A mild sense of panic...

I haven't updated this since March 15?! What kind of blogger bride-to-be am I? I'm a busy-as-hell, borderline burned out and broke one, that's what kind!

But somehow, in between the 12 hour work days and random health crises, I've managed to Get Shit Done. Not a ton of shit, but a good amount nonetheless. And some mega unexpected but wonderful stuff happened too!

Where to start...well, to follow up from the previous post about the catering fiasco...after my meeting, the fiasco grew and gained speed. I won't delve into all of the finite details of my caterer's douchebaggery, but I will say that after 6 weeks of him not responding to my calls and emails, I was pretty upset. Then when he FINALLY sent over the contract and estimated total...I was even more upset.

After another round of conversations with him, I realized that this was a battle I was not going to win. They cut corners and discounted as much of the reception costs as they could but since they only use sustainable products, locally grown food and other heartwarming ways to save the planet...my catering costs are going to be significantly higher than a typical caterer and there is not a goddamn thing I can do about it.

Moving on!

I've purchased (almost) all of the components of my bridal ensemble! The shoes, which I was going crazy looking for, were found by my friend Allison, who happily took on the task of hunting them down. They are absolutely perfect, I can't believe she was able to find them and they were only $60 (which is, by the way, the most expensive purchase yet for my dress). The other item was my veil - which I found on eBay from some shop in New York, brand new, for $30! It is a "cathedral style" veil, which means it will serve as my "train" since my dress will not have one. Lastly, my hosiery - I think it will be completely okay to wear flesh-tone fishnets, yes? Next will be fabric and supplies for the dress modifications that I'm having done. Oh, and I mustn't forget a new pair of Spanx!

My custom bridal jewelery is in progress! Thanks to my lovely friend Marci, proprietor of Baubles Trinkets Gems. I am so excited to have something different than most of the boring "bridal jewelery" I've seen online.

I've secured a florist! She is a local independent florist who works out of her home (just like my Mom was) and I am excited to see what she creates, as I've given her full creative license to design my flowers! Her name is Carrie and you can check out her stuff on her site.

I've secured a videographer! Like Carrie, he works out of his home - which means more down-to-earth service, less overhead and attitude!

I've figured out and purchased almost everything I need for the reception centerpieces - which I am making myself, versus the florist (this saves PILES of money).

I've figured out and purchased everything I need to make the invitations - which will be like tiny art projects, but something I really wanted to stand out. A show piece, if you will. I am in the middle of crafting the text for all of the components of the invitations. Next will come the printing of said components, custom cutting, then assembling, then mailing. Thankfully, I will have the help of my sister and friends with this one, as it's going to be a major effort. I am shooting to have the invitations mailed out by mid-July.

We've picked out our wedding bands - again, hooray for the internet - they will be less than $300 combined! Hair appointments booked! Wedding favors done!

We've figured out our wedding night plans - and decided to just stay at the hotel our out-of-town guests are staying in, versus the lavish boutiquey b&b we were going to choose. This way, we can have brunch the next day with them, and whomever else, in a much more casual setting.

CAKE! So included with my catering was going to be a cake from one of either two bakeries. Well, after we had a TERRIBLE cake tasting experience at one, and I heard nothing but bad reviews about the other, I asked my caterer if I may choose my own bakery for the cake. After some balking, he caved. So I am excited to get this set up - which is on my to-do list for this week. I attended a bridal show a few weeks ago and tried some delicious samples from a local bakery whom I am hoping will be available to make the cake.

Speaking of that bridal show......a mega unexpected but wonderful thing happened......I entered a grand prize drawing (one of dozens) for 1/2 off the services of a "day-of" wedding coordinator! Of all things, I think this will be very helpful to have. The coordinator actually takes over handling all of the vendors and technical details in the last 2 weeks before the wedding. On the day-of, she and another person handle all logistics, decorating and vendors so that neither myself or a guest has to. It sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

Wow, this post is becoming rather long. But there is much more to tell...! I'll try to sum it up better.

I've been in hunter/gatherer mode. I've found so many wonderful and unique components for my wedding by thinking outside of the box, and utilizing places like eBay, Etsy, local thrift and craft stores. I have yet to really purchase anything from an actual wedding store, either online or in person. I'm aiming to keep it that way!

There is still so much to do...I have to tackle things like the invitations, seating charts, programs, music, tuxes, random decorations, cookies for cookie tables, transportation, booze/beer, signage, photography, my Mom's ensemble, helping with bridesmaid stuff...and oh yes, our wedding shower!

We've decided to take a different approach and not have a traditional "bridal shower" for me. I personally find it rather obnoxious to sit in the the center of a room and have a bunch of women watch me open presents and then expect those people to get me even more presents for the wedding. Nope, I'd rather have a super casual setting, and celebrate both of us embarking on this crazy wedding together. No gifts from the registries, just a bottle of wine or booze from each guest, to help us build our stock. I dunno, I think it's a great idea (thanks Steph!).

Shoot, I could keep going...but I think you get the picture! The take-away from this post is that I really need to stay focused, as this is a pivotal month! In 3 weeks, it will be just 3 months until we say "I Do"...scary but exciting!