fashion n trends

Not every bride-to-be has been dreaming of walking down the aisle in a fluffy white dress since she was a little girl. Sure, dressing up for your wedding is an agreeable topic for you; you just see no reason why a bride needs to look like a cake topper to appear legit. If this rings a bell, then you're suffering from anti-bridal symptoms. Here's how to deal.

People have been known to throw a wedding together in just a few short months, so don't think you have to waste a whole year trying to get everything planned. You don't need all the trappings -- so find a decent venue that you and your hubby can live with for the reception.

Ask a friend to photograph the wedding. Use your iPod if you can't find a DJ on short notice. Create your own invitations and then, just show up to say 'I do'. Since you're not too concerned about the frills, you won't have to spend forever needlessly stressing over the plans. As long as you say your "I Do's," there's not much else to worry about. If you even choose to have bridesmaids, let them pick out their own dresses. This will not only save them some money, it will ensure that the dress they pick flatters their own body type. Everyone is happy! Even better, they really will be able to wear it again.

If you're the type of person who would rather be in jeans or sweatpants and the thought of having to get dressed up fills you with dread, go casual. Or, set a color scheme or theme as the dress code. For example, you could request that everyone wear at least one item that has pink in it. Tell the men that they have to wear the ugliest or most bizarre tie they can find, and tell all the women to wear a glittery scarf. You could even tell everyone they have to wear flip flops, sneakers, or sandals - no high heels or dress shoes allowed.

If you can't avoid the shower, than take freelance writer Jessica Murphy's suggestion and ask your guests to not wrap their presents. That way you can just display the gifts for everyone to see, thank everyone and enjoy a nice leisurely lunch mingling with your guests. Not only will this save you from having all eyes on you as you open each gift, but it will also help salvage the environment by saving all that wasted paper on your anti-style. As far as the bachelorette party goes, consider taking advantage of this. You don't have to plan it -- you just have to attend. Even that anti-bride should enjoy a girls only weekend getaway. Ask yourself, why not?