I've gotten a few questions lately from brides seeking the perfect offbeat groomsmen's gifts. I've resisted weighing in because no two dudes are the same — and I really don't dig the gender-normative trends in groomsmen gifts. It seems like it's assumed that groomsmen are interested in booze (flasks!), titties (pin-up cufflinks!), tools, and sports. I mean sure: you know your dudes best. Maybe they love these things. But are we really so sure our guy friends are so narrow in their interests?

So, in putting together my list of awesome groomsmen gifts, I'll recognize that some dudes might be into a flask or cufflinks, but others would be much happier with a Star Wars flash drive, pedicure, or leather wrist-cuff. My ultimate test for groomsmen gifts: would a badass Best Woman like it too?

That in mind, here are a few of my favorite nontrad groomsmen gifts, some more mainstream, some tongue-in-cheek, and some totally out there:

Continue reading "Unexpected groomsmen gift ideas" →

Are you looking for a Philadelphia wedding photographer? What about a Portland wedding photographer? What about a wedding photographer in Italy? Because Josh Finsel and Amber Breiner, known as JFAB Photoraphy will travel to capture your wedding where ever it may be.

Oh, and they do that globetrotting eco-style — they run on veggie power! Check out Josh and Amber's blog posts about their veggie-oil-powered bus travels.

If you want a feel for the kind of work Josh and Amber do, check out their website or blog … Offbeat Brides will especially like these shots from Carrie and Patrick's Pennsylvania wedding. Seriously, does this photo not blow your mind? The whole set is amazing.

Offbeat Bride promotion:
Mention Offbeat Bride when you book a wedding package with Josh & Amber and receive a complimentary engagement, trash the dress, or post-wedding session.

The husband and wife wedding photography team are bi-coastal, spending most of the year in Pennsylvania with periodic returns to Oregon … and hops over to Italy. While they're available for travel almost anywhere, they do a lot of their wedding photography in Philadelphia, Portland, and Italy — all places they've lived, worked, and know intimately.

So, when you're ready to book your own dedicated team of veggie-powered traveling photographers, click on over to JFAB Photography.

Ooh, ladies. Have I got a hot one for you today…

Sure, Starkers! Corsetry does traditional wedding gowns … but they definitely specialize in offbeat corset-based wedding attire: black & white, red, vinyl, stripes, Gothic wedding gowns, and oooh so much more.

Starkers! corsets and gowns can be created for any size, from teeny petite-y to plus sized, and are almost always two piece, so you actually can wear your corset after your wedding. Because the corsets and gowns are exactly to your measurements, they're relatively comfortable to wear all day. Despite the 26 steel bones, they're still flexible enough to dine, dance, and celebrate in.

Founded by Diana DiNoble, Starkers! has been creating custom corsets for 17 years — 11 years of that online. This is all to say, holy shit ladies: Diana knows what she's doing.

Each corset is custom made using the measurements and information you provide to create a garment that will fit your individual body and style. Whether you are a woman, man, plus size or petite, they take the time to draft your pattern and construct your one of a kind corset using the quality fabrics and leathers. All of Starkers! corsets are constructed for strength and durability and can provide a moderate, natural curve, but are also suitable for tight lacing and every day wear.

OFFBEAT DISCOUNT!
For $40 off your wedding corset, use the code "offbeatbride.com" on the Starkers! order form.

And compared to off-the-rack wedding gowns, Starkers! prices are totally reasonable, starting at $355. Full custom wedding gowns approx $650, which includes custom fit, custom design. You can select your own fabric, send your measurements online, by phone, or (if you happen to be in Toronto) go in for a personal fitting.

Oh and PS, Halloween brides: Starkers! specializes in Halloween weddings, and they need 6-8 weeks to create your gown and corset … so if you're planning a Halloween 2009 wedding, NOW is the time to place your order.

With all the talk yesterday of finding the perfect suit for a lesbian bride, I figured today was the perfect time to share Jennifer & Stephanie's wedding with you, as shot by Leah Muse from Whitney Lee Photography in Austin, TX. Stephanie lucked out with her dapper suit — her bride-to-be made it for her! See, that's what happens when your partner is a seamstress. Let's all be jealous of Stephanie for a brief moment.

These two got married in March of 09 at The Barr Mansion in Austin, TX, and the details Leah captured from their wedding are just beautiful.

Continue reading "Jennifer & Stephanie's Austin wedding, presented by Whitney Lee Photography" →

Allow me to introduce you to The Red Ruby Rose, a collection of unique handmade clutches made in Bristol, England by artist and illustrator Rowena Dugdale.

These amazing clutches come are made from an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage fabrics that seem custom catered to Offbeat needs — check out the full range of peacock designs! Some of them are so brilliantly colored and gorgeous that I could see a courthouse bride using one instead of a bouquet. Imagine this being held by a bride in a tea length dress, wearing sharp little red gloves:

Rowena credits a mix of influences, from vintage ephemera and moody blooms to noir silhouettes and ethereal patterns. The Red Ruby Rose has a whole line of bags crafted with custom fabrics inspired by Rowena's illustrations and photography. Then there's the luxury line of silk bags that are making me swoony.

To check out a few of my very favorites from of The Ruby Red Rose's collection, keep reading. And imagine these in the hot little hands of your bridesmaids or, heck, YOURSELF!

Continue reading "Fall into Red Ruby Rose's clutches" →