I opened a new Things Remembered in our first mall location in Hawaii. Setting the store up, hiring, training and coaching the staff left me little time to do any wedding anything. I finally seem to have the staff up and running so I took this past weekend off with the intention of tackling my overwhelming and overdue checklist items.
We are three months away from the wedding and I'm just now taking care of stuff in the "6-9 months" checklist. Worst. Bride. Ever.
However I am DONE with the following items:
Venue booked!
Caterer is included so one less thing to worry about, win
Colors selected!
Tiffany blue and peach. It sounds weird, but thanks to Pinterest, I feel like I can pull it off.
Dress purchased!
Obviously I won't be posting a picture of that until 10/7. Sorry kids!
Bridesmaid dresses selected!
I don't have the best picture of it so looking like that will wait until 10/7 too.
Photographer booked!
http://www.hawaiiphotos.com/
Invitations designed and printed!
I am actually DIYing my invitations to a certain degree. I found an AMAZING designer on Etsy.She made me a template, and then I took it on a flash drive to Office Depot. It's a full invitation suite, which will cost me about $200 after all the supplies, the template cost and the pocketfold/envelopes. I was quoted $600 minimum to have someone make them for me! Major win!
Now, I am just waiting for the pocketfolds I ordered to come in. I also need to purchase some lace ribbon to wrap it with. I want to get these sent out before the end of July.
Check out Natalie on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/people/LittlestLittleBean
DJ booked!
This took foreverrrrr. I've been playing email and phone tag with them since JANUARY. Their price is well worth suffering through inconsistent communication. They are literally 1/4th the price and have good reviews online besides, surprise, their communication issues. Once I got in contact with them, they were very professional and answered all my million questions patiently.
http://www.laimagehawaii.com/
Registry
We had so much fun setting up a registry at Macy's! We have been together 8 years, so we have almost everything we need. However, I couldn't resist scanning my little heart away! haha
http://www1.macys.com/registry/wedding/guest/?registryId=763333
Next on the list:
Florist
This I'm not stressing too much about because I am getting married at a botanical garden so I'm not going to pour dollar bills into floral decorations. My mom is scoping out a florist for me.
Centerpieces
I found an amazing deal on these adorable birdcages. We did lovebird themed invitations so I thought this would be super cute to stick with somewhat of a theme. We are going to spray paint these Tiffany blue and wrap it with a ribbon and stick the table numbers on it. I am so excited to be all crafty with these.
Candy Buffet
One of the things I am most excited for is the candy buffet we are setting up. I really love bright, fun stuff so I am going to do colorful lollipops, rock candy, salt water taffy, etc... Since we are having an outdoor reception, I will be avoiding having chocolate! Haha. My sister hates chocolate so I'm sure she will appreciate that. I purchased a bunch of glass containers to set up my own. I got quoted $600-800 to have someone come in and do it. So far the containers only cost me $18. I found a wholesale candy company in Hawaii to buy bulk candy from. I will let you all know how this goes! This is going to serve double purpose for decor as well as favors. I am going to make cute favor bags for the tables, and people can fill up on candy to take with them before they leave. Win!
Transportation
I have to look into getting us to the ceremony. If it was up to me, I would just drive myself in my little Ford Focus but I have a feeling my family and bridal party won't allow it!
Cake
Meh. I can't believe how expensive cakes are! I will probably put this off until early August.
Alterations & Veil
Need to set an appointment to get the alteration process rolling. Will most likely select my veil this day as well.
Groom/Groomsmen attire
My fail of a fiance hasn't decided what he wants to wear yet. Looks like I will be ordering extra bridesmaid dresses for him and the guys to rock on the day!
Dance Lessons
I purchased a groupon for dance lessons for Jon and I. I need to book those.
Music
Going to work on this throughout the week. Just need to decide on the main song selections.
Marriage License
Has to be done no more than 30 days in advance. Downloaded the form to fill out though so I'm as prepared as possible.
I will be so happy when this is all done and I am officially Caitlin Coska!
In case you were wondering, we will not be going on a honeymoon directly after the wedding. We have a lot of family flying in to see us and didn't want to just up and leave them. Also, we are planning a trip to Vegas in April for our best friends' wedding. We plan on turning this into a belated honeymoon by stopping at DISNEYLAND for a few days before heading to Vegas. I am SO excited for this!!
Not having to factor in the cost of a honeymoon really makes us breathe easier. I am paying cash for the wedding. So far, not a single expense has gone on a credit card! Woo Hoo! I am determined to start our married life off right with as little as unnecessary debt as possible.
I know this was probably my most boring post of all time, unless you're a total wedding junkie. It helps me know where I'm at and where I need to be! I have some yummy recipes to share soon to make up for it :)
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