Though fairly late in my wedding planning process (60 days to go!), I couldn’t help myself: I bought the latest issue of a bridal magazine. I was excited to read an article about bridal shower planning, since (though against tradition), I am participating in the planning of my shower at the end of March.

Then I got mad.

From Martha Stewart Weddings, Spring 2010

Why? Because the pictured showers seemed so unobtainable. So utterly perfect. So…expensive. I swear, the budget for the sample events looked to be more than my entire wedding budget. How can my little casual brunch shower possibly compare?

I realized I need to take the same approach to reading these pretty bridal mags that I take when reading Vogue or Sport’s Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: pretty pictures, but not necessarily what’s best for me. I will never be a size 0 model and I will never send out letterpress invitations to a catered bridal shower complete with event planner, special color-coordinated theme and personalized napkins.

I think that one of the reasons the average cost of a wedding has skyrocketed over the years is partially due to the proliferation of bridal media. Yes, I like the pretty things too, and its oh so easy to get caught up in the moment and spend, spend, spend because the magazine tells us it’s OK.

That’s probably why I am so drawn to blogs like our Bridal Buds. Real stories, real women, real weddings. Something for everyone. From destination chic to backyard cozy to elegant affair, we represent the ideas and thoughts, problems and solutions, a lot of other brides out there are going through. So, the next time you’re at the check-out counter thumbing through the latest issue of one of these mags just remember: it’s not a competition. You don’t have to do everything they say. It’s your wedding. And people will come celebrate with you because they love you, not because you found the perfect bauble to put on the left side of the shrimp fork.

For the record, my shower is scheduled to take place in a bar. Well, a scottish pub. And it’s going to be awesome.