Miss Woodpecker, Branford, CT Age and Occupation: 27, Graduate Student/School Psych InternFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, GlazierEngagement Date: Christmas Eve 2010Wedding Date: September 2012Venue: Owenego Beach ClubAbout Me: I’m a Connecticut native planning a coastal beach wedding in our hometown. My loves in life include: food, family and the fiance. I’m a planner/organization fiend, by nature and by addiction, and am obsessed with all things wedding and design. We're trying to put personal touches on everything we can in our wedding, to really make it personal to us, our family, and friends. In the middle of wedding planning, I’m also finishing up grad school, and will be starting a brand new career within weeks of our wedding. It’s going to be an adventure!
Our save the dates marked the beginning of my on-the-edge-of-Bridezilla-ness.
But once they arrived in the mail, I couldn’t have been happier.
Personal photo
Back when we first got engaged and I found out about The Wedding Chicks (they have fabulous free templates over there), I instantly fell in love with these save the dates:
Miss Opossum, TallahasseeAge and Occupation: 23, Aspiring Interior Architect
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon to be Firefighter
Engagement Date: October 30, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: The Retreat at Bradley's PondAbout Me: I am a recent design graduate and aspiring interior architect that is a compulsive list maker, a Christmas light fanatic, and an avid nap-taker. This freckle-faced Southern girl loves being on the back of a horse, hanging out at the gym, and watching SVU with her rugby-playing fiance. It is a dream come true to finally be planning a wedding (in five months) to my high school sweetheart (of seven years). While preparing to tie the knot we're also balancing Fire College, grad school applications, jobs, and precious time with our supportive family and friends. We're moving fast...but are excited about enjoying every moment of this time in our lives!
We’re having a small/medium sized wedding according to modern standards. I estimate that we’ll have about 110 people RSVP. Combine that with our tiny little wedding party, and you get a tiny little rehearsal dinner. The benefits of this are less planning and less money for my future in-laws to spend on dinner. If there is anything I’ve learned while wedding planning is that events get pricey fast.
However, despite my lack of wedding party and our lack of budget I still want to have the opportunity to hang out with our out-of-town guests as much as possible. I just have this feeling that the wedding day is going to be such a whirlwind that I won’t really be able to enjoy all the people I love, despite the small-ish size of the affair.
After talking about it with Mr. O, I’ve decided to throw a “welcome party” at one of our favorite bar/restaurants after our tiny rehearsal dinner. We are getting married on a Friday, and it just so happens that our favorite little place has live music every Thursday. They are known for bringing in lots of eclectic bands and I have yet to be disappointed by the music selection. On top of this, they serve incredible desserts until about 1AM (even after the restaurant portion of the business closes). Mr. O and I love to go there for drinks, dessert, good music, and a relaxing time. I think it’s going to be the perfect opportunity to get everyone together to socialize. I know I won’t regret spending some extra quality time with our family and friends before the wedding. Plus, it’s free.
The inside of our favorite place… ignore the weird girl in the front?
Miss Hawk, Richmond, VAAge and Occupation: 26, FinanceFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, District SupervisorEngagement Date: March 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Chapel of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, 2007 Legacy HallAbout Me: I’m an Arizona-born girl who has spent the majority of my life living below the Mason-Dixon line. The South has definitely earned a special place in my heart (alongside my Virginia born and bred fiance, of course!). We are planning a traditional Christian ceremony at my alma mater in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a rocking reception filled with Southern cooking and vintage/shabby chic details. When we’re not wedding planning, we enjoy spending time with our three dogs, going for runs together, watching plenty of football (or baseball depending on the season), and sampling new wine.
But then we made a stop off at Nordstrom Rack. (Real quick. Just to see their selection. Famous last words, right?) One swoop around the clearance section, and Momma Hawk and I both had an armful of dresses. (Sigh.) We are awfully glad we stopped, though, because after trying them all on, we had added two additional (very affordable) dresses to the mix.
Miss Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Miss Opossum, TallahasseeAge and Occupation: 23, Aspiring Interior Architect
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon to be Firefighter
Engagement Date: October 30, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: The Retreat at Bradley's PondAbout Me: I am a recent design graduate and aspiring interior architect that is a compulsive list maker, a Christmas light fanatic, and an avid nap-taker. This freckle-faced Southern girl loves being on the back of a horse, hanging out at the gym, and watching SVU with her rugby-playing fiance. It is a dream come true to finally be planning a wedding (in five months) to my high school sweetheart (of seven years). While preparing to tie the knot we're also balancing Fire College, grad school applications, jobs, and precious time with our supportive family and friends. We're moving fast...but are excited about enjoying every moment of this time in our lives!
I’m writing a disclaimer to this post because it’s a personal topic. My opinions about the cost of a wedding are based on my current financial situation. Each person that plans a wedding has a different financial situation, and my intention with this post is NOT to pass judgment on anyone who spent or plans on spending more or less than us on a wedding. I recognize that everyone has different priorities, and I completely respect each person’s right to those priorities. I firmly believe that every person should have the wedding of their dreams within their personal means.
Let’s get real for a second. Weddings cost money. LOTS of money.
According to the costofwedding.com wedding-cost calculator, the average amount spent on a wedding in my area is $27,338. That. Is. Insane. Because I don’t have that kind of money. If I did, I’d probably be buying a house right now.
My parents do have that kind of money. But my dad wants to retire eventually…and even if he were offering that amount of money to me I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to take it from him. I’ve been blessed with awesome parents who have provided me with more than I could ever need for well over 18 years, and I can’t personally justify demanding any more.
Candle favors! It seems that any theme, trend or type of candle favor you can dream up are available these days. We are loving the variety of them in our very own little favor shop, and the hive is very happy to announce that we are extending 10% off all favors through December 5.
We’re very excited to launch this new Interview feature, where we’ll be interviewing some of the most talented and interesting people in the wedding industry!
Our first guest is Mackenzie Sala of Kenzie Kate Invitations and Something Old, Something New, the blog with the most fabulous wedding finds. I first met Mackenzie through Ladies Who Launch 4 years ago when we were both just starting out. It’s been exciting to watch our businesses grow together! Mackenzie is not only talented and beautiful, she is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She truly loves working with each of her brides to create the invitation of their dreams.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After we finished with the family pictures, we moved on to the wedding party. Making the list of photos for this group was hard too! It would have been nice to have a photo of us taken alone with each member of the wedding party, but I was worried it would take too much time and I figured we would get these at some point. Well, I have a photo of MOH and I, but other than that we don’t have any photos of us and the other adult members of the wedding party. So the lesson is if there is a photo you want, you should put it on your list. Otherwise it might not happen.
All photos by Jim Forneris Photography.
Wedding Party
Bride with bridesmaids
Bride with flower girls
Groom with all guys (Groomsman, Usher and Ring Bearer)
Groom with groomsmen
Groom with usher
Groom with ring bearer
Entire Wedding party (Bridesmaids, Groomsman, Usher, Ring Bearer, Flower Girls)
Mrs. Caramel, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 24, Art Gallery/MuseumsFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, EngineerEngagement Date: January 8, 2007Wedding Date: October 6, 2007Venue: a beautiful church and hotel receptionAbout Me: I love dancing, singing, eating out, eating in, surfing on the net, and brainstorming fantastic ideas. I also love cats, coffee, and know every quote written on Sex & the City. I'm known to laugh really loud and have really crazy hand gestures while I talk. My fiance writes songs and I take pictures. What else? We're just a crazy young couple in love, trying to make a fabulous wedding!
I’ve never been a consistent “scrapbooker” mainly because it’s so time consuming and easily takes over my life. What starts out as a free afternoon turns into a 3AM mess of glue, cute paper and tiny scissors with no food, water or bathroom breaks. (Who’s with me on this?!)
I tried to finish our wedding scrapbook before our 1 year mark…. but I just couldn’t do it. I’m about to start it all up again, so I thought I’d share the few pages that I was able to finish.
Miss Lily, New York/TucsonAge and Occupation in 06: 30, Public Health ResearcherFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Art/Web StuffEngagement Date: February 11, 2006Wedding Date: April, 2007Venue: Tuscon, ArizonaAbout Me: Here are some things I love?�‚�? painting, drawing, knitting and all other crafty things (including glueing popsicle sticks together); burritos (must be from Arizona); indie/70s rock; whiskey; dogs (if only my tiny apt could support one!); bad TV; and reading. I'm also crazy indecisive so fingers crossed wedding planning doesn't kill me.
I think one of the best things about favors is the boxes and trimmings they come in are so cute. Nashville Wraps has a million different boxes and bags that are perfect for little candies. Here are just a few:
Mrs. Bird of Paradise, New OrleansAge and Occupation in '06: 26, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Operations ManagerEngagement Date: November 28, 2005Wedding Date: November 18, 2006About Me: The wedding is around the corner and planning has been a blast! I've enjoyed nearly every detail obsessed minute of it and I can't imagine what I did with my time before all of this! I can't wait for our wonderful day and the rest of my life with Mr. Soon-to-be Bird of Paradise.
Of the chocolate variety! Mrs. Bee previously posted about Sushi Stationery Sets. Maybe you could tag team the gift to include these yummo sushi chocolates from Suedy’s Koo-ki Sushi. They even have inlaid Belgian chocolate chopsticks!
Mrs. Butterfly, New YorkAge and Occupation in 06: 27, Bridezilla in training Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Making me happy by saying "yes dear" to everything related to wedding planning.Engagement Date: February 3, 2006Wedding Date: November 18, 2006Venue: Twenty-Four FifthAbout Me: Our wedding will be small but fun. I want a whole range of music including cheesy 80's music! But we'll see how that works out��‚��
I’m at a loss. I have a junior bridesmaid and a ring bearer in my wedding party. I have no idea what to get them as a gift.
For the groomsmen, we bought the ties (which they can wear again), and fake business cards with nice, engraved card holders. I won’t tell you what I got for my bridesmaids because they read this sometimes - but let’s say that I bought them a small token of appreciation, along with their dresses.
But when it comes to the kids, I have no idea what to get them. The junior bridesmaid is 10 years old. Even from the moment she was born, I wanted her to be my flower girl. I was 17 years old at the time, and I loved taking care of her. Too bad for me, I am getting married too late for her to be a flower girl, so now she’s my junior bridesmaid. Her younger brother is turning 7 this month. He is sooooo adorable! I just want to squeeze him and kiss him and love him to death. When I told him he was going to be a ring bearer, he looked at me and said “No! I want to be a ring DRAGON!!!! ROOOOOAAAAAR!!” *flapping arms and breathing fire*
So what to get them? It’s so hard to shop for them, because the girl is too old for dolls but too young for purses and makeup. I also don’t want to buy her expensive jewelry because she might lose it. The boy, well, he’s still a child and I don’t know what he would really appreciate. I would like for both gifts to be a little nicer than a small trinket; something they can keep for awhile.
Any ideas?
Mrs. Orange, New YorkAge and Occupation in 06: 29, LibrarianFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, AcademicEngagement Date: January 25, 2006Wedding Date: March 2007Venue: Nassau County, Long IslandAbout Me: Mr. Orange and I met thanks to my college friend and Mr. Orange's dad in Feb. 05. I love to eat, cook, watch Dog the Bounty Hunter, Without a Trace, L&O, and MTV Hits as well as chill with my cat Illie, work on little DIY projects for the wedding, do extensive wedding related searches on Google using my "skills." Ha-ha. We are having a 150+ ppl wedding incorporating his Jewish background and my Japanese heritage.
Mrs. Ladybug (formerly Miss Ladybug), New York/PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 31, Full-time blogger from 7 pm to 12 amFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Playing video games while I blog from 7pm to 12 amEngagement Date: August 2005Wedding Date: April 15, 2006Venue: Ballroom at the Ben, PhiladelphiaAbout Me: I am the 2nd of 5 girls. Yes, you read that right, 5 girls. I don't know if there's anything interesting about my wedding that I can tell you but I was proposed to twice.
I used these tea bags and tea trays as my wedding favor. Tea Forte has come out with more color choices for the tea trays! Yay! I love the terra cotta colored one!
Miss Sunflower, New YorkAge and Occupation: 26, Speech-Language PathologistFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Slave to the MTAEngagement Date: August 12, 2006Wedding Date: April 2008Venue: Jericho Terrace, New YorkAbout Me: Mr. Sunflower & I have been together for 3 years and to this day, he laughs at me when I tell him that I knew on our first date that I was going to marry him. Well, the most recent events prove, yet again, that I know everything. Most of my time these days involves planning and getting inspiration for our wedding, but when I'm not doing that, I enjoy shopping, movies, reading, writing, and making attempts at being crafty.
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?
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
