Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Photographers, Caterers, Priests...
So I just got back from my whirlwind trip to Cleveland, where I managed to meet with my photographer, my priest, my caterer, AND look at dresses. This was a big step for me, as I have been having such a hard time even dragging myself into a bridal shop.
First things first! S and I got into town late Friday night, hung out with my mom for a little, and then crashed.
Early Saturday morning, we went to meet the priest at St. Michael's church in Independence. I grew up attending this church, and figured it was the best option for our ceremony. It is right off 77 so hopefully guests will not have a hard time getting there from downtown. (disclosure: I initially wrote the 77, and realized I would have to take it out before I got mercilessly mocked by you Clevelanders- what can I say, I'm a Buffalo girl now.)
The best option would be to have it at a church downtown, to minimize driving for the out of town guests. I looked into the cathedral, and they had an exorbitant fee and strict rules. I'm not familiar with any other churches downtown. I'd be happy to take suggestions!
We met with the priest, and even though I was a little nervous about my lack of participation in a church in Buffalo (S isn't Catholic), he was cool with it, and had no problem scheduling our wedding for the date we wanted. We had a slight issue with the time, but if we do all our pictures either before the ceremony, or if we do them afterwards somewhere other than the church, we can have the later time. There is a nice gazebo nearby that I am hoping we can do the family pictures in.
We have to do a pre- canna course, and the deacon e-mailed us an online compatibility test, but that's it! And the $400 fee includes musicians! So everything sounds good to me.
Afterwards, we drove out to meet our photographer, Corey Ann. She lives in Canton, so she met us halfway. I have to admit that I didn't spend too much time looking for a photographer. I read a few recommendations of her on theknot, I liked the pictures I saw, and I decided to go with it. She is available on my date, her prices are fairly reasonable, and I get all of the digital images on a disk so I can make my own photo books. She was super nice in person, and seemed like a vendor I could trust and be comfortable with. I hope my pictures come out as beautifully as some of her others!
Next up was the dress trying on(exhausting!) that I detailed in my last post.
Sunday I met with a potential caterer, A Silver Service. Everything seemed to go well. I'll do another post after I finalized all the details with that.
All in all, I felt very productive on this wedding shiznit for once. Although it is still far from enjoyable.
I'm in love!
rder=0> Pronovias- love this dress- everything from the straps with the little flowers to the dramatic fit and flair. Close up, the top layer is actually two layers of patterned tulle fabric- so luchious!
Alvina Valenta- the designer I first fell in love with. This dress is so elegant and beautifully made. It is the most expensive at $4200! I saw an old style on ebay for only $300 this week. I ultimately didn't buy it, because I want to stay away from a strapless gown.
Paula Varsalona- I LOVE THIS DRESS. I love everything about it, from the fitted sillouhette, the rouching, and the gorgeous lace straps. The only thing I woul change is to a darker ivory or gold. Swoon... I think this one was around $3000.
Jim Hjelm- the Russian girl in the background helping me said this one was "Sexy Sexy!" She is right. It is a gorgeous dress, and would really show off your assets. I jsut don't think it is me for the wedding. Haha
James Clifford- My mom and sister like this one- it is very romantic and ethereal. I jsut don't think it is dramtic enough for me. I really like the more fitted dresses.
Matthew Christopher- I tried this one on at my mom's urging. It really is a beautiful gown. Those little bows on it are all individually made and sewn onto the dress to create the scatter affect. I like how the vertical lines make me look long and lean. Ultimately, the silouhette is the A-line strapless that I wanted to stay away from.
So what do you think? What is your favorite?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Caterers!!!!!!!!
I've been in contact with about 10 or so caterers, but have only received proposals from my top 3. I'll go over each one in detail.
Robert J Catering in Akron, OH
I drove out to talk to Bob, the owner back in May, and then later went back for a tasting. Their menu prices originally seemed reasonable, but when I asked them to convert a buffet menu into stations(which I want), everything got a little more expensive. I've been making excel spreadsheets of caterers to compare cost, and this is what jumped out at me about Robert J.
Their base prices initially seem reasonable, but then you have to add tax and gratuity. Their extra charges for bar glassware, wash, and bartenders was going to be around $2,500! Add in the alcohol (at around $2,000), and the bar was going to cost close to the amount at any other venue. One way for me to justify the cost of the courthouse, was the fact that we could bring our own alcohol and save money. Most venues downtown charge over $20 pp for alcohol, so bringing our own could be a significant savings. Except for thousands in glassware charges.
I thought about plastic cups(more on that later), and went to a tasting. Let's just say I was not impressed at all. The steak was tough, the asparagus was terrible, and it just seemed...blah. I didn't really hit it off with the owner, and I couldn't see us working together. Plus, he charged me $30! I probably still would have worked with them, but $50 pp(after tax, gratuity) for the dinner and appetizers, another $2,500 for the bar and staff, plus a couple thousand to rent chairs and tables... and its over my budget for a caterer I am only so-so on. NEXT!
Taste of Excellence in Parma, OH
This is probably the first catering choice for a Courthouse wedding. I met with Chris from TOE back in May. He was very professional and knowledgeable about the courthouse, and suggested a menu that sounded way more fun and cool than any other caterers. Mashed potatoes in martini glasses? Chef seared meat right on the floor? Awesome!
I had a few reservations, after I talked to one of the only brides I could find who had used them. She gave them a bad review and told me all these things they had screwed up for her. I could forward her e-mail to anyone who is curious. Just let me know. Ultimately, it came down to price. The first proposal he e-mailed me was way over my budget. I changed a few things, and asked him to send me a new one. It was still over my budget. I asked if there was anything he could suggest for me to get my price down. The final proposal he sent me took off like one thing and did not save much. I really felt like he wasn't interested in working with anyone who wasn't willing to spend almost $20 k on the catering. If you think about it in terms of anything else you would buy for that much, it is a HUGE amount of $$. I could buy a brand new car for that, and have it for 10 years!
I was determined to keep my costs down and still have a fabulous wedding! NEXT!
A Silver Service Catering Parma, OH
I forgot how I heard of them (probably the knot), but I called and asked her for a proposal. She was extremely prompt at getting back to me. Her proposal was very detailed, and including the cost of everything. The bottom price was the actual price I would pay for everything. I was actually in shock at her price. Even though she charged me a holiday premium(not sure why, no one else had mentioned it), it was way lower than the other two. It included all glassware, two bar set- ups, all dishes, linens, buffet, labor, chairs, tables, set- up....everything!
I haven't met with her yet, and I might change my menu to stations and see how that affects the price, but so far I don't see a reason not to go with her. Hopefully I will set up a tasting soon, and let everyone know how it goes.
Cha Cha's Chuckwagon
Just thought I'd throw this one on there- I heard about her from the the knot, and figured what the hell, I'll contact her. Her website had amazing menus at good prices, and I was tempted to change my menu to a barbecue theme, considering the date! She was extremely nice on e-mail, and my mom and I made the long drive out there one Sunday in July. Her food was all home made, and very good. After speaking with her, I realized that she is just not equipped to do a wedding on this scale. She wouldn't be able to provide any chairs, tables, dishes, and had never done a huge formal wedding before. I absolutely would recommend her for a more casual party or gathering.
I have sent an initial e-mail to a few other caterers- A Big Show, Normandy Catering, Chenoweth, Sammy's, Executive Caterers, but haven't really followed up yet for one reason or another. If someone doesn't respond to me right away, and won't send me any info on e-mail, it usually makes me reluctant to work with them.
Any other catering suggestions?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The McCain Palin Mob
The McCain- Palin Mob
That is all.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Links!
Sexy Robots....creepy, but interesting
Best Time to Buy (including wedding dresses)
Marry a Rich Dude... um who takes this kind of advice???
Must Read on Wedding Debt... be careful girls, its easy to get carried away
Girls Gone Wild... not innocent fun
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wedding Industrial Complex
It pains me to spend that amount of money on a wedding. Not when there are so many people in our world who don't know where their next meal is coming from. Some days I feel like not having a wedding at all, and other days I get caught up into the hype the WIC feeds us all. It's a difficult struggle for me. I want to make my family happy, but I want to put a cap on the spending as well. We were lucky to be given a fairly large budget from both sets of parents. However, I feel that it is not necessary to spend all of this- we have a house and other responsibilities.
I know I got a little bridezilla- ish when searching for the perfect venue. It just so happens that the place I fell in love with costs over $3,000 in rental fees. It is really hard for me to justify this cost- which is why I've been so back and forth on the whole eloping/ destination wedding thing. However, I feel like its all or nothing. I either want to elope, or have the beautiful wedding of my dreams. There is no option that lets me have a big party in my parents' backyard. I kind of wish I would feel very decisively one way or another. My ambivalence is making it difficult to start planning.
But in the end, I want my family there. I want my 92 year old great- grandmother to watch us say our vows. I want my parents (yes, both of them) to walk me down the aisle as a sign of love, not to give me away. I want my cousins to tear up the dance floor.
Next up- how I try to have the wedding that I want without all the bills....
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Save the Date!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Cleveland Lakeside Courthouse!!!
1. The "coordinator" there is extremely difficult to work with. She sometimes took over 2 weeks to return my calls. Also, she wouldn't send me the contract until one year out from the wedding. On July 5, I started calling her to get the contract. Three weeks later, she finally answered my call. Let me just say I was extremely freaked out during those three weeks that I had lost the venue. If you want her private number, leave me a comment with your email.
2. It costs $525 an hour. If you want the attached parking garage it is another $550. However, you get from 5 PM Friday until 8PM Monday to set up, tear down, etc. They only charge you for your actual ceremony/ reception times. I'm planning on going with the parking, although I'm not sure if it would be absolutely necessary for everyone. It tends to be pretty empty in that area on the weekends.
3. You also have to get liability insurance for $1 MM. Now, most people can do it through their homeowners insurance, but it will cost between $200-400. This is a cost I didn't know about- if it wasn't already enough there!
4. There is no kitchen area, not even a sink. Most caterers will charge you alot more to cater a wedding here, because they need to bring immense quantities of glasses, silverware, and cooking set- ups. No glasses can be washed or reused.
Congrats! And if any readers are having their wedding there, I'd be happy to talk about caterers, rentals, decor ideas, etc. I haven't booked a caterer yet!!
A 4th of July Wedding
Enter my new brilliant idea.... fireworks! It still represents the 4th of July, but is not as cheesy as having American flags everywhere. There are lots of great ideas that would incorporate a fireworks theme. I can give sparklers to the guests as favors, or have a sparkler send off.
So fun! For centerpieces, I don't really want flowers(or the florist bill that comes with), so I've been looking into other options. I wanted to make an impact with tons of candles, but unfortunately my venue won't allow them. I like the look of the curly willow branches I've seen brides using. I would like to spray paint mine gold, and put them into a large vase with Floralytes to provide a soft glow.
If I wanted to use candles, I'd have to use the flameless LED ones. They have floralytes that change colors- would this be a cool way to show off the colorfulness of fireworks, or just be cheesy? I also like the centerpieces that use ostrich feathers. Now, I'm not sure on this saving money, because ostrich feathers are surprisingly expensive. But they are beautiful, and you can get the feathers dyed any color you want. I could also use the colored floralytes for these too.
I love how both these ideas kind of evoke the feel of fireworks- high and lighted against the dark, both fanning out into beautiful patterns. Maybe I could do a mixture of both, one type on the long tables, the other type on the rounds? Could I also use damask with these ideas, or does it not go together?
Long Tables vs. Rounds
I am in love with the idea of doing long feasting type tables at the reception. I know there are a lot of pros vs. cons out there, so I might do a mix of both long tables and rounds. I can put our friends and cousins at the longs(because I don't want to split all the groups up), and put my parents and other relatives at the rounds. Hopefully this works out. I've been using this program to help me with the table design and seating, and for a FREE program it works great! Just sign up, and got to Weddings/ Seating. I also put my guest list into excel, and you can upload it right into the program. I'm an accounting geek, so I use excel for everything, and it is super easy to sort people.
Here's a vague picture of how I want my tables to look:
The middle one will be the kind of head table. We haven't decided on if we are having a bridal party or not, but even if we don't we would just put family in friends up there who would have been in the bridal party. So it would be kind of the un- head table. The two rounds closest to us would have our parents, and whoever they would choose to sit with them.
I am still trying to figure out how to seat people at the longs. I plan on fitting between 20-25 people at each one, so I don't want to just tell guests which table and have them find their own seat. That could create some confusion. I will probably put something at each setting with a name on it. Maybe a sparkler!
Also, my side of the guest list is significantly longer than FI's, because of my massive family. Should I seat some of my side over on his? I'm sure there are other bride's out there with lopsided guest lists- how did you figure this out?
Does anyone have any experience at a wedding with long tables and can offer any suggestions?
I'm Back!!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Runaway Bride
Decisions, Decisions...
Choice #1 : The Lakeside Courthouse
I blogged about the courthouse in my last post and why I thought it was so divine. After a few more weeks of thinking about it, I haven't changed my mind. I still love it. I think this option could be as expensive or as cheap as we want it to be. With everything I want to do, it will probably come in at about mid- way between my three final choices. I also thought of some easy ways to cut costs even more.
1. Change the date- not my favorite idea, but if I had it on any other Saturday other than the 4th of July I probably would not have to pay for parking.
2. Be reasonable with rentals- No I DO NOT need the gorgeous chivari chairs (tear), nor do I need to pay an extra $1000 to have glass glasses at the bar
3. Cut back on decorations and other extras- the space is already gorgeous.
Choice # 2: Windows on the River
I also wrote about Windows in a previous post, but let me sum up why it made it to the top 3.
1. WINDOWS!!! I love the view of the city, and the awesome downtown location.
2. The possibility of having an outdoor patio for cocktails.
Cons are:
1. I can't have it on Saturday July 4th. That date is taken, so I would need to do it on the 3rd. I'm not sold on a Friday wedding.
2. It would be the most expensive- even on a Friday. However, the price does include hors d'oeuvres, dinner, drinks, the cake, and some flowers, so that helps.
3. The room I like has a balcony that overlooks the rest of the room. The problem is that the lower room can only fit 200 people, and anyone over that would have to be seated on the balcony. Would this offend anyone??
4. The room itself is very very GREEN. Green carpet, paint, etc... it would be too overwhelming to almost any other color I brought in.
Looking at this, I realize I have more cons than pros. Does my love of the view outweigh all the bad stuff??? Would it for you?
AND... Choice # 3: Party Center
I haven't blogged about this location before because I haven't actually been to see it yet. Then why would I even consider it? Well, I actually have been to see it, but the last time I was in there was around 10 years ago. IT is owned by the family of my best childhood friend ever. I am actually in her upcoming wedding that is taking place there this September.
My mom contacted her father a few weeks ago because I had been procrastinating. I just felt bad about potentially contacting him if I decided I didn't like it. However my mom is all excited now because his prices are amazing. I can't believe the highway robbery other venues are committing when I take a look at how much less he can provide me with the SAME things for.
So, here we go with the PROS:
1. I've known the family forever, so I know they would so a REALLY good job! I would completely trust my event in their hands.
2. It would be by far the least expensive option, and the least amount of work for me. My parents like the idea.
3. I will be at my friends' reception taking place almost a year before mine, and can decide what I do and don't like about it.
4. It's literally a quarter- mile from my parents' house.
Cons:
1. It's literally a quarter- mile from my parents' house, which is in the middle of BFN. (butt- f***ing NOWHERE!). Where would the guests stay?? I would need a shuttle to and from a hotel somewhere. Also, not a cool fun downtown area like I wanted!
2. It looks nice in the pictures, but it really is just another catering hall, just like every other one. No originality here! If I go crazy with extra decorating or other things it will just erase the whole point of having it there to save $$$.
3. He's not sure if I can have it on the 4th... he said he might not be able to get anyone to work. WTF?? All the other days I potentially wanted it were already taken.
And I guess Option #4...keep looking.......... I am starting to get MAJORLY frustrated here though, and might not be able to take it anymore. So what do YOU think??
Monday, April 7, 2008
The one??
FI and I got there early Saturday morning and walked up to the imposing black doors. Once inside, the guard grunted and made us walk through the metal detector. Good thing we were on the list! Keep in mind this is the actual Courthouse building during the week.
Those doors are HUGE and heavy! Then we walked in and..............
Words cannot express how I felt on seeing the inside. How lucky we were to see that it was set up for a wedding that day! The gold chairs looked amazing in there. The ceilings are so huge and beautiful. The space really does not even need any decorating. One thing I would like to use in there would be all long tables,like this:
They had a bar set up there. The balcony can be used for the cocktail hour, or just a place for guests to come and observe all the action going on below:
Other pros include bringing our own caterer and alcohol, which gives me complete creative control. It is downtown by the water which I really wanted and close to many many hotels. If I keep the 4th of July date, there will be traffic, but guests can stroll outside and have prime fireworks views, and there is an orchestra playing in the square all day.
2. EVERY last thing from a fork to a gorgeous guilded chivari chair has to be rented and brought in. There are no kitchens, so an over abundance of glasses and plates need to be brought in. This stuff all adds up.
3. It costs $525/hour to rent this space. I would also have to rent the parking garage for $500. Yikes!
4. No windows! Ugh.. it seems like everything is a compromise.
5. More vendors and MORE work for me!
Sigh... what do you think?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Vexing Venue Issues
Here's the run- down from my last trip:
Massimo de Milano was my first stop on my way in from Buffalo. Unfortunately I didn't get any good pics because I forgot my camera in the car, and was too scared to go back and get it. Which brings me to my main issue with the place- location. Its downtown in Ohio City which is great, except for the bums and generally shady looking people crawling around the parking lots. Maybe this is why they offer FREE valet parking
Here's a picture from their website.
It was very pretty inside, with tulle draped from the ceiling and a light, almost ethereal look. A couple of other pros were their straightforward pricing- flat fees per person which included taxes and gratuity, 6 HOURS TOP SHELF BAR (this is unheard of), and a great menu choice. The food is Italian, and you have a chance to try before you buy.
The issues I had were neighborhood it is in, and the size(they told me it an fit a max of 250). I am expecting AT LEAST 250 guests, and it also did not look like it could accommodate that many comfortably. Also, the bar and cocktail area is kind of ugly. There is not a hotel within walking distance either, although the city is right across the bridge, a 2 minute drive. I am still keeping this in mind.
Next stop- Windows on the River. Here is the entrance. Now, some people don't like this industrial look and the green paint everywhere. However, I LOVE it. I think it is so much more interesting then the typical hotel lobby entrance. Also, there is an arcade around the corner.
There are two room choices here. First, the Bridgeview room.
This room was ok. I wasn't overly impressed. The view of the bridge and city was great! Next she took me into the Cityview Room. I am noticing now that I didn't take any great pictures of the actual room, I was so busy admiring the view. Here's one to give you a general idea of the room.
There were some things I didn't like- Belaruse is a Russian country, and their country crest or whatever is plastered EVERYWHERE! There is a huge one on the wall by the bar. Ugh! I would have to see about covering that up. It's not downtown, and there is no hotel in walking distance (although there should be some a short drive away.) It's just not very fancy, or interesting. (I do like the disco ball! LOL)
Next we stopped by a wedding factory in the area, Michaud's Town and Country. Ok, the reason I call this a wedding factory is that they have 8 rooms there! This instantly turned me off. The entrance was very pretty though, and the prices were good. It is also BYOB. The only room I liked there had a 300 person minimum, and is HUGE!
I don't think I can guarantee AT LEAST 300 guests- and I would have to pay for any extras. I think this is OUT?!??
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Wedding Budgets
I put my zip code in Cleveland in and came out with $24 k. Yikes! When I first started this whole wedding planning thing, the number seemed ridiculously high. We could hire someone to come and finish painting and fixing up our house for that. Or put on the new roof that we desparately need.
However, after making a few phone calls, and going to visit my venues, my heart started to sink. Frankly, if I can pull off a wedding for ONLY $24 k, I would be ecstatic! Sigh........... I just wish someone would give me some actual numbers to work with.
For the fun of it, I put in my Buffalo zip code, and came out with $14 k. Ten thousand dollars less..... maybe I should change the location.
What's your wedding budget? How did you find out how much money others (parents) would contribute to your budget?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Wedding Colors.....
I especially love the idea of having colored shoes...even if they aren't green. Once I started looking through more wedding boards I became obsessed with this:
Black and white damask... how perfect and elegant. A black and white wedding would be so classic. I can imagine the pearls, gloves, and thousands of white candles.
However, I feel like I might need a LITTLE bit of color. What about red? When I was around ten years old, the only colors I would wear were red, black, and white. That would be so cute to have my favorite childhood colors incorporated into my wedding. However, I am in love with these flowers:
Black, white, red, and pink? Thoughts?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Venue Search
Can you imagine this at night? That's Lake Erie in the background. The ballroom is gorgeous too, decorated in a 1920s style that I could totally imagine my wedding. This would be my vision for this space:
Here's the inside:
The main attractiveness of a place like this is the price(reasonable)...AND... its BYOB! Haha... actually it means we get to bring all our own wine, liquor, or beer for them to use at the bar. Not only does it save ALOT of money, but the boy likes it because he can have complete control over the alcohol. Crytal for everyone! Parking is free. Drawbacks are its lack of any sort of originality.
About me....
I currently live in Buffalo, NY, but my hometown of Cleveland, OH is the location of our wedding. I've also lived in France briefly, and have had many exciting adventures in my life.... lots of traveling, friends, and fun! Currently, my fiance and I have been busy renovating our new house, I have a full time job, and am attending grad school part time in the evenings. With all this on my plate, I need to stay super organized if I want to get hitched anytime soon! Its time to PLAN A WEDDING!!!