“Who is this random chick blogging?” you may be asking yourself. I have to confess, my steam for all things wedding is finally drawing to a close. Why? Because newlywed life is so dang fun and exciting!

From bridaloccasion.com

Sure, planning a wedding was amazingly fun, but planning a life with your spouse truly rocks. Rocks way more. And I mean that. Amongst all the bickering about cleaning and chores and work, Honeysuckle Dude and I are enjoying mapping out the rest of our lives and allowing room to wing it as well. I would make excuses about work being too hectic to blog, but it’s not true. It’s just that any free time I have I want to spend with Honeysuckle Dude.

So anyway, I’ll be wrapping up most wedding blogging this summer, after our honeymoon tales.

Just wanted to share some fantastic bridal resources (other than the web, of course) that I found helpful when planning my wedding. Try your local library before buying them if you’re tight for money.  I have found most at bookstores, but in this economy, it doesn’t hurt to save some money.  Honestly, how often will you look at these wedding books after the big day?

Bridal Bargains by Denise Fields and Alan Fields
This became my bridal bible. I initially bought it for a friend, but she never got it because it was so insightful. I worked in a bridal industry for awhile, so I knew some of the behind the scenes/backroom stuff already. However, the Fields give you a great glimpse into the industry and a plethora of strategies to use to save money. You will most definitely find something new in here that will help you with your budget.

Simple Stunning Weddings by Karen Bussen and Ellen Silverman
This book’s gorgeous photographs will have you rejoicing about a simple wedding too. This book proves you don’t need a bunch of stuff to make a beautiful wedding space. Looking at the images, helped me formulate and articulate my wedding theme to vendors.  Bonus: There’s also a Simple Stunning Wedding Flowers and Simple Stunning Wedding Showers book if you’re in need of more ideas.  Case in point: 

Martha Stewart Weddings
Yeah, I know, it’s a magazine and not a book. But honestly and truly, it’s the only wedding magazine you should spend money on. Her ideas are golden. Every issue amazed me and had me wanting to have a 12 hour celebration with each hour’s theme being totally different. Ah, if only I married royalty and could afford such madness. Her craft ideas were the best, and I often tailored them to suit my day.

The Wedding Ceremony Planner by Judith Johnson
If you are constructing your own ceremony, writing your own vows, adding any readings, check out ceremony planners like this one. Also, browse books of love poetry for readings or verbage for vows. This book is organized nicely to help the couple or a new officiant piece together a beautiful and inspirational ceremony. Please put consideration into ceremony as it’s the reason for the celebration.