I just want to post about all of the wedding things. I will do this in one thread so as to not bombard the board.
First, I need to AW -- we came in under budget by 15% for a total of $37,960. everything has been paid for except for the hotel, tips, and day-of beauty services (pre-determined and included in final number).
We had overages on: FI's suit, FI's ring, my dress/alterations, my jewelry, tips, gifts
We came in under for: MOH dress, mother of the bride dress, my shoes, flowers, photog, DJ, food/drink (largely a result of many of FI's OOT aunts/uncles RSVPing no), hotel, limo, vendor meals (I didn't realize these would only be $30!), and paper goods. aside from invites, we went the DIY route and I have no regrets. I also bought wooden table numbers from ebay and assembled and hand painted them while watching gone girl. it wasn't bad. I think they look great.
I'm back to wearing the original lace dress. it fits well, aside from me not really being able to raise my arms d/t the sleeves. it really is beautiful though. I have these coming from RTR to change into so I can dance at my reception without ripping lace.
I packaged all the gifts today. all members of the wedding party are getting "hangover" kits with emergen-c packets and some electrolyte packets for dehydration that may or may not be a total sham. the bridesmaids are getting light blue satin robes with a bath bomb, and the groomsmen ended up with personalized bottle breachers and pocket squares. my cousin, our officiant, got an epic ton of black licorice jelly beans (vile, but he's obsessed and there's an inside joke in there), whiskey, and a flask that looks like a camera. I had so much fun shopping for everyone!
we wrote out personal notes to all of the bridal party members today. we have to focus on our parents next then draft a thank you speech. things are really coming along!
So exciting! Please post pics of the venue (and you if you feel comfortable).
the pic above w/ the trees is the venue -- we're doing everything at one location so that's it. here's FI standing where we'll be getting married next week.
Cool! Can you post the original lace dress again? I remember seeing one, but I think it was an alternate you were thinking of ordering.
sure! please ignore the mess of the garment bag and throw behind me. life has been hectic. it's a little snug around the hips/butt, so send some good juju so I don't bust a seam lol.
Gorgeous dress! It looks great on you, but if it would make you more comfortable, can it be let out a tiny bit on each side? I'm sure someone would do the alteration in time for the right price.
The last wedding I went to, the bride changed into a gold glittery dress for the reception. She was stunning. I'm picturing you exactly like her How fun!
I'm so excited for you. I hope you have an amazing time and I also hope you post pictures afterward!
Gorgeous dress! It looks great on you, but if it would make you more comfortable, can it be let out a tiny bit on each side? I'm sure someone would do the alteration in time for the right price.
honestly, I've had such terrible luck with alterations that I don't want anyone to touch it. I'm chugging water, eating light, and running everywhere this week. as a shorty, it might be enough to get rid of the bloat!