Apparently grad school takes just a little more time during the semester than I anticipated. Hopefully next semester will find me in better command of my time... but I'm back for the winter break with a lovely easy how-to to share. More updates to come, if I'm not too busy visiting more venues!
Centerpieces add that little decorated "touch" to every table in a reception. But most of the time your guests probably won't remember what was there -- what's a money-savvy bride to do? Spend as little as possible, of course!
Look out for good sales, thrift stores, and places you can buy "off" merchandise, in bulk, at lower prices. There are a number of stores that sell items that can be used very easily for centerpieces and other venue decoration. Check with your venue to see what is and isn't allowed; lit candles, confetti, and glitter are among the common banned items, and you don't want to get your heart set on something only to find it's disallowed!
These particular centerpieces are all variations on a theme, using glass vases as the base. For many of them, other pieces of pottery or colored glass works well too; if you want to, experiment by buying just one and playing around with items, colors, and shapes. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can do easily and for very little money.
Variation 1: Sweet Treats
Items needed:
*One large or several smaller glass vases per table
*Small wrapped candies such as Hershey's Kisses
Fill the glass vase(s) with the candy. If you can find candy in your wedding colors, this works particularly well. The best part? This can serve as favors and/or a substitute for the currently-popular "candy bar"! For an added pretty touch, layer a few different colors (or alternate two) like a parfait.
I told you these were easy!
Variation 2: Layered Beauties
Items needed:
*One large or several smaller glass vases per table
*Clear and colored glass "drops" (round, flat-bottomed glass pieces used in crafting) or other colored craft material like sand or glass pebbles
When I was younger, I used to get those craft kits that have colored sand that you layer in a bottle and save for decoration. These work on the same principle. Simply pour in the material you have in the order you like (possible combination: clear, one wedding color, clear, another wedding color, then repeat). You can vary the thickness of the layers too. Experiment until you find a combination that works for you.
Variation 3: Bridesmaids' Specials
I got this idea from a website, but for the life of me I can't remember which one. It's definitely a great option, though. This works best if you have a number of bridesmaids and not too many tables.
Items needed:
*Glass flower vases, one per table
*Bridesmaids' bouquets (after the ceremony, of course!)
Set up the vases on each of the tables you want decorated. After the ceremony, have your bridesmaids either put their whole bouquets in the vases, or break them up into smaller bunches for each table. If you want, you can have a bit of water in the vases to keep them fresher through the rest of the reception.
Variation 4: Hurricane Lamp -- Well, Sort Of
Items needed:
*One large glass vase per table
*Neutral or wedding-color sand
*Several tea lights or one larger candle, in a complementary or matching color
Pour the sand until it fills the vase to a nice height -- depending on the shape of the vase, 1/3 to 1/2 full or more will work. Firmly plant the tea lights or candle into the sand, making sure the flame will be protected by the vase. Done correctly, this should work in a similar manner to a hurricane lamp, but won't be as pricey.
I'm sure there are tons of other variations: use your imagination! Look for later updates on other ridiculously easy centerpieces using other kinds of bases. The possibilities are endless!
And as always, good luck. I'll be scouting out more venue possibilities, and my DF and I want to choose one by the end of the break (end of December). Should be fun :)
Showing posts with label other. Show all posts
Showing posts with label other. Show all posts
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Long-Distance Relationships
One thing that's a little frightening about the changes happening in my life right now is the idea of having to maintain a long-distance relationship with my fiancé. So many relationships crumble in the face of that kind of stress; many people aren't ready to face the particular problems that come with such separation. When I thought we'd be in a LDR before -- going off to grad school somewhere, while he finds a job -- I really was terrified that we wouldn't make it.
Of course, being engaged really does change things. There's a certain kind of emotional security that comes with it. After all, it's a promise in itself, a kind of pre-committment to spend the rest of your life with someone else. It lessens the fear that another person will come along, or they'll be other distractions. You feel good knowing that they really do want to be with you, that it's not just convenient or some kind of game. So we have that -- and really, that's a wonderful feeling.
Still, there are a few things we need to make sure of once I'm several states away. For one thing, I'm not exactly the best of communicators. To me, there's less of a need to talk to my family and friends every single day... but he really loves just talking to me, hearing my voice, and generally reconnecting to me when we're apart. I have to respect that, and in reality it helps me to maintain a great relationship with him as well. Our solution is to set aside time every night -- say at 8:00 p.m. -- when one of us will call, IM, or email the other (he prefers phone calls). It keeps us at a good place, I think, and we don't even have to talk that long. Just saying "hi, how was your day" is a great way to keep an emotional connection.
Trust is also important in this kind of relationship. We've worked hard to build and maintain that kind of trust, and for some people this aspect can be the most difficult of all. In a LDR, it's probably the most critical part of the relationship. You really have to believe that the other person is doing the right thing, all of the time, and that they're being honest and responsible. Without it, many relationships wither and die, or go through very tough times. This ties in to communication, too; great communication can build trust.
Along with those two is the ever-elusive "respect" for the other person in the relationship. It's one of the hardest things to learn, really -- your SO is a different person, with different needs, and the relationship is a dynamic one. Things change, and you not only have to respect that person but the separate "being" that is the relationship. Compromise is key, and while it's easy to say that, it's not always easy to actually do it. Realizing that the person you love has needs that are different from yours is one of the hardest, yet most important, things you can do.
If you can afford it, getting some kind of counseling (premarital or couple's) is actually a great way to reinforce an already great relationship or fix one that has a few problems that need work. Barring that, talking to someone you can trust -- which works best if it's an objective, yet compassionate, third party -- is a way to try to find useful solutions to issues and problems you might be having.
In any case, I'm hoping for the best of luck with my own LDR as I get ready to head off to graduate school. I think it's a great test for us before we actually get married... in a way I think by exposing any weak spots we might have, it enables us to take care of them right away, rather than letting them fester without realizing it. It also lets us try out living on our own for awhile, cooking for ourselves, and generally taking care of our own business because we have to. That's especially important for me, because I can sometimes be a little too dependent on other people. But it's good for him too: He can learn how to cook!
Of course, being engaged really does change things. There's a certain kind of emotional security that comes with it. After all, it's a promise in itself, a kind of pre-committment to spend the rest of your life with someone else. It lessens the fear that another person will come along, or they'll be other distractions. You feel good knowing that they really do want to be with you, that it's not just convenient or some kind of game. So we have that -- and really, that's a wonderful feeling.
Still, there are a few things we need to make sure of once I'm several states away. For one thing, I'm not exactly the best of communicators. To me, there's less of a need to talk to my family and friends every single day... but he really loves just talking to me, hearing my voice, and generally reconnecting to me when we're apart. I have to respect that, and in reality it helps me to maintain a great relationship with him as well. Our solution is to set aside time every night -- say at 8:00 p.m. -- when one of us will call, IM, or email the other (he prefers phone calls). It keeps us at a good place, I think, and we don't even have to talk that long. Just saying "hi, how was your day" is a great way to keep an emotional connection.
Trust is also important in this kind of relationship. We've worked hard to build and maintain that kind of trust, and for some people this aspect can be the most difficult of all. In a LDR, it's probably the most critical part of the relationship. You really have to believe that the other person is doing the right thing, all of the time, and that they're being honest and responsible. Without it, many relationships wither and die, or go through very tough times. This ties in to communication, too; great communication can build trust.
Along with those two is the ever-elusive "respect" for the other person in the relationship. It's one of the hardest things to learn, really -- your SO is a different person, with different needs, and the relationship is a dynamic one. Things change, and you not only have to respect that person but the separate "being" that is the relationship. Compromise is key, and while it's easy to say that, it's not always easy to actually do it. Realizing that the person you love has needs that are different from yours is one of the hardest, yet most important, things you can do.
If you can afford it, getting some kind of counseling (premarital or couple's) is actually a great way to reinforce an already great relationship or fix one that has a few problems that need work. Barring that, talking to someone you can trust -- which works best if it's an objective, yet compassionate, third party -- is a way to try to find useful solutions to issues and problems you might be having.
In any case, I'm hoping for the best of luck with my own LDR as I get ready to head off to graduate school. I think it's a great test for us before we actually get married... in a way I think by exposing any weak spots we might have, it enables us to take care of them right away, rather than letting them fester without realizing it. It also lets us try out living on our own for awhile, cooking for ourselves, and generally taking care of our own business because we have to. That's especially important for me, because I can sometimes be a little too dependent on other people. But it's good for him too: He can learn how to cook!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Check This Out!
One of my favorite gals from a message board I frequent has her own blog here on Blogger/Blogspot! It's specifically aimed at maids of honor/bridesmaids, but she's got some great tips for anyone involved in a wedding.
She recently, as in yesterday I believe, was the maid of honor (slash unofficial official planner coordinator person) for her sister's wedding. Check out her site for helpful tips and funny stories!
Monster of Honor
She recently, as in yesterday I believe, was the maid of honor (slash unofficial official planner coordinator person) for her sister's wedding. Check out her site for helpful tips and funny stories!
Monster of Honor
Friday, July 11, 2008
I'm Back!
Phew! I had a wonderful vacation with my family, but I'm so glad to finally be out of the car! I hope you guys have had a restful middle of the summer as well.
My fiance was with us for the first time... it was a little strange to have him along for a family thing, but he fit right in. I'm really thankful it wasn't awkward. He was just breezy about the whole thing. Love him to death :)
I did have a few thoughts on the way (and some now that I've come back). Hopefully I'll have some good in-depth postings later, but for now, a word about signing up for stuff on the Internet:
If you don't have to, DON'T! I had about 200 emails waiting for me when I got back home, at least half of those "junk" mail from various wedding-related things! I signed up for some of those because I wanted to get some good tips for you guys, but they just keep coming. It's fun to sign up for sweepstakes, but try to use a junk account for it. Otherwise you'll be completely inundated with stuff you don't care about. For now I just manage it and try to farm them for tips to pass on ;) Not really that useful, though. Most of it you can search for on wedding-related sites. After awhile, it all looks the same, unfortunately.
Especially avoid David's Bridal. I'm sure they can be a great place to find a bargain dress, but they sell your email address to companies that aren't even wedding-related. Not cool. If you want "updates" on their products, check out their website every once in awhile. They don't send coupons through emails either; all their discounts are for everyone (which is actually great). They cycle those sales through, so if you miss one, wait for the next. Just don't sign up to win a free dress or to get information! It's not worth it!
There, now I've gotten that out of the way :) I hope you've had a great and productive 3 weeks while I've been gone!
My fiance was with us for the first time... it was a little strange to have him along for a family thing, but he fit right in. I'm really thankful it wasn't awkward. He was just breezy about the whole thing. Love him to death :)
I did have a few thoughts on the way (and some now that I've come back). Hopefully I'll have some good in-depth postings later, but for now, a word about signing up for stuff on the Internet:
If you don't have to, DON'T! I had about 200 emails waiting for me when I got back home, at least half of those "junk" mail from various wedding-related things! I signed up for some of those because I wanted to get some good tips for you guys, but they just keep coming. It's fun to sign up for sweepstakes, but try to use a junk account for it. Otherwise you'll be completely inundated with stuff you don't care about. For now I just manage it and try to farm them for tips to pass on ;) Not really that useful, though. Most of it you can search for on wedding-related sites. After awhile, it all looks the same, unfortunately.
Especially avoid David's Bridal. I'm sure they can be a great place to find a bargain dress, but they sell your email address to companies that aren't even wedding-related. Not cool. If you want "updates" on their products, check out their website every once in awhile. They don't send coupons through emails either; all their discounts are for everyone (which is actually great). They cycle those sales through, so if you miss one, wait for the next. Just don't sign up to win a free dress or to get information! It's not worth it!
There, now I've gotten that out of the way :) I hope you've had a great and productive 3 weeks while I've been gone!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Update
I've added a way to subscribe to this blog, so now you can tell immediately when I add new posts! The option is on the bottom right; click on "posts" under the "subscribe to" heading.
I've got so many ideas buzzing around in my head. I can't wait to get them out! The invitation below is just one of many I've already thought of. It makes me wonder what I'll actually do once I get to my own! But meanwhile, I'll have a few fun ideas for you :)
On the actual wedding front: my fiancé and I went to see what items we might want on our registry (early, yes, but it's nice to do it when there's no pressure). There are so many choices to be made -- it can really overwhelm you if you're not prepared. China patterns, flatware types, stemware, linens, appliances... it gets dizzying fast. If you're not registering right away (and just looking for things that catch your eye, like we were), take a notepad and write down brands and styles you like. It's almost impossible to remember names after hours of pattern-hunting. If you want, get someone from the store to help you match items you're trying to find. If you don't think you have a clue about design, they can probably help. Better yet, bring a fashion- or design-savvy friend with you (preferably one who's also friends with your fiancé[e])!
It's great to go to a store that carries a lot of registry-type items, like Macy's, because that way you can find a large chunk of what you want without having to visit a large number of stores. It can get tiring walking around so many stores, particularly if you've only set aside a few days for registry stuff. Plus those larger chains are all over the U.S., and even with easy online ordering, many people want to see for themselves what they'll be getting you.
Speaking of seeing things for yourself, it's also important that you look at registry items in person. Patterns, textures, and surfaces can look very different online versus in real life, and you don't want to end up with something you're not thrilled about. I wasn't prepared for this -- I found a china pattern I really liked online, but in the store it was only so-so. Disappointing -- and imagine how it would have been if I had ordered it! Don't make the mistake of falling in love with something before seeing it in real life.
I've got so many ideas buzzing around in my head. I can't wait to get them out! The invitation below is just one of many I've already thought of. It makes me wonder what I'll actually do once I get to my own! But meanwhile, I'll have a few fun ideas for you :)
On the actual wedding front: my fiancé and I went to see what items we might want on our registry (early, yes, but it's nice to do it when there's no pressure). There are so many choices to be made -- it can really overwhelm you if you're not prepared. China patterns, flatware types, stemware, linens, appliances... it gets dizzying fast. If you're not registering right away (and just looking for things that catch your eye, like we were), take a notepad and write down brands and styles you like. It's almost impossible to remember names after hours of pattern-hunting. If you want, get someone from the store to help you match items you're trying to find. If you don't think you have a clue about design, they can probably help. Better yet, bring a fashion- or design-savvy friend with you (preferably one who's also friends with your fiancé[e])!
It's great to go to a store that carries a lot of registry-type items, like Macy's, because that way you can find a large chunk of what you want without having to visit a large number of stores. It can get tiring walking around so many stores, particularly if you've only set aside a few days for registry stuff. Plus those larger chains are all over the U.S., and even with easy online ordering, many people want to see for themselves what they'll be getting you.
Speaking of seeing things for yourself, it's also important that you look at registry items in person. Patterns, textures, and surfaces can look very different online versus in real life, and you don't want to end up with something you're not thrilled about. I wasn't prepared for this -- I found a china pattern I really liked online, but in the store it was only so-so. Disappointing -- and imagine how it would have been if I had ordered it! Don't make the mistake of falling in love with something before seeing it in real life.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Welcome
I just got engaged! And like undoubtedly thousands of brides-to-be before me, I want to save as much money on my wedding as possible. I'm sort of crafty, too -- so I'm going DIY as much as possible.
Everyone likes to say that it takes too much time and energy to do the wedding yourself. My trick? I've got three years to think about it -- I know, a long time! -- and, more importantly, tons of people to help me out. I figure it might be fun to share my journey... and anything I can dig up along the way.
There are so many companies that make you pay ridiculous prices for even the simplest item, as long as it has the word "bridal" attached to it. I'd rather skip all that and figure things out myself -- and then share what I've done with all of you! I hope to post free how-tos, patterns, templates, instructions, and anything else I make for myself. I'll also put up links I find to useful sites and anything else I find helpful for DIY brides like me!
Maybe you don't want to do it all yourself. You don't have to -- if you're crafty at all, find a few projects you know you'll love doing. It'll put a personal touch on the festivities and make it more memorable for your guests (or at least for you!). Hopefully you'll be inspired by everything that's out there... and not too overwhelmed!
Good luck, and have fun!
Everyone likes to say that it takes too much time and energy to do the wedding yourself. My trick? I've got three years to think about it -- I know, a long time! -- and, more importantly, tons of people to help me out. I figure it might be fun to share my journey... and anything I can dig up along the way.
There are so many companies that make you pay ridiculous prices for even the simplest item, as long as it has the word "bridal" attached to it. I'd rather skip all that and figure things out myself -- and then share what I've done with all of you! I hope to post free how-tos, patterns, templates, instructions, and anything else I make for myself. I'll also put up links I find to useful sites and anything else I find helpful for DIY brides like me!
Maybe you don't want to do it all yourself. You don't have to -- if you're crafty at all, find a few projects you know you'll love doing. It'll put a personal touch on the festivities and make it more memorable for your guests (or at least for you!). Hopefully you'll be inspired by everything that's out there... and not too overwhelmed!
Good luck, and have fun!
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