I have never been one to follow the crowd and my wedding will be no different. In middle school and high school I wore the biggest, baggiest boy jeans I could find and rocked all sorts of funky colors in my hair. Not much has changed since then aside from the pants, which have been replaced by more form-fitting jeans. My fiancé Mike fell in love with me because of my laidback demeanor and unique style, so he knew what he was getting himself into.

We're getting married at Disney World’s Wedding Pavilion in Orlando, Florida on Halloween and our wedding colors are purple and black. In December, we're going to have a masquerade ball-themed reception back home in Grand Rapids, Michigan since a lot of our extended family and friends won't be able to attend our destination wedding. The kicker: My dress is purple!

Mike hasn't batted an eye at any of this — he was previously married and went the traditional route already so he has no problem trying something different this time around. Halloween is our favorite holiday so when I told him I thought it would be fun to get married on that date, he was very excited about it.

Thinking about having a non-traditional wedding but you're not sure if you want to take the plunge? Here are a few things that I've learned so far on my journey: 

If you've spent any time on Pinterest, it probably feels like every couple does a "first look" before the ceremony these days. But the truth is, 77% of BG brides stick to the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Wondering if a first look is the right choice for you? Here, the biggest benefits and drawbacks:

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Photo Credit: Joe Elario Photography

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Engagement rings the size of moon rocks (ahem, Jenny McCarthy) are all well and good, but if your love is a little more low-key, why not get a gorgeous ring you don't have to finance? We've rounded up 10 stunning rings you can shop on Lover.ly — all under $500! With jewelry for every style of bride, you're sure to find just the thing that fits your taste and budget.

1. This beauty features a cubic zirconia solitaire on a pave band — and at just $178, no one will mind that it's not a real diamond.

A bride's worst nightmare came true on Saturday when she took an unexpected plunge into a Minnesota lake just minutes before saying "I do."  

Dan and Jackie Anderson, along with their 22-person wedding party, were posing for photos on a dock when it collapsed under their weight. According to their local news station, KMSP-TV, some of the bridesmaids and groomsmen were still wrapped in towels, waiting for their dresses and suits to dry, when guests showed up for the wedding!

Related: Download Bridal Guide's Latest Issue on Your iPad!

Despite being submerged waist-deep in lake water, the bride remained in good spirits and was "all smiles" as she walked down the aisle, according to videographer, Megan Frize. 

Frize captured the entire incident and set it to Iggy Azalea's song "Fancy."  Watch the hilarious video here: 

Let this be a lesson BG brides: no matter how pretty the backdrop may be, check that all platforms are safe before stepping on them to take photos!

Plus, check out more tips for avoiding wedding-day glitches.

Tell us: What wacky wedding incidents have you witnessed? 

— Mary Gillen 

Guest blogger: Bonne Marcus
A fitness industry expert for 27 years, Marcus holds numerous certifications from the Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA), including Step, Spin, Bosu™, Pre/Post Natal, Youth Fitness, Aqua, and Personal Training. She has taught for New York City’s top health clubs, including Crunch, New York Health and Racquet, and Reebok Sports Club. A recognized name on Long Island, Bonne has taught at Dany Holdstein’s Two Worlds, North Shore Health Club, LA Fitness, Sport time, Equinox and currently teaches at the Sid Jacobsen JCC in Roslyn. Learn more at getfitwithbonne.com.

Fitness is all about muscle. Strength training builds muscle tissue, which in turn boosts metabolism, burns fat, and gives the body tone and definition. One of the most convenient strength training methods is using your own body weight as resistance — take your body anywhere and you’re ready for a workout. But is it better to use free weights or machines?

Free weights are portable and a lot more versatile than machines. With just one pair of dumbbells you can do hundreds of exercises. Weights require you to use several different muscle groups to move, balance and steady the body as you lift and lower.