Something New

Check this out: a Washington couple is collecting 400,000 cans to help fund their wedding. Got your own creative ways of paying for the big day? Let us know at info@studioblue.com.

Worried that an up-do doesn’t suit you? That your bridesmaids’ dresses will clash with the cake? Alas, while we can’t help you un-sweat the small stuff, we do have some big-picture advice that just might save your sanity. This is your time to shine, and planning your wedding should be a pleasure, not punishment.

Even if you’re still gaga over your recent engagement, you should know that your first wedding-related tiff is just around the bend. But lest you think we’re trying to rain on your prenuptial parade, know that we think the many small arguments that you and your fiancé will have during the course of your engagement are great practice for marriage – better than counseling, really and much cheaper. Plus, then you get to make up afterwards, right?

Now, don’t get us wrong – we love a classic Vegas-style blowout with all of its kitschy, occasionally tasteless accoutrements – however, not every bride relishes the thought of being handcuffed to her chair by a stripper in a police uniform. It would be too bad for the slightly-more-demure among us to have to forego the fun of a ladies’ night to remember, though, wouldn’t it?

Over the years we’ve found that when it comes to weddings, it’s pretty hard to make a mistake. From tiny kinks to huge debacles, any wrinkles in the wedding-day plan tend to quickly smooth over into couples’ funniest and favorite recollections. Terrible food, cheesy bands, regrettable shoes…none of it matters and is only fodder for fond memories down the road.

Any gal who’s ever had to walk the aisle dressed like an elaborate pink pastry (and an inordinately expensive one at that) knows that being a bridesmaid is a touch job. Even if you’d never impose teal-blue ruching on your team of VIPs, you’ll still want to think of a nice way to thank them for standing by you, calming your nerves, and suffering the occasional barked order.

Okay, so maybe you didn’t ask, but we’re going to grace you with our sage opinion, anyway: when it comes to acquiring those all-important engagement and wedding rings, we happen to think that a large chunk of diamond-related debt is a poor way to begin your future together. Plus, it’s tough times out there, so you might want to think extra wisely and carefully about your choices.

Every bride’s vision of her big day includes bowers of gorgeous flowers. Unfortunately, the reality isn’t always so pretty: those blooms can cost quite a pretty penny. On the upside, while there’s no disguising an amateur band or overcooked chicken cordon bleu, fancy floral treatments are easy to fake. You might have to get clever, enlist the help of others, or even do a bit of the legwork yourself, but you’ll be pleased with your craftiness and possibly be left with a little extra moolah for the band or dinner menu.