Thursday, July 17, 2008

The day every little girl dreams of

since she was five. Let me move forward and rephrase. It is time to start actual planning of the day this little girl dreamt about since she was five. I could lie, like I have been for at least the last 4 years and say that I wasn't really ready to get married, but turns out I was. Or maybe up until life became more adultish, I was ready to plan the party, but not necessarily ready for the title of Wifey = Matt's number one.

Anyway so he asked me and I said yes and so starts a whirlwind of fancy planning with dresses (whoop whoop), decorations, flowers, up-dos, down-dos, half-up dos (so many choices), bridesmaids, parties, invites, etc etc etc. And the list went on.

Friends have sent me fun packages with magazines and books and cards with my new initials displayed proudly on the front of the envelope. Don't know why that is significant? Take a moment. Matt's last name is S...--My name is Amber SJR (traditionally the bride takes the grooms last name) please proceed with some brainwork as I continue on my rant. I am working really hard on not focusing on how f-ing incredibly expensive it is to get married in SoCal. Andrea sent me a very useful book titled "How to plan a church wedding for under $5,000. At first I was so optimistic about the usefulness of the book, and as it turns out there are some really great hints and tips for being a blissful yet budget conscious bride. Sadly enough the reception is already looking to cost twice what the wonderful woman budgeted for her entire wedding. And so the planning went on.

Prices and cost aside. This day is going to be incredible. I think I have decided on colors, yet they will probably change. Deep Purple and Kelly Green. Yet it will be happening in July in Pasadena so I might want to make the bridesmaid dresses a bit less dark so I do not end up being responsible for their premature deaths as a result of overheatedness (is that even a word).

So for those of you lovelies who read my little rants and raves....any suggestions and or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!



4 comments:

Just Me said...

Oh Amber I'm so sorry about your unfortunate initial situation. I do have a suggestion though, take it or leave it that's your decision. If I was in your situation I would hyphen yet again so as to save some embarrassment. Honestly I very rarely use my initials. When I do have to initial something I usually just use CK and not my middle initial. I’m not sure why. So rest easy, there are ways around your situation.

About planning a wedding…….I’m not really sure how to down scale in California. I think our whole wedding set us back about 8,000. I found a great deal on my dress and the guys tuxes. Check into the Men’s Wearhouse for tuxes. Some people elect to have their wedding party pay for their own dresses and tuxes which is a way to save a little money too. We didn’t do that but it’s an idea. Also you might be able to get better deals on things if you attend a couple of bridal shows and see what they have. I know up here they have the bridal show in Portland and they have TONS of vendors and deals available. Not only can you get coupons and stuff but you can get some really good ideas too. They are a good place to find caterers, photographers and cakes. Are you guys planning on getting married at a church? It might be cheaper if you guys got married outside, although hotter too. Also I’m not sure about Cali but up here in both Oregon and Washington you can have ANYONE marry you. They just have to be ordained online through the Universal Life Church. It’s free and a personal touch to your wedding. Just something for you guys to think about and save a little money on the actual ceremony. As far as your reception goes a way to save a little money is not having flowers at the reception. Flowers are EXPENSIVE! Umm let’s see what else? Where are you guys planning on having the reception? You might be able to save money on the place you have it too. Maybe try to find a local legion hall or something to save a little money. We made our own candles for the tables at the reception hall and we made the guys boutonnières too. Hmm right now I can’t think of much else but if I do I’ll be sure to tell you!

Good luck and congratulations again!

Worrier_Poet said...

I have been ruthlessly stalking your blog in hopes of reading the post following your "Dreamer" entry, and here it is! You, darling as always, now engaged to a darling man. I am so very happy for you both!

And sorry for the e-stalking, ha ha!

Smooches!

Lexi said...

Get married in Hawaii... it saved us a ton... i swear wayyy cheaper than everything we looked into around here!!

Congrats yet again!!

LadyHAHA said...

vegas vegas vegas. i know vegas conjures up thoughts of drive throughs and elvis ministers but seriously, there are some awesome packages in Paris, Bellagio and almost all the hotels that are not only budget friendly but surprisingly classy and elegant.
just a suggestion. ;p