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.

Inspiration Board

I finally made an inspiration board yesterday. I thought about doing one a long time ago, but never got around to it. One of the "new" features on TheKnot is that you can create one, from the stock images they provide. Well, none of those images really inspired me much, so I made one from some of the images I've been collecting for the past 7 months.

The Inspirations, from left to right and top to bottom...

Cake
Bridesmaids Dresses
Veil
Instant Photo Guest Book
Bridal Gown
Bridal Bouquet
Card Box
Bridal Party Bouquets
Bridal Shoes
Directional Sign
Centerpieces
Groom's Tux
Hair and Headband
Venue

Dress Shopping

Keith, if you happen to be reading this, please stop now. Do not go any further!

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dress shopping was the first thing I did, with regard to the wedding planning. I aleady knew what I wanted, and I knew I wouldn't find it at David's Bridal or at Alfred Angelo, but I still wanted to try dresses on. I also wanted my Bridesmaids to try on dresses, and hopefully find one that everyone liked.

So, my mom, me, Jenni-fer, Amy, Kristen, Becky, and Barbara all went dress shopping on November 7, 2009. We had a lot of fun.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from that day.









As I said, I already knew what I wanted, and it wasn't any of those gowns. So, on November 21, 2009, I went to see Moe at Bridal Showroom in OKC.

Here's the inspiration photo that I took. My dress will be something like this, except in a white silk.



And now for the Bridesmaids dresses. We did find the ones we wanted at David's Bridal, but of course they were being discontinued. So, as not to chance it, I asked Moe if he could make them instead. He can and he is. The girls will go for their first measurements sometime in June 2010.

Here's what the dress will look like.


Everyone will be wearing black shoes.
Jenni-fer's dress will be black.
Amy and Kristen will both be in Victorian Lilac.
JenniferW (usherette) will be in black, with 3/4 sleeves.
Shanna (greeter) will be in Lapis, with 3/4 sleeves.