Any other unconventional brides struggling with all the rules and structure of the wedding industry?

I am a free spirit, non-rule-following type and am feeling very daunted and fearful that wedding planning is just not going to work out for me. My fiance and I both highly value autonomy, independence and uniqueness. We’re both 40 and would never have married if not for finding each other. We are both feeling a bit intimidated by all the rules and guidelines of wedding vendors, especially venues. We want to just rent out a place and do our own thing without being under the thumb of a planner or limited by rules. Also, we are splashing out on the venue but need to save money everywhere else, so can’t afford suggested vendors at the same price point. We finally found a few low key venues at the place and available dates we want, (basically any Saturday this September) but a huge storm on the Jersey shore prevented our scheduled tours today and with the holidays coming up, I am worried everything will be booked before we get a chance to reschedule.


We are determined to tie the knot before it gets cold 2024, but it just feels like everything is going wrong and circumstance is pushing us farther and farther away from what actually feels authentic and right. And I haven’t even gotten STARTED on hair, dress or music yet! Any kindred spirits out there and please tell me everything worked out okay in the end?