A reader sent me this "Best of Craigslist" post that encapsulates one writer's take on all the traditional things she doesn't want at her wedding. (And yes, I'm assuming the author is a woman, although there's no way to know.)

No, we are all now in our late twenties and wedding invitations appear in the mail with almost the same frequency that delivery guys slip take-out menus under my door. And now, having attended and been in a few weddings, I can’t help but think “I don’t want any of it.”

You should definitely go read the whole post. It's hilarious — but then be sure to come back, because I've got something important to say…

Continue reading "Construction is always more difficult than demolition" →

Ok, so you've all heard of Trash The Dress, the photography fad of doing a shoot with the bride after the wedding where she destroys her wedding dress.

I posted very briefly months ago about why I didn't like TDD, but I realize that I actually didn't go into much depth there, and based on a discussion I recently had with a wedding photographer, I realized I probably should say more—

Continue reading "Why I'm not into Trash The Dress" →

I know I'm coming to the game a little late here, but I can't help it. While we can all agree that yes, empowerment is good … I think we can also all agree that BridesDecide.com is decidedly dumb. (You'll notice I'm not linking it — I refuse to give them clicks!) I realize that political demographers are all about finding niche voting blocs (soccer moms! upper class latinos! one-armed lactose intolerant gay men!), but targeting brides as a voter group is just ridonk.

I mean yes: women should vote! Go women! But other than progressives who refuse to get married to protest marriage inequality, getting engaged doesn't seem like much of a political of a statement, and "bride" is a pretty fleeting identity that women have for only a few months to a couple years — and if you're offbeat, it's often label worn with deep hesitation. Mostly, "bride" is a consumer market — not a lifestyle or political demographic.

Trying to pair political excitement with your consumer market just feels stupid. What's next? Rock The Vote Soy latte drinkers? Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for Obama? Mr. Bento Owners Decide?