After we were engaged but before we even discussed the wedding, I bought these:
Image via Etsy Seller HeyYoYo
It was maybe a couple days after we were engaged. Very embarrassing.
I don’t know what drove me to the impulsive of purchasing 150+ gray paper straws. Maybe it’s what Etsy does to you? Perhaps it was knowing that I love vintage paper straws that I see in antique shops and never buy?
The nostalgic idea of paper straws with beautiful swirled color reminds me of ice cream floats and brings a wildly childlike, simplistic joy into my heart. If I were Maria Rainer trying to calm the von Trapp children on a rainy day, I would definitely add paper straws to my list of favorite things.
Maybe it was inspiration that might have lingered it my mind like this:
I seriously want to jump in that picture and crack open a bag of Double Stuf Oreos (Image via At Home with Kim Vallee / Photo by Hungry Girl por vida)
And once yellow was decided on as a color, I immediately bought this:
Image via Etsy Seller SewDeerlyLoved
It was another impulse buy that I hadn’t a plan for. But I knew that it was a must. I was zombie-like and giddy as I clicked enter on the keyboard, sending an exciting package of yellow twine my way. Crazy-impulsive, no?
I have since figured things out a little for my first two purchases and have luckily curbed my impulse wedding buying. (I swear to you that I am not normally like this!) The straws inspired me to do a vintage soda bar during cocktail hour, good for minors and adults alike.
Image via Project Wedding
I’ll be using the twine for for the seating cards and the invitations—something like this:
Image via 100 Layer Cake / Stationery by Mimi of Mika78
What are a few of your favorite things? Was there something that you just knew you had to have that you acted on almost immediately after the question was popped?
I didn’t buy anything for a lonngggg time for fear that I wouldn’t be able to use it. Even now, I think long and hard about how exactly I can 1) use it at the wedding and 2) repurpose it in our home as decor afterwards.
I’m at the other end of the spectrum over here and it does take a little bit of the fun out of it, since I’m usually a little more impulsive with my shopping.
yay for grey striped straws! this was one of my first purchases as a bride-to-be, too. and that yellow twine? FABULOUS.
ha, those are the same two ideas i planned on implementing for our wedding. great minds!
I just bought a ton of straws and we’re doing a soda bar too, yay!
I love the sound of music. I love your straws. Enough said 
love the stripey straws I just picked up some of those myself. Adore them. My first purchase was a hanger with Mrs. new last name in wire. From etsy, of course. I just couldnt pass it up. Then I bought my shoes I had my shoes looong before I even thought about my dress. obviously, you see where my priorities are
i just got some straws too – but for a way less wallet-breaking price!
$6 for 144 straws – at http://www.graygoose.com….
I love love Etsy but some of the prices are getting crazy!
Sound of Music, striped straws, AND twine? You’re a gal after my own heart!
I love love love stripey straws, but since we’re only doing beer and wine, it just doesn’t make sense to buy them 
sadness
I am waiting for my twine to come in the mail! I am soooo excited! I got the orange and white kind
I absolutely adore the straws, but I’m wondering what most people use them for? You’re having a soda bar which makes sense — but for alcoholic drinks, would those straws make sense? I love them but I just don’t know how much use they would get at my wedding.
I love both of those things (and have bought both of them, albeit much later in the planning process ) If it makes you happy, then it must be a good, smart purchase.
I’m not even engaged yet, and I have to keep telling myself not to buy anything until we have a real plan for the wedding. At least your purchases are small and usable.
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@gymdive22: Orange & White twine sounds devine!! And I thought the same exact thing about straws sans soda… until I decided that I may be cutting some in half and adding some flare to use as drink stirrers in low balls!
@RegW Thanks for the heads up on the other site… just in case I need even more 
I plan things to death, death!
So it took a while before I hesitantly made my first purchase; supplies for a DIY item for our centerpieces. Now I am in full-blown, omg- buy, buy, buy!! mode ^_^
I bought twine MONTHS ago and still have yet to crack it out. It’s just so friggin cute!
I’m in love with the twine, I have my eye on that also. And the straws? Love. I love your first few posts, awesome ideas!!
@MissMoscato – I’m so happy to throw some inspiration to you! I love twine & straws…so much so that I ordered more to do some drink stirrers…that I can’t wait to show to the hive!
Miss Sweet Cream, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 26, Public Relations Account Manager Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Outside Sales Engagement Date: July 4, 2010 Wedding Date: October 2011 Venue: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church / Rosebank Winery About Me: Born in the ‘burbs of Philly, it took some time living in the Big Apple to realize that I’m a girl who likes her roots. That’s why the mister and I bought a 1950s house on a charming street not too far from our childhood stompin’ grounds. This could also be the reason why our hometown is the scene where we are planning our super sweet, totally charming, BBQ-for-supper wedding that I never knew I always wanted. I DIE over DIY projects and live for vintage, heartfelt inspiration. I obsess over all things mid-century (from forks to furniture). Love is… cartoons and flea markets, and I am known to whip up a mean banana cream pie. I met the Mr. in grade school and after that boy took me for a spin on the handle bars of his BMX, I knew that things would never be the same again. Besides lovin’ my Mr., I also love to plan, sew and create, and that’s just what I’m doing as I navigate through the details, creating a laid-back day that oozes charm; one that will go down in (at least our) history as the Best. Day. Of all time.
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