July’s Giveaway!

It’s no secret that although I love working in the wedding industry, I don’t exactly enjoy planning my own wedding.  I love every other wedding – from super traditional events, to really unique parties.  But I don’t enjoy the idea of planning my own.

Hate may be a better description.  Loathe.  Abhor.  I could continue, but I think you may get the point.

I’ve never dreamed of the big princess dress, the big diamond ring, the church ceremony, the big reception with the chicken dance.  My wedding dreams, when I did find time to think about it, usually consisted of 2 different things – Vegas, or a field of flowers with just myself and my man.

Somehow, I’ve found myself in the midst if planning a semi-traditional wedding.  I’m doing it for him, and for his family .. because I rock like that, yo.  But I’m putting my own spin on things, in my own way.  And that’s been the hardest part – how do I stay true to me, while staying true to his traditions?

The lovely people at Seal Press sent us a few copies of Offbeat Bride .. and I found a lifeline.  Part memoir, part planner, Offbeat Bride offers a voice to those of us with not so traditional wedding views.   The author, Ariel Meadow Stallings, not only offers advice, tips and inspiration on how to plan your own non-traditional wedding, but offers something even more beneficial – support.  Planning a wedding is hard on it’s own – planning a wedding that includes everyone’s traditions is even harder.  People will always have opinions on how things should be done, what should be included, the style, and everything else you can think of.  In Offbeat Bride, Ariel reminds us that a wedding is about compromises, and gives encouragement on how to compromise with your families while staying true to you.  That’s the most important wedding advice you could ever be given, don’t you think?

No matter what type of wedding you’re planning, this book is a must read.  The point is the same for every event – do what matters to you, not what matters to them.

From the publisher …

“Unenthused by a white wedding gown and bored by the hoopla of the Hollywood-style reception, Ariel Meadow Stallings found herself absolutely exhausted with the nuances of traditional nuptials … so she chose to take a walk off the beaten aisle. In this updated edition of Offbeat Bride, Stallings humorously recounts the story of the original offbeat wedding — hers — and shares anecdotes and advice from dozens of other nontraditional couples. She also includes a chapter on budget weddings in today’s weak economy, along with sidebars, tips, tricks, and planner encouragement to help you figure out your special day. What results is a combination of hilarious wedding stories and tons of helpful how-tos — a perfect mash-up of memoir and handbook.

At once practical and enjoyable, Offbeat Bride validates choosing the funky, different, and offbeat over the traditional, and leads couples through the planning process — from unique ideas on how to announce their engagement all the way to answering the question, So, how’s married life? Stallings is the ultimate guide to the alternative wedding of your dreams, and with Offbeat Bride, she brings you a book that serves both as an encouragement and celebration of aisles less traveled. “

We’re giving away a copy!

Planning your wedding?  Know someone who is?  Join our Facebook page for a chance to win a copy of this must-have read for any bride!  That’s all there is to it!  Already a fan?  You’re already entered!

This contest is open to all residents of Canada and the U.S, but you must be a fan on Facebook to be eligible!  Contest closes July 31, 2010.  We will announce a winner the first week of August!

Psssst .. Once you become a fan on Facebook, keep your eye out for chances to win extra entries!

“Some girls dream about their wedding. Others consider skipping the ceremony altogether. Ariel Meadow Stallings marries tradition with non-conformity by acknowledging that many women face a ‘bridentity crisis’ and that feminist wedding planners do exist.”

— Canada’s Globe and Mail

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