10 reasons you need to read Offbeat Bride the book, and not just offbeatbride.com
Offbeat Bride the book
By
on December 08, 2008
89 Responses
One of the most interesting things I'm already learning from my Reader Survey (go take it!) is that two-thirds of you haven't read my book, Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives For Independent Brides!
I've been wondering why I get so many advice questions asking me things like "Should we just have two weddings?" (it's in the book) and "How can gently give my guests suggestions for how to dress?" (it's in the book) and "Do other people deal with post-wedding depression?" (it's in the book!) ... and now I know.
It's a painful irony for me as an author: I set up offbeatbride.com to promote Offbeat Bride, and now it turns out that almost 70% of my readers opt for the marketing materials instead of the book itself! Ack. Despite having Offbeat Bride's cover and sale link on every page on the site, I'm doing something very wrong.
I'm assuming you're all thinking "Why read the book when I've got the website?" and so I now present to you:
Top 10 Reasons You Should Read Offbeat Bride The Book, And Not Just offbeatbride.com:
- You you want to know what one word can diffuse most family drama (page 123)
- You want to know how to save money by starting your own wedding co-op (page 77)
- You're looking for the whole story about why my mom was talking about "Humanure" the night before our wedding (page 141)
- Because you want to know the one question you should ask anyone you're considering as a wedding photographer (page 151)
- You want to know how to deal with stoners at your wedding reception (page 179)
- You want to read the world's only wedding book that includes the phrase "ass-fucking"
- You need to know what information you should put on your "wedsite" (page 37)
- You want to know what one article of wedding attire you should never drive in (page 49)
- You're curious about post-wedding depression and the frustration of "getting wifed" (page 202)
- Because you love this website and you want to express your thanks to the woman who makes it happen.
...Did I convince you? If so, the book is on sale! Alternately, you could add the book to your Christmas wishlist. Since it's only $11 on Amazon, it makes for an inexpensive gift that's easy to give (and receive).
I'll also open this question up to the one-third of you who've read the book: Why do YOU think offbeatbride.com readers should read Offbeat Bride the book?
About Ariel Meadow Stallings
Author of Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides, Ariel acts as the publisher of all the Offbeat Empire websites. She lives, loves, and dorks out hard in Seattle, WA.
Becca said
I haven't bought the book… yet. But as soon as the actual engagement comes (his idea), I won't feel odd about buying official wedding stuff (He's okay with my "research" but might freak out about "official" planning).
This book is definitely on the must-have list, especially because I want to make sure and support one of my favorite internet sites! But I just wanted to point out that some of your readers are technically in the pre-planning stages here, so maybe that's why you haven't got all of us on the book-train yet?
Josie said
I fully intend to read the book, for months now! Sadly, I'm still about 25th in the hold line at the Seattle Public Library.
Someone feeling particularly philanthopic should donate more copies! ^_^
On the plus side for you though, Ariel, this means I'm on the verge of finding something to sell on eBay so I can justify just buying my own copy. Ha!
Baxter said
Because it's not just a wedding book. It's also a hilarious and well-written memoir about an indie wedding. And the internet, while awesome, is not a substitute for the printed word.
Amanda said
Weddings are an addiction of mine. And, honestly, I don't want to freak out my boyfriend by buying a wedding book! I fully intend to buy it should I ever get engaged.
Until then, I'm going to keep reading this site to feed my hunger!
Nikki said
The only reason I haven't read the book is…I'm not actually planning a wedding. I just like the blog a lot!
But, as SOON as I get engaged (if it ever happens), I will buy it!
Jessimica said
I know for a fact that your book is sitting under my Christmas tree! I can't wait until December 25th!!
Abby said
i'm with Becca and Amanda and all the others who don't want to freak out their boyfriends. sure, i'll totally buy the book if and when the time comes, but right now i'm just window shopping.
i also like seeing the design aspect and visual aesthetic of weddings. and the site is a nice pick-me-up: pictures and stories of other people who are finding love, celebrating love and enjoying their lives with loved ones make me happy. so that's my defense…
as far as reasons for buying the book… it's like most movies based on books/novels; you just know the book is more detailed. and really, almost everything is better in book form!
Rosalied said
I bought it to express thanks and give back to Ariel for the awesomeness of OBB and I wanted to know more about her own wedding. People should read it because it's damn funny and like Baxter said it's not just a wedding book it's a great memoir.
Rachel said
I can't afford to buy any books, (seriously, broke, even $11 is too much), so I requested that my local library of ye old Decatur, Georgia buy a copy. They bought 9 copies for the whole library system!
I've just borrowed one of them and am thoroughly enjoying reading it. I've been watching Offbeat Bride online for awhile, and it is totally worth reading the book, there is a lot in there you don't get from the website, awesome as the site is.
Anyhow, I'll buy a copy one day when I'm not totally broke anymore
jo-bee said
Its more portable that your laptop, and people ask you about it on the train.
hayley said
support the woman that supports you!
hayley said
and, of course, the book is fantastic.
Alison said
I bought the book before I discovered the site; one of my friends is mentioned in it (although she's not on the list in the back, bummer).
Baxter, commenter #3, said it well. And, well, Ariel's Top 10 Reasons is a great incentive!
Amanda said
If I weren't dirt poor, I'd buy a copy and read it it! The only reason I haven't is because I have no money, and none of my friends are cool enough to own a copy a could borrow!
And my library doesn't have a copy either
Mary B. said
I bought it because it is seriously a gazillion times better than The Knot Guide to Weddings.
Lady Davonia said
You should buy the book so that you can be the awesome friend who has the one book people want to borrow!
Honestly, I think I'd re-read it when planning any sort of party.
Emily said
Because it's published by Seal Press and they are just as awesome as Ariel!
(Seriously, check it out!: http://www.sealpress.com/home.php)
Courtney Lear said
It's on my Christmas list! The first request for my lovely sister/maid of honor.
Jaimee said
I bought the book shortly after joining OBT. It really is such a good resource…OBT is like a supplement to the book. Yes they're good separate, but together they're unbeatable ^_^
Loaf said
Oh, the book is not expensive! And it is so much better to buy a BOOK and support a WRITER (I say as a writer myself) than to spring for that fancy latte three times a week (or insert your own personal splurge item).
Just buy the damn book! You won't regret it. It is hilarious and helpful and even though I'm on OBT and read the site on my feed reader daily, I still turn back to the book to remind myself the answer to certain questions. And it is a great memoir and it's an easy way to support Ariel who has given us this outstanding community. It's not like she's asking for donations; this is a writer asking us to read her actual work, not, as she says, the marketing for it, which has grown into much more, but still….read the damn book! Buy a copy for whoever catches the bouquet at your wedding so she can start her planning off right if she follows the silly tradition of being the next in line!
miss_s said
You're right, absolutely right. I'm buying today, OK?!
Melissa said
wow. i suck. i plan to buy the book today. i kept putting it off because i am lazy. i definitely plan to support the fantastic person that created this website. i only imagine the book is great as well! Thanks for the push, Ariel!!
CamdenVickie said
Ok so I read the blog every day before the wedding, and still check up daily after… and didn't buy it because I too was broke. But just reading this on Amazon makes me want it for this very question…
"this book sees couples through the wedding process from ideas on how to announce their engagement to answering the question, “So, how’s married life?†and everything in between."
I'm so tired of people asking how married life is and I want to know how to answer them (do they really want to know it's hard f*&%ing work!?)
Elena said
Oh, I feel terrible. Eventhough I am getting married in less than a month I will still buy it because I want to support you, Ariel!!! If it means anything, I can't get the book in South Korea. Amazon doesn't ship here and my family is tired of sending me packages (I've been here for over 3 years and they're over it)
miss_s said
The following item will be shipped to [miss_s] via Standard Shipping:
Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides (Book)
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