The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide empowers couples with the simple philosophy that it's not about how much you spend but how you spend it. As author Dana LaRue says, "You're only planning a party, so have fun with it." You don't need to give up your savings, the possibility of a downpayment on a house, or your sanity to plan a celebration that is meaningful and inspired. Here, Dana shares her advice on sticky subjects to consider before asking someone to be in your bridal party.

Despite the fact that there is no right or wrong, there are some possible pitfalls to be on the watch for when you’re selecting your wedding party. It can’t be sunshine and unicorns all the time, friends.

Photo by: Erich McVey on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Every couple wants their wedding to be unique, but with the abundance of inspiration and sites like Pinterest, it can be challenging to really mix it up. With that in mind, below are a few of the most innovative details I have seen over the past year.

1. The Not (Even Close To) White Wedding Dress

A lot of brides are starting to play with color by experimenting with blush tones and light grays, but this bride really pushed the enveloped in this stunning Monique Lhuillier. To keep the look "bridal," she kept her hair and makeup classic and selected a simple veil for the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Manuel Meszarovits / See more from this wedding ►

2. Flower Power

After the "I dos," guests are often handed rice or, more recently, bottles of bubbles to shower the newly-married couple as they walk back down the aisle. This couple decided to let their guests sit back and relax as thousands of rose petals were blown out of cannons across the ceremony site!

In honor of April Fools' Day, unleash your inner prankster by playing one of these innocent tricks on your wedding guests. 

Q. "I have a 7-month-old baby and am getting married this June. I am still desperately trying to lose weight before then. I just read your workout for arms, which I can do at home, but it also mentioned running four times a week for thirty minutes. I am in the military with a baby and I barely have time to do anything for myself; is there a cardio that I can do at home for 30 minutes? I just want to look somewhat normal in my dress!” —Samantha B.

A. First of all, all brides are beautiful, and you will look better than “somewhat normal” in your dress! But I have the ideal solution for you as a busy mom: Jump rope. Using this one piece of equipment is a fantastic way to burn calories and lose weight, and you can jump rope at your own level of intensity for any length of time almost anywhere. In fact, in only 15 to 20 minutes, you can elevate your heart rate, work up a major sweat, and get an overall energy boost. It's a complete cross-training workout that combines elements of cardiovascular and endurance training with muscle strengthening. While you probably know how great jumping rope is for shaping the calves, glutes, and quads, what you may not realize is that the constant turning motion of the rope will also tone your upper body.

Photo Credit: Crate and Barrel on Engaged & Inspired via Lover.ly

Q. On our engagement party invitations, is it appropriate to let guests know where we are registered?

A. Registry information should never be included on engagement party or wedding invitations. Stores or websites where you’re registered should only be mentioned on bridal shower invites. However, since it’s likely that some guests will want to bring gifts to your engagement party, it’s OK to let your friends and fam- ily know where you’re registered in case they’re asked. Also, keep in mind that it’s best to open any gifts you receive in private — after the festivities — and don’t forget the thank-you notes!

—Diane Forden