Weddingbee Blog

my question should be regarding wine tours. We would like to take a wine tour in Sonoma or N. CA. Thanks!

AmandaB– try http://www.save-on-crafts.com/vases.html for cheap vases. They have a lot of different types.

e– Go to cake tastings as many places as you can! You want your cake to be good, and you really need to taste and compare. Also, it’s so much fun!

currystrumpet– I’d suggest buying a plain aisle runner and embellishing it yourself. Just imagine trying to hem yards and yards of fabric! Get the cotton/polyester kind, not the plastic kind. Just google “aisle runner.”

Andrea- Sonoma can be cheaper in terms of wine tasting at each winery than the napa valley wineries. Sometimes its $10 per person in napa where in Sonoma you can most likely find free tastings. I’ve never been to mendocino but I bet you there are more free tastings there.
A tip we use to save money is that we share a glass. Technically you’re not supposed to drink it, hence the spit bucket. I haven’t been on any tours, just driven there myself but some places don’t allow the tour (mini) buses.
In napa valley, going to the Rubicon Winery (formerly Francis Ford Coppola’s Winery) was free and you can tour the place to check out the movie memorabilia (i.e. the horse’s head) but they charge at the entrance now. You get a tour and a tasting out of it though. IMO, don’t go on the wine train.

c - when is the wedding? Is it an evening affair, or an afternoon? Unless it specifies “black tie” or “formal,” I would stay away from a long gown. I think one can never go wrong with a simple cocktail dress. The invitation style probably should give some impression of the formality, as well as the couple themselves. Good luck!

My dress is scheduled to come in approximately 4 weeks before the wedding! Is that going to be enough time for fittings and alterations?

wedding pics, old and new, around the world…
thought these pics were neat and wanted to share:
http://todayspictures.slate.com/20070628/?gt1=10135

kandaceandjason: it’s definitely cheaper to set up excursions when you’re on shore. i took that exact cruise a while ago and a lot of what they offer in the onboard newsletter is available through independent vendors upon disembarking at the port. totally cheaper and a lot of fun!

k: spanx are available at nordstrom and come in a ton of sizes there. that’s where i get mine! they run about $36 a pop for the ones with the control top that goes to right under your bust line and go all the way down to your thighs for total control. they’re awesome. good luck!

k–I posted a review of my Spanx experience a while back, so I’m glad to hear you’ll be trying on in person before buying–I didn’t, and spent a lot of money on a product that doesn’t work for me

I *think* Macy’s carries the Spanx brand, tho any higher-end department store should be able to help you find a similar product that’s perfect for your needs–many other people said Spanx haven’t worked for them either, so I think it’d be best to try on a few different brands and products if possible–glad that’s what you’re planning on doing!

hth

kandaceandjason: i’ve done cruises to mexico, alaska, and hawaii. seriously, when you step off the boat you’ll find locals that are more than willing to give you a great tour for 1/4 the price of the “excursions” through the cruiseline.

totally invaluable - buy a “lonely planet” for your destination - it will point out the best kept secrets of where you visit!

jk - Depends on who is altering your dress. My friend’s mom is an excellent seamstress. She fitted me one day, and had my dress ready the next morning!
Make sure that whoever is altering your dress is able to do so (depending on where the detail/seams are located) then schedule an appointment now for whenever your dress is expected to come in. Not sure when you’re getting married, but there’s probably a bit of a backup in getting an appointment now since it’s “peak wedding season.”