Weddingbee Blog

How I found Weddingbee

Finding the ’bee was really a “Goldilocks” kind of moment for me. Newly engaged, I had started with the first wedding planning website to present itself in Google (your guess). Nope, it was much too big, and too bland for this Sewing—not a good fit. Then I went the other extreme, which again, you can probably guess. Nope again, it was sometimes too flavorful—also not a perfect fit. Where was a bride like me to go? I like traditional things, but I also like unusual things. I like to be myself.

And that’s where Weddingbee came in. My first impression was, “oh, how nice everyone here is!” Fellow brides were supportive of each other, regardless of what type of wedding they chose. I didn’t feel like I had to have a perfect, timeless, classy wedding that you see in style blogs. I also didn’t feel like I had to go against every tried-and-true wedding tradition simply on the quest of being completely unique. In short, it was a perfect mix for me, and I decided to sign up after about a month of lurking.

Oh—and the MASSIVE amount of DIY tutorials definitely helped seal the deal. Just saying.

Applying to become a bee

At first, I blogged for my mother, so she could visually see what I was planning. The phone calls can only go so far, you know.

Then, quite honestly, I tripped on a delusion of grandeur and thought for a moment how awesome it would be to blog “on the front page.” That moment turned into an application later down the road, and I applied with the most altruistic of intentions I could muster. And then I was rejected, despite meeting all the requirements.

It hurt for a while, and Mr. Sew was convinced it was because I was too weird. Perhaps.

Mrs. Pug, who happened to be applying around the same time as I was urged me to apply again. I didn’t know if I could handle another rejection, it stings the pride you know! But I asked her for some advice anyway, on the off-chance that I worked up enough nerve for a second attempt.

She should have just said, “stop writing like a weirdo with too many non-relevant inside nerd jokes and no instructions on your projects,” but she didn’t. She simply mentioned what she changed between her first and second applications, and from her own story I realized some things I could improve.

In the meantime, I also shared my blog on the boards and connected with other bloggers. It helped boost my confidence to the point that even if I were to be rejected again, I knew at least some people would still like me.

Yet luckily, it seemed that the hive was in need of a weird bee the second time I applied, because here I am!

Blogging for the ’Bee

Meeting the 3-4 posts a week requirement was pretty easy for me at first, until I ran out of projects to share. Though I suppose running out of projects motivated me to try some more, and I certainly don’t regret any of the time I spent with Mr. Sew, cutting and gluing and printing and sewing. Mr. Sew always likes to point out that I should be better at scheduling my posts, but being somewhat impulsive it’s a little hard.

But the part that I have the most challenging time with would be non-project related posts. I never know when I start wandering back over into the “too weird, unrelatable” territory. Or worse—-the “posting because this is what everyone else posts about.” At least with projects things are straightforward, and even if the cartoon I put on something is odd, at least the idea or purpose is still somewhat normal. It’s hard when you second guess your posts because there are no comments, or comments on things you didn’t think would be commented on. Although I have not always followed my own advice, I believe you need to stand firm in who you are. If shoes and dresses aren’t your forte, don’t bend over backwards to write those posts just because they are popular comment-receiving topics.

My Advice

1. Make your blog public. Share your blog on the monthly thread for blogs. Having a reader who isn’t your mother or best friend will help you learn to blog for an unknown audience. Plus, it’s always nice to make friends!

2. Don’t pander. Like I said - if flowers aren’t your thing, don’t pretend that they are. If you’re not big on discussing controversial or emotional topics, don’t force yourself. If you hate DIY, don’t feel like you need to do any.

3. (Optional) Have your fiance proofread your entries before you post them. Watching Mr. Sew’s face as he reads my posts is one of my favorite things in the world. Though a bit skeptical and protective of me sharing myself to the public at first, he honestly loves my little hobby now, and looks forward to the awesome comments and ideas from others almost as much as I do.

4. Lastly, don’t stop blogging, no matter what. I will say right now that some of my favorite personal wedding blogs never made it to the front page. They may have tried once, twice, three times—or not at all, but they are still amazing writers with amazing weddings. Being a bee is certainly a wonderful opportunity to have, but it doesn’t make or break a blogger—I can’t stress that enough.

I believe that the ‘bee is what you make of it. And with that I thank you for letting me make it just a little more “Sewing.”