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/