Our plans

[TonyaP]

So I am trying to start a journal for you all to read and so we can chat about all kinds of wedding things. Anyway this is an update ...

I talked to the knot today and they said they could fix the date! :ura1:

Wow! I am so happy about that! I can't wait until I am allowed to post pics, then I can show you all cool things that I have done and bought.

For those that haven't heard about that see this thread -
http://forums.onewed.com/showthread.php?t=20910

As far as the money thing goes I bought just about everything I need except the flowers which I am doing myself. I think I have saved as much as I could for the kind of wedding my FH wants to have. He insists, "Do it right or don't do it at all." I would have done things a little different if it was just me. We bought our invitations on line because we wanted raised lettering. I know I could have saved a hundred dollars doing them myself but that little detail was the catch. I am the bargain shopper of the century. I looked for the best deal on my cake server for two nights. That is six hours looking for the best price, LOL! I found it for 16.00 + 6.00 to get it personalized. I found a coupon for 10% so with shipping it ended up being $29.00. For my flowers I bought 36 vases for $75.00. I am going to do three vases at each table, three different heights, with submerged tulips and floating candles. I could use some help on where to order them from for the best price. I also need roses and fillers. I think 2G roses is the best I have found so far. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. Oh, I do need to find a good price on shoes for my flower girls and I.

I am also making our programs and headbands for our flower girls. I found someone to film the wedding with two camera men in HD for $400.00. It is only going to be the raw footage but our friend edits movies and said he would do ours for our wedding gift.

I think we are paying WAY too much for our photos! I guess if you are going to overspend this would be the place. After it is all said and done all we will have is our memories and our photos. Our photographer is the best I have seen around here and after we signed with him he was picked Jacksonville's Knot best of 2008. I had no idea that was going to happen. I went with him because I loved his work and his prices are the best compared to what other people would have charged us for the same things. We also get the CD with the rights. We did buy some things we just didn't need that my FH really thought we should get. He wanted a photo album which is WAY over priced. I told him I would make our own from the CD we would have but for some reason he insisted and is in our contract now so it is too late to back out of that.

We are also paying top dollar for our DJ but I went to a friends wedding recently and a DJ really can make or break the reception.

I know this sounds cheap but I really wanted to do a cash bar and he wanted an open bar so we compromised and we are serving wine and beer up to $1,000.00. People can buy liquor if they want to pay for it and after the thousand it will turn to a cash bar.

All in all, including our six nights stay at Sandals in St. Lucia, we are spending about $15,000.00 for 120 guests. It just seems like a HUGE amount to me but I know it is a once in a lifetime event and I also know the average couple spends about $25,000.00 on their wedding so I THINK (I am not sure) we are doing a pretty good job. I live in Jacksonville, FL so prices are a little higher here than in some places around the U.S. but what can you do.?.

I wish I had found this site earlier because I know you all would have saved me more money in places I didn't even think to look. All I have left to do now is buy the flowers, the shoes and pay my balances off. I am up for any kind of suggestions though.

Thanks for listening! You all rock!!:pompom:

[MrsDM]

Your plans sound great so far! I can't wait to see your pics! :)

[WebLady]

I can't wait until I am allowed to post pics, then I can show you all cool things that I have done and bought.
You should be able to post pics now ;)

[MrsDM]

You should be able to post pics now ;)

*squirms in chair* we are patiently waiting now.....:rofl:

[TonyaP]

Okay I have our picture up at least. LOL! I will have to put more things up tomorrow. I will try to put up some more tonight but I have to go to bed soon I have a big day at work tomorrow. I have been trying to put up my ticker for the last 30 mins. Oh MY! I can't figure out where to paste the link... I don't know about myself sometimes. Do you have any advice on how to get this thing on here? Thank you!

[WebLady]

I have been trying to put up my ticker for the last 30 mins. Oh MY! I can't figure out where to paste the link... I don't know about myself sometimes. Do you have any advice on how to get this thing on here? Thank you!

Here is more on signatures and tickers ;)


Signatures; Tickers and such

Once you get past the new member "probation" you will see the "edit signature (http://forums.onewed.com/profile.php?do=editsignature)" link at the top left column of your UserCP. This is where you can add a signature.

Countdown tickers are popular; here are a few sites where you can go to get one for yourself ...

www.ezticker.com

www.tickerfactory.com

www.tickercentral.com

www.daisypath.com

The site will give you a code (bb code) to use on the forums. Once you have the code, you copy and paste it in your signature "Edit Signature" via your "UserCP".

Banners are also popular; you can request a banner from one of our talented members who volunteer to make them here -
http://forums.onewed.com/showthread.php?t=12371

Whatever you put in your signature, remember to keep it clean, short and sweet. Here is the general signature rule -
http://forums.onewed.com/showthread.php?t=18289
Hope this helps :frogg:

[TonyaP]

Here is the link to my dress http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/?savedsettings=2885870449#photo2885870449e / Okay I am am going to attempt to follow Weblady's helpful hints for my ticker. Here goes...

[TonyaP]

I did it! I know have a ticker! I am in business now. I will try to add some other pics. tomorrow. Thank you again everyone!!! I am so excited!

[PGDesigns]

LOVE the dress!!!

[TonyaP]

Thank you! Sometimes I think it may too puffy and my FH won't like it but I tried on at least a hundred and this was the best one. I hope he likes it!

[MrsDM]

That dress is gorgeous!! I love all the beading and how the train is bunched in the center!

[Kay]

OMG! Your dress is beautiful!!! When is the big date??

Also, just an FYI for you, I ordered my FSIL a personalized "Bride-to-Be" tote bag from the knot several months back... it took A MONTH for me to get it!! So, be patient with your cake server...

[TonyaP]

Thank you for the compliments and the tips! We are getting married March 28, 2009. I can't wait we have been engaged a year so I am ready. =) I am really happy you like the dress! I worry that people will think it is too much dress, so to say. In fact I stress about that more than any other aspect of our wedding, I know that is silly but everyone has to have something they worry about. You are helping to set my mind at ease. I liked it the best but I never got that OMG feeling I just kept thinking about it.

Do you all have journals? If so I want to check them out. I have been so busy and I am going through Onewed withdraws. LOL, I am a teacher and I had to go skate with the school tonight. I also have to go make a cake for a lady I work with tonight. Her b-day is Saturday. After I am done and if my FH doesn't give me too much grief for being on the computer, seeing how we haven't had a chance to see each other much at all today, I will post some pics. of things I have done and things I am doing. I would love to see and hear about your ideas too. Who knows I may change some of mine. Talk to you all soon.:D

[TonyaP]

Well I got mail.:D I love getting little packages. I do a ton of my shopping on-line so I can find the best deals. I bought 100 silver boxes for $35.00!!!!! Great deal right? Well yes and no. So they came in today and this is what I see. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/2890156443/ I have to do 100 of these puppies. Man there is always SOMETHING I can do. I don't mind though because I do have six months left. I don't know how some of you gals do this all in six months or even less. WOW! That just blows my mind!

Let me know some other things you would like to see pictures of or things you may want to know about our plans etc. and I will be happy to add more. I have been planning a year so I wouldn't know where to begin without your help. Thanks! Talk to you soon.

[MrsDM]

Where did you get the boxes from??

[TonyaP]

I got them from efavormart.com -Do you like them? I am going to put kisses and purple almonds in them. Our colors are Victorian lilac and platinum. I am going to tie a purple ribbon on them and the tag will have the person's name and table number. I am going to put them in alphabetical order on a table and have a person standing there to help people find their box.

I need your help, please:
Okay I already bought a dress ( the one with the flash) but I did what you never should do and I went and tried on other dresses and now I keep having doubts. Oh course I love the first one but I don't know if I love the second one more and if I do should fork out another $800 and buy the other one and wear that one instead. I know I already have one I just want to look my very best. So I am posting this to get your feed back. What do you think? Please help!!!Your honest opinion is the best PLEASE don't sugar coat it that is what friends and families are for. THANK YOU! If I do order the other one I have to do it right now because I only have six months left. http://www.flickr.com/photos/3083234...7607526879467/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/sets/72157607526879467/)

[MrsDM]

Yeah the boxes are really nice! They look sturdy!

Honestly, I LOVE the first dress!!

[TonyaP]

They are study and silver inside after they are made but they are kinda hard, well more time consuming, to fold. Are you using favor boxes as well? I am giving paper butterflies that you plant and flowers grow as well. I found them for $1.00 a piece on another website. Do you know what you are going to do for your favors yet?

Thank you for your vote! =)

[MrsDM]

I am actually doing something similar! To answer your question, yes, I'm using boxes. We are going to put two flower bulbs in the box with a cute little quote to plant the bulbs in honor of us!

[EarlyBird]

i LOOVE everything so far.
I did have a couple questions for you ..

are you doing your own centerpieces or have any inspiration pics? Are you dong a veil or tiara or both? Inspiration pics..


Also, i wanted to tell you.. i know exactly how you feel about the dress thing. mine is real fancy and i worry that people will think its too dramatic and too much.. but in the end, i dont care what they think, and you shouldnt either :)

[Kay]

Okay girls... I'm ALL about fancy and sparkly... so, GO FOR #1 I say!!! Much lovelier!! Frankly, if I could, I'd wear the dress from Sex In The City - the bigger, the more sparkles, the more beautiful!! LOL


Also, our colors are the same!!!! We are not definite on anything yet (not engaged YET) but when we are, he already knows that we are going with lavender, pink, & silver... and I really like the color lilac, too... so basically, several muted purples and lots of pale pink with silver accents on everything. I also bought 100 silver favor boxes... that came WITH ribbon to tie around them (white ribbon, so I won't use it, I will buy lavender & pink ribbons), and they came with 100 silver double-heart stickers.... total price was $30 - $15 for a box of 50. They have one more box on the clearance aisle. I'm thinking about going back and getting it.

Anyway, sounds like your wedding is going to be beautiful!!:winktongue:

[TonyaP]

Wow! Thank you! I will love hearing about any ideas you come up with! Where did you find your boxes?

[TonyaP]

i LOOVE everything so far.
I did have a couple questions for you ..

are you doing your own centerpieces or have any inspiration pics? Are you dong a veil or tiara or both? Inspiration pics..


Also, i wanted to tell you.. i know exactly how you feel about the dress thing. mine is real fancy and i worry that people will think its too dramatic and too much.. but in the end, i don't care what they think, and you shouldn't either :)

I am soooooo Happy someone feels my pain (well not really but you know what I mean)

I am doing my own and I have inspiration pics. Here are some....http://xa3.xanga.com/a8d8145153d20101688387/z9978255.jpg (http://photo.xanga.com/soontobmrsb/a3a8d101688387/photo.html) I want just two tulips though and a candle floating on top. I am going to have purple, dusty white and clear pebbles on the bottom and purple sheer fabric brunched in the middle of the table under the vases. I am also going to have have five votive candles scattered around the center.

I have the headpiece picked out. I was going to do a tiara but I fell in love with a headband. Here is a pic. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/2894327490/

I don't know about a veil. If I do one it will be one layer in the back with a simple cord around the dress because my dress is so busy. Are you doing a veil? What are the rest of you ladies thinking about when it comes to headpieces?

[EarlyBird]

I am soooooo Happy someone feels my pain (well not really but you know what I mean)

I am doing my own and I have inspiration pics. Here are some....http://xa3.xanga.com/a8d8145153d20101688387/z9978255.jpg (http://photo.xanga.com/soontobmrsb/a3a8d101688387/photo.html) I want just two tulips though and a candle floating on top. I am going to have purple, dusty white and clear pebbles on the bottom and purple sheer fabric brunched in the middle of the table under the vases. I am also going to have have five votive candles scattered around the center.

I have the headpiece picked out. I was going to do a tiara but I fell in love with a headband. Here is a pic. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/2894327490/

I don't know about a veil. If I do one it will be one layer in the back with a simple cord around the dress because my dress is so busy. Are you doing a veil? What are the rest of you ladies thinking about when it comes to headpieces?


you know i felt the same way, my dress is soo busy maybe i wouldnt have a veil but in the end i decided i would NEVER get to wear a veil again, im a bride, so yes, im wearing a veil and it matches my dress WELL... just as busy :) hehe

[TonyaP]

I went to the bridal shop today to pay for one of my girl's dresses. She is a pinch right now and wasn't going to make the order deadline so I told her I would help her out. While I was there I poked around (I just couldn't help myself) but I was good and I didn't try anything on! I went home and tried on my dress again. It was the first time in about four months that I have looked at it.

When I put it on again I realized how much I really do love it. I thought about how I felt in it and how I felt in the other dress. I thought about how it made ME feel and not what other people or my FH might think and I remembered why I feel in love with it in the first place. When I bought it I thought about me and only me. I guess that is why down the road I felt selfish. I didn't even consider my FH when I made the purchase. Is that bad? I feel horrible even admitting that to myself! At the time I was just so concerned with finding one dress out of 60 (and I am not exaggerating) I even liked that it didn't even cross my mind when I found it. I was so stressed! I thought I was NEVER going to find one. All I thought about is that I like it and I finally found one that looks good. It wasn't until about a month later that I started worrying about my what my FH might want me to wear. So then I started trying others on and I found one I liked but this time I was looking with both of us in mind because the pressure was off and if I didn't find one I thought we would both like it would be no big deal. Then I found the second dress, which I love too but when I tried on my dress tonight and I felt better in that dress than the other, right there it hit me.:eureka: It doesn't matter what it looks like if you feel great in it everyone will see that and you will look wonderful. I knew right then that I did make the right choice. There are so many decisions it is so easy to doubt yourself.

Well now that I tried on the dress I am worried I got it dirty and I didn't see it or the oils from my hands will stain it. Silly I KNOW! My WORD this event has turned me in to the biggest worry wort in the world. I worry about things that never in a million years would have dreamed would worry me. If you told me three years ago that I would worry about invisible stains showing up in three months I would have laughed so hard my sides would have split! :rofl:I would NEVER even think about these things but there is something about THE dress!

I don't know if it is the fact that it is put away and I don't look at it for months because it is such a pain to get it out and I am worried that oils are going to show up somehow or if it is because it is one of the most important days in my life and I want everything to go as smoothly as possible. I think the reason I think about this is because I have heard how important it is to get your dressed cleaned after you wear it so stains don't show up months later. The funny thing is I don't care AT ALL what happens to the dress AFTER the wedding. I am going to cut it up and make it into a baby quilt anyway. I don't want to save it and have it hanging around taking up space for years with the remote chance that my children may want to wear it someday. So do you think I am being crazy about worrying about pre-ceremony stains? Do you all worry about this too or am I just losing my mind?

Oh, I put together 50 of my 100 boxes and it took me about 2 hours. It wasn't too bad though because I watched T.V. my honey while I was doing it. :D

[TonyaP]

I am so excited!!!!! My grandmother is helping me throw a fabulous lunch in for my girls!! We are going to have it at a tea room. I have never been to one before today when I checked it out. I feel like a kid going to Disney. I went out today and bought a cute hot pink and black tea dress and a black and hot pink tea hat with feathers and everything! Hee Hee! I know I am a dork! When I tried it on for my FH he said he felt like he should take me to a polo match. It really is girly and preppy but I can't always do fun stuff like this so I am going to take advantage of it to the fullest! I found the $100 dress for TEN DOLLARS!!!! Can you believe it and the hat and dress looked like they were made for each other. It was amazing! I also found these really cute ceramic jewelry boxes (FOR A DOLLAR!!) that have a picture frame on the top so I am going to use those for seating and favors. I am going to buy some lint (sp) Truffles and put them inside. I would have never been able to throw such a nice party without my grandma's help. It was so nice of her to offer and my girls really deserve it! Here is the website to where we are going to go... http://ashesboutique.com/ I will have to post a picture of the hat, dress and boxes on here soon. My FH is asleep and they are in the bedroom. I also went out and bought scrap book stuff to make my own invitations. I put little purses on each one the are so cute. This wedding is turning out to be more than I could ever dreamed of. Not only have I finally found my true love and trust me I thought that was NEVER going to happen! I am also blessed with a wonderful family and friends that always do wonderful things for me and always surprise me! I will post pics of the cards on here soon to. You all have a great night. :D Tonya

[mitch]

I don't know if it is the fact that it is put away and I don't look at it for months because it is such a pain to get it out and I am worried that oils are going to show up somehow or if it is because it is one of the most important days in my life and I want everything to go as smoothly as possible. I think the reason I think about this is because I have heard how important it is to get your dressed cleaned after you wear it so stains don't show up months later. The funny thing is I don't care AT ALL what happens to the dress AFTER the wedding. I am going to cut it up and make it into a baby quilt anyway. I don't want to save it and have it hanging around taking up space for years with the remote chance that my children may want to wear it someday. So do you think I am being crazy about worrying about pre-ceremony stains? Do you all worry about this too or am I just losing my mind?



When i got Married the First time My Mum was paranoid about oil from hands on My Dress. It was Ivory with a beaded bodice. So everytime i tried it on, She would help Me but insisted on wearing cotton gloves. :bbeek:

Unfortuately i don't have any pictures to show You. This was 1992 and the Ex-Husband got "Custody" of the Photos lol.

This time round i'm wearing a Red Dress. I bought it second hand in a Charity Shop. They don't have posh bags to put things in. So they stuffed it into a Black Bin Sack. I drove home like a lunatic and quickly hung it up before it creased beyond help. LOL.

[mitch]

I have the headpiece picked out. I was going to do a tiara but I fell in love with a headband. Here is a pic. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/2894327490/

I don't know about a veil. If I do one it will be one layer in the back with a simple cord around the dress because my dress is so busy. Are you doing a veil? What are the rest of you ladies thinking about when it comes to headpieces?

I adore Your headband. So much so i screamed at FH to come take a look too. :D

I'm not wearing a veil due to this being My Second Marriage. (Not the done thing in the UK) But i did want "Something" in My hair. So i went for a sparkly slide.

[TonyaP]

Thank you! I'm going to have to get going and show you guys some pics. Of all my DYI projects I have done and of other things I have bought. Maybe I will post some on the other thread about DYI too. I can't believe how excited I am getting. I have been engaged for about a year and one month and I think it all seemed so surreal until now. It really feels like this is happening now. :ura1:

[Kay]

Tea party sounds AWESOME!! I can't wait to see the hat!! :D

[TonyaP]

Well I have been really busy but I took some time tonight to upload some photos for this journal. I have pictures of the bridal tea dress and hat, the programs I made, the flower girl's headband I made and the picture frame boxes for favors and seating at the tea party. This is the Link if you would like to look at them http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832340@N04/sets/72157607526558247/

I am in the middle of making canvas bags for my girls, flower girls and boys in the wedding. Well I bought the bag from Joanne's but I am ironing on the kids names and sewing on ribbons on the BM's. I also need to finish the typing that goes inside my programs and print names to go in the picture boxes. Oh I haven't finished folding the silver boxes yet. So far I have spent about three hours and I have 75 done. Only 25 more to go! Those are the things I am working on for now but I have more projects I get to start after that. I will keep you all updated. Let me know what you think of the pictures.

Tonya

[TonyaP]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I had my diamond reset from a yellow setting to a white setting. I bought it lose and it was a G color so I thought the yellow was not helping the diamond look the best it could. I have been waiting a week and a half and it has been torture! I got it back today and I was right it looks SOOOOO much better! I am so happy. Now I just have to drop it off for another week to get it resized. I had them put a sizer on it for now because I missed it and I wanted to wear it. I will drop it off next Thursday and get it back again Tuesday. I am so happy that it turned out the way I wanted it to and it wasn't a waste of money!