Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides

If you know anything about neurology or brain cells, I'm currently mired in a slump I'd compare to the action potential "undershoot" — the point where the membrane can't do what it's supposed to because the ion channels are inactivated. If you're not familiar with that, let's just say I'm so burnt out on "wedding stuff" that all I can do is loaf about on the couch and whine (or wine).

What's a gal to do in this situation? How can I perk up enough to get tasks done? Here's what I've been trying…

I've already given y'all favor ideas for rock 'n' roll weddings, geeky weddings, but now it's time for vintage and retro-style favors. This roundup features items that will not only be a little something nice for your guests, but some will do double duty as adorable decor and/or yummy treats!

Fedoras and cloche hats, seamed pantyhose, and tears of joy — I want all of these in my WWII era-inspired elopements. It's also a perfect fit for our era-inspired theme week! The good thing is, this wedding had it all plus the cutest couple you ever did see. All I could hear in my head was "here's looking at you kid" in these photos. Travel back to the 1940s in this week's era-inspired wedding theme week!

Do you love ANY excuse to celebrate? Do you also wish your wedding festivities wouldn't have to end at the close of your wedding date? Then New Jersey's Rebecca Belle Photography is perfect wedding photographer. Keep reading about the wedding photographer with the post-wedding party built in to her contract.

Want your wedding invitations to be eco-friendly, but to not skimp on the pretty factor? Hana DIYed her invitations, and not only do they look gorgeous, they're also uber eco-friendly in so many ways. Eco, DIY, whatever aside, I just ADORE the way she attached the info to the hand-made invite backing.

1939 was the backdrop for this romantic wedding with a Quaker ceremony. With tons of flowers, immaculate decor, and a fabulous venue, it is easy to see the love that went into the planning. Plus, the reception had era-appropriate cocktails that seemed to make people ready to party — even the bride's mom. This era-inspired theme week is rocking my world!

Obviously, a wedding is the perfect excuse to whip out the sequins and glitter, but most of my family and friends have never seen me all tarted up and looking like RuPaul's latest protégé. I know, I know: be yourself! Wear what you want to! It's your day! But this is a wedding, not a diversity workshop. The last thing I want is a bunch of complicated questions about gender identity from a bunch of extended family members I only met me the day before (who have probably been drinking). It can be awfully hard to untangle how you want to feel in your clothes from how you want others to react to them.

When you start a week on a beach with no pants, you know it's going to be a good week. Sadly, we're all probably at work, pants probably mandatory. But to make up for it, I'm showing you some of my favorite reader submissions from the Tribe, the Flickr Pool, and Pinterest. This week I went a little overboard with the handmade items, but can there ever be too much? There are Legend of Zelda cake toppers, DIYed paper flowers, sweet little petal cones, and even a Han Solo in carbonite candy mold.