The monthly Etsy Trend Guide is a compilation of fresh trends our experts are noticing across Etsy and the industry as a whole: what sellers are creating, what shoppers are loving, and what’s hot right now in the wider market. We gathered data, crunched the numbers, and tapped a few of our favorite tastemakers for insights. The result? This curated Etsy shopping guide to help you discover the next big things.
Planning a wedding is the ultimate expression of your personal style, but creating the vision for your big day is easier said than done: Pinterest is a bridal black hole, people keep asking what your colors are, and what if you don’t like Mason jars? (Cue matrimonial meltdown.)
That’s where I come in. As Etsy’s resident trend expert, I’m always on the hunt for up-and-coming designers and emerging trends—and with more than 1.7 million creative sellers* and millions of unique items, Etsy is where many of today’s most interesting and unexpected products get their start. Since wedding season is just around the corner, I’m here to share the top five creative wedding ideas you’ll be seeing more of this year (and one big prediction for 2018). From gemstone engagement rings to gifting lounges and matte black finishes, these are the unexpected, of-the-moment details that reflect what Etsy artists are making and shoppers are seeking.
Best of all, Etsy’s approach to trends isn’t about blindly following whatever’s popular—it’s about taking fresh ideas and making them your own. So if you don’t see the just-right boutonniere or unicorn favors you’ve dreamed of, have no fear: There’s someone on Etsy who shares your creative vision and is ready to make it a reality.
Now, on to the trend guide.
Clockwise from top left: Peony tulle wedding skirt by Mywony Bridal, $1,250; lightweight poppy dress by Truvelle, $212; dark purple chiffon gown by Baby-doll Shop, $285
Color swapping
Now that every shade of ivory, ecru, champagne, and cream is fair game for gowns (and even blush and subtle metallics have become common options for bridal attire), what’s an envelope-pushing bride to do? Leave behind the standard pale palette for something a lot more vibrant and unexpected. Ever popular on Etsy, “wedding dresses” was the second most searched wedding term so far in 2017, and more and more, design-minded brides are opting to grab the spotlight in colorful gowns—and even patterned pieces—and dressing their bridesmaids in white instead.
Sound counterintuitive? It’s not. The uniform backdrop of solid-white bridesmaids dresses ensures that nothing will distract from the bride’s big statement—and keeps the color palette from getting too complicated. (Fun fact: There’s even historical precedent for all-white wedding-party attire. In the 19th century, bridesmaids wore white to weddings to “protect” the bride from evil spirits.)
It’s not just super-edgy brides who are embracing the shake-up. Today, 11% of brides prioritize finding a gown that’s “unique,” and colorful gowns are the perfect way to stand out from the crowd. With options ranging from hand-painted gowns to dip-dyed bridal skirts, there’s no better source than Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding-day designs.
Clockwise from top left: Rose-gold morganite ring by By Laris, $385; opal engagement ring by Capucinne, $780; London blue topaz and aquamarine ring by Liesel Love, $630; marquise blue labradorite ring by Shiri Avda, $509; emerald engagement ring by Lex Luxe, $3,595
Gemstone engagement rings
With today’s young couples investing more in life experiences (travel, home ownership) and less in over-the-top ceremonies and budget-busting rings, the days of the boulder-size diamond as status symbol are fading fast. On Etsy, searches for “alternative engagement rings” have hit an all-time high, as couples increasingly seek out hued gemstones over something more traditional. From iridescent opals to bold emeralds, colorful gemstones allow couples to fully express their personal style—while also saving money. (The national average cost of a typical engagement ring is estimated to be more than $6,000.)
The settings may be rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, or sterling, with some metals upcycled or recycled. And while many gemstone engagement rings skew modern, that’s not the only aesthetic on offer. Antique and vintage-inspired styles tap into an old-school romantic vibe and make the trend accessible for traditional types. After all: The diamond engagement ring has only been the standard since the 1930s; before World War II, 90% of proposals happened without them. Consider this trend a return to form.
Clockwise from top: Maple candied bacon and ancho chili spiced pecan nougat by Sweetniks, $28; spicy apple eco soy candle by Tuur & Mor, $18; NYC cookies by Simply Sweet, $64
Gifting lounges
Much as they’ve become a staple of 21st-century weddings, stuffing and distributing dozens of welcome bags in the middle of pre-wedding mayhem is exactly nobody’s idea of a good time (yes, even your bridesmaids). Enter: gifting lounges, which preserve the fun part of the process—picking out the just-right mix of sentimental, symbolic, and silly favors—and ditch the assembly-line drudgery. Here’s how it works: Upon arrival at the couple’s hotel, a welcome party, or even at the reception itself, guests can grab a personalized tote or other container and help themselves to a curated spread of memorable goodies. (Think custom-designed cookies referencing the couple’s hometown, treats like maple syrup or fresh apples that are local to the area, and personalized items that tie in with the couple’s love story.)
It’s less effort, more fun, and it also brings a higher level of personalization to the guest experience—which aligns with the shift toward inviting fewer guests to the celebration, but spending more on them. From 2009 to 2015, the average number of wedding guests decreased nearly 10 percent, while the per-person wedding budget rose from $194 to $237. It’s all about offering a more elevated and bespoke experience, and when everyone’s walking away with what they want—and only what they want—that’s the definition of money well spent.
Clockwise from top: Custom wedding portrait by Reani, $350; wedding envelope calligraphy by T Jones Calligraphy, $1; agate place cards by Wander Love Press Co., $5
Going beyond the photo booth
A memento that’s made before your very eyes is one of life’s earliest delights—whether machine-stamped souvenir pennies or balloon-animal hats twisted up in real time. For years, customized photo booths stocked with themed accessories and props have stood in as the wedding-day equivalent—the tangible takeaway that brings you back to the scene in an instant. These days, though, couples are pushing the personalized-souvenir idea one very big step further by arranging for illustrators, calligraphers, and artists to create original works for guests in person, on-site.
The demand for customized wedding guest entertainment, from hand-drawn monograms to freehand portrait sketches, has increased 30 percent over the last eight years, and providing a memorable experience and a meaningful take-home gift has become more of a priority for couples on their wedding day. On Etsy, gifts are one of the fastest-growing wedding categories, with nearly 20% of wedding-related listings now falling into the “Gifts and Mementos” subcategory (2015-16). With sellers around the globe, Etsy is the perfect place to connect with a local artist to create those unique, day-of touches.
Top to bottom: Wedding place cards by Lily and Rose Studio, $1.65; vintage wedding hat boutonniere by Exquisite Threads, $34.42
Back to (matte) black
The next big color trend for weddings isn’t just a color—it’s a finish, too. In a softer, muted matte hue, classic black gets a modern makeover and moves from background standby to a signature shade in its own right. Matte black’s rise may have started with the chalkboard craze, but it has rapidly outgrown its rustic roots to become an elegant, ultra-chic element in a wide array of wedding palettes and styles.
Its versatility is key: Matte black can be used as a base for pops of lush color in a floral arrangement or as a counterpoint to a blush pink bloom (another trending hue) in a boutonniere. Perhaps its most compelling pairing comes from a marriage of matte black and super-shiny metallics—especially gold or copper. On place cards, invitations, and other paper goods, the contrast of foil type on matte stock amps up the drama even more.
Clockwise from left: Linen wide-leg pants by Pixie Won’t Play, $54; Coco flower girl tux by Doloris Petunia, $2,500; satin pantsuit by Lovey by Isha, $1,600
2018 Prediction: Bridesmaids’ suits and jumpers
Whether you credit Solange’s rule-busting 2014 wedding wardrobe (the jumpsuits! the necklines! the capes!) or the rise of Pantsuit Nation, we’re seeing more and more brides forego wedding gowns now. I predict 2018 will officially be the year of the wedding dress alternative—and not just for the bride herself. The whole wedding party is getting in on it. Working with shapes from the tuxedo-inspired to the romper-ish, everyone from the bride to the flower girl can skip the skirt and still stand out.
Like many of this year’s trends, it’s all about personal expression, both for the bride and her party. Because while the popularity of bridal parties has not declined—in fact, 99 percent of brides still want a traditional bridal party—two thirds of brides are choosing a personalized approach to bridal party attire, asking their bridesmaids to wear whatever fit or silhouette they prefer, as long as it’s in line with her key color themes. She wants her girl squad to feel their most confident, comfortable, and beautiful on her big day.
61 comments
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 3 years ago
Very nice!!! I love your shop :)
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 3 years ago
Love seeing how each generation brings their own unique sense of style to weddings! Thanks for sharing :)
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 3 years ago
Beautiful collection! Thanks for sharing.
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing this collection!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 3 years ago
great finds! Thanks for sharing:)
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 3 years ago
I love that moon stone ring. What a great trend tips.
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 3 years ago
I love the idea of the bride in color and bridesmaids in white! Great trend article!
Megan from BalaBlue said 3 years ago
Awesome ideas! I wish I could re-plan my wedding once a year. Every year there are new and awesome ways to express yourself through your wedding decor and fashion.
GoGoSnap Vintage Invitations and Stationery from GoGoSnap said 3 years ago
More great ways to get creative and express your own personal style!
Gloria Dixon from GloriousRelics said 3 years ago
Great information!!! We are starting to make new from vintage wedding accessories and this will help us !
Jimmy Mansell from GalvanizedCreations said 3 years ago
Wow! What a great Wedding Edition. We agree wholeheartedly. We have seen a huge surge in our wedding medallion business here at GalvanizedCreations. Shiney sanded steel in 24" diameter (under $100 delivered) is one of our best sellers. The personalized medallions far outsell all the other wedding items. Since we found that our customers are far more creative than we are, we've seen some awesome displays, from hanging them on the front door of the wedding venue, hanging in reception halls, to displaying them at the gift card table (lots of good stories on this one), to a forever home display of a family's love. Thank you etsy.com, and all our fabulous customers. We are truly blessed. Jimmy Mansell GalvanizedCrestions
SharaDelane from ShellsandBlooms said 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing! :)
Aristocrafts from Aristocrafts said 3 years ago
I love the gifting lounge idea :). Great article, thanks for sharing!
Michele Beyer from MicheleBeyerQuilting said 3 years ago
I love seeing these new trends. Last year I was asked to make a guest book quilt for a wedding. I was not familiar with this idea but thought it was a great alternative to a paper book. I made the quilt for her and it was beautiful. Simple but classy with their initials monogrammed on it. Since then I have received so many orders. I create the quilts to match their color schemes. I enjoy working with the color schemes they chose.
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 3 years ago
I do love that today there are more choices to make that special day something that's unique to you, and not a cookie cutter look overall that is supposed to represent you and your wedding. Very beautiful and unique ideas! Thanks for sharing!!
Alyona Chernikova from CaprichoCanada said 3 years ago
Thank you very much! I am taking so many ideas for my shop!
Julie from JuliesHeart said 3 years ago
Awesome collection of wedding trends and ideas! I find in my shop personalized glasses are bought by guests to gift the bride and groom with a lasting memento of their special day. I find the idea of wedding guests and the gifting lounge intriguing ~ opens up a whole new line of possibilities in personalized mementos.
Jamie Hansen from FlourishFamilyCrests said 3 years ago
Love this post! I love seeing all the color in weddings, a departure from the traditional white.
Michaela from bepoppy said 3 years ago
Great article, Thank you! So nice to see ako tej inšpiruje creators!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 3 years ago
Great article!
Michael Robinson from CarvedAccessories said 3 years ago
Awesome, we have some gifts and products for the Groom, Best man and Groomsmen.
Carol from MasCollected said 3 years ago
Thoroughly enjoyed this article. Thank you. I'm looking forward to these new trends coming in a proliferation of interesting choices for new brides. El amor todo lo puede.
Debbie Applegate from glasscarving said 3 years ago
The agate place card is the greatest idea
Heidi from BerlinGlam said 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing these awesome wedding ideas! Brides and bridesmaids will look amazing with these fresh ideas For the grooms and their groomsmen your can find matching accessories here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BerlinGlam?ref=pr_shop_more§ion_id=13341812
Lisa B Meyers from GwendalysaArts said 3 years ago
It's about time that the wedding dress becomes colorful again after the white trend that started in 1840. I also LOVE the colored engagement rings. How wonderful to not feel locked in to white and diamonds.
Lina B from ThePartyGirlBoutique said 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing these articles. Love the different styles and colours. It allows each bride to make her special day unique in her own sense!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 3 years ago
Lovely nuptial trends and ideas!! Love the drawing and the cookies : ) TFS!!!
Jenny from JusticeSafetyPinCo said 3 years ago
A trend I'm starting to see is the socially conscious wedding party wearing color coordinated fashion safety pins. I see a lot of interest from my buyers in making a statement in solidarity with the vulnerable as part of the wedding celebration.
Joyce Feldmiller from MidnightFlorist said 3 years ago
It's always interesting to see trends. Thanks.
Joyce Feldmiller from MidnightFlorist said 3 years ago
It's always interesting to see your trends you've come up with. Thanks
WING SUM YIM from fabricAsians said 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing! Pretty dress!
lovingmelosingu said 3 years ago
I just would like to get the word out! If you all come across this seller DO NOT PURCHASE ANY OF HER PRODUCTS! She took my money and I have yet to receive my product! it says that it shipped but I have yet to see the package arrive! How do you tell a paying customer that you will be on vacation until further notice and use that as a default mail whenever you receive an email from someone! I spent a little over $50 bucks! it may not seem much to you Ms. Aubrey, but its the principle! I know this is a blog about a totally different vendor, However I did not see any other way I could contact people except through this! Aubrey Campie from Videnda sent you a conversation on April 7, 2017. Re: Order #1183139112 on Mar 31, 2017 FAMILY EMERGENCY, will be on vacation mode until further notice! Thank you for understanding! -Aubrey
Libby from goldeluxe said 3 years ago
That gifting lounge is a genius idea! If only I weren't already married.
Maja Zirovcic. from WeddingShuz said 3 years ago
Great ;)
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 3 years ago
Love is in the air ~ Beautiful selections ! I really like the Linen wide-leg pants by Pixie Won’t Play !
Renee from RandMhandmade said 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing!!
threesidedorchid from threesidedorchid said 3 years ago
I'm a little confused what the big difference is between traditional welcome bags and the 'gifting lounge' idea? It sounds like it's just about when/where/how the guest picks up the bag - you're still stuffing the bag with goodies (personalized or not), so what am I missing?
foofoogal54 from GracefulVtgClothing said 3 years ago
Love unique Weddings. Like the idea about a jumpsuit. I have a lovely deadstock white one on my shop that I think would be so nice for a informal Bride.
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 3 years ago
Lovely new wedding trends! Thanks for sharing these lovely ideas!
MarzycardsUK from MarzycardsUK said 3 years ago
Lovely showcase!! Thanks for sharing!!
mary schussman from EndlessBlossoms said 3 years ago
Great collection of wedding items and ideas
Mary Veluz from OhBoyLoveItDigital said 3 years ago
Great article, love the creative momentos you can find on Etsy, the chalk board craze was one of my favs for multiple events :)
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 3 years ago
Love the custom wedding portrait- so clever and a lovely way to capture the day. :)
Olivia Ewing Obercian from OliviaEwingJewelry said 3 years ago
Yes, I love that you're calling out alternative engagement rings! Beautiful examples. I've been doing more and more gemstone rings, definitely a hot (and colorful) trend right now :) xox
Mary Margaret from EufloriaDesigns said 3 years ago
Alternative engagement rings galore can be found here: www.Etsy.EufloriaDesigns.com
thorh34hill said 3 years ago
Wow! I didn't realise I was so "on trend" when 52 years ago I chose a coloured gem stone engagement ring. A really interesting article- thank you so much.
Diana Sian Crafts from DianaSianCrafts said 3 years ago
Great article - thanks for sharing - I am loving the current trend for an alternative wedding - for those who aren't really into the rustic look I have made some gorgeous paper flower bouquets from everything from comic books to sheet music paper. Etsy provides inspiration, ideas and products to suit any style from classic to geek <3 <3 <3
Marilyn from RegalRabbitVintage said 3 years ago
I wish the colored bridal gown and everyone else all in white was in vogue in my days of 1963, but alas, it was not. I think it's a brilliant idea and guests could get in on wearing all white too!
Beverly Girolomo from VintageWeddingChic said 3 years ago
Gorgeous collection, thanks for sharing. VintageWeddingChic.Etsy.com
Wendy from DrevanM said 3 years ago
Nice update....I had no idea about some of these trends. Thanks for sharing
Nataly from TheArtOfStitching said 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing!
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 3 years ago
Lovely story. Lovely gift ideas!
Grace Amundsen from SquishyWizard said 3 years ago
Great article! I'm bringing a splash of vibrant color to my own wedding attire, so I think it's safe to say I like some of these trends. I see the strong theme of personal expression underlying a lot of these- something I see in people buying custom geeky (dragons and dinosaurs and video games, oh my) cake toppers in my shop, Squishy Wizard, too.
Cheryl Lee from SeaglassGemsbyCherie said 3 years ago
My daughter is getting married in June outside with a natural Colorado landscape theme mixed with a traditional wedding and bridesmaid dresses. I been given the honor of being able to make jewelry pieces fopr the bride and her bridesmaids. The wedding colors are lavender and sage. Beautiful colors to work with.
Joann Hofer from XchocolArt said 3 years ago
Love it. Thanks for sharing!
Becky Mc Ferran from BeckysGloriousQuilts said 3 years ago
Beckys Glorious Quilts can custom make an original Wedding Ring Quilt with the Bride and Grooms names inside the two rings!! Your choice of colors and fabric I just finished a queen size in 4 weeks!! Go check out my Etsy Store!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 3 years ago
Those wedding rings !!
Becky Mc Ferran from BeckysGloriousQuilts said 3 years ago
Beckys Glorious Wedding Ring Quilt is custom made for the happy couple.Choose your colors and fabric! on Etsy.com
Clara Chauffe said 3 years ago
I ordered l00 light sticks wands for a wedding today. How do I tell you what personalization I want on the wands?
Sharon from YearsAfter said 3 years ago
Breathtakingly Beautiful!
Fotografia Ślubna Kraków said 1 year ago
Love it. Thanks for sharing!