Weddingbee

Our engagement party is a week away! We’re having a buffet dinner and some delicious treats for dessert, so I decided to make menus to put on all of the tables listing what’s available for dinner.

Here’s a rough draft:

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This afternoon I packaged all of the personalized M & Ms into little mini treat bags for our guests. Here’s what they look like at the moment:

These are the baggies that I purchased from the local Party City. I believe they were $1.99 for a package of 100. They come with silver twist ties:

I’m not sure where to put them on the day of the party. I was thinking a little basket on the table next to the “two peas in a pod” salt and pepper shakers, but then there’s also the possibility of putting them directly on the tables. Any input?

Last night I attended the wedding reception of my good friends Joanne and Bobby, and this morning I woke up inspired and ready to get back into wedding planning/posting mode. I’ve been in a rather “blah” mood since booking the hall, photographer, and DJ because I’ve had nothing pressing to do.

Last night was just so much fun. It was wonderful to see my friends so happy and it was great to experience that with Mr. Sunflower, as well. Plus, yesterday I received pictures of the bouquet that I absolutely fell in love with at the Jericho Terrace Bridal Showcase, as well as the sample invitations I ordered from White Aisle.

First things first: the bouquet. This is exactly, exactly, exactly what I want, only lavender roses will be replacing the pink roses shown here. This beautiful creation was courtesy of Flowers By Brian. I told the representative several times that she needed to take it away from me before I left the hall with it.

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Our engagement party is in two weeks and I still have nothing to wear. It’s at a local restaurant that warrants a “casually nice” dress code. If I wear a tea-length dress, will I be overdressed?

Always check your contracts with a fine-tooth comb to make sure everything is accurate, and that there are no hidden disclaimers anywhere at the bottom of the page.

The day we booked our entertainment, we stated that we wanted a live percussionist and that our reception was running from 8:30 to 1:30 with the cocktail hour. The first copy of the contract had the wrong hours and no percussionist. Fine, the manager corrected it and gave us a new one. Last week, we added something to our package and the manager stated that she would be sending us an updated contract. When I received it in the mail on Saturday, the percussionist wasn’t checked off again, however the price was still reflecting it. Not to mention that we changed our mind about something and wished to have it removed - only to be told that we were only allowed to add things to the package, not subtract.

Today I feel like a Bridezilla.

Mr. Sunflower and I have officially taken care of our three major vendors. The reception site, the photographer, and on the 11th, we booked Body Rock to provide the entertainment for our reception. Our package includes: mini intelligent lighting, a fog machine (which they throw in to every package but will not be on during our reception), a DJ and MC, plus a live percussionist.

We saw the live component on their promo DVD and it just sounded incredible. He plays along to the backbeat of the music throughout the entire reception, and I think he may even have some solos. We have the option of adding a live saxophonist, as well as two plasma screens and a photo montage, but that brings us WAY over our entertainment budget. At this point, it’s up to Mr. Sunflower and Mr. Sunflower-in-law. I really don’t care if we have plasma screens or not. The saxophonist I could live with.

I’ve been doing research on gifts for the girls when the time rolls around, and I’ve come up with a few ideas. Vera Bradley has some very pretty things to offer. While I wouldn’t go so far as to buy each girl their own full-size tote (they can be pricey), I would however, definitely consider make up cases, check book covers, and such. They have some very pretty prints to select from as well.

Wallet with Strap shown in “Medallion” - $42.00; Pocket Wallet shown in “Petal Pink” - $23.00

Travel Organizer shown in “Windsor Navy” - $42.00; Out to Lunch shown in “Bermuda Blue” - $25.00

Large Cosmetic shown in “Hope Toile” - $24.00; Brush & Pencil shown in “Java Blue” - $17.00

The collection contains MANY other items such as limited edition umbrellas, dog collars, and scarves. They also carry some items in silk and brown and/or black microfiber. I own a huge tote that I used to carry around a lot of my paperwork in, and it’s absolutely fabulous. I can’t recommend this brand enough, although I’m sure most of you have heard of it.

In addition to a case/bag of some kind, I would like to get each girl a piece of jewelry or a set to wear for the day. I’m aiming for something that they’ll be able to wear again instead of something that they’ll either stuff in the back of a drawer or throw out.

Yesterday morning, Mr. Sunflower and I met with one of the owners of Sherwood-Triart Photography in Woodbury, Long Island. We knew before we even stepped foot into the studio, that we wanted them on board for our special day.

Francesca the Wedding Consultant had already shown us two of their albums and the owner Earl showed us another 6 at the meeting. We watched a montage of images from various occasions - birthday parties, bat mitzvahs, weddings - and I even saw Pierce Brosnan! One of ST’s crews went to Ireland to shoot 007’s wedding! Now, while that may be really exciting, we made our decision based on the quality of the work that we had seen, his reputation, and the stellar recommendations from just about everyone.

We are spending quite a bit of $$$$$$ on this, however, this is how we look at it - after our wedding day is over, our pictures and video are all that’s going to be left. Of course, we’ll have each other, but you know what I mean. We want them to be perfect.

Plus, when we discussed parts of video, he assured us that for interviews, they do not give the microphone to every single guest. At that point, Mr. Sunflower & I looked at each other said loudly, “THANK GOD.” My cousin’s wife showed me her wedding video and there was about an hour’s worth of drunken guests mumbling about how fabulous the couple was. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice…but an hour? God help us all.

Anyway…Sherwood-Triart it is! Tomorrow is a meeting with a prospective DJ. More as it develops!

I ordered my bridal shoes a few days ago and they arrived last night. Yes I know I may sound crazy, but I want to make sure I have shoes with me when I go to try on wedding dresses. Plus, I couldn’t pass up on the deal. They’re simple Coloriffics with a 1″ inch heel, for $46, when everywhere else I looked was selling them for $50 and up. I can’t have a very high heel because of my bad knee and I also don’t want to tower over Mr. Sunflower. We’re both 5′10″ and I would like to look “equal” on our wedding day.

I love the way they look on - they slenderize and elongate my feet. Granted, not many people will see the shoe since I want my gown to be floor-length, but I want to be comfortable and not have my tootsies be squished and aching all day.

I received an email from my wedding planner Francesca. She set up appointments for us with the DJ and photographer that we want. The other three vendors we were considering don’t offer appointments when Mr. Sunflower is off from work, and I won’t go to this type of meeting without him. He trusts me completely, but this is a HUGE investment and I want him to be there. He can smell B.S. whereas sometimes, I’m too gullible. So, at this point, let’s hope their offers are reasonable and call it a day.