Category Archive

Philosophizing

How do you feel about your wedding? What does it all mean? How does wedding planning a metaphor for the rest of your life?

Mrs Balloon Garland with Tassels Kit alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

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!

ready to get married alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

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.

alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

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…

no wedding make up alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

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?…

Offbeat Brides official stance on wedding etiquette advice alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

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.

Planning a wedding as a widow alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

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.