***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries – see who won below!***

Thanks to random.org’s very arbitrary matchmaking skills, our winner is… Lawren (whose favorite wedding moment was when her cousin’s pocketed dress stored tissues to hand the groom when he teared up during the vows). Congrats!

Beyond the “I Do”: Celebrating Anniversaries and Unconventional Wedding Experiences

As the Fourth of July celebrations wind down, we’re enjoying some much-needed family time. Yet, we couldn’t resist dropping in with a truly special announcement this week. Thursday marks our 4th wedding anniversary, a milestone that typically ushers in “Wedding Week” around here. However, having exhaustively shared every last detail about our journey – from our wedding day and honeymoon adventures, to our cherished anniversary traditions, how we first met, our memorable engagement, and even our favorite meaningful mementos – we’re taking a lighter approach to the theme this time around. While the past year has been nothing short of amazing, and we’re planning something sweet to celebrate the start of year five (nothing grand, but we’ll certainly share the details), we’re embracing a different kind of wedding-centric celebration.

For those feeling a bit sentimental or curious about our past celebrations, feel free to take a delightful trip down memory lane. You can revisit a recap of our $4,000 DIY backyard ceremony, which proved that dream weddings don’t have to break the bank, or browse through old Wedding Week posts from the past three years. These archives are packed with inspiration, personal stories, and insights into planning a truly unique and heartfelt wedding.

Introducing The Not Wedding: A Game-Changing Bridal Show Alternative

Since this week has organically evolved into a “Not” Wedding Week, it presented the perfect opportunity to collaborate with The Not Wedding for an exciting giveaway. For those unfamiliar, The Not Wedding describes itself as a “killer alternative to a bridal show,” and we couldn’t agree more. This isn’t your typical walk-through-and-grab-a-brochure event. Instead, attendees get to experience a fully immersive, mock wedding ceremony, complete with a sit-down dinner and a dance-filled reception. It’s all designed to be fun, inspiring, and incredibly informative, allowing you to thoroughly check out potential vendors in a truly authentic setting.

Experience Your Dream Wedding Before You Say “I Do”

Imagine being able to taste the food, listen to the music, sample the cake (mmm, cake!), and witness the decor unfold in a real-ish wedding environment. The Not Wedding bridges the gap between static displays and the dynamic reality of a wedding day. This unique approach allows engaged couples to interact with florists, photographers, caterers, and other wedding professionals as they would on their actual wedding day, helping them make more informed decisions with confidence. It transforms the often overwhelming task of wedding planning into a joyous and engaging celebration.

This year’s “big day” for The Not Wedding is scheduled for July 21st, and we’re thrilled to announce that two tickets are up for grabs this week. These coveted tickets include not only the full immersive experience but also a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, and decadent dessert, ensuring a memorable evening for the lucky winners. It’s an unparalleled chance to gather inspiration, discover hidden gems among vendors, and truly envision your perfect day without any pressure, just pure enjoyment and discovery.

An Unforgettable Prize Package: More Than Just Tickets

We understand that not everyone can spontaneously jet off to Georgia on two weeks’ notice, even for an experience as fantastic as The Not Wedding. That’s why we’ve teamed up with them to ensure our winner receives an incredible prize package that extends beyond the event itself. The grand prize winner will also receive a generous $150 gift card to their esteemed registry sponsor, Bloomingdale’s. This means a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your wedding registry, add those dream home items, or simply treat yourselves to something special as you embark on your married life.

Elevate Your Bridal Style with Exquisite Accessories

But the fabulousness doesn’t stop there! The winner will also receive a stunning pearl bridal bracelet and an elegant hair flower fascinator (available in white or ivory) from The Not Wedding’s accessory sponsor, Fine & Fleurie. These exquisite pieces are designed to add a touch of timeless elegance and personal flair to any bridal ensemble, whether it’s for your wedding day, engagement photos, or another special occasion. Fine & Fleurie is renowned for their handcrafted quality and beautiful designs, ensuring these accessories will be cherished keepsakes.

When you combine the immersive experience of The Not Wedding tickets with the versatility of a Bloomingdale’s gift card and the undeniable charm of Fine & Fleurie’s bridal accessories, you’re looking at a prize package valued at over $300. It’s truly a bundle of wedding-tastic swag – or perhaps, “not” wedding-tastic swag, depending on how you look at it! Either way, it’s an undeniable score for one lucky reader.

How to Enter and Win This Incredible Prize Package

Participating in this exciting giveaway is simple, and we can’t wait to hear your stories! Here’s everything you need to know to throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win this fantastic bundle of wedding and lifestyle treats:

• THE PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive two exclusive tickets to The Not Wedding, offering an unparalleled immersive experience into wedding planning. Additionally, the prize includes a generous $150 Bloomingdale’s gift card, perfect for starting your registry or indulging in a post-wedding shopping spree. To complete the package, the winner will also get a beautiful pearl bridal bracelet and a delicate hair flower from Fine & Fleurie, adding a touch of elegance to any special occasion.
• TO ENTER: To make your entry count, simply comment on this post with the words “NOT ME!”
• BONUS QUESTION: And here’s where it gets fun and personal! After typing “NOT ME!”, tell us your absolute favorite part about a wedding that was NOT your own. We’re eager to hear about those unique, touching, or hilarious moments that stick with you. Did a particular family member’s ceremony move you to tears with its heartfelt vows? Perhaps your best friend’s killer toast had everyone simultaneously laughing and crying? Maybe a college friend’s destination wedding left you drooling over their exquisite location, breathtaking dress, and impeccable decor? Or – let’s be honest – was it just the time your work friend had an awesome open bar that made the entire evening unforgettable? Share your stories and bring a smile to our faces!
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Make sure to submit your entry by Wednesday, July 6th at 8 PM EST. Don’t miss out!
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: We will be selecting one fortunate winner for this extraordinary prize package.
• PRIZE SHIPS: Good news! This prize package can be shipped anywhere in the world, making it accessible to our global community of readers.
• THE USUAL STUFF: Please note that one entry per email address is permitted to ensure fairness for all participants. The winner will be carefully selected using random.org, a trusted method for unbiased selections, and announced on Thursday as an exciting update to this very post. That’s right, mark your calendars and be sure to come right back here on Thursday for the grand announcement of our winner! Good luck to everyone who enters… we’re genuinely excited to read your comments and share this fantastic opportunity with one of you!

A Token of Our Appreciation

Note: We want to be clear that we were not paid or offered any special perks to host this giveaway. Our motivation comes purely from our desire to reward our lovely and loyal readers with exciting opportunities. We believe in sharing fantastic experiences and products that we genuinely appreciate. For more detailed information on our giveaway policies and procedures, please feel free to visit our Giveaway FAQs page. All images featured in this post are courtesy of The Not Wedding, Bloomingdale’s, and Fine & Fleurie, showcasing the quality and aesthetic of the prizes.