But Melissa’s story actually ends up sounding like a more-fun-than-most event that got all the friends and family involved, DIY-style. Homemade beer, home-baked berry pies, hand-sewn fabric invites, a bike parade “complete with bicycle rickshaws for anyone like me who didn’t want to ride in their fancy duds” — all for $8,000! Her story really makes you wants to make you have a party yourself, minus the wedding bit!

 

But for those of you who’ve decided to go down that aisle: Block out your Saturday for eco bridal salon Soi-Meme. Put together by Pink Cloud Events, Soi-Meme promises to be a one-stop event for “the modern couple searching for affordable, do-it-yourself solutions to planning a wedding with unique style.”

 

There’ll be organic drinks and eats to fuel you while you check out everything from sustainable wedding rings to organic caterers. There’ll be workshops ranging from planning your wedding online to upcycling wedding outfits. There’ll be experts available for one-on-one sessions to give you personal guidance. There’ll be DJs, giveaways, and a resource guide. And there’ll be other would-be-wedded who’ll actually still listen when you launch into your whole fascinating wedding planning saga, yet again.

 

It all happens Sat., Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the James Irvine Garden, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles. Tickets cost $25 each — Buy them online for a chance to win a free 4 night stay at a private eco-villa resort in Tulum, Mexico by Azulik!