I've been meaning to put together a reading list of OBB-approved books for ages, and last weekend I finally got off my butt to make it happen.

I'm featuring books that Offbeat Bride readers love and have reviewed on the OBT … there are a few that absolutely didn't make the cut because readers consistently didn't like them (*cough*Anti-Bride*cough*) but if there's a book you think I missed on the list, leave a comment here with your review and I'll try to get it added!

Needless to say, seeing an officiant use my book in this way cracks my ass up.

For more photos from this Louisana wedding, including margarita cheesecake, some Rock Band at the reception, and some insanely hot groomsmen in baby blue ties and black shirts, keep reading!

Continue reading "No freaking way" →

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:

1. You you want to know what one word can diffuse most family drama (page 123)
2. You want to know how to save money by starting your own wedding co-op (page 77)
3. You're looking for the whole story about why my mom was talking about "Humanure" the night before our wedding (page 141)
4. Because you want to know the one question you should ask anyone you're considering as a wedding photographer (page 151)
5. You want to know how to deal with stoners at your wedding reception (page 179)
6. You want to read the world's only wedding book that includes the phrase "ass-fucking"
7. You need to know what information you should put on your "wedsite" (page 37)
8. You want to know what one article of wedding attire you should never drive in (page 49)
9. You're curious about post-wedding depression and the frustration of "getting wifed" (page 202)
10. 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?

There's a new excerpt of the book up on DivineCaroline. The chapter excerpted is called "Location, location, location: Picking the Where and When of the Wedding."

In terms of mainstream media reception, Offbeat Bride has done better in Canada than it has in the U.S. As I'd expected, the book has gotten great reception from independent and local press in the US, but national media has definitely deemed the book way, way too weird. Which is fine with me.

That said, I'm so glad things are different in Canada! Elle Canada ran excerpts on their website, something that would never fly for Elle in the States. Toronto's The Globe and Mail ran a review — something the NY Times certainly wasn't going to do. Personally, I think this is because Canadians are simply more progressive than Americans, and the media reflects that. Hell, it was on Canadian TV that someone asked me about mushrooms!

Anyway, all that said,here's a book review from the Ottawa Sun. I sort of like that they say I have a "slightly self-righteous attitude." DAMN RIGHT! Heh.

Continue reading "Canada loves Offbeat Bride" →