March 21st

Photo by: Kristyn Hogan on Munaluchi Bridal via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: When you have over 1,000 photos on your professional photographer’s online photo gallery, it can be overwhelming to choose your picks for your albums and portraits. Expect to spend 2-3 hours on the first pass (where you’re just looking), and 6-12 hours making your selects. Don’t stall and don’t stress.

Agree to review photos section by section, not all of them at once. For instance, plan to view pre-wedding photos, then ceremony photos, post-ceremony portraits, cocktail party photos, then reception photos.

Then, go through each section of your online photo album to cross off numbers on all the photos you DON’T like. This narrows your contenders and makes your picks far easier during the next sessions. If you do see photos you love, star them on the site or circle them on your numbered list to look at later.

Plus, check out 50 must-have photos with your groom and 30 fun photos to take with your bridal party!

How to Plan Your Wedding Without Going Nuts

The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide empowers couples with the simple philosophy that it's not about how much you spend but how you spend it. As author Dana LaRue says, "You're only planning a party, so have fun with it." You don't need to give up your savings, the possibility of a downpayment on a house, or your sanity to plan a celebration that is meaningful and inspired. Here, Dana shares her advice on how to dive into the wedding planning process with your groom.

After getting engaged, you and your intended need to hash out who wants to be responsible for what parts of the plan, and how involved either of you want to be with respect to the details. "But, Dana!" you scream hysterically. "My partner isn’t interested in any of the details!" Well, I’m sorry, but that shizz is just plain unacceptable.

Okay, fine, that’s not exactly true. If you’re a super–Type A personality, or you’ve been imagining your wedding in great detail from the moment you broke free from your mother’s womb, then that may be exactly what you want — nay, need— from your partner. Hands-off, total agreement, nod-and-smile-style support.

If that doesn’t describe you (we’ll call you "Type Other"), you’ll have to gently introduce your partner to the inevitability of his role in the researching, planning, organizing, spreadsheeting, financing, and handing-you-Kleenex-during-the-meltdowns-of-wedding-planning reality.

March 18th

Photo by: Danicia Dutry Ceremonies on Polka-Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: When you’re scoping out potential vendors, be sure to follow their social media accounts to see how they communicate over the course of a few weeks. Are they speaking well of their clients or posting passive-aggressive swipes at them? Are they saying they're over-worked and under-staffed? Getting an inside view of their personalities can help you decide if you want to form relationships with them. You might decide not to hire the perpetually cranky planner who always seems to be suffering from something. Find a florist, photographer, and videographer who truly enjoy their work and are happy to participate in your special day. 

 

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Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet

Whether you're allergic to flowers, eco-conscious, on a budget, or simply not a fan, it is completely okay to forgo the flowers on your wedding day. These 25 alternatives will do the trick, and give your guests something to talk (or even tweet) about.

By: Kat Richter

Enter Slideshow
  • Brooch Bouquet

    Brooch Bouquet

    One trend that’s gained enormous popularity over the past few years is the brooch bouquet. And why not? This adorable arrangement, created by Lovetts Bouquets, combines two of our favorite things: vintage glam and sparkle. 

    Photo Credit: Jack Chao

  • Sheet Music Flowers

    Sheet Music Flowers

    For an elegant nod to classical music, try this sheet music bouquet. Ksusha from FlowerDecoration uses textured paper and recycled scores to create roses as well.

    Related: Complete Guide to Wedding Music

    Photo Credit: Ksusha from FlowerDecoration

  • Kissing Ball

    Kissing Ball

    They’re not just for flower girls. For a modern twist on the traditional flower ball or pomander, try making yours out of metallic paper.

  • Beaded Feathers

    Beaded Feathers

    To up the ante, try one of these beaded creations by Divine Floral Designs. This feather and crystal bouquet gives you the look and overall shape of traditional flowers, but it sparkles a whole lot more. 

    Photo Credit: Davina Ward

  • Feather Bouquet

    Feather Bouquet

    Canadian bride Beth commissioned this striking cobalt blue feather bouquet from Parfait Plumes. The simple elegance makes for a dramatic pop of color against a white gown.

    Photo Credit: Cooked Photography, Halifax Canada

  • Mason Jar

    Mason Jar

    When it comes to wedding décor, mason jars are perfect for just about everything: favors, signature drinks, centerpieces, and even an alternative to the traditional bouquet. These spring-colored hanging mason jars will make a great accessory for your festive, shabby-chic themed wedding.

    Related: Creative Ways to Decorate with Mason Jars

  • Lantern

    Lantern

    For an evening wedding, there’s nothing more romantic than carrying a lantern down the aisle. With a lantern purchased at Ikea or Home Goods, you’ll light up the aisle — literally. 

    Related: 25 Ways to Transform Your Wedding With Lighting

  • Heart Balloons

    Heart Balloons

    Forget everything you’ve ever heard about balloons being “tacky” for a wedding — these certainly are not! This particular black and gold combo, available from Mod Party, is both whimsical and chic: perfect for the fun-loving, offbeat bride.

    Photo Credit: Hina Khan

  • Hatbox

    Hatbox

    If you love Downton Abbey, look no further than these gorgeous vintage-inspired hatboxes from Petit Chapelier Emporium. Their lightweight design makes them the perfect accessory for your walk down the aisle. 

    Related: Host a Downton Abbey-Inspired Bridal Shower

    Photo Credit: W. C. Nader

  • Grape Bunches

    Grape Bunches

    For a rustic vineyard wedding, consider carrying a bouquet of grapes instead of flowers. Because they come in so many different shades of green and purple, grapes look good with just about any color scheme. Artificial grapes are great, too (and offer even more options in the color — and glitter — departments). 

    Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding

  • Fur Muff

    Fur Muff

    Nothing says winter wonderland like a fur muff. You’ll feel like a fairytale princess with one of these vintage-inspired accessories from Sew U Designs and — bonus — you’ll keep your hands warm, too.

    Related: 100 Ideas for Winter Weddings

    Photo Credit: James Loy

  • Embroidery Hoop

    Embroidery Hoop

    Who knew an embroidery hoop could be so cute? This design by Simple Devotion uses lace, ribbon, and a trusty old embroidery hoop to create the perfect alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet.

    Photo Credit: Kara Muller

  • Bridal Clutch

    Bridal Clutch

    If you see a clutch you love, ditch the bouquet altogether and carry your purse instead. After all, this example, designed by Angee W., is a work of art in and of itself.

    Photo Credit: Sharon Litchfield

  • Boo-quet

    Boo-quet

    For her horror movie-themed wedding, Philadelphia bride Amanda worked with designer Anna Coy of Hold and Have to create this one of a kind boo-quet. It contains red leather roses, strands of actual film reel, and miniature skulls. 

    Related: The Spookiest Halloween Weddings We've Ever Seen

    Photo Credit: Pix|elation Photography

  • Arm Garland

    Arm Garland

    Channel your inner woodland fairy with these whimsical arm garlands from Stone Twigs and Baubles. The delicate arm bands are perfect for an outdoor wedding or garden party; plus, they leave your hands free for more important things, like holding your cocktail. 

    Photo Credit: Lauren Triplett

  • Yarn Ball Bouquet

    Yarn Ball Bouquet

    Charm your guests with this adorable yarn ball bouquet from Sew Many Petals. Perfect for the arts and crafts enthusiast, this colorful creation is the perfect accent piece for your wedding day.

    Related: 40+ Ideas for a Rainbow-Inspired Wedding

    Photo Credit: Jenny of Sew Many Petals

  • Vintage Fan

    Vintage Fan

    For her simple Quaker wedding, British bride Harriet chose to carry a handheld fan. Unlike flowers, fans can serve double duty on your wedding day: they look good, and there’s no better way to ward off an accidental bridal meltdown than a good old-fashioned fan. 

    Photo Credit: Mike Goren

  • Teapot

    Teapot

    Add some old world class to your nuptials by carrying a teapot down the aisle instead of a traditional bouquet. While this design, created by Jennifer Basden of Chicago Silk Florist, does include flowers, they’re artificial (read: they’ll provide a lasting reminder of your special day).

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Basden

  • Sea Glass Wind Chime

    Sea Glass Wind Chime

    For a beach wedding, why not carry a sea glass wind chime instead of a traditional bouquet? This example, designed by Karsen Callahan and Jackie Beaverson, can serve double duty as reception décor once you’ve finished your ceremony.

    Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings

    Photo Credit: Jaclyn Beaverson

  • Ribbon Wand

    Ribbon Wand

    While ribbon wands are quickly becoming the guest handout of choice, they can offer a great alternative for your walk down the aisle as well. The long ribbons used in this example by Craft Up Your Life are the perfect way to accentuate your height.  

    Photo Credit: Serena Patterson

  • Parasol

    Parasol

    You can’t go wrong with a classic parasol. Try a vintage-inspired design if you’re getting married at a historic site or a paper parasol in the color of your choice for a more modern look.

    Related: 50 Ideas for a Vintage-Inspired Wedding

  • Paper Flower Wreath

    Paper Flower Wreath

    If you’re still hung up on the idea of flowers, why not use paper blossoms instead? This adorable wreath from Paper Petal Shoppe gives you the best of both worlds.

    Photo Credit: Rachel Ferguson

  • Palm Leaf Fan

    Palm Leaf Fan

    For a laid-back beach ceremony, try a simple woven palm leaf fan. These popular guest favors from Urban Elements Design look great in place of a bouquet, especially if you add some ribbon or a few small sea shells. 

    Related: 100 Ideas for Summer Weddings

    Photo Credit: Jessica Cama

  • Origami Cranes

    Origami Cranes

    Forget about flowers — instead, carry one of these beautiful origami crane mobiles from Spare Bedroom Studio.

    Photo Credit: Spare Bedroom Studio

  • Modern Dream Catcher

    Modern Dream Catcher

    Boho brides, look no further than NaativStudios. These modern macramé dream catchers are the perfect combination of tradition and style. Bonus: you can display them in your home after your big day.

    Photo Credit: Anka Butler of Naativ Studios

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Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet

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Gorgeous St. Patrick's Day Wedding Inspiration

We're swooning over this gorgeous green and white inspiration shoot from Michael Paul Photo. Featuring with shamrocks, horseshoes, crafty DIY projects, and plenty of luck and love, this styled shoot is filled with fun ideas you can copy for your own St. Paddy's Day celebration. Take a look!

The bride accented her beautiful gown with a shimmering green bolero and a matching sash around the waist. 

st patricks day wedding

The bride's real shamrock tattoo is the perfect accessory for a St. Patrick's Day wedding!

March 16th

Photo Credit: Taylored Photo Memories

Tip of the Day: To look and feel your best at the wedding, see a dermatologist as early as possible in the planning process so that you have enough time to correct any issues. They will assess your skin and determine which products you should use. Also, it's great to have one on speed dial in case any flare-ups occur the week before the wedding, such as a rash or bad breakout. With a specialist's attention, you'll learn valuable tips for a prettier (and healthier!) skincare future.

Get five must-haves for glowing skin.

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