Wedding Favors

I've been trying to come up with a not-too-expensive-but-still-cute idea, for the wedding favors. So far, my only two ideas are either bottles of Round Barn Rootbeer, or maybe some cupcakes. Let me explain.

(SOURCE)

Since Round Barn Rootbeer is the signature soda at Pop's on Route 66, it's easily available. They have all of the stock of it, at the location in Arcadia, in a warehouse. The problem is the price. Once I get a better idea of the actual guest count, I can get a real price, with a possible discount. At least a 20% discount would be ideal, but who knows if they'll give it to me. It probably won't be until the end of August before I'd know for sure.

The other idea I had, also plays on the theme of the venue.

I think making mini red velvet cupcakes with either spice cake domes, or maybe maple frosting domes, would be way cute. The problem with that, is that there would be no sort of keepsake aspect to it, which I know would be ok with some people, but then others (family mostly, probably) would want something they could keep afterward.

(SOURCE)

So, I don't know. I still have some time to think on it, but I really hate not having things decided in advance.

Build Your Own Sundae Bar

I think we've moved on from the idea of a chocolate fountain. $250 just seems like such a waste for something that you don't even get to own afterward. And remember, that doesn't even include the food to dip into the chocoalte.

So, we've sort of mostly decided on a build-your-own-sundae bar. I'm really excited about it. We're going to go brave, and do homemade ice cream too, so I think that'll make it special. And yes, we will have to buy the super-duper ice cream maker that Keith's been wanting, but at least it's something we'll get use out of, after the wedding for years to come.

(SOURCE)

These are the toppings we've come up with so far:

Peanuts
M&M
Oreo
Butterfinger
Nerds
Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Gummi Bears
Sour Patch Kids
Cherries
Chocolate Syrup
Caramel
Strawberry Syrup
Pineapple Preserves
Cool Whip

We'll probably have to narrow those down to a select 5 or 6 though.

Needless to say, I'm really glad I've got all of this milk glass now. All of the extra peices can be used to hold the candy toppings. I think it will look SO pretty.

(SOURCE)

The one bad thing, is that this means I'll have to have at least 1 more server. Courtney has already agreed, and Diana is willing, so I think I'll probably also ask Heather and maybe Shala. I still need to think that through though.

Money Talks

We basically don't have a real set-in-stone budget. I wish we did, but there's just no way. Keith and I are paying for the majority of this shin-dig on our own. So, I'm basically having to search for all the necessities, and then try to figure out the payment schedule for things.

Here's the rough draft of what everything (so far) will cost.

Our Venue - $350
The Round Barn in Arcadia, OK
I found this location after months of searching. We'd actually considered it for a while, toward the end of 2009, but at that point we were still hoping to find a location that allowed alcohol. The Round Barn does not. But, the price is right, it's a really fun and unique location, and we both liked it when we went to check it out. We'll be getting married "in the round" in the loft. Our guests will sit at some round and some long tables during the ceremony and reception. I'm considering using some of the benches that the barn has around its perimeter, to make a few rows for the immediate family to sit at while the ceremony is going on. We'll see how that goes though.

Our Cake - $350
Sugar in Norman
We don't go for our official cake consultation until June, but from looking at their website, I'm going to guess that our cake will be roughly $3 per slice. I have no idea if Keith is going to decide to get a groom's cake or not. He'd also like a chocolate fountain, and IMO that would be an ideal replacement for a groom's cake.

My Dress - $1,000
I can't even believe that I agreed to this $1,000 gown. But I really do think it will be worth it, in the long run. I'm having it made my Moe at Bridal Showroom in OKC. I'd give you more details, but I'm too afraid that Keith will end up reading this at some point, so I'll stop there.

My Shoes - FREE!
Ok, not really free... they cost me about $100 when I bought them. But, that was 2 years ago. They are Sofft brand. They are black. I love them, but never get the chance to wear them. They are sitting in a special shelf, all by themselves, in my closet, probably getting dusty. I really need to get them into a bag or box or something.

My Veil - $32
I've been searching for a veil since October. I really didn't think I'd find one until after I had my dress in hand, because I just couldn't picture any of the ones I was finding, with the picture I have in my head of my dress. But then the other day, I just happened to search the right string of words and found the perfect veil. I was on Etsy and put "elbow veil" into the search function. Up came the "CAILYN Elbow Lettuce Edge Veil" by MarlaJDesigns. I almost cried when I saw it. I promptly emailed Marla and asked if this was a one of a kind, or if it might still be available on June 1st. She replied and said that it would still be available and even said that she'd add a blusher to it, for free! So, I'll be ordering my veil on payday, and I am SO excited.

My Jewelry - FREE!
Again, not really free, but it's all stuff that I already own. I'm just wearing my diamond studs earrings that Keith got me several years ago and my mom found a black onyx neckalce that belonged to her mom in a lockbox. I think I'll wear it too.

Keith's Tux - FREE!
Keith will most likely get his tux for free, with the rentals of the bridal party. He does want this fancy pair of shoes he saw at Men's Warehouse though. They were only $100 so that's not bad.

Photography - $695
When I started looking for a photographer, I almost immediately got greatly discouraged. They're so rediculously expensive. After pleads on Facebook and through texts, I had a few promising leads, but still wasn't satisfied. My mom called one day and told me that someone she works with is married to someone who does photography. I quickly googled Juniper Photography and after looking through the pricelist, quickly filled out the contact form. Keith and I met with Robyn Icks on May 3, 2010. Her price was right, she answered all my questions the way I'd hoped she would, and she was a real pleasure to speak to. So, late in the game, we officially booked our photographer and I immediately felt like this 1,000 pound weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Centerpieces - $310
I'm getting bulk flowers from Sam's for my centerpieces. We're also borrowing some of JenniferW's sister's mason jar collection, so that part won't cost a thing. The rest of that price, comes from the submersible candles that we'll be using.

Linens - $190
I think I'll just go with black tablecloths for all of the tables. If I rent them from Marianne's Rentals here in OKC, that should come out to roughly $190.

Food - $250
I'm really just guestimating here. We're just going to have some fruit and veggies, and some small finger foods like that. I haven't even begun to price them yet. I need to do that.

Cups & Plate - $85
We'll most likely go for paper cups, plastic plates, napkins, and forks from Party Galaxy or somewhere similar.

So, all of that added up, is $3,177. Not too bad, if I do say so myself. Of course, I fully expect that to double between now and October 15. I haven't even been able to go and price the faux flowers we're using for the bouquets yet. I'm sure I'll have a heart attack when that day comes.