Invitation Hell

You know how all those checklists from places like the knot are always telling you to work on your invitations from basically the first month you get engaged? Well, now I know why.... it is complete hell. I started out with a simple and cheap plan for my invitations. I was going to design something easy and have them printed at Vistaprint. Easy-peasy and almost free..right?

Well, fast forward to now. I ended up booking a designer on Etsy to create the invitation files for me. It wasn't that expensive, and I just didn't have time to learn how to use Photoshop. After getting the files back, I waited for a Vistaprint free offer to price out what it was going to cost. Unfortunately, I needed just over 100 invitations, due to my ballooning guest list. Vistaprints free offers are for either 100 small, or 50 large postcards. I would have needed to make multiple orders to print all of the pieces, and the cost went up to ~$80 for all pieces. Now this is not too ridiculous. But I started to second guess myself. I am already spending all of this money, why don't I buy a printer and print them myself? Well, as luck would have it, we received a free printer a few days later. I tried printing the invitations out, and they looked awful. Plus the cardstock wouldn't go through.

Next up, I contacted a few professional printers. One never got back to me, one gave me a quote for ~$150, not including paper, and the third who was a friend of my fiance's gave him a quote of around ~$50. So I ordered some metallic cardstock, and I am patiently awaiting the return of my files. This supposedly cheap and DIY project is costing me WAY more than I thought it would, and I am a little upset about all of the extra work, when in the end I could have just ordered them from somewhere. Hopefully they will be done soon so I can post.

Let's add up the costs in the meantime:

190 cream envelopes bought from someone off theknot: $14
Custom design of invitation card, RSVP postcard, and accommodations card, and monogram: $40
Cardstock(50 sheets of 11'x17 metallic and 50 sheets of 11'x17' linen from paperandmore: $56
Shiny gold wrapping paper for envelope lining: $10
Ribbon to tie around invite: $4
Peacock feathers to tuck into ribbon from Ostrich.com: $20
Calligraphy pens: $6
Peacock feather stamp for outside of envelopes: $12
Gold and green ink pads: $7.50
Printing of invitations: not sure yet- I am hoping for around $50

Total: $219.50 or more
Per invite: (~125) $1.75

Stamps for RSVP postcards: $33.75
Stamps for invites: $42
Total: $75.75
Per invite: .61

Total per invite: $2.36

However, I will have paper left over that I will use for table names and place cards. Not sure yet what I am doing for programs. I will also use the stamps for these other projects. This is far more than my original budget, and seems almost ridiculous to spend so much on pieces of paper that get thrown away.

How much did your invitations cost? Did DIY cost more than you thought?

J Crew Bridesmaid Dresses

After thinking long and hard, I decided to have a few bridesmaids. But I didn't want to burden them with a bunch of unnecessary costs- especially after the trip to Vegas!!! (more later) I'm sure everyone has a story involving a polyester nightmare bridesmaid dress, so I was determined to get attractive and potentially re- wearable dresses.

I looked online a little, and eventually settled on J Crew dresses. J Crew has a great selection of simple and re-wearable bridesmaids' dresses, and most importantly, they can be found on e-bay for less than 50 bucks! I originally found a great sale on the website- and unfortunately they did not have enough of the proper sizes. So instead of trying to find 5 identical styles in identical colors in the right sizes on e-bay, I am going to be a little different and have them wear all different shades of green. The dress style will be the same, but it comes in two different fabrics, and J Crew discontinues the colors each season, and comes out with slightly different ones. So the shades will be close, but none will be identical. It looks great in other bridal parties, and I like that they won't be matchy- matchy.

I have 3 of the dresses, and am on the look- out for 2 more. It has been a little stressful, but I wanted to do all I could to save them money! The actual dress is called "Sophia." The picture below looks like the sophia dress in the tricotine fabric, a smooth silk. The other fabric will be silk chiffon.

I have not yet decided on bouquets. I may have them carry feather fans, but I would have to start DIYing these immediately, or find some at a reasonable price online. What do you think- would you like this dress as a bridesmaid?

The DRESS!!!

After a loooooong and frustrating search, I found THE DRESS! I was very picky, and had quite a low budget at the beginning. ($400). But I just wouldn't pull the trigger on a dress in this price range. I had been looking at Pronovias, and there are some great deals on these dresses on e-bay. But I couldn't find any of my favorite from this post - the Pronovias Recova, or the Paula Varsalona gown. Also, I never even got to try on a dress that I had been salivating over on the Internet - Alvina Valenta 9658.


After I got out bid on a different Alvina dress, I contacted a wholesale bridal shop in Strongsville, OH, called Anything Bridal. They could have ordered my beloved Recova for only around $1200. The catch was that I was so late in ordering it would come in a few weeks before the wedding. What if something went wrong, or I needed extensive alterations. I was also second guessing myself. Plus, $1200? And I wasn't sure if I could resell this dress.


I went all out on the Internet looking for the 9658. I stalked this dress. I found a girl on the knot who wore this dress, found her e-mail, and asked her if she would sell it (no response). I know I must have sounded like a crazy person. I checked Preownedweddingdresses and OnceWed religiously. These are very good resources for a budget bride. I could tell you every popular dress and how much they go for at this point. The reason I was having so many problems was that this dress was from 2006, and that it cost $3000 brand new. I found one girl online selling her used one for $2800. I just couldn't buy it. It was too much for a used dress.


I checked every single city's Craigslist. Also a good idea - I found good deals on alot of other dresses. But not mine! After this long and frustrating search, I got an e-mail from someone telling me they had a sample of this dress, perfect condition, price of $2,000. I was almost in tears, I was so happy. I whipped out my credit card on the spot! It's way over my budget, and needs alterations, but I just wanted this dress so bad! I am planning on taking perfect care of it, and re-selling it after the wedding.


Without further ado, I give you my dress:

Have you gone over your budget for The One?

A Peacock Wedding!

Here is my inspiration board, so you can finally see what I decided on for decor:

Countdown...

Its been awhile readers... the past few months have been pretty stresfull and frustrating. Its down to the end now...

2 and half months before the wedding, and here is my to- do list:

1. Finish my registry (my shower is in 3 weeks...yikes!).
2. Finish purchasing the bridesmaids dresses off e-bay.
3. Buy my shoes (I'm lusting after J Crew green silk shoes).
4. Buy my birdcage veil.
5. Purchase peacock feathers to go in the invitations.
6. Get the invitations printed, address the envelopes, and mail them.
7. Finish buying the ostrich feathers for the centerpieces after getting my refund from the e-bay seller that ripped me off (let me know if you want to know who this seller was).
8. Figure out fans/ bouquets for the girls.
9. Finish buying the LED tea lights from the Christmas Tree Store.
10. Make sure the girl from the knot is still going to sell me her gold chargers.
11. Send pictures of hair and make- up to my cousin Mary who is doing said hair and make-up for me on the big day
12. Book the limo (must STOP procrastinating, I got an awesome rate 2 months ago and NEVER booked...)
13. Decide on cake - and subsequently buy cake stands
14. Figure out when I can go into the Courthouse with the caterer and DJ to finalize layout and logistics
15. Send wedding band ideas to our jeweller
16. Decide on honeymoon
17. Gifts for parents, bridal party, etc
18. Buy a tripod and out together faux photo booth
19. Decide on buying a camera or getting last minute videographer off Craigslist
20. Finish collecting wooden wine boxes and have my dad put together a card box
21. Order linens online (that's right, I'm buying them, its cheaper)
22. Buy some clothes to wear on my bachelorette part in VEGAS!!! woohooo
23. Finish collecting corks, and prepare them for place cards
24. Make a hair appt for highlights and brows, a dr appt...
25. TRY NOT TO LOSE MY MIND!

What have I actually gotten done since December...well I'll try to write a few posts, but I bought a dress, am having it altered, booked a DJ, asked bridesmaids, planned a trip to Vegas, had invites designed.... so I've been busy! I'm BACK

I

Photographers, Caterers, Priests...

(note: It might help if I posted this a few weeks ago when I actually got back...oops... I find that I can take this wedding stuff in small doses- if I do alot at once, I need a HUUUUGE break)



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!

On Saturday, I met my mom and sister at Catan's. They were having a sample sale that day, and were super busy. I didn't find anything remotely appealing about the samples, so I went to have my normal appointment. Unfortunately, they were too busy to take my appointment. My mom asked them about my favorite designer, Alvina Valenta. All of the sudden we were whisked to a secret part of the shop to try on the couture dresses! Let me tell you, it was like a whole other world in there. It was quiet and softly lit. The dresses were all perfectly hung in rows. Out in the main part of the salon, dresses were thrown everywhere, the lights were harsh, and girls were tripping over each other to grab the dresses.

I got my own huge room, and a super sweet and charming Russian girl to pull the dresses for me. I told her one style I was interested in, and she pulled 6 dresses that I am now absolutely in love with. Problem is that they are all waaayyy out of my price range. Here's all the goodness:

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?

Caterers!!!!!!!!

I just got a comment from a reader( my first reader other than my friends who could actually care less about wedding planning?) about the Courthouse and catering. I realized that I haven't wrote a post about my caterer. I have been distracted by the election, so I hope my last 2 political related posts didn't bother anyone. But I promise I will get back on track!!!

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?

The McCain Palin Mob

This scares me.... this is not far from my hometown. I am truly glad that I now live in a far more progressive state.

The McCain- Palin Mob


That is all.