Laurie & Kyle 1/16/10 Wedding PJ **TR Started Beach Party & Bio Bay Up**

[LLLBelle]

Okay I have a bit of an update. . .kind of

We talked to our wedding planner this evening. I was hoping I would feel totally relieved, but I'm just in an "eh" kind of mood since there are still some things to work out. We are keeping the villa, which we wanted to anyway, plus the contract is iron clad and we would lose a bit of money even trying to get out of it.

It just seems like we save a little, then there are other little things that are added on. However, we did make some progress, so that's always good.

I was actually leaning towards using fake "real touch" flowers to save some money. However, my wedding planner doesn't think they work well in the carribean. She said it has nothing to do with money or any of that, she just said that since you are surrounded by so many flowers that fake flowers look "more fake" so to speak. So I'm waiting for her to requote our flowers and that's where I left it. I did get my quote from the other real touch flower lady I was working with and it was reasonable about 317 plus shipping, so about 340 or so for a bridal bouquet, MOH bouquet, 3 mom bouquets, and 4 bouts.

So we did decide on our Welcome Party, we're going to have simple sandwiches, wraps, and some water and sodas. We are going to have it in our villa to get our monies worth and it will save having it there instead of a restaurant.

We also ordered a beach pack for the beach party with some blow ups, beach umbrellas, volley ball and such.

I think we have decided to cancel our couples massage to save some money and to forego the beach towels. It sucks, but it will be perfectly fine, guest won't miss the towels if they never knew they were going to be there.

Overall, I suppose I feel a little better, but we still have some things to figure out. We really really need to get our invitations out, so that is the project of the week.

 

[ghoulish delight]

It would seem as though you and I are in the same boat at the moment. Trying to remain within budget, and not go too overboard! I think you've done a great job managing to plan a beautiful wedding while being frugal! I, however, have been planning a bit blindly. It wasn't until I got hit with the actual numbers today by our Disney WC that I freaked out.

Everything will be fantastic! I'm sure of it! And hopefully you'll find other ways to make it all work out for the best.

Just be sure to keep us updated!

 

[LLLBelle]

It would seem as though you and I are in the same boat at the moment. Trying to remain within budget, and not go too overboard! I think you've done a great job managing to plan a beautiful wedding while being frugal! I, however, have been planning a bit blindly. It wasn't until I got hit with the actual numbers today by our Disney WC that I freaked out.

Everything will be fantastic! I'm sure of it! And hopefully you'll find other ways to make it all work out for the best.

Just be sure to keep us updated!

It just sucks my dear, money issues are always difficult. We ended up with an additional $1700 on our plate from two ex-wedding party-ers (or will remain nameless ) Although my parents have graciously offered to help soften the burden a bit, on top of what they have already given us. They are going to stay with us in the house along with my grandparents. I just love that most of the family and guest will be right next to each other, it really ended up working out.

But overall, what this whole thing has reminded me, is that no matter if we have beach towels, or a massage, or any other minor things, 10 years from now it will be Kyle and I and none of that will matter. We will have a beautiful wedding, I can't wait!

 

[tiggersam00]

I think you made the right choice about the MOH situation Lauire, and how awesome that your mom is so excited about the "new job" lol! I bet it will be amazing.

The beach kit and welcome party sound like they are going to be a blast btw! What a great way to say "Hi, welocme to paradise" ya know, perfect! Now, flowers, I can understand her point about the looking "more" fake, but I think it is your call. My friend just got married in the Bahamas and had fake flowers and they looked totally real, I will try and send you the pics so you can compare. She got the real touch ones too. So I think eithier way your fine

 

[LLLBelle]

I think you made the right choice about the MOH situation Lauire, and how awesome that your mom is so excited about the "new job" lol! I bet it will be amazing.

The beach kit and welcome party sound like they are going to be a blast btw! What a great way to say "Hi, welocme to paradise" ya know, perfect! Now, flowers, I can understand her point about the looking "more" fake, but I think it is your call. My friend just got married in the Bahamas and had fake flowers and they looked totally real, I will try and send you the pics so you can compare. She got the real touch ones too. So I think eithier way your fine

I agree, my mom is really excited. She's coming out to AZ in three weeks!! And she has only seen the wedding stuff through a "secret" photo album through picasa that I made for her, so it will be nice to do all the wedding stuff while she's here.

I get more and more excited about the wedding. It may not be Disney, but I get a beach wedding and a Disneymoon, so I'm not complaining

As far as the flowers, I was totally content with real flowers, until she gave me the initial quote. I think I would lean towards real, I just didn't want to have to compromise to fit the price tag, instead of what I wanted. So I'm going to wait to see what her re-quote is before I make a final decision. If she says it will be $500 or more for 1 bridal bouquet, 3 mom bouquets, and 4 bouts, and petals, I'm going the other way, real it shouldn't be over $400 and I think that is high when I can get more going with the real touch, but we shall see.

 

[tiggersam00]

yay it shouldn't be more then tat I agree, I say eithier way your getting married in paradise and then disneymooning... who cares about flowers anyways lol! Just Kidding! I'm sure whichever way will be awesome, keep us posted Lauire

 

[princess22]

Sorry about the MOH, but everything worked out in the end which is great! Your wedding location is gorgeous. And I'm in love with your dress! can't wait to read more!

 

[LLLBelle]

Sorry about the MOH, but everything worked out in the end which is great! Your wedding location is gorgeous. And I'm in love with your dress! can't wait to read more!

It's for the best and I'm relieved that it happened now. Thank you! I love the villa and my dress I go for my first fitting in 3 weeks. . .I can't wait!

 

[LLLBelle]

From all that has been going on I thought I would post some pics for all my Dis'ers:

These are the Save-the-Dates I made when we were having our DCL wedding

There as a magnet attached to the inside.

These are the Save-the-Dates, take two, we were really good at making them by this point:

 

[LLLBelle]

These are my shoes, I love the silver ones, they are really comfortable, but the white ones go with my dress so I may have to find an outfit that goes with the silver ones for the bridal shower. I may get the same flats Anjanette did but in fushia for the reception, but I'm debating

These are the flower girl "baskets" I just need to find something to class them up a bit, I'm just not sure what yet. I'm debating if I should get something else, but I don't want to spend $40 for something they will hold for 5 minutes

I love this cake topper, I just had a thought though, our cake icing is white and the topper is off white. Not sure if that's going to look weird or not.

 

[princess22]

OMG your save the dates are adorable (both of them) You did an amazing job on them. That cake topper is adorable! Oh, and flower girl baskets, I got a really cute one at Wal mart for like 10 bucks, it came with the ring bearer pillow also! It was on sale, it was a martha stewart one. I think the ones you have now are very cute, it will look great at your wedding.

 

[ghoulish delight]

Those shoes are awesome, Laurie! And if you want comfy AND cute, then I definitely recommend those flats for your reception! They do a pretty good job at being both, I believe. Hehe.

Hmm, I wish I was much more crafty! My idea for jazzing up the FG baskets would be to put your guys' monogram in sparkly lettering on the front. Or add some ribbon or seashells with glitter on them? Depending on the look you're after... Sorry! Wish I could help you more with it hon!

That cake topper is very romantic! As for the coloring, I don't think it would matter much but you could always tell your baker the color of your topper is off white so they have a heads up. Or, maybe you could consider putting a splash of color throughout the cake; have the flat part where the topper goes be a different color so the off white on white wouldn't be noticeable? Again, just throwing out ideas!

 

[PrincessinLuv]

You're dress is beautiful! And I love your color theme, its going to be gorgeous especially in such a great location. And the BM dresses are beautiful as well, you've done such a great job!! Can't wait to see the final result. *crosses fingers* Hope you have no issues with losing to much weight for the dress

 

[LLLBelle]

OMG your save the dates are adorable (both of them) You did an amazing job on them. That cake topper is adorable! Oh, and flower girl baskets, I got a really cute one at Wal mart for like 10 bucks, it came with the ring bearer pillow also! It was on sale, it was a martha stewart one. I think the ones you have now are very cute, it will look great at your wedding.

Thank you!! I'm hoping maybe one of the lovely disney brides will get some ideas from the disney ones, so that thought I would post it as well I got the buckets from Michaels from about $3-4 (I can't remember exactly), but I still think I'll go with them, at least for now

Those shoes are awesome, Laurie! And if you want comfy AND cute, then I definitely recommend those flats for your reception! They do a pretty good job at being both, I believe. Hehe.

Hmm, I wish I was much more crafty! My idea for jazzing up the FG baskets would be to put your guys' monogram in sparkly lettering on the front. Or add some ribbon or seashells with glitter on them? Depending on the look you're after... Sorry! Wish I could help you more with it hon!

That cake topper is very romantic! As for the coloring, I don't think it would matter much but you could always tell your baker the color of your topper is off white so they have a heads up. Or, maybe you could consider putting a splash of color throughout the cake; have the flat part where the topper goes be a different color so the off white on white wouldn't be noticeable? Again, just throwing out ideas!

I go back and forth about the flats, but I still have time! I do like them though

I have tried the ribbon, it does not go well with the grassy stuff on it. Kyle is totally against seashells, I did buy some sand dollars and white star fish, and he argued that they were shells (I wanted them on the reception tables), but the sand dollars may look cute on the buckets. I may save the project for when my mom gets here in 2 1/2 weeks!

Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't remember if we told the cake lady to make it a pale pink (it's going to be a strawberry cake on top, then cupcakes for the rest of the cake) I'll have to check, thanks for reminding me

You're dress is beautiful! And I love your color theme, its going to be gorgeous especially in such a great location. And the BM dresses are beautiful as well, you've done such a great job!! Can't wait to see the final result. *crosses fingers* Hope you have no issues with losing to much weight for the dress

Thanks for reading!

Thank you! I love it. Only 2 1/2 weeks until my first fitting. I'm looking into finding a good alterationist (not sure if that's what they are called) to work on the dress, if need be, my wedding planner said they can take it in more than the bridal shop will and are usually cheaper.

 

[LLLBelle]

They are finally done! It was a very looong day Sunday putting everything together, but they came out beautiful (if I do say so myself )

Apparently you can invite Mickey and Minnie, we're also sending one to the President and you supposedly get a letter, or something back, so I figured it was worth a try.

The petal envelopes were my favorite, I did not want to compromise on, I love them!

We're adding a little song request card with the invitation to get early requests and to get some ideas for reception songs, since the dj might not have all the songs and we can be prepared before we leave.

There is a little hidden mickey in the corner of the design, Kyle just thought I was weird for noticing, but it made me smile

 

[ghoulish delight]

OMG!!! Did you make your invites yourself?! They are gorgeous!

How cute about inviting Mickey and Minnie! What happens when you send them it? Do you get something back like with the president?

P.S. I like the sand dollar idea! That would be adorable!

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Beautiful!!!

 

[tiggersam00]

I love love love the invites! The petal envelopes are really pretty! Did you make them or order them?

 

[LLLBelle]

OMG!!! Did you make your invites yourself?! They are gorgeous!

How cute about inviting Mickey and Minnie! What happens when you send them it? Do you get something back like with the president?

P.S. I like the sand dollar idea! That would be adorable!

Thank you! It was a group effort. I did the design and put everything together and Kyle cut most of the paper. It was very tedious and many hours for 25 invites, and they may not be perfect, but I love them

I found the Mickey and Minnie thing on a thread somewhere on Dis. Apparently, you can send it to the world and land, the only thing I have heard is that Disneyland sends a certificate and a pin, and WDW is a certificate. I thought it was a cute idea and will make a cute keepsake. I have the addresses for all three, if any one would like them.

Beautiful!!!

Thank you!

I love love love the invites! The petal envelopes are really pretty! Did you make them or order them?

Thank you! I ordered the petals and all the paper from http://paperandmore.com/ they do not have the widest color selection, but I love the quality of their paper. You can not really tell in the photos, but the envelopes are a metallic and they shimmer a bit.

I just didn't see the point in paying a lot for invites, I think if I priced my invites, per paper, it was about $50 or less for everything (not including time and labor )

 

[MainStMandy]

OMG they are just beautiful!! I am now rethinking doing my own...maybe I should just pay someone!! Great job!!