Thinking outside the box with denim. [via Wedding Dish]

Three cheers for free shuttles. [via Weddingbee]

If you're considering trading the dress in favor of paying your monthly bills, you're not alone.

The Bridal Party is taking a few days off to drink some egg nog and celebrate the holidays. We'll be back next week, but if you can't wait that long, pass the time reading up on all the recent posts here.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Who needs white when you can plan a green wedding? More and more couples today are taking the environment into account when planning their nuptials. But knowing what’s ecofriendly and how to find it can be difficult. That’s why we called in the expert.

Environmentally-friendly wedding planner Katie Martin, owner of Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers, knows a thing or two about planning green weddings—in fact, she’s writing a book about it. Martin, a native Washingtonian, has planned about 3,500 weddings since starting Elegance & Simplicity ten years ago. In 2001, she added floral design to the company’s list of services, and now offers everything from planning to lighting to stationery. Martin and her team, who were chosen by the Audubon Naturalist Society as one of the area’s best ecofriendly event planners, drive fuel-efficient vehicles and order flowers from growers who use environmentally-friendly herbicides.

Finding the holiday spirit when sharing the holidays. [via DC Nearlyweds]

A new book for the shelf: The Smart Couple's Guide to the Wedding of Your Dreams.

Need a favor idea? Here's five.

Gentlemen: planning a trip and a proposal, too? Read this first.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Lisa Marie, right, volunteering for the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation.

Today I’m feeling particularly inspired by the holiday spirit. This season feels like an appropriate time to talk about the aspect of our wedding that focuses on giving back to others, and I don’t just mean our guests.

First, a bit of personal background. I’m an only child, and I’ve been spoiled rotten my entire life. I have enough self-awareness to know that my selfishness is a character flaw I need to work on. But until a couple years ago, I never felt inspired to focus on anything other than my immediate surroundings. As Andrew and I became used to living together and were comfortable developing our own hobbies, he joined car clubs, developed workout groups, and bought a PlayStation 3 with lots of games. He seemed content having these hobbies, and I was kind of lost. My life in college was all about my sorority, and now I was in DC without my college friends. So when I received a flyer for the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation practically begging for folks to help handle animals at adoption events, I figured I’d see if this seemed like a fit.

Registering for a toilet? Um, maybe not.

More ways to save.

Two strangers and a wedding.

Love watching others plan weddings? You're not alone.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Thursday, December 18: Storewide Sale at Rizik’s
Every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM in December, Rizik’s (1100 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-223-4050) is offering 10 percent off all merchandise. The boutique’s bridal collection features gowns by Lazaro, Rivini, and Adele Wechsler, among others. Appointments are suggested.

Thursday, December 18: Wedding-Planning Workshop
It’s no surprise that weddings are expensive. And the sorry state of our economy doesn’t make things any easier. So the wedding planners at Star|Bride (571-330-4829) thought it was time for an interactive workshop focusing on how to financially manage your big day in today’s economy. The one-hour event (split into two 30-minute sessions) will take place at the Fort Myers Officers Club (214 Jackson Ave., Fort Myer; 703-524-0200). Reservations are required, and only the first 20 people to RSVP may bring one guest. Free; 7 to 8 PM.

Sunday, December 21: Free Trial Day
This Sunday, the makeup artists and hair stylists of Richie (6724 Metropolitan Center Dr., #104, Springfield; 571-332-3170) are hosting a trial day for brides to come and test out their services—for free! The event, normally $100 for a trial service, allows brides a trial makeup or hair-styling session, and there’s no obligation to book with the salon. Free, but appointments are required; 11 to 3.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Is 20 Questions your family's favorite game at the holidays? Here are some answers. [via Always a Blogsmaid]

Katy Perry isn't engaged.

But Drew Peterson is. Again. Yikes.

Move over Craigslist, Bravo Bride has arrived.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.