Four of my friends got engaged this week, which certainly got me thinking about weddings  - not to mention it's also DIY wedding month! Since Meg has the DIY of it covered, it's worth it to think about wedding essentials that are more difficult to DIY. Items such as jewelry and the wedding dress can still be cheap, green and extremely personal, even if you don't have the time or skills to make them yourselves. I spent some time browsing Etsy to look for standouts.

Starting with bridesmaids dresses; Etsy has many designers with simple frocks in a variety of colors that could easily work as bridesmaids dresses in a summer wedding. Check out this cute pleated dress or this stone colored sundress.

Finding the right jewelry is always a challenge, but buying babbles in vintage and handmade isn't as tough as you'd think. Feast your eyes on this vintage rhinestone and milk glass necklace and handmade flora necklace. Or get your something old and blue in one go with this something blue jewelry set. This vintage Panetta necklace is also lovely.


Don't forget the groom's jewelry. Picking up a set of handmade or vintage cuff will add flare to his tuxedo, like these white gold ones.


While garters and headpieces are a little more doable to make yourself, if the seating arrangement and handmade center pieces are getting you down you can always purchase a handmade veil, like this side-swirl birdcage veil.


Or buy a handmade garter, like this gorgeous lace and pearl one.


And what is the second most import thing to a wedding than the actual getting married: the wedding dress. Etsy offers hundreds of options in vintage and handmade, from the traditional to the contemporary to the themed dress. I was a huge fan of this dress:


And a wedding tip: if you have a grandmother like mine (who thinks getting married in a strapless dress is equivalent to getting married in a brothel) a handmade bolero might be a nice touch to quell the aging relatives. Check out this silk one or this lace bolero:

 

And don't forget something handmade to wear for the night of your wedding.