Here are just a few of the gorgeous wedding things I’ve found by browsing Etsy!

1. Custom Alencon Lace Wedding Jacket – Short or Capped Sleeves by GlorybyJeannieLee:  “The Alencon Lace jacket is my favorite bridal accessory, as it will dress up even the most simple gown.”

2. Collette Lace Shoes with Hand Singed Roses and Rhinestone Buttons Marie Antoinette Style Ballroom Slippers by ShatteredPrincess. New, but enhanced with vintage lace, definitly one of a kind.

3. Wedding Sign Directional Wedding Shabby Chic 24 x 12 by tcart2010:  Hand painted signs direct your guests in the right direction!

4. SPARKLING CHAMPAGNE on ICE – Hand Knit Spiraling Twist – Pearl and Crystal Bangle by SerebaDesigns : Creamy 8mm ivory and 8mm champagne glass pearls are mixed with 6mm soft white glass pearls… all hand knit onto light silver durable metallic cord.

5. Martha Stewart Replica – Wedding Cake Butterfly Packs by clearcutcrafts2007:  Pack of 30 butterflies in 5 different colors and many designs.

6. Men’s wedding ring shiny classic finish 14k solid gold by havalazar: This beautiful stylish hand made band from 14K recycled gold can be customized  according to your request.

7. Retro-Tulle Headband with Hand-made Chiffon Flower with Button center by FascinatingCreations :  Soft and pretty, a little bitty hippy but 100% sophisticated!

8. Chandelier Earings, Crystal Quartz Little Wings by SarahHickeyJewellery : Available in Sterling Silver or 14K Gold Filled

9. Flower Girl Fancy Tutu Dress Custom Colors by CHICLILLOVEBUGS : This Elegant Design will be recreated in any size ranging from newborn to size 6 girls, in your choice of color, fabric type, and extra embellishing.

10. Bridal Bouquet Turquoise Fuschia Fiesta Wedding Flowers by  AmoreBride : This silk bouquet and others can be customized to your specific color and floral needs!

Oh, it could have, but just a teeny-tiny bit, and just in the small details! I was a very laid back bride and pretty much said “OK!” to everything my mom graciously helped me organize. I’m not complaining at all, but if I could do it over again, now that I’m not so starry-eyed, here are some things I’d do differently!

shoes from dress361

1. Loosen up the Pictures! I have a lot of wedding pictures, but they are all pretty formal and pretty standard. I still love looking at them but I’d have added two things:

1. A photo booth, where guests can put on a kooky hat or a feather boa and get a little crazy for the camera!
2. Some version of Trash the Dress. I don’t think I actually want to have trashed it (it went on to have a good life with other brides after I wore it) but I do think it would have been cool to go off somewhere, like the beach or a Malibu hiking trail and had some fun!

2. More color in the Ensemble! I loved my dress, which was a creamy off-white, with a train, embellished with lace and a satin sash with long tails in the back. I wore my mother’s gorgeous lace veil which reached the floor, along with roses in my hair. It was very nearly perfect, except for…

1. I’m thinking that maybe I would have liked a colored sash, maybe something peachy or gold, to match my flowers.
2. While we’re at it, I’d have picked shoes (dyables, or something sparkly?) to match the sash! The shoes I wore were so NOT special!

3. Hair up, hair down? I wore my hair half and half, with some loose tendrils in the front. My photographer had said, “Don’t do the loose tendrils! They will block your face and ruin some of your photos!” I didn’t listen, since I had my heart set on a gorgeous, romantic hairstyle I saw in some bridal magazine. But he was right! They looked pretty from the front, but not so great from any other angle. So listen to my photographer, and keep your wisps tucked away where they belong!

4. Total Invitation Renovation: Not having a fortune to spend, my invitations were very plain, very simple, and very boring. Black on cream. If I had a do-over I would not want to spend more money on fancy cardstock and expensive graphics. But maybe I would have written out my invitations by hand (I am artistic and I could have done some pretty calligraphy) and given the template to the printer to print up. Maybe loosened up the traditional wording a little bit. Maybe added some “swirly goodness” a la I Dream of Letters (I am a little bit obsessed with her stuff!)

An actual Bridal Party: I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone, so I let all moms, sisters, and flower girls (rather mom of flower girls) pick their own dresses. This mean my mom wore a stunning, floor length gold gown, my mother-in-law a pretty peacock-blue dress, my sister was in pink, one sister-in-law wore something soft and multi-colored, and my other sister-in-law came in leopard print!! So maybe, now that I think about it, it would have been a good idea to give a little guidance. Like maybe just pick a color and stick with it! And have the guys wear matching ties too, while we’re at it!

So that’s pretty much it. All small details in the grand scheme of things, but fun to consider nonetheless. And maybe it will give other brides out there the opportunity to rethink anything they might not have thought about at first!

feature image: Flickr

Paris Hilton Bonita Ivory Wedding Shoes;  $84.00 my glas slipper.com

Evelixa Peep-Toe Pumps; Price: $89.95 Nina Shoes.com

Grace Sienna Bridal Shoes, $130 Bellissima Shoes

Stuart Weitzman High-n-mighty Wedding Shoes;  Swoon $369.00 my glass slipper.com

Liliana By Adi Side Bow Satin Stilettos $34.99 Target.com

something bleu “Clarke” $260.00 my glass slipper.com

Heel, Boy $320 Hey Lady.com

Martinez Valero Vida Bridal Shoes $149.00 Bellissima Shoes

Shanghai Exotic Peep Toe Pump $44.99 Payless.com

Benjamin Adams Charlize Wedding Shoes; $399.00 Model Bride.com

Here’s the recap, from Kate’s glittering tiara down to her hand-embroidered lacey pumps!

Get the Dress

There was much excited speculation over what The Dress would look like, with many big designers getting in on the fun and creating their perfect princess gown. Ramona Keveza almost got it perfect when she created this romantic A-line gown with a lace illusion neckline and sleeves decorated with delicate Chantilly lace.

Another look-alike is the Andrea gown, by Priscilla of Boston. This silk organza ball gown has embellished lace details on the skirt, much like Kate’s. The fully beaded lace jacket with scalloped edges adds royal charm.

Another Priscilla of Boston gown (this is Style 4615) is equally beautiful, with a twist. This A-line gown with hand-appliqued crystal-encrusted Alencon Lace sleeves also features a a lovely silver sash for added dimension.

Get the Tiara

Of course, a princess has to wear a tiara! If you want a royal headpiece too, but don’t have access to the Queen’s extensive collection of tiaras (Kate chose a  1936 Cartier “halo” tiara), check out these lovely options. Brides.come recommends, from top to bottom: Erica Koesler, David’s Bridal, Bel Aire Bridal, Ann Leslie Designs. For more headpiece ideas, visit Brides.com’s accessories gallery.

Kate’s veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which were embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, where the lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt were hand-made as well.

Get the Jewels

The lovely drop earrings Kate wore were commissioned by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, as a wedding present.  London Jeweler Robinson Pelham created the diamond oak leaf and acorn earrings for the bride – a motif which echoes the coat of arms of the Middleton family.

Brides.com showcases a similar style from their most recent Brides Local Magazines cover shoot. They’re by the L.A.-based designer Simon G., who always finds beautiful, interesting ways to showcase diamonds. Like Kate’s earrings, these delicate danglers would perfectly complement any regal wedding gown.

Get the Shoes

Tradition is a wonderful thing, but there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun at the same time! Here are some great ideas for keeping wedding customs fresh!

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding

Twist on Something Old: Here’s a great idea! An heirloom brooch takes on a new life when you attach it to a wide piece of ribbon and wearing it as a cuff!  (Brooch, General Whimsy)

Twist on Something New: Not everything needs to be tangible. Mark your special day with a fragrance you’ve never worn before. Do try it out though before the wedding to be sure you like it! (pictured: Hermes Poivre Samarcande)

Twist on Something Borrowed: For wedding-day memorabilia, brides traditionally look to their mothers and grandmothers. This time, let Dad or Grandpa have his moment by wrapping a bow tie around the base of your bouquet.

Twist on Something Blue: These shoes have all the classic bridal markings — white satin, decorative bow, peep toe — but the sole is a vivid aqua. (Pour La Victoire “Stella” shoes from Zappos.com)

A Twist on Centerpieces: Rather than an explosion of flowers, consider a sculptural arrangement of veneer figure eights. On this table they are interspersed with stemless wineglasses and tall taper candles.  (Design Your Wall white contact paper. Northern Sheer Veneer birch veneer. Riedel wineglasses.)

Twist on Wedding Favors: Rather than doling out chocolates and picture frames, some couples designate that portion of the budget to charity, and make a donation on behalf of their guests. Many nonprofits have programs in place to accept this kind of contribution, which gets you a tax write-off as well as a good deed. Then, you get printed cards to distribute to guests stating that a gift has been made. Another idea for an environmentally-friendly wedding is to give guests sappling from the Arbor Day Foundation to take home and plant.

Twist on a Guest Book: Rather than an album of well-wishes, how about turning on your computer to watch your guests in action! Reserve a corner of your wedding venue for a video photo booth: Set up a digital camcorder, leave a movie clapper and dry-erase pens for guests to write their names and messages, and let them talk a blue streak. For a seamless background, hang a large white piece of fabric or paper.

Twists on a Wedding Cake: In place of a towering frosted confection, you can serve just about anything that pleases you… cupcakes, candy bars, or something like this irresistible all-white dessert buffet. Lemon-cream sandwich cookies, Ricotta-filled pizzelles, Toasted-marshmallow milkshakes, coconut macaroons, Pavlovas with cream and white currants, Angel food roulade with salted caramel cream, Mini panna cotta tarts, Crossings calissons (800-209-6141), Mini rum Bundt cakes, Arnold’s Candies pillow mints (groovycandies.com) in Plastic Container City

A Twist on Throwing Rice: This ritual has roots in ancient Egypt, and symbolizes a life of prosperity. But who needs the mess? Guests can wave birch-veneer banners which they have personalized with all their good wishes and blessings.

Twist on the Decorated Getaway Car: Turn the tables on your guests!  Have valets decorate their cars during the reception. For example, you might surprise them with a memento tied to the rearview mirror, such as a card thanking them for coming, or a sachet of potpourri.

Check out Martha Stewart Weddings for more great ideas!

sequin pump: Unbeatable Sale, hair accessory: I am Fashion, Sequin Clutch Bag: Glitzy-n-Glamorous

Dresses, Shoes, & Accessories:

Flower girl cardigan and shoes: Martha Stewart Wedding

Vintage Style Sequin Rose Hair Corsage: Is Elegant

Gold sequin pump: Unbeatable Sale

Gold Sequin Encrusted Clutch Bag: Glitzy-n-Glamorous

(How awesome would these shoes and clutch be together? I say, very!)

Pink sequin shoes: ChicStories

… And Sequins for the guys too!

Pink sequined tie (to match the bride’s/bridesmaids’ pink shoes!) Twenga

Silver sequin bow tie: windy city novelties

Favors, Invitations, and More:

Candy favors rolled up in colorful tissue paper and sequins: Martha Stewart Weddings

Embellish invitations, place cards, and stationary with sequins. Give guests packets of sequins to throw instead of confetti or rice! Martha Stewart Weddings

Glam up your wedding venue with sequin garlands (This Next) and butterflies (wedding-favours.com- check out this site, the have the most gorgeous butterflies!)

Ring pillow: Martha Stewart Weddings

Sequined wedding cake (if you’re really into this theme!): SweetElement

Shoes

Colored shoes peeping out from below are one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to add color to your ensemble!  For inspiration, think about your wedding colors… consider shoes that match your groom’s tie, your bridesmaids’ dresses, or your bouquet.

photos: Joie of Life

Jewels

Pearls are lovely and diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but there are so many other beautiful jewels out there, no bride should feel limited to monochromatic jewelry. Whether you want to wear your grandmother’s vintage bracelet or some glittery costume jewelry, let those bangles and broaches speak for themselves!

Photos: Garnet broach, Citrine Pendant Turquoise bracelet

Headbands

If you are looking for something flashier than a tired tiara and veil, take inspiration from these gorgeous, multi-colored headbands!

Photos: Peacock headband,  Peony headband, Geometric headband

Cardigans & Cover-ups

Taking photos outside in the snow? Getting married in a church or synagogue where you need to cover up? Just looking for something different to add a pop of color? Try a shawl, bolero, or cardigan, which can change the look of your dress in an instant!

Photos: Yellow cardigan, Boleros, blue cardigan

Designer: Over $100

The best shoes of summer 2009, from InStyle Weddings:

Satin peep-toe pumps by J. Crew, $265

Satin sandals, BCBG Max Azria, $198

Deals: Under $100

Unforgettable moments, $44.95 (choose from 13 styles and 64 custom colors)

Nina Culver, Zappos, $79.00

Jessica Simpson, Zappos, $71.00

Patti by Nina, BridalShoes, $67.00

feature image credit

Splash of Color

One wedding shoe trend that that is sure to delight everyone has brides wearing vivid colored bridal shoes underneath their wedding gowns. I love it!! Whether it’s a feisty red, sunny yellow, or even your “something blue,” colorful shoes will highlight your adventurous spirit.

Photos from: Nathat Walker (Flickr) and Inspired Occasions

These boots are made for…

These boots are made for brides, of course! And why not? From sweet little ankle boots to kickin’ knee-highs, you can find the perfect boot to suit your bridal style. Ladylike Victorian lace ups… Western cowboy-style… even real satin dyable bridal boots… There’s a boot for every bride!

Pictures from Manolo and Flora Photography.

Barefoot Sandals

To be the ultimate beach bride, consider wearing barefoot sandals. They’re bottomless, so you don’t have to worry about pesky sand in your shoes or getting a heel caught, but their enchanting beads and charms adorn your feet beautifully. Barefoot sandals are often also referred to as slave anklets, but they make fun and fanciful footwear for a beach bride!   From simple ribbons to extravagant swarovski crystals, these sandals are priced well below your standard bridal shoes!

These barefoot sandals are from Style Hive and Sella:

Nude Heels for long, lean legs

If you are wearing a tea length or mini-dress, you are probably looking for ways to show off your legs!  To elongate your legs, wear high-heeled nude shoes. Choose a color that matches your skin tone; nude tones will look great with gowns of any color (including white, of course) and make you legs look like they’re going on forever!

Photo credits: Photobucket and Zimbio

Bridal Flats and Kitten Heels

Destination wedding? Beachy, rocky, or grassy locations may make it hard to find footwear that’s pretty yet practical.  While style options do include flip flops, there’s no need to settle for anything less than supreme elegance.  Ballet flats, open-toe sandals, strappy shoes… there are so many beautiful and comfortable shoes to choose from!

These wedding flats are compliments of My Lovely Big Feet, Bride’s Best Mate, Perfect Details.

Sneaks and Tennis Shoes

Now let’s take comfort one step further (pun intended!) If you’re trying to make a statement by wearing All Stars, you really have to do it right, like this awesome bride in purple Converses, a la Manolo. But if you just want to be comfy and don’t much care for the dictates of fashion, then break out the Keds and rhinestones, and party hardy!

Custom Designed Satin and Pearl Beaded Bridal Tennis Shoes:

As well as making gorgeous shoes coveted by the likes of Natalie Portman, Beyond Skin’s philosophy is to ‘…trade in a manner that is non exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment. Using no animal products, all our footwear is hand-made to order in the UK promoting ethically-sound and less energy intensive working practices.’

Ok, so it seems that the UK has a monopoly on ethical shoewear, and the 10 shoes pictured at the Wishopt blog are actually all from the UK. Does anyone know where you can obtain shoes in the USA that meet these standards? And look this pretty?

Some use recycled rubber for the soles, or recycled vintage fabrics and trimmings. Others are produced under a Fair Trade agreement and are careful to use less energy intensive working practices. And of course, no leather, unless it’s recycled!