Tuxes

We are getting the men's tuxes from Paulucci's, in downtown Lewiston. Originally I wanted just a nice plain black suit, or even a gray one, nothing fancy since, after all, my dress is pink and tea length, and the wedding is outdoors! but plain black suits START at $99, plus shoes. Paulucci's is running a special through mid-August on tux rentals, $69.99 each, which includes everything but the shoes, so tuxes it is..

We found a tie that corresponds perfectly to the bridesmaid dresses, and decided to skip renting coats because a) they don't fit Calvin and his dad very well without tailoring, which they won't do for rental suits, b) I know the coats would come off two minutes after the ceremony, forming a large pile under a table somewhere that we'd probably forget and have to race back the next day to pick up, and c) it's an outdoor wedding, casual-ish, and it will still be warm, so why make them sweat and look gross in the pictures (yes, pictures are my only concern, their wellbeing is not my problem. I kid, I kid, of course I'm concerned about their comfort, I'm just saying, it works out conveniently to where we all win!).

So we'll save $10 per set without the coat, which will cover the $8 cost of renting shoes. Overall, not bad. Plus, my dad and brother will be renting them as well, I just discovered, so we will do a total of 7 tuxes, and I think that may make Calvin's free, I have to double check. At any rate, YAY is what I'm thinking. Calvin's dad and brother, and my dad and brother will cover their own suits, so we just have to cover Calvins, and two of his groomsmen, for around $200. Not bad at all.

forever21 has my heart forever

I found the PERFECT hair accessories! The bridesmaids will be in aqua, to complement my pale pink dress, and these hair accessories come in the same colors! I was thrilled to see the pink, then I clicked on another color and gasped aloud when I saw the color of my bridesmaid's dresses! Basically, it will be that all of my accessories will be aqua, and all of their accessories will be pink, so we switch, you see?

And I haven't told you the greatest part! okay, so I'm the biggest cheapskate on some things. I HATE paying nickel-and-dime stuff, including shipping, fees to use debit cards, etc. It's a little pointless because I usually even it out driving around to a member bank to withdraw money so I don't have to see a $2 hit in my bank account. Anything that theoretically I could avoid by working a little harder (ie. driving up to SPOKANE to pick these up instead of paying $5.95 for something that weighs less than an ounce) drives me crazy, even if it could cost more. Thanks mom. So I googled Forever 21 free shipping code. And whaddaya know? The code SURVEY worked!! "You have qualified for free shipping" are the six words that MADE MY DAY. So I got two more sets of these, and it was STILL cheaper than it would have been with shipping! Score!

UPDATE

So the last time I posted corresponds pretty closely with the last time I had time (ie. didn't have a job). I work at the Lewiston Tribune now and I LOVE my job, but it is time-consuming. Plus, my computer broke for a while AND we don't have internet at Calvin's family's property.

ANYWAY...

is it of any surprise to you that my wedding plans are drastically different now, 4 months later?

Here's the for sure (no, really this time, like deposits are paid and done and gone)

What: A tiny 30-ish-person wedding

When: Sept. 11-12 (overnight, most will stay at the inn, but it is smaller so a few people may have to stay in hotel rooms in Orofino)

Where: The High Country Inn in Ahsahka (near Orofino, about an hour from Lewiston, Idaho)

Photographer: Cali Janae Photography

Dress: Bellina Bridal

Theme: a little bit country, with a little bit rock 'n' roll

Colors: variations on blue and pink, ranging from aqua and pale pink to bold blue and fuschia.

Flowers: Roses, various colors

Maid of Honor: Rachell

Matron of Honor: Stacy

Junior Bridesmaids: Lexi, Neesha, Hewekse (they are all MAYBE because I can't ever find them to try on their dresses!!)

Flower Girl: Dominique

Ring Bearer: Darius

Mini Flower Girl: Olivia

Mini Ring Bearer: Lewis

We will be serving a full dinner on Saturday after the ceremony, followed by roasting marshmallows, and then retiring to bed. Sunday morning, we will be treated to a delicious home-cooked meal from Jo, the proprietor of The High Country Inn.

A reception for people in Spokane (Lindsey's side of the equation) will take place Friday, Sept. 17 at the Spokane North Stake Center on Regina Ave. The theme will be Alice in Wonderland.

A barbecue will be held for Calvin's side the week after THAT, Sunday, Sept. 26.

GAH!

Wedding plans upended again! However, this time I'm sticking to it:

Date: Sept 18th, 2010

Place: my maid of honor's parents' home on Five Mile Prairie in Spokane, Washington

Theme: Alice in Wonderland

Photographer: Cali Jenae Photography

Cake: Awesome Cakes by Ash

Bridesmaid dresses: Aria Dress

Rental company (for chairs): A to Z Rental

As for the theme, it's not going to be hardcore goth alice in wonderland, it's going to be springy, mad hatter's tea party style, with kooky broken teacups and pocket watches etc as the centerpieces. It will be cool. and eclectic. and thoroughly us!

It looks like Calvin and I are moving to Lewiston somewhat permanently since his family is here and jobs are a bit more plentiful than dead Spokane.

However, this means I have to possibly uproot all of my wedding plans and reconstruct them somewhere between Lewiston and Pullman. This was a pain at first, but now I'm thinking it could be an opportunity. After all, Calvin wanted a good old-fashioned barbecue, now we can find some big old barn somewhere and have it there! Well, I'm looking into it. I'm considering either Red Barn Farms (though it could be out of our price range) and the Dahmen barn. I think that since the Dahmen Barn is white, it may not clash with my dress in pictures, so major bonus.

(aside: man, the day I started thinking about the color of the facility in relation to my dress is the day I realized I could very well turn into a bridezilla if I don't watch myself!)

Lewiston's wedding industry is pretty small, but I'm realizing that means it's actually going to be easier to pin down what will work best for us. Not to mention, I believe our photographer will be at school in Pullman, so I don't have to feel bad about making her drive all the way to Spokane for our wedding!

Other types of sites I'm considering (however briefly) are the Hells Gate State Park (they have group use areas you can rent for weddings) and the Hells Canyon Resort (may be a little small but it's a good just-in-case venue to have). But I'm just going to sit on it for now and we'll see what works out.

I found a great photography site by a local photographer who compiled a list of resources too: Digital Arts Photography

(obviously this post was kind of just so I can keep things straight but I wanted to keep you all in the loop too!)

no internet!

I've been without the internet for the past few weeks and it has been lonely! I've had to put most of my wedding planning on hold until I get the internet again. So I've been trying to get wedding planning books and magazines, but man, they are expensive! I found this awesome book, the Anti-Bride Guide at Hastings, but it was $20. Totally eating into my wedding budget there. So I'm going to order it on Amazon when I have a debit card again. Until then I just have to settle for my single Shape Brides magazine (already read and tagged my favorite pages) and hope to get the internet back soon! I'll post next time I can find time on a computer.

Some updates:

I found a letterpress operator in Portland who can do my invitations for a fantastic price so I just need to edit the invitation so it's not a full-bleed and we'll be good to go!

My local printer, 2 blocks from my house, can do Save the Date and RSVP postcards for under $15 per hundred, which is cheaper than Vistaprint AND and supports a local business. Score.

The bridesmaids are having their dresses made by hand from a person I found on Etsy.com. I got a lot of bids from people wanting to do the dresses so I'll reveal the winner and the dress style once we figure it all out.

One or more of my bridesmaids may be pregnant at my wedding, thus the handmade dresses.

We are so far registered at Target.com and CB2.com.

I am definitely getting the Maggie Sottero Rasharna dress done in blush, not all white. Not sure if I'll buy an authentic Maggie or have it handmade and modified a little though.

I think I'll be buying my own silverware for the guests at a restaurant supply store or website, since the cost of buying vs. renting is just about equal, plus renting can incur extra fees if we lose so much as one utensil. Plates will need to be rented though unless we do a major borrow-a-thon, which would be kinda cool.

I'm still undecided on photographers and we still don't have engagement picture sessions lined up.

Narrowing it down

Okay based on preliminary stuff, here's what I'm hearing the bridesmaids like:

Shrug choices for immodest dresses (and all strapless dresses WILL have at least spaghetti straps added to them so you're not pulling them up all day):

(this one's expensive, but I can find or have some handmade like this for under $30)

($17.80)

1.

This would be in a turquoise color and I think it'd be cute with the white shrug

(est. $160)

2.

Is anyone planning on getting pregnant, or think they might be showing by next October? This would be a good choice if so.

(est $140)

3.

I like this one, and in this color too but it might be a little flamenco dancer?

(est $110)

4.

(this I think would be great if everyone likes it)

($148)

5.

(est $150)

Input!

Good idea for the tables! CB2.com (owned by Crate & Barrel) has these 3" square tealight frosted candle holders for only $2.95! I think these on the tables for the reception would be darling.

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=2070&f=5744

There are also hanging round candle holders which I think fit the theme of the reception perfectly. Darn CB2!

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=11038&f=2447

Does anyone feel weird about choosing "teal for the bridesmaids" after watching the Wedding Planner? I chose turquoise for my bridesmaids, but it's pretty close to teal, so sometimes when I click on a dress whose color I like, it's described as teal and because of superstition, I hit my back button. Anyone else?

Ideas for shrugs/boleros/cardigans to wear over a turquoise dress. I'd prefer white, but I like these styles:

Forever 21:

Daisy Imprint Cropped Jacket - $17.80

Spangled Shrug - $22.80

Metallic Satin Shrug - $24.80

Sophistix.com:

Mari Long Shrug - $21.06

Cropped Satin Bolero - $17.14

There are multiple routes to your destination

I was browsing Target.com to add items to our registry when it occurred to me that Target has cute clothing and dresses! I found the following for really cheap, which means we'd be able to add length or sleeves to them and still stay well under budget.

(couldn't post the images, see link)

Merona Ponte Scoop Neck Dress ($24.99) - turquoise

Merona Halter Party Dress ($19.98) - avalon sea

Merona Crossover Party Dress ($19.98) - avalon sea

it's not easy being green...er..modest

Upon searching for fully modest dresses that we wouldn't have to customize, add sleeves to or buy separate jackets for, I was reminded of why no one ever purchased modest dresses for homecoming or prom: they're expensive. It seems every modest dress is at least $50-100 more than it would be if it were strapless or something.

Totally Modest Terri dress ($148) - in aqua

http://www.totallymodest.com/mTerri.html

Totally Modest A001 dress ($179) - in caribbean

http://www.totallymodest.com/mA001.html

Totally Modest Anita dress ($129) - in turquoise

http://www.totallymodest.com/manita.html

Totally Modest Bethany dress ($188) - in turquoise or aqua

http://www.totallymodest.com/mbethany.html

Totally Modest 915002 ($178) - in capri

http://www.totallymodest.com/m915002.html

Totally Modest Crystal ($248) - in aqua (it's too bad this is so expensive because naturally, it's my favorite)

http://www.totallymodest.com/mcrystal.html

Beautifully Modest B803M ($140) - in montego

(won't let me post the pic here, see the link)

http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/bridesmaid-dresses/b803m/

I made a post a little while ago about "convertible" or "infinity" dresses, but they were upwards of $300.

Well on Etsy, I found a shop with those dresses for $98!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32954323

Various ideas and inspirations while searching for bridesmaid dresses.

1

(made for brides, but bridesmaids would look great in it)

http://www.edenbridals.com/j1014-p-1656.html

2

http://www.edenbridals.com/7275-p-1563.html

3

(fyi: this dress is noted to be good for pregnant bridesmaids and with 3 married BMs and 9 months til the wedding, that's something to consider!)

http://www.edenbridals.com/7264-p-1512.html

4

http://www.edenbridals.com/7226-p-1360.html

5

http://www.edenbridals.com/7174-p-1110.html

6

http://www.iwantabargain.com.au/product.php?productid=1106&utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc

7

(jacket is included with the dress and removable)

http://www.edenbridals.com/7232-p-1366.html

Scavenger hunt!

Okay. I need to find a bridesmaid dress that meets the following criteria:

• Turquoise in color
• has a modest neckline
• Calf or full length, must at least have option to go past knee (or can add tulle to extend length)
• Has sleeves or can be modified to add sleeves or a cute jacket
• Doesn't look like a "modest" gross dress
• prefer something flowy like chiffon or thin, french satin
• Costs less than $125 with accessories

Ready? Go!

Bridesmaid dress ideas

So I've been trying to find some more modest dresses so Shae, Stacy and Brittany don't have to feel completely uncomfortable. Here are a few I like, all would be in the turquoise color of the first one:

http://www.jenclothing.com/jd9191-69-t.html

(I actually really like this one)

http://www.therosedress.com/shop/products/itemAD.asp?Id=1055&vendorid=AD

ALYCE DESIGNS : JDL BOUTIQUE DRESS DETAILS

And the 2nd and 3rd ones we can easily add sleeves and a modesty panel for the neckline.

Turquoise Chiffon Evening Dress from Sung Boutique Los Angeles

Turquoise Chiffon Evening Dress from Sung Boutique Los Angeles

I'm thinking of changing my colors to the country red and turquoise from my invitations, which means my bridesmaids would get to wear turquoise! Now I have to find some dresses that are a modest enough for them in turquoise chiffon or satin. Time to hit google!

wedding stuff is hard

I have a new respect for people who have to plan weddings themselves. I feel pretty alone in my wedding preparations. My parents have removed themselves from supporting it, Calvin's mom is out of the picture and my 4 bridesmaids all live far away (Boise, Tulsa, Seattle, Alaska. I'm not exaggerating) so I've been pretty much figuring things out on my own. I haven't even gotten to tell anyone in person that I'm engaged and getting married, it's all been over the internet and the phone. It would be nice to have more any friends in the area.

Dream sequence

The following is JUST A DREAM! No one panic!

I had a crazy dream last night. It was like, a blooper reel from a weddings gone wrong show or something. I forgot my shoes and had to walk down the aisle in socks, the groom was drunk (which is hilarious because Calvin doesn't drink), I forgot to walk in time to the wedding march AND just cruised down the aisle without my dad (whoops). I hadn't gotten my dress fitted and when I put it on 5 minutes before walking down the aisle, it was too tight. No one knew their place, it was in an ugly church and I had forgotten to tell the officiant no long speeches, so we were standing there for like 30 minutes (with a drunk groom, no easy feat). Then, I realized as we were finishing up that I had forgotten to nail down a photographer and wasn't even sure if Calvin's cousin with a nice camera was in the audience or not. Definitely makes me glad I have 9 months left, because if we held this wedding tomorrow, this is what it would be like!

On the other side, it has reminded me of the important of the rehearsal dinner. I hadn't been feeling like it was absolutely necessary to do a rehearsal, but yes, we will be holding a rehearsal, even if we can't afford the full dinner for everyone.