Sixty days and counting. Still lots to do. But a few big items have been checked off my list, so I feel somewhat productive. The invitations are set to go out next week.
I realized something insane a few minutes ago, which prompted this post. This Saturday, my company is hosting their annual Summer picnic aboard one of the Gateway Clipper boats. Originally, I really wanted to have my reception on one of the boats, having attended a fantastic reception aboard one several years prior.
But when Dan and I met with their wedding coordinator last Summer to get an idea of cost, we almost fell out of our chairs. The base rates for the packages were $8,000 for the small boat and $16,000 for the large boat, more if you added on things like more time onboard, better food & alcohol, etc.
Each package includes 4 hours up and down Pittsburgh's three rivers, hors'doerves, alcohol, waitstaff including bartender, impressive food choices, the cake, decorations, all linens/catering rentals, a dj, photography, flowers/centerpieces, free parking for guests, plus a stay in the Station Square Sheraton for the bride and groom.
At the time, we foolishly believed we could pull the whole thing off for about $5k so we politely thanked the wedding coordinator and ripped up the brochures she gave us. Looking back, those packages are actually a STEAL. Chew on that for a minute.
Sure, people can have weddings for under $5k. It is totally possible, but you will have to make HUGE sacrafices and be SUPER creative, plus have an ARMY of friends and family help you with basically everything. And definitely no more than 100 guests.
If you commit to having it at any kind of facility that frequently hosts weddings/receptions (that is not a fire hall) and you have at least 150 people, you are looking at an easy $1-2k just to rent the space. Then pile on at least $3-5k for FOOD, the staff, linens, chairs/table/other rentals. Tack on another $1-2k for ALCOHOL unless you want to be a dick and make it a cash-bar.
So you're already at maybe $5-8k and that does not include the cost of: bride's dress/veil/accessories/shoes, the rings, the flowers, the cake, photography/videography, a dj or band, the ceremony (if it's not at the same location as the reception), decorations, programs, car rental, hotel stay, gifts for the wedding party, tips for the vendors, the invitations/save the date cards (don't forget postage!), a wedding shower of some kind, the bachelor/bachelorette parties, hair styling/manicures and oh yeah, maybe a honeymoon. EASILY all of that shit will add up to another $10-12k, for a rough total estimate of about $15-20k...at a MINIMUM.
So...yeah, $8-16k for almost everything you need is actually a pretty good deal plus the added fun of partying on a gorgeous cruise boat for your reception. It's also pretty accurate for what an average (Pittsburgh) wedding costs these days (if you don't have any vendors who can donate their services), based off my observations and calculations in the past year.
But I consider myself very lucky. I got some AMAZING deals of my own and I am quite proud of my efforts to strike a balance between frugal and fabulous in order to keep the costs down.
We are also extremely grateful for the amazing friends and family members who are able to help us...there is no way we could do this without them. Well, there is, but it would definitely knock us quick a few pegs down on the 'fabulous scale'. :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
The past month and other thoughts as we round second base...
82 days until the wedding!? On one hand it seems like plenty of time, on another it seems like its tomorrow.
They weren't kidding when they said that time would fly from when we set the date until the wedding. Oh, how I wish I had done things differently...but alas, even an organized freak like me can make mistakes and misjudge the workload involved in planning a wedding. Well, there is no point in looking back, I am forging ahead and focusing on the "need to do now" stuff as it smacks me in the face. Which feels like a daily occurrence.
However, I did get a PANTLOAD of things done in the past month. Too much to list. My biggest accomplishment has been the crazy invitations. I slaved over the designs and text for WEEKS. And after finally finalizing them, I printed them (myself) last week and will have them assembled (because there are multiple parts) and mailed out soon. I am definitely submitting photos of the finished product to several sites that showcase over-the-top invitations, because, well...mine is the very definition of over-the-top. And I love them.
I also went on an insane shopping spree at several craft stores last weekend. I had gathered coupons and then waited patiently for a sale. The 4th of July is that magic time when all of the sales go on steroids. It was great, I got all of the remaining crafty things and decorations I needed at half the cost I would have paid normally. Yay, coupons!
Though on a sad note, it was really hard shopping for the silk flowers I needed. My Mom was a silk florist my whole life until her stroke, and she was the best floral designer I've ever known. She knew everything about floral design and even ran her own business out of our home. She was a guru.
So when I was wandering around Michael's floral department, stupefied by the choices and trying to design arrangements in my head, I really felt the void of not having her by my side. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful she is still alive and can visit her in the nursing home so frequently, but it sucked that she couldn't be there, gathering the flowers and materials she needed to create my arrangements and centerpieces, while I pushed the cart. A few times, I caught myself trying to imagine what she would have done and hopefully, I came close enough to what she would have chosen.
Either way, she will help me as I design some of the arrangements, as she can still give input and guide me, even though she physically is unable to do the work. And I am thankful for that.
Moving along...
I feel like I should change the name of this blog to BudgetWeddingFailure, as we are so far over budget it's ridiculous. Then again, if we wanted to stay within our budget we would have just eloped. If I have learned anything in my 8 or so months of wedding planning it's that even cheapo weddings still cost a friggin' fortune.
Sure, there are fantastic ways to cut corners and be thrifty if you aren't a bridezilla...but when it comes to catering and furniture rentals, there is no dodging those bullets, unless you have the flexibility to provide those things on your own. Most venues, aside from country fields and backyards, require those things when you rent the venue.
Without those things, your guests will likely be rather uncomfortable and/or annoyed. Of course some couples are assholes and don't really care about the comfort of their guests...which lends the question, why on earth do they even have guests to begin with?
I heard a story recently of a destination wedding that was all types of annoying and messy. The couple really took the "this is our day and we'll do whatever we want" to heart, which is fine, but then they dragged way too many people into the void and it got complicated, both financially and logistically.
This couple wanted to just "play everything by ear", so nothing was actually planned...they had 20 some people show up at an amusement park and winged it from there for 3 days. Accordingly to my co-worker, who is a cousin of the groom, it was 3 days of pure hell. From getting awoken at 5am without warning for photos as the sun came up, to witnessing shouting matches between family members, to being exhausted and overheated (this was a few weeks ago, in South Carolina) from walking around and standing in lines all day. And keeping everyone together was like herding cats.
In my opinion, the couple was extremely inconsiderate to their friends and family not to mention just plain stupid. I think you have to have some structure to your event and give serious thought to how you much you care about the comfort and convenience for your guests. That is, if your brain even works that way.
Personally, I like the idea of eloping and just having a picnic or party when you come back. Makes so much sense. Friends of mine who recently hosted a fabulous example of this are Brandy and Mike. They kept it super casual by having it a picnic grove in a nearby park. It was mostly potluck, and there was plenty of it! I loved how they got mismatched furniture from thrift stores and scattered it around for seating. The decor was breezy and very 'thrift-store cool'. They had a great bluegrass band play, and overall it was an excellent way to honor their upcoming marriage and who they are as people. I was very impressed. Also, anywhere I can go barefoot automatically makes me happy. :)
They weren't kidding when they said that time would fly from when we set the date until the wedding. Oh, how I wish I had done things differently...but alas, even an organized freak like me can make mistakes and misjudge the workload involved in planning a wedding. Well, there is no point in looking back, I am forging ahead and focusing on the "need to do now" stuff as it smacks me in the face. Which feels like a daily occurrence.
However, I did get a PANTLOAD of things done in the past month. Too much to list. My biggest accomplishment has been the crazy invitations. I slaved over the designs and text for WEEKS. And after finally finalizing them, I printed them (myself) last week and will have them assembled (because there are multiple parts) and mailed out soon. I am definitely submitting photos of the finished product to several sites that showcase over-the-top invitations, because, well...mine is the very definition of over-the-top. And I love them.
I also went on an insane shopping spree at several craft stores last weekend. I had gathered coupons and then waited patiently for a sale. The 4th of July is that magic time when all of the sales go on steroids. It was great, I got all of the remaining crafty things and decorations I needed at half the cost I would have paid normally. Yay, coupons!
Though on a sad note, it was really hard shopping for the silk flowers I needed. My Mom was a silk florist my whole life until her stroke, and she was the best floral designer I've ever known. She knew everything about floral design and even ran her own business out of our home. She was a guru.
So when I was wandering around Michael's floral department, stupefied by the choices and trying to design arrangements in my head, I really felt the void of not having her by my side. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful she is still alive and can visit her in the nursing home so frequently, but it sucked that she couldn't be there, gathering the flowers and materials she needed to create my arrangements and centerpieces, while I pushed the cart. A few times, I caught myself trying to imagine what she would have done and hopefully, I came close enough to what she would have chosen.
Either way, she will help me as I design some of the arrangements, as she can still give input and guide me, even though she physically is unable to do the work. And I am thankful for that.
Moving along...
I feel like I should change the name of this blog to BudgetWeddingFailure, as we are so far over budget it's ridiculous. Then again, if we wanted to stay within our budget we would have just eloped. If I have learned anything in my 8 or so months of wedding planning it's that even cheapo weddings still cost a friggin' fortune.
Sure, there are fantastic ways to cut corners and be thrifty if you aren't a bridezilla...but when it comes to catering and furniture rentals, there is no dodging those bullets, unless you have the flexibility to provide those things on your own. Most venues, aside from country fields and backyards, require those things when you rent the venue.
Without those things, your guests will likely be rather uncomfortable and/or annoyed. Of course some couples are assholes and don't really care about the comfort of their guests...which lends the question, why on earth do they even have guests to begin with?
I heard a story recently of a destination wedding that was all types of annoying and messy. The couple really took the "this is our day and we'll do whatever we want" to heart, which is fine, but then they dragged way too many people into the void and it got complicated, both financially and logistically.
This couple wanted to just "play everything by ear", so nothing was actually planned...they had 20 some people show up at an amusement park and winged it from there for 3 days. Accordingly to my co-worker, who is a cousin of the groom, it was 3 days of pure hell. From getting awoken at 5am without warning for photos as the sun came up, to witnessing shouting matches between family members, to being exhausted and overheated (this was a few weeks ago, in South Carolina) from walking around and standing in lines all day. And keeping everyone together was like herding cats.
In my opinion, the couple was extremely inconsiderate to their friends and family not to mention just plain stupid. I think you have to have some structure to your event and give serious thought to how you much you care about the comfort and convenience for your guests. That is, if your brain even works that way.
Personally, I like the idea of eloping and just having a picnic or party when you come back. Makes so much sense. Friends of mine who recently hosted a fabulous example of this are Brandy and Mike. They kept it super casual by having it a picnic grove in a nearby park. It was mostly potluck, and there was plenty of it! I loved how they got mismatched furniture from thrift stores and scattered it around for seating. The decor was breezy and very 'thrift-store cool'. They had a great bluegrass band play, and overall it was an excellent way to honor their upcoming marriage and who they are as people. I was very impressed. Also, anywhere I can go barefoot automatically makes me happy. :)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Preparing to do BATTLE
This past weekend, I regaled and horrified some friends with the details of our catering situation. Since this week will hopefully bring the disaster to a close, I figured I'd mention it here.
During the hunt for a reception venue last summer, it became apparent that most places only have specific caterers that they work with. Many places like hotels and privately owned facilities simply do not allow outside catering of any kind. Most of them only use one caterer, but a few have a short list of "approved" caterers. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was one such place.
During the hunt for a reception venue last summer, it became apparent that most places only have specific caterers that they work with. Many places like hotels and privately owned facilities simply do not allow outside catering of any kind. Most of them only use one caterer, but a few have a short list of "approved" caterers. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was one such place.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Past 6 Months
Before I launch into an exhaustive diatribe about the wedding planning madness I've experienced in the past six months, let me say this: I knew it was time to finally update this blog when I found myself stressing over what type of silverware defines me as a person.
How the eff did this happen? Well, let me tell you...that is, if you dare to dive into my wacky world of wedding planning and get brought up to speed.
How the eff did this happen? Well, let me tell you...that is, if you dare to dive into my wacky world of wedding planning and get brought up to speed.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Let The Countdown Begin!
So tomorrow will mark 1 year to the day until our wedding. Sure, that's a long time from now. But I'm sure time will fly. It always does.
I'm feeling more and more satisified with the date we chose. October 1st almost guarantees comfortable weather as it's been a blissful 65° to 70° in the 'Burgh all week. Of course there is always the threat of rain, but as long as I'm not drenched in sweat or trudging through snow on the way to the chapel, I'll be a happy bride.
I posted the following pictures on my Facebook, but not here. I'm moreorless including them for posterity. Here are a few shot of our reception venue, the Phipps Garden Center, which we have officially secured between the hours of 6:00pm and 11:00pm on Saturday October 1, 2011.
The other exciting update is the acquisition of my wedding gown, rather, the foundation for it. As I mentioned in my previous entry, I purchased it from someone on eBay who apparently wore it in a drag show. The dress came in great condition, but definitely must be cleaned throughly. The scent of perfume was pretty intense when I pulled it out of the box. It fit me very well...which was a pleasant surprise. Since I am going to have it tailored and customized, I think this will significantly make the whole process easier versus starting from scratch with a pattern. Here are the pictures:
Well, that's about it for now. We've been loosely working on the other planning, mostly still just tossing around ideas. I did get confirmation that we have officially reserved the chapel at my Mom's nursing facility for the wedding, which will be at 3:00pm. The resident pastor, a wonderful woman named Gaia Thompson, who has grown very close to my Mother, sister and I during the past 3 years, will be officiating.
Good stuff all 'round. :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Fun Stuff!
As some of you saw on Facebook, I bought my wedding dress from a drag queen on eBay yesterday for $50.
As you may or may not know, I was planning on having my dress hand made by a friend of a friend who is a seamstress by profession. The dress I want is vintage-inspired - definitely nothing I can find in a regular wedding dress shop. One option was to find a pattern, buy the fabric and go from there. Another option was to find a "base" dress and alter the hell out of it. Surprisingly, I am told that is actually the easier option of the two.
So I began poking around eBay, Etsy and the like. Found a few possibles. Poked some more. Found some on eBay that were very simple and easily "alterable". One of which was apparently worn by a drag queen. I had emailed the seller to ask for more specific details and pictures. She told me that she had made it for her roommate (the drag queen, who only wore it once) and was now selling it on eBay. It's surprisingly simple, but very close to what I want...and amazingly my size. Anyways, I impuslively outbid everyone and won the auction yesterday.
I figure, even if I don't like it, it was only $50 and I'm sure I can sell it again on eBay. I can't wait to see it though. I'll post pictures when it arrives. :)
In other news...we changed the date!!!
We are crazy, we know this. But as it turned out, the reception venue we've (pretty much) chosen is not available on 11/11/11. Which was fine, because I had already decided that having a wedding on a Friday is just annoying for everyone. I have no idea why I didn't think about it before. I went to a Friday 4pm wedding in the city once before - totally annoying with traffic, coming from work, people having to take off work, etc.
I know it's "my day" and I should do what I want, but seriously...we weren't that emotionally attached to that date. We just thought it would be cool. And since we're having guests, we'd like to make it easy on them...and ourselves! So once we nixxed that date, we decided that we'd rather not have the wedding any later in November...weather, the holidays, etc. So upon examining the calendar...and deciding on October as the month...we settled on Saturday October 1st as the date we will get hitched.
The weather will be nicer...it's not too close to Halloween...'cause of course, we can't mess with that, it's too important of a holiday. :P
Things are really starting to take shape now, and we are pretty damn happy about it. :)
As you may or may not know, I was planning on having my dress hand made by a friend of a friend who is a seamstress by profession. The dress I want is vintage-inspired - definitely nothing I can find in a regular wedding dress shop. One option was to find a pattern, buy the fabric and go from there. Another option was to find a "base" dress and alter the hell out of it. Surprisingly, I am told that is actually the easier option of the two.
So I began poking around eBay, Etsy and the like. Found a few possibles. Poked some more. Found some on eBay that were very simple and easily "alterable". One of which was apparently worn by a drag queen. I had emailed the seller to ask for more specific details and pictures. She told me that she had made it for her roommate (the drag queen, who only wore it once) and was now selling it on eBay. It's surprisingly simple, but very close to what I want...and amazingly my size. Anyways, I impuslively outbid everyone and won the auction yesterday.
I figure, even if I don't like it, it was only $50 and I'm sure I can sell it again on eBay. I can't wait to see it though. I'll post pictures when it arrives. :)
In other news...we changed the date!!!
We are crazy, we know this. But as it turned out, the reception venue we've (pretty much) chosen is not available on 11/11/11. Which was fine, because I had already decided that having a wedding on a Friday is just annoying for everyone. I have no idea why I didn't think about it before. I went to a Friday 4pm wedding in the city once before - totally annoying with traffic, coming from work, people having to take off work, etc.
I know it's "my day" and I should do what I want, but seriously...we weren't that emotionally attached to that date. We just thought it would be cool. And since we're having guests, we'd like to make it easy on them...and ourselves! So once we nixxed that date, we decided that we'd rather not have the wedding any later in November...weather, the holidays, etc. So upon examining the calendar...and deciding on October as the month...we settled on Saturday October 1st as the date we will get hitched.
The weather will be nicer...it's not too close to Halloween...'cause of course, we can't mess with that, it's too important of a holiday. :P
Things are really starting to take shape now, and we are pretty damn happy about it. :)
