Updates

I just realized I haven't blogged in over a week and I must tell you... I am disappointed in myself. Between work, finals, papers, projects, family issues, Michael starting a new job, life is just feeling a tad bit overwhelming at the moment.


To catch you up on what happened at my dress appointments last weekend, well I did not buy anything, which I wasn't planning on finding 'the one' in one day anyways. I have almost always been one of those people that must  continue to explore and look into things before I make a solid, final decision that I am happy with. I was like that with my engagement ring and I certainly intend to be just as picky if not more with my wedding dress. But anyways, I found what kind of styles that looked the best on me and that I liked which is definitely a step forward. Unfortunately, other than that no real new progress has been made. Michael has told me that after tonight we will kick wedding planning into high gear and I am hoping he is right. :)


But as for right now, I need to finish my last and final project and begin to pack and do laundry for my mission trip to Haiti in 5 days.


PS. Michael was so sweet today and cheered me up by surprising me at work with flowers! :) I love him!!

Saturday

Needless to say I am pretty excited about going dress shopping on Saturday. Here is the days schedule of events and it is out to be one heck of a long day!


10:00-11:00 White Traditions 
11:30-1:00 David's Bridal 
1:00-1:30 (I am thinking Bread Co or Chick-Fil-A :))
2:00-3:30 Karen's Bridal Boutique 
(the last 2 are right across the street from one another)
3:30-5:00 Blossom's Bridal 


TOOO excited! 

Some Progress :D

Here is what has been happening on the wedding progress... 

1) I have been searching for photographers like a mad woman 

- Michael and I met with a photographer a couple of weeks ago and liked her but want to see what other options we have 

2) Michael, my mom and I checked out 2 possible reception sites today!! Both venues presented pros and cons. 

Hendris: http://hendris.com/

Pros- All-inclusive price, Flexibility, Willingness to help with centerpieces, Provides tablecloths and centerpieces, Set-up, Close to Ted Drewes

Cons- Location, Parking in back, Would need to rent chair covers 

Schlafy Tap Room-The Club Room: http://www.schlafly.com/breweries/private-parties/ 

Pros-Parking, Downtown location, Provides tablecloths, Charisma, Historical Site, Outside area for guest book, Brick walls and windows 

Cons- Extra fees, Would need to rent chair covers, Price for product, Restaurant (and possibly live music) would be downstairs

As you can tell I am personally torn about if I had to choose today, which one I would prefer (PS. All advice or opinions are welcome). We are planning on looking at a few other places for sure though before deciding anything. I am also currently in the process of collecting some additional venues to contact.

3) I have 4 bridal boutique appointments for next Saturday from 10:00-5:00! Needless to say I will be beat after this day! But I am SOOO excited :D 

Disappointment...

I miss blogging. :(


School and life is currently kicking my butt.


I will blog again soon...Promise.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

So as some of you may know my mother is... 'thrifty' and has always been. Well I am sure that she thinks that none of that has rubbed off on me, especially when it comes to my wedding, but that just simply is not the case. My parents have generously agreed to pay for our wedding and although it is no where near the 'average' cost of a wedding nowadays, I still plan on having an incredible time and creating an incredible wedding! P.S. if you did not know the average cost of a wedding is $25,000!!! Which I feel is INSANE! 


But anyways, here are some things that we have talked about and I plan on trying to incorporate into our wedding.


1) DIYing: I am in love with this budget friendly idea! Below is one of the things that I plan to DIY... with a little help of course :)
- Favors/ Place Cards  http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/recipe/mint-lemonade

I am IN LOVE with this idea, especially for a may wedding! Plus the straws are only $7 for 150 and the bottles are as low as $.50 a piece!


2) Use my resources!
- I know 2 people in particular that make cakes from home and are very reasonably priced. Plus my fiancée and I are not fancy with our wants in the cake department (he wants red velvet and I want funfetti). 


3) RESEARCH!
- A lot of the 'budget conscience' bridal magazines and blogs that I have seen have all encouraged that researching and pricing things out BEFORE you commit is a sure fire way to save money and get the best deal. Plus, since we have over a year until our wedding, I get plenty of time to negotiate and try and find the best deals around town (especially on reception sites).


4) Go for the clearance section!
- Like my mother, I love a good deal! One of the most budget savvy things that I have learned from my mom is to go for the deal! Thats how I found my invitations after all. :) 

Exciting!!

We have set a date!!! May 11, 2012 will be the day that Michael and I are getting married! I am so excited that we finally decided. We have been going back and forth on May 11 and May 18. What tipped the scales was that flights and honeymoons are cheaper earlier in the month and we would prefer that Michael's parents not have to stay out in St. Louis for 4 weeks just to wait for us to get married. 


Other good news! We are meeting with a potential photographer on Wednesday! I am really excited to meet her and see if she and her style mesh well with Michael and I. Check out her website and let me know what you think! 
http://www.lauraannmillerphotography.com/index.html