Recession Depression: Reception Venue

Alright, I've already handled the biggest stressor...the reception venue.

I was very fortunate to get it in writing that I reserved the right to make any changes to the production--thanks Mom! Hard to believe, huh? Well, I booked the venue almost 2 years in advance, so Mom made sure that I was allowed to edit the contract.

So, today I notified the venue that I may need to evoke my right to make changes. I simply explained my situation and that I hoped to retain the original contract, but was unsure at this point. The only area to be hit will be the alcohol. If I remove the drinks, this will reduce the cost by over $6000! Plus, it will also mean that the reception venue is paid completely.

I'm really sad about possibly losing the alcohol, because let's face it: free drinks make guests stay longer and have more fun! But, oh well. I guess a dry wedding is better than bankruptcy...

Recession Depression

I was recently laid off at my job, I've been unemployed for almost a month, with little hope on the horizon. This is extremely stressful because I am paying for the wedding with little help from my mother, who will be covering the cost of the catering. Now with just over 90 days until the wedding, I'm faced with a dilemma, if I want to cancel with any of my vendors, it has to be done in the next 48 hours (90 days before the wedding).

I can see everything I've hoped, planned, budgeted and in some cases paid deposits for going rapidly down the drain. What do I do? Do I forfeit my deposits and do without? Do I try to renegotiate?

Right now, I am weighing all my options. Before Friday, I have to decide on the reception venue, photographer and band.

Stay tuned....

The Inartistic Invitations: Part 2

I've finally finished covering the Bloom Envelopes with the Chartreuse Silk Shantung ribbon.....it was a lot of work. I am so glad I chose the bow-tie that I did because it could have been much worse.

I decided to use a modified Martha Stewart Winged Bow. It's pretty easy, but time consuming, the tricky part is getting everything symmetrical and straightening out the knot.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut a bunch of ribbon, I used approximately 18 inches.

2. Center the ribbon under the envelope.

3. Cross left tail over right one.

4. Knot ribbon by threading left tail behind right one, under, and up through the hole; make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched.

5. Pull evenly on tails until ribbon has tightened into a clean, smooth knot.

6. Repeat Step 4 & Step 5

7. Fold ends of ribbon under twice and trim if necessary to ensure the bow is symmetrical.

The Inartistic Bride's Etsy Store

I've got big....no, HUGE news! Due the popularity of the Crystal Beaded Toothpicks featured on this blog, I have decided to sell them on Etsy.com!

Please check out my shop! I will be taking requests for colors, styles, etc.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6751003

RELATED:
http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/10/crystal-beaded-toothpicks.html

The Inartistic Invitations: Part 1

The invitations are in and I have been working diligently to get them assembled...which explains the lack of posting.

But, sorry excuses aside, here they are for your review!

Since the invitations are such a big project, I'm going to cover these in a series of posts.

The first step was putting together the RSVP cards. I had to put the stamps on the envelopes and place the cards under the envelope flap. These steps were easy; the most difficult part was placing the stamp on straight. I am using the Forever Stamps, I know they are not the prettiest things, but with a few months before I even mail out the invites, I didn't want to risk postage prices increasing and having to add 1cent stamps at the last minute.

Next, I had to place the invitations on the terra green backer cards. This was slightly difficult and time consuming. I used the Michael's brand glue stick and rolled it over the the edges to create a square and then diagonally across the invitation. It was kinda hard to center the invitation perfectly on the backer card, but after the first few it got easier. Luckily, the glue stick doesn't dry immediately so you can re-adjust the invitation.

I also had to place the RSVP cards and invitations into the bloom envelope and fold the envelope closed. I placed the RSVP card under the invitation and then folded the bloom envelope closed like you would fold a box closed, i.e., one side of each flap on the bottom and one side on the top. I was a little worried about putting the RSVP card under the invitation...would people see it? But I really wanted people to see the invitation upon opening the bloom envelope, so I put it on top and hoped that people would find it.

Next up....the Ribbons!

OVERALL REVIEW

COST: As I mentioned before, these invitations were well-priced.

TIME: So far, it's been a lot of work! The steps I mentioned above took several nights.

DIFFICULTY: These steps were very simple, just time-consuming.

RELATED POSTS:

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/12/design-it-yourself-and-have-someone.html

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/11/bloom-envelopes.html