Category Archive

lessons learned

After the dust has settled, sometimes it’s nice to share the core lessons that you learned from your wedding… sort of a paying it forward sorta thing, to help future couples avoid making the same mistakes you did. We’re always looking for more “lessons learned” submissions, too. Tell us what YOU learned!

What funeral planning taught me about wedding planning alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

What funeral planning taught me about wedding planning

I’ve planned two funerals before planning my wedding. The first was my own funeral. My cancer came before we had a chance to speak of marriage, and preparing for the worst outcome took priority. It was not unlike planning a wedding (albeit in four days flat), and I’ve learned these lessons on how to celebrate life — whether this is a life that has gone or is about to start…

alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

How to deal with disappointment on your wedding day

I couldn’t believe that I was feeling disappointed on my wedding day. I felt like a failure for being so down on one of the happiest days of my life. From 12pm until about 2pm on the day of the wedding, I was ready to just say “FUCK THIS SHIT.” So, my advice is…

alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

5 ways to stay calm on your wedding day

Many people told me I was “the most calm and collected bride they had ever encountered.” Not to bad for an extreme A-type personality like myself!

When it comes to being a calm bride, there are a few things that can help you keep it all together and enjoy your day to the fullest…

10-super-obvious-things-I-forgot-to-add-to-my-wedding-budget

10 super-obvious things I forgot to add to my wedding budget

When I started planning my wedding, I scoured the web for as many budget breakdowns as I could find. I made spreadsheets and included everything I could think of, in super-granular detail. I thought I had thought of everything I could possibly think of. I was wrong! Here are some things I discovered I had not budgeted for, despite looking at dozens of online sample budgets…