It's Good to Know We're Not Alone

As a Bust magazine lover, i was excited to see the latest issue has an article (too bad it's just one measley article!) entitled the 'indie bride guide.' I guess that's me, right? Though, i don't even want to be called a bride, i know my celebration is more indie than traditional. And, while i have been known to buy a couple of bride mags (for the hair styles only i swear!) this is a great boost to my decision because i know i'm not alone in my 'crazy ideals.'

I have found some great resources over the last few months of prep time, and this Bust article shares some great ideas and info about where rituals come from. Did you know that the bouquet of flowers represents fertility and that's way a bride carries them, and then throws them to her single (aka virginal) friends? And, that the veil represents the hymen that will be opened (unveiled) by her new husband. Yikes! Symbolism is a weird thing. The article also shares with the reader a yet-to-be published book, but i am sad to say my celebration will be over by the time it comes out (December 2006). The author does have a fantastic website all about her big day, though.

Having these resources is great because it shows we're not alone in wanting a special, unique, non-conformist, non-traditional gala wedding. Not that i'm saying they're wrong, necessarily, but they're not for everyone.So, if you're thinking of doing something like this, here are some places to go to for help. Some may not be all that 'outside the box,' but they've all been helpful and inspiring!

Anti-Guide Guide: Tying the Knot Outside the Box

Bust Magazine June/July 2006 - Here Comes the Indie Bride article

How to Have the Wedding You Want: Not the One Everybody Else Wants You to Have

I Do but I Don't: Walking Down the Aisle Without Losing Your Head

IndieBride - a great website with ideas, resources, and reassurance that you're not crazy for not wanting to wear white!

Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Non-Tradional Brides - out December 2006 but looks like a great resource!

ReadyMade Magazine Issue Feb/March 2006: The Love Issue - 69 Ways to Woo

And a gift from my mom: Lies at the Alter: The Truth About Great Marriages - an Oprah bookclub like book (need i saw more?)

Dresscode, What Dresscode?

As part of our Frequently Asked Questions inspiration for this blog, one of the most common questions we get asked is 'what should i wear?' If we had a jar for everytime this was asked...well, we could afford a good chocolate bar!

So, since we started this blog to let our friends know more about the intricate details of our celebration AND to share with whoever reads this fine piece of work our ideas for what we think makes for an absolutely fabulous 'wedding', here is our answer to this most important question:

Wear what you Want! We know it's not this easy, so let us fill you in on what we'll be wearing. For the element of surprise, i won't get into the details. I will be wearing a formal dress from the 1950's - yes it's a vintage dress. It's aqua blue and quite lovely, with chiffon, lace, and a super full skirt. As always, i'll match my heels to this. Joel will be wearing a vintage beige summer suit. We are lovers of all things vintage - so much more history, character, and good to the environment, we think!

Now, the other thing to have in mind is that it is a celebration on an ISLAND. We won't be walking along the beach in a group, but the ceremony aspect (aka 'program') will indeed be outside, weather permitting. And, it is in July. So, obviously we don't recomend wearing clothes that will make you all stuffy in the heat. Since we'll be somewhat dressy (it is 'our' day after all), we hope people will feel happy in summer dresses and outfits. As someone who loves dresses, the thought of seeing all of you in flowing dresses, skirts, and fun outfits really makes my day. Any colour will do - just find something you love and feel good in. No ties are necessary, you don't even have to tuck in your shirt. Or, at least tuck in your shirt guys for 4pm, and feel free to untuck at night while you're dancing away! Suits are fine, but we really want to stress that this is not too formal of a party. Tuxedos? Well, Joel won't even be wearing one!

We won't frown upon you if you wear flip flops, but cut off jeans are my limit - this is Toronto, not Hazard County!

Coming soon: Let the DJ play your favourite song, our 'itinerary' for the day, the menu....If you have any questions or have comments, feel free to leave them here - we welcome them! If you are new to the blog world, you just need to click the button at the bottom of the post and fill in your comments. You don't have to be a blogger to comment!