Photos courtesy of Brides via Cut the Cake Designs, Ban.do, Twigs & Honey

2009 was a HUGE year for wedding trends especially for the hip, indie bride! Not only did the diy train take-off later in the year, but I think the handmade artisans and crafters led the whole way! I’m definitely one of ‘their’ biggest fans and supporters. Indie artisans keep on rocking into 2010 and beyond! Check out the rest of the favorite indie artisans here. Please include your favorites in the comments, let’s share and mingle!

ps – come see me at the first ever Indie Wed on Jan. 30th in Chicago! If all goes well, maybe it will make it’s way to San Francisco soon!

Photo courtesy of Once Wed & Bird and Banner

What a perfect to way to show someone you adore them (or as a wedding favor or seating card)!  Totally handmade with love.  Click here for the tutorial.

Ummm, I didn’t think it was possible to put my 3 favorite words together – DIY, wedding, crafts?!  Upload and chat about your favorite diy wedding craft here.  You just might when something!

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Oh Martha *sigh*.  Here are some of my favorite DIY templates and clip art for wedding decorations, favors, place cards and menus….totally hearting the Canvas Lace Photo Backdrop!

Photos courtesy of Forever 21

Have a lured you in?! Over the weekend, I stopped into Forever 21 (yes I know, teeny-bop galore) for a couple basic t-shirts. They’re super cheap! Anyway, I found the most amazing twisted strap, white chiffon maxi dress on the 2nd floor of the downtown San Francisco location….AND I can’t find it online anywhere. But it’s still worth chatting about..it was under $30 and super cute!! Lots of us on budgets these days, even more so if you’re planning a wedding. Think out of the box when shopping for that wedding dress….I’m definitely a believer of style but if I could go on a fabulous honeymoon with the money that I used to purchase my dress, I would! The key to an under $50 wedding dress? Research, explore and don’t look for the word ‘wedding’! Go to the sale racks and enter stores you thought you’d never go to. Keep an open mind and think ‘cocktail dress’. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

I don’t think there’s ever been a more popular grouping of letters – DIY!  It’s so 2009 (and beyond) isn’t it?  Ha!  Martha Stewart Weddings has it’s on DIY wedding section – here are some of my favorite favor how-tos.  I love these Yarn Favor Boxes too…

Courtesy of Indie Wed

You have less than one month to sign up!  

A unique wedding show & market to be held in Chicago.  On 01.30.2010, Indie Wed will cater to unconventional couples who are taking a more modern, edgy, or eco-friendly approach to their special day as well as the more conservative couples who simply want to spice things up a bit.  The event will highlight the world of local independent designers specializing in various wedding related fields including stationery, cakes & pastries, fashion, catering, floral design and photography.  What will also make this event unique is that it will be both a wedding show as well as a market where vendors will be able to sell their wedding related wares on the spot!  Link above for more info.

ps – I have a booth!

Photos courtesy of A Field Journal

A charming tutorial for tea light lanterns by Livy featured on Project Wedding!  Click link above.

Photo courtesy of 100 Layer Cake

Whew moving is never easy :)  I’m finally in STL and at my temp computer desk, yay!  You have to check out this oh-so sweet diy table number idea – bravo Jillian!

Photos courtesy of Twigs & Honey

Yay for Myra and brides!  Two new fabulous pieces in her etsy shop!