Yep… I ordered my wedding invites for $79.91. I designed them using Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. I saved them as PDF files and then uploaded them to Vista Print.  I posted some of the items, the resolution here is not as clear as they will be, so please don’t think I’m sending out poorly made invites.

These are my response cards.

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I am not sure about anyone else, but for some reason all I seem to see around lately are images and write ups about themed weddings.  Now granted, I guess I am technically hosting a themed wedding by getting married at the beach, but it doesn’t feel like it has the same affect as some that I have seen.  Maybe if I really would have thought about it from the beginning I could have added some awesome details that made our wedding a true experience, but alas we are too far in to go there now.  I thought I would share some of the cool themes I have seen with each of you, and maybe give you a little inspiration in your planning.

The Key Largo Grande where we will host a simple beach wedding!

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As I mentioned in my previous post, Our First Registry Outing, we recently set up our wedding registry (or the first draft) and I’m glad we did!  You can imagine the shock and excitement I experienced today when I logged on to our registry at Macy’s only to find that one of our items, a mixing bowl set (that I’m actually quite obsessed with), had already been purchased! To be honest, I thought there was a mistake with my registry list, but soon remembered that people now have access to this information from our wedding website and are buying our presents already!

So, the first thing I did when I saw this? I called Gardenia dude to share the good news, followed by my sisters, my mother & a couple girlfriends — It really feels like the best version of Christmas ever. The next 6 months are going to be REALLY exciting for more than one reason

P.S. If the mystery shopper is reading this, thanks for making my day!

Wedding planning means stationary decisions, guest list debates, color choices, music picks, attire searches, and more.  Let’s face it, wedding planning can take over your life and it can be really stressful… but it doesn’t have to be!

source: bridalpartytees.com

Sure, if you let them, the barrage of choices and decisions awaiting your opinion can occupy your every waking moment, but it’s not necessary!  Wedding planning should be fun; and it doesn’t need to take over your whole life.  All the planning will eventually lead up to a special day, and although important the event is just that — an hour, day, or weekend of celebration honoring the commitment you and your spouse plan to make to one another.  The real work begins after the “I Dos” are uttered, and nobody likes the sight of a ragged bride, so keep the stress to a minimum during the planning process!  My advice?

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Picture from Martha Stewart Weddings - Basket Theme Bridal Shower

I recently met with MOH to discuss the vision for my bridal shower. I was so impressed with her because she had a notepad with some ideas for my party. We talked about the guest list and I learned that we would pretty much invite everyone that is on the wedding guest list. That makes sense!

Then she asked about the colors, flowers and decorations and I decided that it doesn’t have to be tiffany blue. She was surprised with my answer. Since this color is such a pain to find, I felt that it would be nice if I could make it easy and fun for my maid of honor and bridesmaids to decide on decorations that will go according to my personality. Therefore, we agreed on pastels.

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I’ve found another unique idea for centerpieces that is easy DIY, able to be done way in advance and can tie in any color combination you want.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving….literally! These centerpieces can be for aesthetics only or could actually hold your wedding favors.  Arranged in just the right way, they are a beautiful alternative to pricey flowers… and they last a lot longer!

From AOL

Thanks to Erinn Valencich at eHow for this great step by step guide:

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Humboldt Fog and Truffle Tremor Cake by Cypress Grove

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Since we’re sending out our ‘Save the Dates’ (yay!) that link directly to our wedding website with a registry link, we figured it was high time to get something going in terms of a registry. So, last night my dude and I met up at Macy’s to start the process. To be honest, I thought this would be my dream come true, but initially I think there was a bit of shell-shock on my end. They basically give you a scanner and say, “go, make a house!” With so many options and so much to get (we do not live together, so we really will be starting from scratch), the task was daunting.  We did manage to get a fair amount of our Macy’s stuff picked out and on our list (minus linens — their selection is either REALLY expensive or somewhat cheap looking — not a really good in-between option if you ask me), but there really is a long way to go and being someone who tends to over think most decisions, I have a sneaking suspicion these registry items are going to change a few times over the next 6 months or so

Regardless, ‘hip hip hooray’ for the beginnings of the Gardenia wedding registry!

In an effort to spice things up, I have decided to forgo the traditional white shoes and opt for something with a little pizazz. Although we will be married on the beach, its quite a different type of beach down in the Keys.  Due to the coral reefs that surround the islands, no beaches are actually natural made, but man made with tightly packed sand.  This gives me the opportunity to wear some fabulous heels, and give my rump a little lift!

I have decided to stick with the colors of our wedding, Tiffany Blue/Turquoise and Coral in my quest for shoes.  This has been quite difficult as it is winter and most companies haven’t yet begun to display their spring lines which are always full of color.  I have had a little bit of luck, and thought I would turn it over to the BridalBud readers to help me with my decision.

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Calling all Vancouver, WA brides! I know that I am a Seattle Bride, but I haven’t forgotten my sister brides from the Pacific Northwest. If you are still looking for the best local wedding vendors to help you turn your inspirations into a reality, then I have the show for you. The Greater Vancouver Washington Bridal Show will be held at the Hilton in Vancouver, WA on March 13, 2010. The hours of this event will be from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The admission is $5.00 at the door. In other words, you’ll have the opportunity to plan you dream wedding in one day!

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