A Complaint-Free Bride

We recently read a truly life-changing book, A Complaint-Free World by. The author challenges us to spend 20 days without complaining or criticizing. This is far taller order than it may seem, and we suspect doubly difficult for a typical bride, who is, uh, not-so-Good. It is simply amazing the effect that our complaining has on our well-being, our happiness, our health and that of those around us. Once you start this program, you will immediately notice how often and unconsciously you and others complain. As a bride, does it really matter if the turquoise shoes you ordered are a slightly-different shade than the program ribbons? And does anyone really care if the caterer used onions instead of scallions in the dip? If you want to really make a lasting impact on your loved ones and enjoy your wedding planning and day in a way that others will envy, you may want to order one copy of this book for yourself, and several more for the wedding party. We bought this book for our office group a few weeks ago, and so far, the pettiness and cattiness have diminished, and job satisfaction levels have found new highs.

Good Chicago Bride Saves Money Through DIY

Even those brides who live in the most exclusive Chicago zip codes, whose typical wedding costs can top $100,000, have been re-thinking the spendness madness, according to The Chicago Tribune. One such Good Bride demonstrated her fiscal panache by making her invitations, monogramming her own aisle runner, and other items, including eight flower balls for which the florist was going to charge $75 each. The author cites experts who predict a trend towards less wedding spending, and a good business market for stores that off DIY bridal merchandise. For example, we really love the look and price of these sandy print-yourself wedding fan programs by Martha Stewart at Walmart. Yes, they are using a little paper, but it's much more environmentally friendly than air-conditioning. I'm really thinking simple beach wedding. ARTICLE LINK

Welcome to The Good Bride!

We believe that the ridiculously oppulent wedding funded by second mortgages and seven maxed-out credit cards is becoming a thing of the past. We believe that brides-to-be are becoming almost as weary of their own empty self-absorption as their bridesmaids, family and friends are tiring of their petulant need for attention. We believe that, in spite of the obscene lengths to which brides will go to impress their guests, most decadent weddings have become somewhat indistinguishable and predictable. We believe that, underneath the layers of tulle and chartreuse and magenta matching favors and table cards, the inner heart of many brides is quietly hoping for permission to wed in a manner that better reflects her joy, love, and genuine nature. The purpose of this blog is to provide creative resources and inspiration for the bride who wishes to plan a rich and meaningful wedding minus the harsh toll on her relationships, the environment, and her finances.