PhotoBooths, Cupcakes, and more...

Hi y'all! It's been a while since I updated, so there is much to share!

First, we officially secured our location which was a huge first step. We also now have an official wedding website. I think I've finalized our invitation design, but I'm going to keep that a secret until they're actually sent out. I have to save some moments as a surprise!!!

My mom and I went to another bridal expo a few weekends ago and successfully picked a DJ (Complete Music) and a photobooth vendor (KC PhotoBooth). I'm super excited about both of them. I've had several conversations with each vendor and just feel they were the perfect match for our needs.

I think the PhotoBooth will be the hit of the wedding. I hope it is packed all night long! Plus, KC PhotoBooth gives each guest their picture in a keepsake holder with ribbons (in my wedding colors).

I a

m also pretty sure we've found our photographer. So, all we need to do is find our caterer, rental items, and videographer!

Eric and I met with the vendor we thought we'd use for out cupcake tier, and I fell in love with their flavors, but Eric fell out of love with their cost. They had pomegranate flavored cupcakes which were DIVINE! Eric hasn't been super involved in the research process on costs, so I'm worried that he doesn't understand how much cakes/cupcakes cost. Right now, though, he wants us to make the cupcakes. I use the word "us" loosely because I will bet a million dollars that he doesn't make a single cupcake himself.

If we do end up making our own cupcakes, though, I definitely want to use these genius cupcake toppers from Cupcake Caps. How adorable are they?! They even customize the cupcakes so if I wanted different colors or designs, they will work with me. What do you think?

Need opinions on the centerpiece debate: flowerpot or tier?

Okay, so I had totally settled on a cupcake tier at each table to double as a centerpiece and allow everyone to have their cupcakes without having to go to the cake table.

Then I realized a slight

problem. The cupcake tiers I bought (at like $10 each) held 13 cupcakes, and I planned to put 12 cupcakes on it and a candle on the top spot. Well, there are only 8 people at each table, so I'd have to buy 50% more cupcakes than necessary (plus the cupcakes I want

at the actual cake table for pics). Budget-wise this will be cupcake overload.

Then, I just saw these pictures on http://iheartcuppycakes.com and LOVE this idea. It will take more work on my part to put it all together, but I bet the supplies are cheaper than the real cupcake tiers, and I have more control over how many cupcakes are used!

The cupcake pot in the picture even uses my colors, which is super cool. So, I need your help...traditional cupcake tier or flower pots?

Can Someone Please Explain to Me the Wedding Jump Picture?

There are many wedding traditions that I just don't understand (and incidentally won't do).  Today let's focus on the Jump Picture.  It's a simple question- "why?"  I mean, really, WHY?

No one looks good in the jump picture.  Every bride I know has had a hard time picking out which pictures they want printed from the thousands of pics taken, and the jump picture never makes the cut.

Is it a sadistic way for photographers to get back at an annoying bridal party?  "When I say jump, you say 'how high?'"

I can guarantee that there will be no jump picture in my wedding album.  I will be sure to write that into my photographer's contract.

365 days and counting....YIKES!!!!

Happy May Day and welcome to my revelation that in exactly 365 days, I will be Mrs. Harris.  YIKES!!!

It just occurred to me that no matter how little I do to advance the planning of the wedding, the days keep ticking away.  

Now that I'm all moved into my new place, I should probably get back to work on the wedding planning.

For now, I'll leave you with a wicked awesome cake pic I found.  I like anything in my wedding colors....

Eye Candy Tuesday: Cupcakes, Dresses, Hair, and Flowers

I have a little bit too much on my plate these days between a new product launch at work, looking for a place to live, and planning the wedding- things have become a bit stressful unnecessarily (but that's a whole different blog post).

Nevertheless, in my minuscule free time I've still managed to steal some photos that represent ideas I'm considering.  That being said, it isn't entirely unlikely that Eric and I won't make a surprise trip to Vegas with a few select guests to elope.  That idea has become more and more attractive in the past 2 weeks.

So, here are more cupcake pictures that have caught my eye, especially the first one since it's in my colors.  I like the actual cupcake frosting on the second one.

Next, here are pics of the hair style I like.  I want the updo a little higher- more Audrey Hepburn-style and the veil will be attached under the bun.

Here's a cool photo that impressed me- I like artistic shots like this:

I am still settled on the black tea-length dresses in different styles for each chick.  Here are more pictures of dresses using that idea.  

Finally, I still like the idea of each chick carrying a different kind of flower in their bouquet.  Here's a great example, since the flowers in my wedding will be pink too.

May Day Wedding = May Pole?

This weekend I went to my grandparents house to celebrate Easter and my uncle's birthday.  I found out that my grandma was upset that I hadn't invited her to any bridal expos yet.  I tried to explain that those were a very bad idea for her.  Besides the fact that there is a ton of walking, and she is not healthy enough to make it through the whole place, she doesn't understand how aggressive brides are.  Bringing her would be a nightmare.  Regardless, she doesn't understand and is feeling left out (hence my original suggestion of not telling her I'm getting married until a week before- I hate this kind of drama).

She had MANY suggestions- white gloves opera gloves (no!), keeping the fact that I want to wear cowboy boots or sneakers a secret (no!), veil over my face (no!), various random family members being included in the bridal party (no!), the style of the flower girl dresses (no!), and my personal favorite- a May Pole (since the wedding will be on May 1st)!

I'm not saying this isn't a cute idea for some weddings...but I'm kind of a modern/contemporary girl and that just seems a little...well...pagan!!!  

Here's the thing, I wouldn't be 100% opposed to it if it were outside, and only meant to entertain the kids.  However, I know exactly how this will go down.  "Bre/Eric, go stand by the May Pole so I can take a picture."  NOPE, not happenin!

So, I asked some people what they thought and got some good responses.  The one I liked most was a maypole/tether ball pole.  Every time my grandma asks me for a picture by the may pole, she'll have to play me for it.  

This prompted another idea.  Instead of tossing the bouquet, I am now envisioning a dodge ball elimination to find the next single gal to get married.  Perfect!

Even better- one of my bridesmaids responded:  "Ribbons?  Ribbons are for sissies!"  And THAT is why she's a bridesmaid ladies and gentlemen!

My colors

Stroke of wedding GENIUS!!! Webcams, Twitter, and Photo Booths

I've been toying with the idea of having a webcam set up for the wedding and reception basically since I got engaged.  I still think it's a genius idea since both Eric and I have family and friends we know won't be able to make the trip to our wedding.

I think it would be so much fun to Ustream the whole thing.

By now you all know how much I LOVE photo booths (i.e. here and here).  I was basically sold on using KC Photo Booth for my photo booth vendor, until a recent wedding expo.  I met with Photo Booths & More of Shawnee, Kansas and fell in love with their services.  In addition to the standard stuff (complimentary guestbook and unlimited photos) they can also set up a projector and flash images taken from the photo booth on the wall for all to see in real time.  I love the idea of guests having constant entertainment throughout the reception watching what's happening in the booth.  

That also confirms that we will use a photobooth theme for our Save The Date magnets.  Here are some examples below.

We may even use the photo booth theme for our thank you notes.  Who knows?

I also think it would be super cool for someone to Live Tweet the wedding and the tweets would be displayed via projector for all guests to see.  

Sample tweets:

@groomsmen1 moving in on @singlebridesmaid- predicting rejection in 3...2...1...

Who knew @grannyh could do the chicken dance- or wait, @thebride just informed me she was trying to samba.

@motb is now reporting she can't feel her teeth.  What she doesn't know is the bartender has been giving her vodka tonics without vodka for hours...

@sweetflowergirl2 still asking @tattoodcousin why he colored on his arms

@sweetflowergirl1 secretly making her 4th trip to the cupcake table.  @thebride is denying responsibility for her niece throwing up from too many sweets this time.

Slightly surprised that 3year old @ringbearer is requesting the DJ play his favorite song- Paradise City by Guns N Roses.  MVP guest- @ringbearer

Tough competition for least impressed with their spouse's drinking- @bridesisinlaw or @fotb.  @fotb calling for last call- wait, can you shut down the bar in the first hour of the reception

Inside this bride's head...and more eye candy

I've been collecting pictures from wedding blogs and these are things I'd love to adapt for my wedding.

First, this is the style of invitation I plan to use.  This will be very DIY, but I think they will turn out great.  I plan to use one of my two wedding monograms on the invitation.  I love how the ribbon makes a little pocket for the invitation inserts.  Of course, the invitations will use my colors (watermelon, tangerine and lime).

These are the two monograms.  The black and white one will be on the main part of the invitation and also printed on things like napkins, matchbooks, etc.  The second monogram will be used on the front of the invitation packet, menu card, and also as a sticker on the envelope flap.

Next, the ceremony- these are things I'd like to incorproate into the decor for my outside wedding.

If it's not windy, I'd love to have rose petals line the aisle.  This is more of a "like to have" and will be a last minute decision, but I think it makes a plain outdoor ceremony more colorful.

Alternatively, these lantern/flower ball hangers would be a nice colorful addition in lieu of flower petals.

Or, I could wrap flowers like on the chairs.  This is cute, and I could definitely use inexpensive fake flowers.

Finally, I don't want a cheesy white lattice trellis (like this one).  I'd prefer something more natural with lantern/crystal embellishments like the picture below.

I've written about bouquet wraps before, but this one is so over the top that I love it.  The secong picture is what my actual bouquet will look like- small, simple white roses with pink tips- no greenery or fillers.  This could be my wrap, and my chicks could have wraps like in the second picture.  I love the idea of each girl having their bouquet wrap match their own color (Erika- watermelon; Francie- lime; Leeana- Tangerine).

Now, on to the reception.  I am pretty sure we have decided on a location, which you can see here.  It's a great simple room, which I want to punch up with these hanging lanterns.  I think this will give some dimension and a moden flair.  The only thing I haven't decided yet is whether I will use all white lanterns or white and some of my wedding colors.

Those lanterns could also be used at the ceremony.

I don't plan to have any floral centerpieces, but I thought these puff balls are cute.  Martha Stewart has a DIY kit to make cute tissue poms.  I think we could make some to dress up the head table.

The table centerpieces will be a cupcake tree surrounded by sprinkled crystals and votives.

I also like the way these napkins wrap to hold the menu.  I also love the way the table looks in the last picture.  Lacing the ribbons on each table would be a pain, but would really dress it all up.

Also, these are the chair covers I will use.  The covers will be black, and the satin wraps will be pink, green and tangerine.  

I'm not a big fan of large flower arrangements, but I think cute small vases with a single gerbera daisy in each one would be cute on random tables.

Eye Candy Tuesday

A few more details...

My mom got me this gorgeous bracelet as my something blue.  I LOVE it!!!

This is the fabric I will use to make the wraps for my chicks.  The colors don't come out well with my digital camera, but you get the idea.

Our toasting glasses.  I love the bling around the stem.

The ring bearer pillow.

Flower girl baskets.  These are actually Easter baskets, but I LOVE them.  I love the colored flowers that match the wedding colors.

And just for fun, these are my favorite shoes ever.  They are my cowboy boots and I'm still considering wearing these at some point duing the wedding day.

My photo inspiration board

If you click the image, you can see a larger version of the mosaic.

Breaking the Rules

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I hate the rules associated with weddings. As an ISTJ (for you MBTI-educated readers) I love rules that make sense, but I hate rules that someone with the last name Post created for the sake of making weddings more difficult.

The first rule I broke was how I announced my engagement. I actually emailed the pic of my ring to my mom, dad, and brother. Emily Post would roll over in her grave! I thought it was a really fun way to announce my engagement. I regularly tell them to check their email for a fun picture of my dog or Eric's nephew, so I'm sure they expected something relatively unimportant- and then BAM! there's my ring! I thought that was fantastic!

Then, I did call a few close friends, but for the most part people found out about my engagement through my Facebook/Myspace status, Twitter update, or blog. Gasp- how impersonal! Whatever.

Next, I really annoyed my dress consultant at David's Bridal when I told her I didn't want to try on more than 1 dress. I found the dress I liked online, called to see if they had it in the store, and only wanted to try on that one dress. If that wasn't bad enough, I rocked her world when I told her I wasn't going to wear a petticoat (that is- after she explained what a petticoat was). They're heavy and scratchy, and I'm having none of that! "But you HAVE TO" she said. Says who? That's just obnoxious. If I can't use the restroom on my own, it's not a dress I will wear. I guess that's my own personal wedding rule!

And what's the deal with weddings having themes these days? I don't get it. When people ask me the theme of my wedding I say- "Uh, marriage!" I guess that's a better answer than "5 minute ceremony then party until my mom can't feel her teeth!"

What other rules am I breaking?

• I'm not wearing white shoes (actually right now I'm a 3-shoe bride and none of them will be white)
• I'm not using flowers in my centerpiece
• My bridemaids are wearing whatever they want
• I would totally have my dogs involved in the wedding if I thought someone could keep them semi-under control
• My dude is not wearing a flower on his lapel
• I'm not having a traditional cake
• I'm not wearing a garter
• I think my something old should be my dress since I bought it a full 16 months before the wedding day.
• I'm not getting married in a church

You know what, though?! Who cares!? My wedding will be perfect no matter what the details are because it means I'm getting married! Who cares about napkin rings, chair covers, and wedding programs compared to the fact that I'm going to have to call Eric my husband!!! Forget the rules, I'm just going to have fun!

GOT.TO.HAVE.IT!!!!

Of course when you become a bride, you must wear the obligatory white tank/hoodie with "bride" written in rhinestones on the chest. It's a rule.

However, this bride is anti-rules. That's so rockstar. In fact, I'm a total Rock Star. I'm Rock Star in a way that is so NOT Rock Star. I only know of rock bands because my fiance tortures me with them on road trips. I know a few rock songs because I kick so much ass on the drums on Rock Band for the XBOX 360. I'm so Rock Star that I would wear a crisp white button up blouse with a cardigan tied over my shoulders to a rock concert. That's right...I'm so not Rock Star that I actually AM Rock Star!!! Get it!

So, I must have this bridal wear from http://getmarried.com/

Bride Revelation: Returns = More Shopping

I have an insatiable urge to buy the little items necessary for the wedding so I can check them off of the list. While this has gone relatively well so far (shoes, cake topper, purse, flower girl gifts, etc) there have been a few returns as well.

I bought a super cheap veil and quickly realized a veil is not something you go super cheap on. I found my ultimate veil....but $260 is out of my price range, so I'm hitting the wedding classified daily hoping to strike a deal on a used veil (does that count as something old or borrowed?).

While I liked the jewelry I bought for myself in my purchase frenzy last month, I've decided to send it all back and start over. My mom surprised me with this amazing diamond vintage bracelet cuff and it is amazing! However, it doesn't go with the jewelry I purchased previously. So, it's going back and.....I get to shop all over again!!!!! YEA!!!!! Now I'm looking for matching vintage earrings, necklace, and hair comb.

Here is the bracelet. How awesome is that?

Let the games begin again!!!

Dresses, Dresses, Dresses....and Flowers and Ties and Shoes...

On Sunday, I will have ONLY 14 months left until my wedding! Ha! Time is ticking! Just kidding!

I am really enjoying the wedding planning, actually. Once I made some of the basic decisions, I have just been having fun and stopped being stressed. I'm just excited to be getting married. Everything will fall into place in due time!

So, I was chatting with my "Chick of Honor" today (I hate the words Bridesmaids and Maid/Matron of Honor...all of my girls will be chicks!). I had already decided that each of the girls will pick out their own tea-length black dress for the wedding. I want each girl to wear a style that suits them the best. I'm pretty sure 2 of my 3 chicks already have black tea length dresses, so hopefully this will be a nice cost saver since they both live out of town.

Here is a picture example of what I imagine my chicks and I will look like.

I plan to add some color by giving each girl a satin wrap in the wedding colors. Each one will wear one of the colors (watermelon, tangerine, and lime). Then, I also plan to make jewelry for each girl in their color (which is my new hobby). I thought this would be a fun, personalized gift and if they want to wear it that day they can (if not no biggie- my feelings would never be hurt).

Here is the kind of jewelry I want to make:

Here a picture of girls in matching dresses with different colored wraps.

I also think it would be cute if each girl carried a different kind of flower. For instance, my Chick of Honor likes Hydrangeas. One Chick likes tulips. Each chick could carry that flower in pink. I just like the idea of my chicks being individuals, not wearing a uniform like most bridesmaids!

Finally, I like the idea of each Dude (no longer called groomsmen) either wearing a tie in the color of the wedding (each dude would have a different color) or ties of different patterns incorporating the colors of the wedding. I'm not sure I am explaining that well, so here are some example pictures.

I would actually be totally cool with the dudes wearing fun shoes. I know my parents wouldn't like the idea, but I think these pictures are cute! I think the Ring Bearer should wear sneakers too!





My fiance also veto'd wearing a boutonierre. He said real men don't wear flowers, and I said "Sweet, that frees up the budget for cuter shoes for me!"

Finally, when it comes to my flower girls, I want cute, sweet little girl dresses. I hate the flower girl dresses that make little girls look older. My wedding will not be Toddlers and Tiaras. I want my nieces to be little girls for as long as possible! I dread the day when they learn about Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, and High School Musical. I vote for Hello Kitty and Strawberry Shortcake forever! Anyway, I like the idea of the girls wearing a soft pink colored dress or a white dress with a watermelon bow around the waist. Here are some cute ones. Oh, and my girls will not be wearing tiaras or a ring of flowers on their head. Who started that tradition?

We may have a venue!

Yes!  We may have a venue!  This is the Elk's Lodge in Blue Springs.  Their downstairs is huge and very nice and clean!  

Here is a picture standing by the windows and looking toward the back of the room.

Here is a picture looking the opposite way.

Here is a little patio area off the side of the room for all of the smokers!  :)

This is the view out of the window and where the ceremony will likely be held.  It's not pretty in the wintertime, but by May it will be nice and green!

It's a pretty large room!  Hopefully we can fill it up!

Three more reasons for a Photobooth at my wedding!

Even if the only people who get in the booth are me and my mom...the photos will be priceless just like these!  My mom is so freaking cute!  We took these at a recent wedding expo in Kansas City.  I was super sick and we only had an hour to get through the whole show, but nothing was going to stop the two of us from hopping in for some pics!  The KC Photobooth chicks know us by name now!!!

Garter Blackberry Holder? I'm in heaven!!!

As many of you know, I've been toying with the idea of wearing cowboy boots for at least some portion of the wedding. Why? Because I can.

Anyway, I've been saving cute pics of brides wearing cowboy boots to show my mom (who isn't really buying in to the idea yet). Today, I came across this one on Weddingbee. This is Mrs. Cherry Pie and her cute boots...and wait, what's that on her garter? It may be to hold a flask, but I could TOTALLY turn that into a holder for my Blackberry! Twitter problem solved...I will be live-tweeting my wedding day, y'all!

New Dresses for Bridesmaids!

Hi Bridesmaids! I know you loved the idea of picking out your own black tea-length dresses, but I've decided that is just too simple.

I think one of these 2 dresses is the way to go. You know, because you can totally wear them again!!! :) and how about a Sara Jessica Parker/Sex and the City style dead bird on your head. It's very in!!! Oh...what about Miss America-sized tiaras? Your choice.

New Monogram/Wedding Logos

New wedding monograms/logos to choose from! Which ones do you like best?

#1- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#2- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#3- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#4- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#5- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#6- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#7 - http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#8- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#9- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/



#10- http://www.forthemodernbride.com/

#11- www.eluckydesigns.com

#12- www.eluckydesigns.com

#13- www.eluckydesigns.com



#14- www.eluckydesigns.com

#15- www.eluckydesigns.com

#16- Calligraphics on Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6178476

#17- PittBerry on Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6335793

Cupcake Success #2- Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a MUST!

I found his great blog called How to Eat a Cupcake and am in LOVE with their Cookie Dough Cupcakes. They couldn't be more simple or delicious if they tried!

I actually didn't use the recipe on the site, though. I decided to be sort of Sandra Lee and make my own Semi-Homemade recipe. I just got a regular milk chocolate cupcake mix and dropped one of those pre-portioned frozen cookie dough packages and dropped one ball of cookie dough in each cupcake.

These cupcakes are phenomenal! They will definitely be in my wedding cupcake tier!

Check out the pictures from the How to Eat a Cupcake site. Drooling yet?

Monogram Choices

I decided I want a really cool artistic monogram to be the theme for our wedding. I found a really cool site where you sumbit your details, and an artist creates monograms for you for a fee. The site is Lucky Designs, and here are the ones I received last week. The colors should all be Watermelon, Tangerine, and Lime so I'm not sure why two of them are in shades of blue...but nonetheless I think they're a great start! Which one is your favorite?

Quick update: Ugly shoes and Hello Kitty guns

The results of my spending spree last week have begun arriving at my door. So far, I have received my cake topper, cake server and knife, disposable cameras, blue anklet, rhinestone headband, flower girl coloring books, favor boxes, thank you notes, wedding party casual attire, slipper shoes, purse, veil, necklace and earrings.

I already updated you on the veil. That was wedding purchase lesson learned #1. That is happily crumpled in the bag it came in and on it's way back to California. I can't believe how expensive veils are. I may ask around my friends and hope that will be my something borrowed, because I can't imagine spending $100 on a piece of tulle!!!

I also had to send back the favor boxes and thank you notes. I switched the theme (if you can call it that) from double hearts to an artistic monogram. I have a few extremely talented friends trying their artistic abilities on creating a monogram. I also paid an artist online to create 6 monograms for me (more on that in a future post). So, the double-heart thank you notes had to go back.

The favor boxes had to be returned because I spoke with someone at my favorite local candle store (The Waxman) and they sold me on giving away votives in my wedding colors shrinkwrapped with a special note inside (probably the monogram we select).

Unfortunately, Eric is totally sold on his tree sappling idea. I'm not opposed to the idea...I just think it sounds like a logistical nightmare. However, it would be cool to plant some and tell our kids we planted that tree the day we got married!

I've almost given up on finding cute bridal shoes. White shoes are so ugly....as in U G L Y, you ain't got no alibi....you UGLY!!! The dyeable ones are obnoxious and I'm hoping I can get a heel that won't make me end up in the emergency room. So...I'm giving up on white shoes and either going for cowboy boots, blue, pink, or zebra print. It's the unconventional part of this very conventional bride. I did get my little ballet slippers. They're ugly too...but way too comfortable to send back. If only adidas made wedding sneakers.

So, all is going well since the spending spree of Jan '09. This weekend is Valentine's Day and Eric and I will be spending it just like any normal newly engaged couple- at a gun show! That's right! I'm thinking about becoming a gun owner. Both Eric and I plan to apply for our Conceal and Carry License and are window shopping for guns this weekend. In case you didn't catch my FaceBook update- I'm a badass shooter. First 10 shots were all inside the bullseye or the next ring out. That was my 2nd day of shooting. My dad and I are checking out the competitive shooting league that meets on Tuesdays. You know, it's my 3rd day of shooting so it's about time to make some money at it!

Here's my big question, though....where can I find one of these?

It's All About the Shoes!

Isn't this a cute idea! I love the idea of my bridesmaids wearing different colored shoes. I hate the whole bridesmaids in uniform thing, so I've asked each of them to wear a black tea-length gown that they like. I'd rather them be beautiful and comfortable than uniform! So, why not wear fun, distinct shoes too?

I am thinking of wearing some sassy blue shoes, and then each of them could pick one of the wedding colors and find shoes to match (watermelon, tangerine, and lime). Fun!!!

Veil Fail

Lesson learned- never buy a veil from eBay. That bad boy barely made it to my house before it was send right back out by the Fedex guy. FAIL!

Fiancee Drives Bride Crazy with Changes

Eric has a brand new genius idea! He'd like us to return the items I already bought for our favors and replace them with these....

He wants us to give away trees from http://www.greenworldproject.net/! Wait....What? Yes...trees. No, that won't be a packing/setup nightmare!!! I get it- he works for a lawncare company and arguably his adult career has centered around lawns/trees/environment...but seriously....trees? I don't know. Should I fight this one or give it to him?

More fun details...

I found the perfect topper to my cupcakes. 

These monogram sugar candies are adorable, and will look super cute on top of my cupcakes.  I might try to find a way to incorporate the monogram sugar lollipops too.  We'll see...

If I could afford the lollipop invitations, I would totally do that too.  Damn budget!  :)

All of these are available at http://www.wonderfulgraffitiwedding.com

Wedding Planner Organizer

As you know by now, I'm an over-planner.  I plan for everything.  I analyze everything with spreadsheets instead of rudimentary pro-con lists.  This trait can be both a blessing and a curse at times, but in wedding planning I believe it will be a blessing.

One of my favorite "go-with-the-flow/who-needs-a-plan?" friends sent me a great engagement gift a few weeks ago, and I have found it to be the most helpful guide to selecting vendors.  She knows how crazy I will get with the details!

This book gives you tons of lists.  Lists of que

stions to ask potential vendors.  Lists of to-do's based on months/weeks left.  Lists of contact information for everyone involved in the 

wedding.  Lists of responsibilities depending on role for the wedding.  Lists of things to bring 

with 

you on the big day.  

It is the greatest wedding planning binder ever.  It is also great when you complement it with 

The Knot's Book of Lists.  These two books go hand in hand, and can guarantee that you will not forget random things like asking your caterer if they supply napkins.  Who thought to ask that?!

Checking the Little Stuff off my List

I got a little trigger happy this weekend and made MANY purchases for the wedding.

As I've read through tons of bridal blogs it seems like everyone does the same thing.  They wait to buy all the little details until the end and then the cost adds up quickly.  Well, I'm doing the opposite.  Since many of the places we're looking at for a venue don't allow you to book until 12 months prior to the date I'm sort of stuck and not able to book the big stuff.

So, this weekend I bargain hunted and bought:

• my veil
• my ballet slippers (shoes 1 of 3 that I will wear that day!)
• my jewelry
• my rhinestone headband
• my purse
• my something blue
• my sixpence for my shoe
• my bridesmaid gifts
• my bridesmaid day of wedding shirts (traditional, cheesy stuff)
• my flower girls' gifts
• my flower girls' day of wedding wear
• flower girl coloring books- to keep them occupied if they get bored
• flower girl baskets
• ring bearer pillow
• ring bearer gift
• favor boxes
• monogram stamp
• monogram cake topper
• toasting flutes
• cake servers
• thank you cards
• and disposable cameras.

I think I did a decent job of buying things on sale.  The disposable cameras are an obnoxious pink, but they were only $2 each, so that was worth it.  My veil was only $17 on eBay.  The other items were more expensive, but were all a good value for the item.

I was immediately less stressed after making those purchases.  I don't know why the little things were making me more anxious than the big decisions...perhaps because there are too many options for things like favors.  I feel very accomplished by having those things crossed off of my to-do list....especially since the wedding is a mere 15 months away!  Ha!!!

Cupcake Dilemmas...

They say it's all downhill after you pick the dress, but I'm finding that to be exactly the opposite of my situation.  If I could just find a venue, then everything else would fall into place.  I have a caterer and bartender all picked out...I just need a freaking venue.

So, instead of dwelling on the things I cannot control at this point, I'm focusing on the other VERY important areas of the wedding....like the cupcakes!!!  I picked up a Betty Crocker Cupcake Recipe book which has the most perfectly decorated cupcakes ever!  Each flavor will have it's own frosting design, so I have some creative liberties here, but what do you think of these first 3 simple designs?  The one with the chocolate heart could also be transformed into an H for our new last name.  

I'm thinking the flavors will be Guava Cupcakes, Chocolate with Caramel filling, Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting, and a Cherry Chip with Butter Cream Frosting.  What do you think?  Do I need another chocolate flavor?  I found one for White Chocolate Strawberries that looked deeelish, but I don't want to have too many fruity cupcakes.  Ahhh....decisions, decisions!