Pics or it didn’t happen: Celebration versus validation
Between making sure my makeup is “photo-worthy” to chronicling the planning progress (Offbeat Bride, you are my enabler!), the era of instant documentation and weddings is a match made in heaven. Who doesn’t want an excuse to show off pictures of their wedding day? Now you have a reason to take photos of the knitting project you’ve been toiling over for months. Who doesn’t love to get feedback from others fawning over your dress, décor, music, etc? But when does celebrating a day become validating an event?
Offbeat Bride interview about unplugged weddings on New Hampshire Public Radio
I first wrote about unplugged weddings way back in 2011, with a two-post series. The posts went crazy viral and in the three years since then, the idea has picked up major steam. The Huffington Post noticing the trend in 2012, and New York Times picking up on the concept in 2013. I’m happy to say that the concept is now popular enough that it’s no longer seen as “offbeat” in any way.
Beth & Garrett’s nerdy boozy musical kickballer wedding
Home-brewed beer (including beer ceremony), an Elvis officiant, a hilarious camp wedding guide, and a cocktail hour with lawn games and merit badges — you’ve just described my perfect camp-out party. Don’t even get us started on the tearful first look, the Sharpie pre-tattoo rings, the dads’ pre-ceremony chest bump, and the time-traveling video invitation. Oh, and there’s one more video that we’re keeping a secret. Trust me, you have to see it.
Wording from an Unplugged Wedding program
Last year, we introduced the concept of “Unplugged Weddings,” where couples ask their guests to put down their cameras. We even gave you some examples of how to word your request.
Well, a year later, we’re starting to see more and more couples choosing to unplug their weddings. New York’s Ryan Brenizer Photography recently posted this photo of a wedding program on his Facebook wall, with the caption, “I saw this in the wedding program yesterday. Fantastic.” Looks like they read Offbeat Bride!