Resources for Unique Brides
Nontraditional Wedding Ideas and Bridal Support
With so many magazines, books, and websites devoted to traditional brides, where can innovative, new brides find assistance? These five ideas might help.
Not all brides are the same. Some dream of wearing white, throwing a bouquet, and slow dancing to Shania Twain’s “You’re the one.” Some brides, though, want nothing to do with the traditional (possibly boring or outdated) wedding.
For brides who can’t stand The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, and the term “Bridezilla,” this article should help suggest alternative resources including books and websites.
1. The Anti-Bride Guide: Tying the Knot Outside of the Box by Carolyn Gerin and Stephanie Rosenbaum (Chronicle Books, 2001)
“Anti-bride” could be a confusing term in regards to a bridal guide book. As the authors of The Anti-Bride Guide describe it, though, “An anti-bride is a bride who’s getting married her own way.” This doesn’t mean running off to Vegas to elope or hiting up City Hall; some brides just might not be interested in Emily Post’s etiquette or going into debt.
This is the book for the trendy, hip, and independent bride who still wants to have a fabulous party, but can’t envision herself following every “rule” the other bridal guides insist on.
ISBN-13: 978-0811829670
2. Indiebride: a site for the independent-minded bride
This is the ultimate online resource for developing a community of other “indie brides.” Some unique threads on the Indiebride forum, Kvetch, include “Second thoughts,” “Wedding dress alternatives,” and “Life after marriage.” The chats on Indiebride have all the support of The Knot, but without the bitchiness.
Lori Leibovich, editor and creator, describes it perfectly: “My hope is that Indiebride will fill a much-needed niche in the bridal media, that it will be a place for would-be brides who have more on their minds than planning a reception, women who never for a second believed in Prince Charming and who have not, despite all of the cultural cues, been breathlessly awaiting their wedding day for their whole life.”
3. Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget by Denise and Alan Fields (8th ed, Windsor Peak Press, 2006)
Okay, so some traditional brides are also on a budget, but this book has to be mentioned. Never have there been so many brilliant and realistic tips for saving money and throwing a fantastic wedding with limited finances.
This is considered one of the best-selling bridal guides and there’s a reason—it’s incredible. From everything to invitations to dresses, For brides who are willing and excited to cut corners, buy this book immediately.
ISBN-13: 978-1889392226
4. Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides by Ariel Meadow Stallings (Seal Press, 2006)
There are two great resources hidden here. First, there is this innovative and charming book about one bride’s experience planning an “offbeat” wedding. As she describes it, it's “A wedding memoir crossed with a tipster handbook…and a celebration of aisles less traveled.”
The second great resource is the Offbeat Bride website/blog, inspired by the book. Here brides can see photos of other offbeat brides and get even more ideas and support. It’s a beautifully crafted and inspiring site.
ISBN-13: 978-1580051804
5. The Artful Bride: Simple, Handmade Wedding Projects by April L. Paffrath & Laura McFadden (Quarry Books, 2003)
This is a book for crafty brides who don’t necessarily want cookie cutter favors and decorations. Anyone call buy a big, white bell to hang in the reception hall, but only The Artful Bride can make wind-up toy name cards.
Even if the exact ideas in the book, aren't used the innovation of the book creators might help trigger better, more unique ideas. This would make a great gift for any new brides you know who are also interested in crafts.
ISBN-13: 978-1564969613
In the end, traditional brides shouldn't have all the fun. With great resources like these, unique brides should feel inspired and supported by their decision to have a nontraditional wedding.
