brides are no longer limited to the traditional wedding monogram of simply intertwining the newlyweds’ initials together.

Choose a custom font like this wedding invitation element. It’s simple and chic yet adds personalization to your wedding stationary.

you can easily transform any picture into a silhouette

Don’t just stop at combining the couples’ initials – why not combine a picture of their faces? Wedding silhouettes are timeless and add a touch of vintage style. Choosing to use a silhouette monogram in your wedding still leaves open a number of possibilities. You can choose traditional facing silhouettes, an image of the couple sitting a table, kissing under a tree or any pose from the engagement photo shoot.

If you want to take an even more modern approach I love this idea from Martha Stewart Weddings. Make your wedding monogram with your two finger prints making the shape of a heart. It’s simple and refined yet modern and unexpected. Try this innovative idea or make one of your own!