My name isn’t “Mrs”: On changing my mind about changing my last name
Changing my mind about changing my last name was undoubtedly really confusing for my husband, because I had clearly stated my intention to take his name once we were married. But when people started calling me “Mrs. HisLastName” I didn’t like it!
I’m ready to get married… but my life situation isn’t
My partner’s been proposing to me, almost as a game, on the semi-regular since we both realised that we were “it” for each other. I want to say yes with every fiber of my being. The problem is, I’m sick — the sort where you don’t get completely better. And it’s unclear when I’ll be able to re-enter the workforce.
Why you should be judgmental about weddings
Offbeat Bride is known as the inclusive safe-haven of the wedding world, but did you know that we’re actually PRO-judgment? Wait, did we actually just say that? Allow us to explain…
Why I will not be wearing an ounce of make-up at my wedding
Based on how many people have asked “where are you getting your make-up done?” — without ever pausing to consider the possibility that I won’t have it done professionally — it’s clear that choosing to have no wedding make-up goes against what many people think a “normal” bride should do. On my wedding day I will not be wearing an ounce of make-up. Why?…
Accountability: Offbeat Bride’s official stance on wedding etiquette advice
Not infrequently, Offbeat Bride will be criticized for supposedly telling couples to ignore certain kinds of wedding etiquette advice. Or we’ll catch shit for sharing weddings where folks went way off the beaten track when it comes to what you might think of as acceptable wedding etiquette. Given that the “Offbeat Bride hates etiquette!” critique comes up repeatedly, perhaps it’s worth capturing our official stance on wedding etiquette advice.
There are moments that feel like betrayal: planning a wedding as a widow
Two years ago, I became a widow after my husband committed suicide. Today, I’m planning a wedding with my teenage-years’ sweetheart, with whom I got back together a little over a year ago. And when these two things overlap, it becomes cause for grief, not joy.