5 Ways to Tell You're a Laid-Back Bride

Photo: High Pass Productions

 

In the frenzied sea of details and etiquette and tulle (aka wedding planning) there's an illusive creature that lurks beneath the surface: the cool bride. Blessed with effortless personal style and a mellow attitude, this breed of bride is the most illusive and enviable of all. How do they do it? How do they turn a blind eye to the botched canapés while simultaneously pulling off the most stylish soirée anyone has ever been to? We investigated the phenomenon and found five uniting characteristics all laid back brides have in common.


1. You're Not Married to Tradition
Wedding planning comes laden with a lot of tradition and etiquette. So much so, that sometimes a bride can feel overloaded with all of the things she has to do, instead of the things she wants to do. Cool brides are over that. If they'd rather skip the wedding cake and pin the tail on the groomsman, they will. In their eyes, traditions are optional, not absolute, and this perspective majorly diminishes pressure.


2. You Delegate
Nobody is cool and collected when she has one million and three details to worry about the morning of her wedding. To stay calm under pressure, cool brides delegate — to their planners, day-of coordinators, bridesmaids, moms, friends, vendors, whoever — and trust them to handle details on their wedding day.



3. You Embrace Imperfection
Have you ever noticed how many cool girl icons like Kate Moss always have one element that's slightly off in their outfit? Maybe it's an un-tucked shirt, or messy, undone strands, but they always seem to keep one ounce of nonchalance in the mix to prevent them from looking too "done." Laid-back brides also adhere to the concept of perfect imperfection, much to the benefit of their mental state. "Oh the fur blankets fell off the guest chairs onto the ground? How bohemian!" "So, the forks didn't come in on time? Matching china is passé anyways."


4. You Stick to the Budget
Nothing ruins the vibe faster than the tension of over-extended purse strings and resentment. Mellow brides know that style can be achieved within any budget. They're not afraid to pop some wildflowers into soda bottles, throw on a vinyl and embrace simplicity.


5. You Stay True to Your Style
Similar to their take on wedding traditions, cool brides realize that the best thing the dress they can wear is the one that represents their unique style. Whether that's a short shift dress, a classic ball gown or a bohemian kimono, every bride is at her coolest when she's comfortable and utterly herself.