6 magical ways to banish negativity from wedding planning

I’ve been a pretty pessimistic person my entire life, or, as I like to say, a “realist.” So when I got engaged it was pretty much business as usual. Somewhere down the line, though, I realized how much energy it took to be negative about the whole thing — to be the dissenting voice in a crowd of YAYOMGZ was flat out exhausting. Yet I couldn’t fake the enthusiasm surrounding the circus of wedding planning, so what do I do?

Miranda & Nathan’s short dresses and big beards wedding

Give us big beards and short skirts any day, amirite? This in-the-middle-of-nowhere wedding in New South Wales is a dreamy evening under the stars. Don’t miss the beautiful handmade cake, foxy placecards, and epic backdrop and scenery.

How to make your photographer feel like a friend-tographer

I’m Angie Gaul, I am an avid Offbeat Bride reader, and have been since I started planning my own wedding way back in 2007. I keep coming back because I love the community here, along with the other Offbeat Wives who still read after their weddings. I love weddings, obviously, and I love learning about people’s cultures and subcultures, and I really love the respectful tone and intelligent level of commentary and discussion that Ariel, Megan, and the rest of the team work so hard to maintain.

I read the same articles you do, so I know that Offbeat Bride readers are really debating going back and forth between having a friend take their photos and a vendor. I so get this. That’s why I try to offer the best of both worlds…

Michelle & William’s Art Deco Sailor Moon-inspired moonlight gala

Remember the amazing Austenland-themed shower? We’ve got that bride’s equally enchanting Sailor Moon-themed wedding to share! Get ready to be overwhelmed by glam-meets-anime details, handmade dresses, bunny-heeled shoes, a hilarious “garter” toss, and a sentimental officiant.

Wide-calf wedding boots [Updated for 2022!]

Let’s browse some tall boots for wider calves! If you’re looking for kinky boots for your athletic or plus-size calves, we’re here for you. The good news is that there are plus size boots with calf fits of about 17″/43 cm to 21″/53 cm, depending on your shoe size. And if you don’t fall within those sizes, there are custom-fit options, too. Despair no more and check out these wide calf riding styles, glam heels, studded leather, and slightly loud colors.

Liane & Daniel’s off-the-grid lakeside cabin-in-the-woods wedding

There’s nothing we love more than a tearful groom at the ceremony. And boy does this cutie deliver. Add that to the gorgeous scenery of this island locale, 1001 paper cranes, a signed paddle guest book, an epic dance party, and interactive cardboard sign speeches, and you’ve got a stellar getaway, off-the-grid wedding.