On October 14th, I married the man of my dreams after being together for almost 3 years.  We are so happy and I couldn't imagine a more perfect person to share my life with.  We are two peas in a pod, and almost mirror images of each other in the opposite sex. 

If you use any of my wedding photos, please credit my photographer, Kristen Wynn

Thank you and enjoy!!!

Neither of us knew this was going to be the weekend where Mark proposed.  We planned a trip for our anniversary to the beach north of San Diego. We found a nice little alcove that somewhat protected us from the wind and spread out a romantic picnic on the beach.  Of course since we both aren't drinkers, we brought Martinelli's sparkling cider which was appropriate since it was his GM's fault (named Martinelli) we were together at all. LOL!

We got back to the hotel room and Mark pulled out the laptop. Pulled something up on the screen and said, here read this...I look at the screen and it was the song lyrics to "Slide" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Which if you aren't familiar with the song, includes this:

"And I'll do anythin' you ever dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothin' that fall
Oh, May
Put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
Oh, May
Do you wanna get married
Or run away?"

I look at him and he was freaking out...awww...and asked did you read the last part? I said "yes and is that a question?" He said "Yes, Lisa, will you marry me?"  Of course I said YES! 

His method of proposing, was right up our alley since we would always email song lyrics to each other. 

Later he told me that was completely non-scripted and out of the blue.  He wasn't planning on it...he just felt he had to do it that moment.  So cute.....

Please forgive all the wierd spaces. I tried to keep them in order as much as possible. Also please credit my photog Kristen Wynn Photography.  :)

After being engaged for over a year and a half...my time has come...for an e-ring!

As you read above, FI never planned on asking me when he did, so of course he wasn't prepared.  FI and I have been talking about it since then.  He was broke and no job at the time and he has been telling me, "I don't want you to get married without an engagement ring...it just seems wrong."  even though I was preparing myself to not have one for years and just marry with solely a wedding band.  When we were finalizing the wedding plans last weekend, we stopped into Jared's for fun and ended up walking out with this! It's totally different from other engagement rings and more fashiony...but he bought it for me and I love it!

I can actually declare...HE GOT IT AT JARED'S! LMAO!!!!

Our colors are Purple, Royal Blue, and Orange.

Sooo excited I bought my dress! I tried it on after seeing it online and fell even more in love with it.  Once it comes in I'll have to get it taken in a bit.  Highly recommend JM for reception dresses...they had so many choices in the boutique!

Jessica McClintock - $180

My beautiful blue Steve Maddens that I'm going to wear with the dress. 

"Lorane" - $89.95

I found this on overstock.com for my sister!  It is Anne Klein I believe and is $150.  Definitely something she will wear again!

My FI will be wearing blue...his favorite color. And his best man and groomsman will be wearing purple. You probably can't see it very well, but the tux has shadow pinstripes.  It was difficult compromising on a tux when he wanted to look like James Bond and I wanted a cutaway or stroller coat...LOL. So here is what we came up with.  Also the blue isn't a very good representation.  Look at the difference on the model and flat. It's more of a royal blue and darker.

*BAM 19,000 sq. ft of space ALLLLL to ourselves.....* Can you believe this is actually a tad less than our previous venue?

After many problems with our previous venue we switched to here.  In order to have it here, we had to change our date by a day earlier.  But the way things are looking, it will be sooo much better in the long run.  We are getting an insane deal on the whole building since we are having the wedding on a Thursday.  We are super excited about this place even more so than our last venue.  It really sucks we have to change our date, but I guess sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.  Plus they let us bring in our own caterer and the caterer is letting us bring our own alcohol with no corkage fee!!! Unlike the hotel!  $10 a glass for champagne toast? Not here!!!

Front view of the building

Inside the entrance

One of the outdoor ceremony location options

I think we might do this...facing the lake

Pic of part of the grand ballroom, though for us it doesn't need to be that grand since we will have less than 50 guests.

This is the Rotunda, a possible consideration if we don't have dancing.

This is where our ceremony will be if it rains as a back up

View of guests going to face the lake

Another view of the lake...so pretty!!

Front porch. So cute with the rocking chairs!!!

This is the floor plan of the place...sorry I had to add it because I'm soooooo beside myself with glee! *nerd! I'm still in shock. I guess things happen for a reason! Lesson learned for today! Always avoid the weekends to get great venue deals!

We are having a 10am wedding and the reception will be at 11:30, so that means...brunch!!!

However, we absolutely love breakfast so most of our menu revolves around breakfast foods

MENU - Cocktail hour

Butler passed hors d'oeuvres

mini quiches

mini sticky buns

served with bellinis and mimosas

MENU-Reception Brunch Buffet

Chef prepared Belgian waffles with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, pecans, whipped cream, honey butter, regular butter, syrup and powdered sugar

Egg casserole with cheese, onions, green peppers and ham served with salsa and sour cream on the side

Martini Mashed Potato bar

Creamy mashed garlic butter potatoes and sweet mashed potatoes served in martini glasses with: chives, sour cream, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, butter, broccoli florets, brown gravy.  For the sweet: honey butter, brown sugar, mini marshmallows and caramelized pecans

Sliced ham with a brown sugar pineapple glaze

Mini potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream

Applewood smoked bacon

Assorted bagels with spreads and lox with capers, onions, chopped eggs and herbed feta spread

Fresh cut fruit display

Also having a gourmet coffee and herbal tea station

I wanted to incorporate small elements from our respective backgrounds.  I am Vietnamese/Norwegian (mostly amongst other things) and FI is Jewish.  To celebrate the Vietnamese side and honor my mother's homeland, I am doing a Vietnamese tea ceremony.  I was inspired by ChancesAre's post here.

What is a Vietnamese Tea Ceremony?

In the Vietnamese Wedding tea ceremony the Groom and the Bride in front of all their family and friends will serve tea (or wine) to their parents. Their parents would take turn to give their blessing, advice about marriage and family to the couple and give the newly wedded value gifts such as money in a red envelope. The groom then pours tea for the couple, first into one large bowl then into one cup for bride. They drink the tea as they are watched closely by their family and friends. The offer and acceptance of tea is a very important ritual in Vietnamese culture. It denotes the commencement of important interactions and events.

Afterwards, the couple will turn and bow to their parents giving thanks for raising and protecting them. The bride and groom will then bow to each other. While tea has always been an essential part of Vietnamese life, for commoners Vietnamese tea culture never became as complex or bogged down with rituals as its counterparts in Japan or China. Nevertheless, a traditional wedding is about the only time in a Vietnamese person’s life that a formal tea ceremony is essential. The bride and groom in front of all their family and friends will serve tea (or wine) to their parents. Each parent will then give advice about marriage and family to the couple.

A candle ceremony will follow, symbolizing the joining of the bride and groom and their families. The gift boxes filled with jewelry that were brought by the groom’s family will be opened by the groom's mother who will then put each piece on the bride for good fortune. Due to western influence in the concept of wedding rings, in modern weddings what usually follows is the exchanging of wedding bands (however Catholic Vietnamese families save this for the separate church ceremony).

Photos below by Rosemarie of  Rosemarie Lion Photo.

Norwegian Side

Thanks to blushingbride8710 I had nooo idea this was an option.  Since I am part Norwegian, I would like to honor my Norde background by having a traditional Norwegian wedding cake called kransekake (crahnsuh-ca-keh).  It is a dense almond cake drizzled with sugar icing.  The norm has 18 rings, but I'm thinking we might make it a tad smaller since we are having cupcakes as well.

For FI's side

We are having a chuppah.  Initially I was going to DIY, but when I found out I can rent from our florist for $75, I figured that would be way cheaper than doing myself. The cost for the birch poles alone was $65.  The only thing we need to supply is the canopy. 

We are also doing the breaking of the glass.  We need to sit down with the rabbi and discuss anything else that might be options.

The one below is very much like the one we will rent.

I'm really loving this curly willow idea with flowers on the poles.

This is what I'm planning on doing for our centerpieces for the reception.  My sis found a ton of old vases/cups/jars etc at an estate sale for cheap. We are going to alternate tables between various vases and the lantern centerpieces below.

Here are some of the vases/containers I am using:

UPDATE: I think I really want to add the below as a main focal point with all the mini vases/cups (above) around it with flowers.  Maybe take out the candles.  If I have the flowers, candles and this centerpiece...would that be too much? I wouldn't have roses in the center, just curly willow/lanterns and the flowers will be around the base of the tall vase in smaller vases. 

These are my shoes! They are from Hey Lady. Quite comfy as advertised...they use the same insole as the Cole Haan Nike pumps I think?  We'll see come the wedding day!

I did the design myself on Adobe Illustrator.  Had FI print on cardstock, cut, and laminate at his work.  I bought the tassels online.

EDIT: These are now collectible since we changed the date to 10.14.10! LOL!  Autographs to come! ;)

UPDATE:

I have decided to use paper lanterns on shepherd hooks as our aisle decorations. I also want to attach free flowing ribbons to the hook with the lanterns for more color and interest.

Think I'm going to DIY hanging mason jars from the instructions here.

I LOVE the way gerbers look with mason jars.

ahhhh baskets, vases, tin pails!! I love that too! Too many choices!

Here are my DIY Invites....they were sooooooooo labor intensive and time consuming...not to mention I think I spent more on it than I would have if I just bought some made for me!  Well, if you have the tools already, all you need is cardstock, circle cutter or cricut machine, eyelets, cropadile, vellum, and ribbon and maybe the front stamp so it would be cheap.  I had to buy everything from scratch.  If you don't do the stamp embossing, that saves money on the heating tool and stamp.

I made this on illustrator. Its a tad big, but I'll make it work.  I think the size is 8 x 1.75 for anyone interested. I would probably get one longer like 8.5 or so.

These are the sticker designs I came up with for my candy buffet and OOT bags. I'm sure I'll find something else to put them on.

I'm using the top two for the candy buffet

This one I'm putting on the OOT bags

I made the template myself on Illustrator. I am going to print it out on heavy cardstock and cut the circles out by hand. Although if I had a craft punch I could just make it easy on myself. But seeing as money is tight...no craft punch for me. :(

To tie in my colors and to use up my water bottle labels, I decided to ingeniously use the same label paper but alter the design a bit.  In case anyone is interested, it is 8 x 1.75. Though I think if I did it in the future, the water bottle labels could have been longer like 8.5 inches.  Font is still TBD, but I'm liking this one...

Sooo....I was gonna do the program fans as most of you might remember.  I was dreading cutting 350 of those fan blades by hand and I thought I need to do something less time consuming and costs less money!  Well, I had a serious epiphany the other night. Why not make my own programs on simple paper! But...geez...I need a cute way to display them!

Here is my program I did myself on Adobe Illustrator.

I was inspired by the idea of sheilamadrie's paper airplane programs, but I decided to do it with a twist to fit me and FI.  Since we met in high school...I thought why not fold them into those notes you passed in school?? How fun would that be?

Source

To top it off...I will display them in various lunchboxes open with a sign. "Please take one or pass it along" :)

I would love vintage lunchboxes...however I don't think that is in the budget. So we might just get new ones unless I can dig up any from my childhood. We shall see!

UPDATE: Here is the finished product. I will make a sign to put on the inside of the lunchboxes.

Yes...I actually had a Transformers lunchbox when I was little. I can't believe I still had this. Imagine how excited I was to find it!

Here are the four ways I folded the programs. I actually remembered how to do these from school!

Final product is having all the notes in the open lunchbox. So cute!

My attempt at a flower.  It wasn't TOO difficult. I bought everything from Hobby Lobby:

Flower (I used a peony and just make sure the petals come off in stackable groups when you pull it apart)

Rhinestone button (got at Hancock Fabrics)

e-6000 craft glue

small bag of white feathers.  I attempted with the ostrich feather and that was a huge FAIL all around

alligator clip with flat top or barrette (found in the craft/jewelry section of hobby lobby)

I probably made this for around $25.  If you have the tools already, it will be significantly cheaper!

I took this template and changed it up to suit my own needs.  I ended up making my flag twice the width of these (or two of them put together).  We thought it would be funny to incorporate the Facebook Like...since really...who doesn't like a drink?? This is just a mockup with paper and tape. I will be doing the real thing with cardstock and glue and buying stirrers.  This one is one of my parents stirrers they had laying around.

I'm plan on making ribbon wands instead of bubbles (I did that already with my last wedding), sparklers (won't help since its a daytime wedding) or anything that involves throwing and cleaning up (my venue won't allow birdseed etc). Soooo I figured this would be a happy medium!

www.elizabethannedesigns.com                             www.weddingbee.com

Now question is...when do I have the guests wave them?  Maybe entering the reception? Or leaving?

I think if I had a bigger wedding, I would have used these as seating cards. However, I just decided on having a small seating chart instead. I wanted some sort of icebreaker so people would know who is who and how they know us.  Since we had a loose facebook theme in our wedding, I created the art myself and sent it off to the fabulous kungfucowgirl on etsy who made all the buttons for me since I was not about to go out and buy a $300 button making machine!

I did the logo and made the art for the cards on regular cardstock then backed it with colored cardstock. I used my cropadile to punch two small holes for the pin to go thru.

I found the facebook add a friend icon and just made it in our colors, either purple, blue, or orange.  We did Friend of Bride, Groom, and Both.

I also made special buttons for the wedding party.

I blotted out the last names, that is why there is a huge white gap...LOL

I also made two other buttons for fun.  One was this:

The last one was an assortment of internet/text speak:

I plan on displaying the above two in two small baskets on a table for people to pick from. The cards will be displayed next to them.

NOTE: I will have leftovers of the pins as I ordered too many and will be selling them after the wedding, as well as the pin art.  Just let me know and I can change it to your colors and wording.  I highly recommend using kungfucowgirl as she is a pleasure to work with and does nice work!

Thank GOD for my sister's help...otherwise I probably wouldn't have these done! Plus she has a fancy schmancy Cricut which makes things so much easier...

Our Candy Buffet sign

Mashed Potato Martini Bar topping signs

Sign for our ribbon wands

Cupcake flags

Chair Signs

Candy Buffet sign that will go on the table

I made these all on Illustrator. We will print them from FI's work and mount it ourselves on foamcore. It is WAY too expensive to get it mounted/laminated!

Here is our photobooth sign

Our sign that will go at the entrance to the venue:

Sign for cocktails:

I decided to do vow cards because I didn't want us unfolding a random piece of paper while we were up there.  We only wrote these 10 days prior to the wedding! EEK! 

I got these from artsyfartsymemories. She's amazing! We plan on using these letters to hang from our sweetheart table.  Since FI and I both met and were in band in high school, we thought the sheet music incorporated was perfect!

I got this in the mail from lilafrances! How cute is it??

I originally ordered this in a small from michaelangela not realizing they only offer unisex sizing.  When I got it in the mail, it was HUGE on me and the arms were so long I could fly away in them.  I contacted her and she offered to redo one for $20 plus shipping!  I'm sooo happy! She is amazing and definitely wants to make sure you are happy.  I highly recommend her! 

And yes you might have noticed this is not in our wedding colors...because I love these colors! Candy Apple red and aqua!

So far I have my earrings!! I bought them from etsy shop TZTUDIO! I couldn't be happier!  My something blue! ;)

Before joining PW, I had never heard of a candy buffet, but I absolutely love the idea! Especially since most guests end up throwing away their favors...even useful things like coasters or bottle openers..Edible is always good and who doesn't love candy?  *again please let me know if any pics are yours so I can give you credit!*

These are the bowls/vases I'm using....all are my mom's and most of its crystal! Go mom! LOL

UPDATE: here is my hair inspriation

HAIR/MAKEUP TRIAL:

It didn't come out as I had wanted.  I wanted it more to the right like Taylor's hair above.  I decided to have it back instead of parted on the side, but my hair is so heavy, it didn't hold the volume at the top.  I think I will change it to a side part the day of the wedding.

Also, I requested maybe a smokey purple eye, but it ended up looking like I had a black eye. So she covered it up and redid with pink, so I'm sure the color is off.  Day of, I'll have a pretty pink with grey or brown.  Also going to try to get just corner lashes or trim these. I felt they were way too long.

I'm still debating on makeup. I really love the first one below.  Something like a smokey pink and a neutral pink/coral lip.

From this article:

GETTING READY

• Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair
• Close-up of bride's shoes
• Close-up of bride's bouquet
• Bride in curlers or having makeup applied
• Bridesmaids applying their makeup
• Bride putting on garter
• Mom and/or bridesmaids helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc.
• Close-up of dress details
• Bride together with bridesmaids
• Bride hugging mom
• Flower girl(s) ready to go
• Mom or bridesmaids putting finishing touches on bride, adding the veil, etc.
• Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window
• Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go
• Groom putting on tie
• Groom with groomsmen
• Ring bearer ready to go
• Groom with dad, hugging or whispering advice
• Bride and groom separately getting in the car, limo or cab

CEREMONY

Welcome (Rev)

On behalf of Mark and Lisa, I would like to thank each of you for attending this wedding celebration.  You are indeed participating in one of the happiest moments of their lives.  For Mark and Lisa, your very presence here as family and honored guest not only heightens the beauty of this moment for them – but also completes it!

Prayer of Gratitude here ? (Rabbi)

(Congregation is asked to be seated)

We are gathered here today to witness the coming together of two people.  Two people whose hearts and spirits are already entwined as one.  In fact, those of you who know Mark and Lisa best can also attest to their love for one another and to the blended hopes, dreams and goals that they share.  When sucha bond exists of this magnitude, then it is only appropriate that we have an open public demonstration of their love such as this wedding ceremony.  And so it is that Lisa and Mark now will profess before God, their family and their friends of their desire to henceforth walk the road of life together.

Vows of Intent (Rev)

Mark, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony?  Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?

Mark: I do

Lisa, do you take this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony?  Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep yourself only for him so long as you both shall live?

Lisa: I do

Blessing of Hands (Rev)

We would like to take a moment to bless the hands of Mark and Lisa.  For it is through the hands that we demonstrate our love and commitment to one another.

Mark and Lisa, please face each other and join both hands so that we may bless them.

Mark and Lisa, these are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you. They are being held by yours on this your wedding day as you promise to love each other for the rest of your lives. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams together. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you throughout the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are also the hands that will hold you when fear or grief threatens to overwhelm you. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it most. These are the very hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes;tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family together as one. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Prayer

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day.  May they always be held by one another.  Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love.  Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace.  May Mark and Lisa see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.  We ask this in your name, Amen.

Tea Ceremony (Rev)

Blessing Over Wine (Rabbi)

This cup of wine suggests two thoughts.  The first is that wine is a symbol of the sweetness we wish for your life.  There will be times when you drink from other cups from bitter ones, but life offers opportunity to savor the sweetness.  The awareness of the possibility of life filled with true meaning is what we toast.  The good that is life.  The second is that wine is a symbol of sharing.  You have shared many years together, and out of this time has grown the love, which brought you to this day.  As you continue to share in each other’s life, you will, as a symbol of thei enduring cooperation, share this cup of wine.

Own Vows

Blessing of Rings (Rev and Rabbi)

These two rings are made of precious metals and gems to represent the precious love between Mark and Lisa.  They are also circular to represent the Unbroken circle of love.  For love that is freely given has no beginning or no end.  May these rings always remind you that your love is never ending

May God bless these rings and the two of you who wear them.  May you always abide in His peace and continue in His favor. Amen.

Mark: This ring is my precious gift to you, it is a sign that from this day forward, your every breath shall be surrounded by my love.  With this ring, I thee wed.

Lisa: This ring is my precious gift to you, it is a sign that from this day forward, your every breath shall be surrounded by my love.  With this ring, I thee wed.

Seven Blessings (Rabbi)

Chuppah Explanation (Rabbi)

Out of two different and distinct traditions, they have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their differences, and confirming that being together is far better than being apart from each other.  We bless this marriage under a chuppah, the Jewish symbol of the new home being consummated here.

Blessings to Couple (Rev and Rabbi)

Reverend

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us this opportunity to be present in these surroundings.  Thank you for Mark and Lisa as they begin this, their journey through life together.  Walk with them each step of the way giving them the faith, and the wisdom, to face together whatever the future may hold. In your name we pray, amen.

Rabbi

Pronouncement (Rev)

Forasmuch as Mark and Lisa have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings, I hereby pronounce that they are husband and wife together.  What God has joined together let not man put asunder.  Amen.

Breaking of the Glass here?

We conclude this ceremony with the breaking of the glass.  It is a joyous ceremony.  There are many different explanations for the breaking of the glass.  Today, the fragility of the glass suggests the fraility of human relationships.  The glass is broken to protect this marriage with the implied prayer…

May your bond of love be as difficult to break as it would be to put together the pieces of this glass.

After Mark breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout the Hebrew words “Mazel Tov” which means “Good Luck” and “Congratulations.”

 *Mark breaks glass*

 You may kiss your beautiful bride

 or here?

(Congregation asked to stand)

 It’s my privilege to present to you for the very first time, Mr. And Mrs. Mark Lieberman.

Venue

Lake Mary Events Center

Officiants

Reverend Kevin Knox

Rabbi Robert Lefkowitz

Day of Coordinator

An Affair to Remember

Caterer

John Michael Events

Florist

Vicki McCullough - Peddles

Photography

Kristen Wynn Photography

Videography

Seth Cohen - Visual Effects by Seth

Ceremony Music

Beautiful Music

DJ

Beautiful Music

Dress

Custom made

Shoes

Hey Lady

Hair & Make Up

Tiffany McKinney - Professional Elegance

Men's Formalwear

Men's Wearhouse

Cupcakery

Sweet! by Good Golly Miss Holly - Winner of Cupcake Wars!

and no I didn't call Geico! LOL

I wish I had time to work on this for the Budget Bride Contest, but working overnights has its challenges to actually be productive during the day.  So I figured I'd give it some bio love and that hopefully it helps some ladies out!

Venue

I did a lot of shopping around and as luck would have it, our previous venue started tacking on extra charges and we decided to pull out (it was a hotel). Yes we lost a deposit (only $150) but it certainly paid off. 

Book your wedding on an "off day"

We were originally going to get married on a Friday, but the new venue had that date booked already and they said they had Thursday open.  The difference?

Friday night full building rental - $2000

Sat or Sunday 8 hour full building rental - $2800

Thursday all day full building rental - $800!!!

Savings of: $1200-$2000

Photographer

We really had like minimal to nill budget for a photog even though we know it was important.  I actually ended up getting a recommendation from a fellow bride on another website. Her rate was so low she didn't want to publish it.  Apparently she has been a photog assistant for years and is trying to build her own business.  Her all day rate is $400!!!  And BECAUSE we are having our wedding on a Thursday, she knocked it down to $360!!

Savings of: anywhere from $1200+ based on avg $1500k package price

Videographer

Same with our video...we budgeted around $500 for this as well.  We shopped around and found a guy who is filming 4 hours for $450.  We get a best of highlights video.  The raw footage is extra

Savings of: at least $600+

Caterer

When I went caterer shopping I had no idea they were so expensive!!! Apparently the caterer I chose has 3 tiers of package pricing that includes different things, no matter if its sit down or buffet.  If it were sit down I'm sure I would have to pay additional for servers etc.  We decided to go with the buffet option and plus the fact it was a morning wedding and we were having brunch.  We took out the tableside tea/water option, no champage toast and a wedding cake, which saved us $350 total right there.  We could have done without a gourmet coffee/tea bar, but we really need coffee in the morning! Our total cost with service charge/tax is around $2500 for 50 people.

Savings of: $1250-$2500 based on $75-$100 pp cost

Cake

My last wedding, I really got raked over the coals with the cake price.  I was young and dumb and naive.  I think I paid around $6.50 a person.  Obviously I vowed not to go down that road again, since I'm older and wiser.  In lieu of a cake, we opted for cupcakes instead!  For 5 dozen cupcakes with some customization - with tax $222.05 which is roughly $3.50 per cupcake no tax.

We are having a second cake that my mom is making. The only thing I had to buy was the special pans and Norwegian flags that are needed which were $35

Savings of: $400+ based on average cost of a wedding cake

DIY Central

I decided to DIY a ton of stuff. 

Invites - granted had I actually had all the crafty tools, this would have been WAAAAY cheaper then it actually was.  All I would have had to buy would have been the cardstock, vellum, and eyelets

Cost for all my supplies - $189 plus $25 for custom stamp. I would say no savings here.  It probably would have cost me the same or even less had I sent them out to get done from somewhere like rexcraft or something. If I just bought the mentioned supplies above, would only be around $25.

Savings of: None :(. But if I had the supplies already then savings of $125+

Hair Flower - I knew I wanted a hair flower, but I could not bring myself to spend $80+ on etsy.  I decided to take the plunge and make my own.  Total cost - $25

Savings of: $55+

DIY Program Fans - This is still a work in progress, but all I have to buy is the cardstock. Printing might be free. Total cost estimated: $10 for cardstock, $6 for eyelets, $10 for ribbon...around $25-$30 for 50-60 fans

Savings of: $120+ If I were to buy them from someone making them average cost is $3 per fan.

DIY Photobooth

We are DIYing our photobooth.  So far I bought a photog backdrop stand from ebay for $40, the software for the laptop will be $40, a bedsheet or curtain - possibly free if I use one I have already if its acceptable...LOL. Props - I have a ton of different hats already I will bring and will be DIYing mustaches and lips on sticks which should be minimal costs. Only thing left I need to buy is a compact photo printer which I plan to bargain hunt for. I've seen some for $30-$50. then the cost of the photo paper.

Savings of: $700+ based on avg cost of photobooth rentals

Dress

I really really really...wanted a Cymbeline dress...

actually this one, which I think is around $1500+

I knew I couldn't have my dream dress and was planning on settling for a white bridesmaid dress when my mom suggested I have a Vietnamese ao dai made.  This made perfect sense because I'm half Vietnamese and thought it would be a nice way to honor that heritage.  We went to the Asian part of Atlanta - Buford Highway for you ATL'ers.  We found beautiful white ao dai fabric and brought it to a tailor that specialized in making them.  Total cost - $190

Savings of: $1300+

Shoes

Of course I wanted Louboutins...but there is no way I could afford those.  Luckily, my friends who own Hey Lady shoes sent me a pair as an early wedding gift!  They normally retail for $300!  I can't wait to wear them! Cost - FREE.  Now if I really bought my own shoes, I would have probably spent around $100-$150 realistically.

Savings of: $150-$300

Ceremony Music

Ok, here is one area where we splurged and didn't save a ton if any.  We are both musicians at heart and really wanted great ceremony music.  We initially thought about just getting a harpist, but we had an idea for our recessional that just wouldn't sound the same on a harp.  We found a trio plus trumpet for $600.  I guess that is either standard going rate or a little more. 

Savings of: NONE :(

DJ

The same company we are getting our ceremony music from has a dj who is also a saxophonist and will be playing his sax during our cocktail hour.  Seems like a pretty good rate at $500 for the cocktail hour/reception.  He is not coming with any lights or anything as its a daytime wedding and its not needed. 

Savings of: $300+ based on other quotes I got around $800 and up

Day of Coordinator

Here's another thing we had to splurge on.  I couldn't imagine if we didn't have one.  I didn't want any family or friends running around with their heads cut off.  I want them to enjoy our wedding. :)  Their normal fee ran around $1000+  They cut me a break because it was a Thursday and in the morning. Cost: $750

Savings of: $250+

Florist

This is a big bummer for me. I was set on not paying so much for flowers. But since we needed a chuppah and decoration for it, that added costs to the budget that I initially didn't figure in.  We decided to rent a chuppah because it was only $75!  It would have cost me at least twice that to DIY my own. 

One place where I saved a bunch is buying my own vases.  My family and I scoured flea markets, thrift stores etc to find all sorts of fun, unique small glass vessels.  3 tables will have about 5-6 vases each and they don't take that many flowers.  I probably spent about $35-$50 for at least 35 vases/cups etc.  We will scatter the rest amongst the candy buffet and cake table.  Here is a breakdown of the flower costs.

Bridal bouquet - orange ranunculus, deep purple stock, orange mini gerber daisies, orange roses,
dark blue delphinium accent - a few piece of wheat for accent and fern curls  125.

1 bridesmaids - bridal flowers -scaled down - no fern curls  - hand tied with orange double faced satin ribbon  45. ea       45.

Mark's bout - orange mini gerber, fern curl and dark blue delphinium accent  6.

best man, 1 groomsman, 2 fathers, brother in law   - orange mini gerber with greenery accent  6. ea  30.

2 mother corsages -  1 sister in law with assorted flowers - wrist  15. ea       45.

2 floral clusters both front corner  of chuppah    35. ea    70. 

add curly willow and greenery to poles and bottoms of pots  80.

rental of chuppah  75.

8 shepherd hooks - borrowed - add chinese lanterns  n/c''

3    - 11" vase with 7 orange roses - 3 stems of curly willow tips to hold chinese lanterns - - apidestra leaf wrap  1 of ea color blue, purple and orange  45.  ea           135.

3 - groupings of 5 on other tables - fill bud vases with assorted flowers - gerber, larkspur, lysianthus, matsumoto, mini carnations  15. ea  45.

fill remainder of 20 bud vases - to be placed on care table, cake table or wherever might look "cool"  3. ea       60.

small table floral for tea ceremony - outdoors  35.

sweetheart table floral with 9" vase for bridal bouquet  n/c

I purchased lanterns for the aisle decorations and the centerpieces myself from asianideas.com for $30 including shipping. They averaged around $1.10 or so each.

Total cost:$900 including taxes and $100 delivery/set up fee

Savings of: Close to nothing:( although she is not charging me for the sweetheart arrangement or the shepherd hook rentals and I did buy my own lanterns and vases.

Linens

We are renting most of our linens from the caterer because it comes with the package.  However, I asked if we rented overlays how much they would cost and he said $17 each!!! Not to mention, they would charge for linens for the cocktail tables. He said $25 to rent for each table!!! CRAZY!!  I ended up buying 7 overlays, 1 8ft long tablecloth and 4 cocktail table linens on linentablecloth.com which I had a coupon code for 20% off and only cost $150

Savings of: $100+ plus I can resell them after the wedding

Guest Book

We are having guests sign around a pre-made mat that we will frame.  We didn't do the usual guest book thing. Total cost: $11

Savings of: $20+

Transportation

We are going budget basic on the way to the venue.  We both will be hitching rides with family members. We REALLY wanted a vintage Rolls to take us to the hotel after the reception, but we just couldn't afford it.  We settled on a limo pick-up/drop off.  Make sure to ask your trans company if they do this! This will save you a ton of money!  Total cost - $150 not including tip

Savings of: $225-$500

Candy Buffet

All the containers I am using are compliments of mom.  She amassed a decent crystal collection so I will be using 13-14 different bowls/vases etc.  I have yet to buy the candy.

Savings of: so far $70+ based on costs of apothecary jars etc.

How do I love thee...let me count the ways...

Seriously...I wanted to dedicate a part of my bio to Project Wedding and all the fantastic ideas this website and all you ladies have given me that I'm incorporating in my wedding. It's amazing the amount of things I've discovered that don't seem to make a difference to most of the population,(except those of us on PW) but will add that something special to our wedding.  I LOVE details...and my family, including my FI thinks I'm crazy for doing these.   I'm sure I will be adding more as time goes by, but let's see what I can remember...

• Reception Dress
• Colored Heels
• Martini Mashed Potato Bar
• DIY in general (see below)
  
• DIY Hair Flower
• DIY Invites
• DIY Program Fans
• Chuppah decoration
• Aisle decoration
• Paper lanterns -asianideas.com ftw!
  
• Shepherd hooks
• DIY Candy Buffet
• DIY Photobooth
• Overlays (yes sad but true)
• DIY Photo cards
• OOT bags
• DIY Ribbon Wands
• Sweetheart Table Decor
• DIY Welcome Sign
• DIY Seating Chart
• DIY Monograms
• the joy of linentablecloth.com
• Vietnamese tea ceremony
• Norwegian wedding cake (Kransekake)

I can't wait for my wedding and its because of ALL of you ladies that contributed ideas and opinions that will make my wedding special.  I could not have done it without PW and your help!

<3 <3 <3

Pics are here!

http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/atlanta-brides-gtg-pic-heavy-part-1

I was so honored to be chosen for Bio of the Week 4/9/10!!

Thank you to all who nominated me!!  

http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/congrats-starsong-pw-s-bio-of-the-week