There's been a lot of buzz over an email from a bride to her prospective bridesmaids, where the bride laid out what she expects from her bridal party: buy the dress the bride selects ("everything will be affordable but if you think by affordable its [sic] going to be a $25 Forever 21 dress, then your [sic] going to the wrong wedding"), fly around the country to attend every wedding-related event (engagement party on the East coast, bachelorette party in Vegas, wedding in Vail, CO

Follow our new "Budget Breakdown" column, where we'll spotlight some of our favorite DIY projects and cost-cutting tips from real brides like yourself. We'll also reveal just how much it costs to put together those amazing celebrations from our Real Weddings gallery, to help you come up with a realistic budget for your area, guest count, and wedding style. First up: Dylan and Nancy's "Love, Rainbows, and Glitter" bash in Manitoba, Canada.

The daughter of a professional shutterbug, Nancy would tag along to Dad's photo lab and swoon over the proofs before newlyweds came to pick up their memories. So, it's not surprising that she chose to splurge on a top-notch photographer for her nuptials. She still believes that you should never leave home without your camera: "I love being there to freeze a hug, a knee-slapping laugh attack or a bride gently wiping a tear off her cheek as she listens to the love of her life profess his love to her."

Whether conventional or irreverent, the wedding dress is a focal point of most weddings. Brides search high and low, toiling over every detail to find the perfect dress: one that is flattering, stylish, and falls within budget. The green bride is no exception, except for the fact that she does not wish to add to Mother Earth’s carbon footprint with yards of fabric (most bleached with toxic chemicals) for the dress, train, and other accessories.

Although an expanding market, searching for an eco-chic wedding dress can be challenging. Here, check out five of the most popular green wedding gowns, all available on greenbrideguide.com.

1. Organza Cotton Ball Gown

The one-shoulder ball gown with a softly dazzling feather headpiece adds subtle drama and channels Old Hollywood silver screen glamour. The Organic Cotton Ball Gown is designed with fluffy layers of organic cotton and tulle. The vintage buttons in the tulle flowers on the bodice have a quietly dazzling effect. This gown is perfect for the bride seeking a lightweight, frothy wedding dress that’s oh so much fun to wear.

Organic Cotton Ball Gown, The Green Bride Guide

2. Garden Dress

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna shows how to incorporate your dog or cat into your wedding day.

All of you pet lovers out there will agree that your little furry friend is a part of the family, and it seems only natural to want to include your pet on your special day. However, working with pets presents it's own set of challenges, from venue restrictions to their general unpredictable behavior. From must take photos to apparel and other décor ideas, here are our favorite ways to incorporate your dog or cat into your wedding day.

1. To-Die-For Apparel: 
Many will argue that dressing your animal up in cute clothes is plain wrong, but on a special occasion like your wedding, how can you resist some of these adorable accessories?

Throwing a formal wedding? Dress your dog in a doggie tuxedo! For a more casual affair, have him wear a preppy bowtie.