Invitations are in! VistaPrint Review!

I was little worried about ordering my invitations from VistaPrint because I didn't know of anyone who did before. I'm glad I decided to use them though because they turned out wonderfully! I think the total for the invitations only came out to $70 and that includes the design upload (I designed them myself), linen paper, 100 invitations, and 100 white envelopes. Ten times better than anything you could order on a regular invitation website and I think they came out wonderfully.

I designed the invitations by myself in PowerPoint and then just converted them to a PDF file. Uploading the file was so easy! You just have to make sure that your file is high enough quality. After you've uploaded the file, they have you proof the front. Double check it to make sure everything is correct and then sign your initials at the bottom to approve it. Then you'll do the back. You can upload a map or directions to the back of the invitation, but I just left mine blank because I'm putting them in pocketfolds. After you're done proofing the back, initial it to approve. Then you go through a bunch of pages where they try to sell you things, but you're under no obligation to buy. Just keep clicking through until you get to the page with shipping information. I think their cheapest shipping is 21 days, but I've found in previous orders that it doesn't seem to take that long. I normally get my order in around 2 weeks. I shipped this order with the 7 day shipping and I got it on the exact day they said it would be here.

When I received them I was pleasantly pleased. My only complaint is that they seem kind of small. They're the exact same size of my save-the-date postcards. They had the size listed on the website, but I didn't even think to measure out exactly what size it was. I'm going to put them in pocketfolds though to make them look bigger. I think they'll turn out very nicely when I'm done.

I'm glad I used Vistaprint and definitely recommend for any budget brides out there! They also have tons of designs on their website, if you don't feel up to designing your own.

Vistaprint generously offered my readers a 25% discount! It's not active until tomorrow, but it's good until the end of 2009! Thanks Vistaprint!

Sorry the pictures are kind of blurry, I took them on my blackberry.

Free Save-the-Date Template

I found this cute save-the-date template over at Merriment Design. If I hadn't already ordered my save-the-dates, I would have totally done these. Click the picture for directions and the template.

Budget Wedding Photography

Need to find a photographer on a budget? Check out my article on ehow.com to find out how!

How to Find a Wedding Photographer on a Budget

40% off at Inkubook

Now through June 1, receive 40% off on any photobook from Inkubook.com. Enter code SAVVY40 at checkout.

Thanks Budget Savvy Bride!

Wisconsin Trip: Day 2 (Nestle Chocolate Festival)

After the family picnic, my dad, Lori, and my half-brother and sister all drove out to Burlington to go to the Nestle Chocolate Festival. The entire way there we were on the look-out for the dairy cows and guess what we saw...no dairy cows. We saw maybe 3 cows and they were all meat cows. Tons of farm land though.

My brother and sister wanted me to ride a ride with them, so of course that was the first thing we had to do. Since I was the adult, I was on the outside, so I got squished by two kids! I still have bruises from that stupid ride.



We then ate dinner, which involved us trying a bunch of Wisconsin favorites. We got to try cheese curds (which were delicious by the way), mini donuts, and pizza bread. I could definitely go for some more cheese curds and mini donuts.

After dinner we finally made it to the chocolate tent. They had a chocolate eating contest which the kids loved watching. Then we paid $2 and got to try chocolate at 5 different booths. It was all so yummy. You think they would give you all the free chocolate you would want with the entrance fee though. I never understood fairs. You have to pay for the entrance fee, the rides, and the food. They also had tons of chocolate sculptures to look at.



When the chocolate tent closed, Lori took the kids to ride some more rides, and my dad took J and I to listen to his favorite cover band, "The Toys". They were really good. They switched from country to rock in a heart beat. There was too much smoking for me to stand in the tent too long though.

Coming soon...Day 3 in Chicago. Starting with the Sears Tower.

Wisconsin Trip: Day 2 (Family Picnic)

My step-mom organized a family picnic for Saturday in honor of my grandmother's 80th birthday. She was also surprising the entire family with me being there. It was an absolute blast. I got to see family that I hadn't seen in 21 years and some that I hadn't even met. I also got to spend some time with my cousin's new baby, who is the most precious thing I've ever seen.



Lori made a ton of food and it was delicious. She also hand decorated some gorgeous cookies that she used as centerpieces on the table.


After lunch a lot of the men went fishing and the rest of us helped the kids with a scavenger hunt. We were running around the park trying to find things like frogs, y-shaped twigs, birds chirping, etc. They had so much fun!


After we were done with the games, we decided to play some volleyball. It started raining a bit while we were playing, but that didn't stop us. We split up into boys and girls and the girls never once won. Lame.



Coming soon...Continuation of Day 2 at the Nestle Chocolate Festival

Free Photobook

A new company Photo Books {etc} has a coupon code out for a free photo book. All you have to do is pay $4.95 shipping. I don't know how good the quality is, but for $4.95, that's hard to pass up.

You have to have Internet Explorer to use their software though.

Wisconsin Trip: Day 1

I'm going to be posting about my Wisconsin trip in increments so that I don't overload you with pictures. I'll post a new section every day until I'm done.

We flew from Tally to Milwaukee with a layover in Atlanta. They were both really quick flights. We were so tired when we got there though because our flight from Tallahassee left at 7:30am. Ugh!

When we got to our hotel, my step-mom had left us a basket and a fridge full of Wisconsin goodies. She left a couple magazines for us, Jelly Bellys, Ghiradelli chocolates, cheese and sausage plate, local rootbeer, some berry beer, local wine, and some other yummy stuff. We felt so pampered. It was nice having our own little "mini-bar" without having to pay to eat stuff out of it. If you ever have a guest in town, I'm sure they would really appreciate a nice basket with some food. I know we did.


My dad had no clue that we were coming, so Lori (my step-mom) picked us up and took us to a restaurant where he was waiting for her. He was so surprised! After lunch we went back to the hotel and relaxed in the hot tub for a little while and then passed out for a couple hours.

After we had caught up on sleep, they picked us up and we went to Lake Michigan. The water was so blue! I also got to see my half-brother and sister. It's been about 4 years since I've seen them and they look almost exactly the same.



After we spent some time at Lake Michigan, we went to dinner at the country club where Lori works. My grandparents and also Lori's two sons met us there. It was great catching up with everyone! Lori's sons were really sweet. After dinner, we went riding around on the golf course in golf carts. That was a lot of fun, but I think I ate a bug.

After Lori and my dad dropped off the kids, we went to the bar at the hotel for a couple drinks and to spend some more time together. Great way to relax after a long day.

Coming tomorrow...Family Picnic!

Chalkboard Menu

Since we're having a buffet, I wanted some kind of menu to let our guests know what they were eating. I was thinking about doing menus on the plates like this:


But then I started thinking that I wanted something a little more unique. Everyone does menus on the table. I wanted something a little different and little more rusticy. So I decided I'm going to writing the menu on a chalkboard!

I talked with Kylene (a former knottie and a wonderful wedding photographer) who did a chalkboard for her seating chart. She recommended that I go find a mirror at Goodwill or something that has a cute frame and cover the mirror part with chalkboard paint. So, I'm currently on the look-out for a mirror and then I'll post a tutorial. I can't wait to make this!

Wedding Direction Sign

I'm thinking about having a sign to direct guests to the ceremony site because it's down a path and I'm not sure they'd realize where to go. Plus, it's a simple little DIY project. Here's a couple ideas I found on etsy:


Our reception site is down another pathway. I'm wondering if we should also put up a sign to direct them to there.

How is everyone directing their guests to the different sites?

Welcome!

I noticed I had a boom in new followers today, so I just wanted to welcome you all! Tell me a little about yourself!

Old Navy $1 Flip-Flops 05/23/09 Only!

$1 Flip-Flops! On Saturday, May 23rd only, Old Navy is selling their solid color flip-flops for only $1. These would be great for bridesmaid gifts or for a dancing shoes basket. Limit of 5 per customer, so bring your friends!

Blog Award

I received a blog award yesterday from Saving Money for a Wedding. This is my first ever blog award, so I'm very excited!

Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 10 blogs that you think are lovely! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here are 10 of my favorites:

1. Budget Savvy Bride

2. Feathers and Pearls

3. Race to the Aisle

4. Road to Wed

5. The Budget Bride's Handbook

6. Wedding Dot

7. With This Ring...

8. Bride Saver

9. Aylee Bits

10. Becoming His Mrs.

Check: Wedding Band

We went to Kay to try on wedding bands today and we ended up buying mine! It was meant to go with the engagement ring in the picture, but it went perfect with mine. It was more than what we budgeted for a ring, but J really wanted to get me something I liked so we're going to figure out how to pay for it. The total was $274. Not bad for a diamond band, plus the warranty on it.

$6000 Budget!

We had to rearrange our budget some to fit Willow Pond in. $5000 was a little unrealistic for the wedding we wanted, so we bumped it up to $6000. I over-estimated on a lot of things, so I'm sure we'll probably come in under budget. Our budget does not include our attire because we're each going to pay for our own.

Ceremony
Location fee: $0 (we're using a part of our reception venue)
Officiant fee: $0 (we're using a family friend)
Ceremony accessories: $0
License: $100

Reception
Location fee: $1495
Insurance: $200
Set-up fee: $175
Clean-up fee: $150
Kitchen fee: $100
Food & Service: $565 (we're using Sonny's as our caterer)
Plates and flatware: $50
Bar & Bartender: $500
Cake: $125

Attire
Dress: $0
Alterations: $100
Veil: $0
Garter: $0
Lingerie: $20
Hair & Make-up: $50
Mani & Pedi: $0
Groom's Tux: $0
Groom's Accessories: $0

Flowers & Decorations
Ceremony decor: $10
Bride's bouquet: $50
BM's bouquets: $50
Centerpieces/Reception decor: $150
Guest Book: $25
Tables and tablecloths: $200

Music
DJ: $700

Photography
Photographer: $700

Stationary
Save-the-dates & postage: $15
Invitations: $50
Postage: $50
Programs: $5
Thank You Cards: $5

Wedding Rings
His: $100
Hers: $100

Attendant Gifts
BMs: $30
GMs: $30
Favors: $5

CHECK: Venue Booked!

We're officially getting married at Willow Pond Plantation on March 27, 2010! We're driving down there to sign the contract tomorrow. I'm so excited that I can actually start planning things again. I was getting bummed that we were torn between so many venues. We had to re-do our budget because this place is more expensive than the other one, but it will work out in the end. I'm now a $6000 bride though instead of $5000. I'll post our new budget another day.

4 Clutches Under $30

Here's some great purses for your wedding day, all under $30! Plus, you can use some of these more than just for your wedding!

This cute purse is from Forever 21 and comes in pink, black, and teal. And it's only $9.50!

I think I'm going to pick this one up. It's made by J. Furmani and I found it at eBags. Only $20! And they're running a sale for today only where you get 10% off so it's actually only $18!


This is another J. Furmani bag from eBags. This one comes in six different colors so you can find the perfect one for your event. Only $24! But with the 10% off it's only $21.60!

This one is just so cute. I love the bow. It's from Target and is only $25.50!

Willow Pond Plantation It Is!

We went back to Willow Pond today and we decided that's where we're going to host our wedding. It's such a relief to not have to worry about that any more. We're free to do pretty much whatever we want and we both like that. J loves the place more than me, but I'm warming up to it more and more every day.

Now I just have to get new contracts from all my vendors since we have to change the date and I can start actually planning again.

Mwah! Magnetic Bride & Groom Salt and Pepper Shaker

I just saw these on a knottie's bio and I think they would make an adorable cake topper. I think they would work well if you're having a smaller two tier cake. I don't know how big they are, but since they're salt and pepper shakers I'd assume they're kind of small. I found them on Funtocollect.com for only $10.99!

Edit: I just found they're 4 inches tall.

Just Married Banner

I saw this on Martha Stewart and it is a easy DIY. I was thinking about making one and hanging it over the fireplace during the reception. Do you think it's cute or corny?

Groom's Cake

I really want to get J a groom's cake that's shaped like a dragon. He loves dragons. You can tell that from just walking in his bedroom. A dragon cake would be really expensive though, so I'm probably just going to make one myself. Here's some pictures of some awesome dragons cakes.

Hanging Picture Wall

Now that we're looking at having our reception in a barn, I think this would be a cute idea to do. Ours wouldn't be as long as this one. I think it would be cute to have pictures from our childhood up on the line. We'd probably hang it at the entrance near the guest book so that when they're waiting to sign it, they can look at pictures. It's kind of a different version of having a slide slow.

Plus, it's really cheap!

Blue Cocktails

We're going to be doing signature drinks and one of them is going to be a blue cocktail to go with our color scheme. Here are a few of my favorite blue drinks.

Bikini Martini
1.5 shots dry gin
1 tsp. peach schnapps
1.5 shots blue curacao

Shake with ice and strain into glass. Garnish with orange zest.


Whiskey and Blue
2 shots whiskey
1 shot blue curacao
1/4 shot lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into glass. Garnish with raspberries on a stirrer.



Ritz Fizz
1/2 shot amaretto
1/2 shot blue curacao
1/2 shot lime juice
Top up with champagne

Pour all ingredients into a chilled glass and lightly stir. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Damask and Tiffany Blue Invite

I got the inspiration off of another blog (sorry, don't remember which one) and I designed it in powerpoint. I'm going to get it printed at VistaPrint.

What does everyone think? Any changes I should make?

Paper Rosettes

I found these gorgeous paper rosettes on My DIY Wedding Day and I thought they were so cute and so easy to make. I think I might hang them from the trees at our cocktail hour reception.

Willow Pond Plantation Monticello, FL

I went out to look at Willow Pond today (for the second time) to see if my feelings have changed about it. I'm not in love with it in the daytime, but looking at pictures of a wedding at night there, I love it.

Pros:
- Have the venue the entire day 10am - 2am
- Ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all at the same location
- Big reception area
- Has a built in bar
- Can bring in own bar and bartender
- Beautiful ceremony site.

Cons:
- Rustic. I'm having a hard time picturing hosting a more formal event there, even though the lady says they host them all the time.
- Cocktail hour location is dirt
- If it rains, we have to move our ceremony into the reception area.
- We have no leeway in our budget in case of any foreseen expenses.


Here's some pictures I took while I was there today.

Ceremony site. I would walk across the bridge and the we would get married under the gazebo. I would put an aisle runner across the bridge.


Here's where we'd hold the cocktail reception. J mentioned that we could put some tables outside so people would have a place to sit and mingle. There's a back patio, but I haven't seen how big it is. That ramp in the back of the building is a walk-up to the bar. Guests will be able to get served drinks inside and outside.


The fireplace works which is really nice. The big lights dim and they turn on the Christmas lights which are all along the roof and around all the poles. We would put the head table right in front of the fireplace.
The signs in this picture are one of the qualms I have about the location. They are way too rustic for a semi-formal reception. I'm thinking maybe I could drape tulle over them so that they wouldn't be visible.
Here's the built in bar. I would probably drape some tulle over this too to make it a little fancier.

What are your opinions? Any other ideas of how I could dress up the space?

New Wedding Date: March 27, 2010

It looks like our new wedding date is going to be March 27, 2010. My DJ, photog, and new venue are all available for that date. We were hoping for April 10th, but our photographer is booked. Darn! Oh well. I'm happy with the 27th. It's at least one week closer to our honeymoon.