Since we're moving in 2 weeks, I went through the wedding stuff I have (and packed it up) and found some stuff to sell already. Everything is in my knot planning bio which can be found here:
http://www.momentville.com/lovethebeach16/for_sale
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Favors - Black Bottom Cupcakes
It was very easy for us to decide on favors. I'm one of those people who won't take a wedding favor unless its edible. I don't have any use for something that has someone elses name on it.
So I knew I wanted to do edible favors. It didn't take me long to realize that T really likes the black bottom cupcakes that I make and it was also slightly significant since that was the first dessert I made for him.
A few weeks ago, I bought Chinese take out boxes from a local knottie who was selling 60 of them for $5. I couldn't beat that price! They are the 1/2 pint size and I wasn't sure if the black bottoms would fit or not. Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I figured it was as good a time as any to test it out.
So, what do you think, are they too crammed? T thinks they are fine. You can easily get your fingers in there to get them out, so I think its okay.
If you are interested in the recipe, click here: black bottom cupcakes
So I knew I wanted to do edible favors. It didn't take me long to realize that T really likes the black bottom cupcakes that I make and it was also slightly significant since that was the first dessert I made for him.
A few weeks ago, I bought Chinese take out boxes from a local knottie who was selling 60 of them for $5. I couldn't beat that price! They are the 1/2 pint size and I wasn't sure if the black bottoms would fit or not. Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I figured it was as good a time as any to test it out.
If you are interested in the recipe, click here: black bottom cupcakes
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Updated Budget Breakdown
Since we're almost 7 months away and I'm stuck at home again (thank you snow) I figured it was a good time to provide a budget update. Currently, we're under budget which is great because now we can afford to pay our bartender something instead of taking him up on his offer to do it for free.
Oh, and before I start the budget breakdown...we've finally made a decision on the honeymoon. We figured we would go to the Outer Banks in NC, but weren't sure of where to stay. I found a condo in Hatteras yesterday that is $610 for the week, has a pool and is right in the middle of everything so there is tons of shopping, restaurants, and we're super close to take the ferry over to Okracoke (sp?) Island. I haven't booked it yet, because we still need to decide if we are going for one week or two but at least I have a definite place now.
Okay, onto the budget.
Venue $600
Officiant $275
Marriage License $35
Caterer(garnishes and ice) $1060
Alcohol $500
Soda, juice, straws $105
Plates, utensils, drinkware $260
Linens $160
Chairs and tables $140
Cake $200
Serving set/toasting flutes $20
Centerpiece vases and rocks $15
Floating candles $30
Tealights $5
Mirrors $20
Centerpiece flowers $64
We Do Letters, cake table decor $20
Bouquets, bouts and corsages $190
Invitations and inserts $84
Menu and thank you cards $22
DJ $300
Photographer $1113
Ring bearer pillow and flower girl basket $11
Table numbers, card box, guest book, guest book pen, bouquet vases $50
Favors $22
Dress $500
Alterations $100
Shoes $50
Jewelry $50
Grooms attire $50
Total $6051
Which puts us almost $500 under budget. I know its not a lot, but its enough that we can pay the bartender and maybe the DOC as well. Of course the prices still aren't final because we haven't purchased everything yet. I have my spreadsheet set up to subtract the actual cost of things from what we have already purchased and its showing that we've paid for 1/3 of the wedding so far.
Another thing I realized is that we said we didn't want to go over $8000 after including the bridesmaids gifts, honeymoon and wedding bands even though they weren't a real part of the budget. Since my dad paid for the rings, even adding in the honeymoon and the bridesmaids gifts I've purchased and plan to purchase, we're still under $7K. Not bad at all!
Oh, and before I start the budget breakdown...we've finally made a decision on the honeymoon. We figured we would go to the Outer Banks in NC, but weren't sure of where to stay. I found a condo in Hatteras yesterday that is $610 for the week, has a pool and is right in the middle of everything so there is tons of shopping, restaurants, and we're super close to take the ferry over to Okracoke (sp?) Island. I haven't booked it yet, because we still need to decide if we are going for one week or two but at least I have a definite place now.
Okay, onto the budget.
Venue $600
Officiant $275
Marriage License $35
Caterer(garnishes and ice) $1060
Alcohol $500
Soda, juice, straws $105
Plates, utensils, drinkware $260
Linens $160
Chairs and tables $140
Cake $200
Serving set/toasting flutes $20
Centerpiece vases and rocks $15
Floating candles $30
Tealights $5
Mirrors $20
Centerpiece flowers $64
We Do Letters, cake table decor $20
Bouquets, bouts and corsages $190
Invitations and inserts $84
Menu and thank you cards $22
DJ $300
Photographer $1113
Ring bearer pillow and flower girl basket $11
Table numbers, card box, guest book, guest book pen, bouquet vases $50
Favors $22
Dress $500
Alterations $100
Shoes $50
Jewelry $50
Grooms attire $50
Total $6051
Which puts us almost $500 under budget. I know its not a lot, but its enough that we can pay the bartender and maybe the DOC as well. Of course the prices still aren't final because we haven't purchased everything yet. I have my spreadsheet set up to subtract the actual cost of things from what we have already purchased and its showing that we've paid for 1/3 of the wedding so far.
Another thing I realized is that we said we didn't want to go over $8000 after including the bridesmaids gifts, honeymoon and wedding bands even though they weren't a real part of the budget. Since my dad paid for the rings, even adding in the honeymoon and the bridesmaids gifts I've purchased and plan to purchase, we're still under $7K. Not bad at all!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Bridesmaids Gifts
I've been seriously slacking on wedding related stuff. With a little more than 7 months to go, I still have a lot to get done. I'm trying to avoid thinking about it because we're moving at the end of the month and I almost feel like its somewhat pointless to get started on a project only to have to stop and pack it up at the end of the month.
So, since a snowmageddon is going on outside (thank you Mother Nature, the state of Maryland must have really screwed you at some point), and I'm stuck in the house, I decided I could start looking at bridesmaids gifts and see if I could come up with any ideas.
I had no idea what in the world to buy. I know that you are supposed to buy gifts for them like you are shopping for their birthday, but thats kind of difficult when you're not birthday gift giving friends. I posted on the knot and got a ton of good suggestions. I also asked where I could find those grocery totes that have different patterns on them and was informed that Forever21.com has them for $1.50. That is an awesome price! They didn't have a huge variety, but I was able to find 3 of them to buy that will work out quite well and even matches the tastes of my bridesmaids.
Then I started looking around on the Forever21 site and found a ton of stuff that would work out as cheap but nice gifts. So I began shopping. I ended up with a pair of slippers, two candles, 3 totes and hair clip for $30. Then I moved onto Bath & Body Works, spending another $30 and getting bubble bath, a sleep mask, and two pairs of those scent infused socks.
Not wanting to give up on gifts just yet, I went to restaurant.com and bought a $50 gift certificate for $15. Usually they are $25 (and half price still isn't bad) but I was able to find a coupon code (ironically it was BRIDAL) to save me the extra $10.
Here is the breakdown of gifts (and intended-to-purchase gifts) with their prices.
Matron of Honor
S is a stay-at-home mom and opening a daycare in her house. I bought the restaurant gift certificate for her because I know she likes seafood, likes the restaurant and definitely could use an excuse to get out of the house for a date night with her husband. I also picked up a pair of the scent infused socks for her since she is usually on her feet all day.
Gift Card: $15
Socks: $6
Total: $21. Since I still have $20 to spend, I think I'll pick up either a picture frame that I know she'll like or some type of a figurine for her house.
Maid of Honor
C is going to become a mommy in May. It turned out that she was the easiest to shop for once I got the idea in my head that a recent mommy is definitely in need of some well-deserved me time. The other pair of socks are for her along with all kinds of other pampering type things.
Socks: $6
Bubble Bath: $12
Candle: $3
Sleep Mask: $5
Slippers: $7
Tote: $1.50
Total: $34.50
I'm not sure if I'll end up picking something else up for her or not. It really depends on if I see something. Maybe a bottle of wine to relax?
Bridesmaid
K is T's sister. I know that she likes to drink, so I thought a tote with different types of alcohol, premixed drinks, glasses, and maybe some snacks would be a neat idea. All I have purchased so far is the $1.50 tote, but I think I'm going to check out Target to see what type of barware stuff they have.
Tote: $2
Total: $2
Bridesmaid
R is my cousin. She will be almost 21 for the wedding. I wasn't sure what to get her either, but last summer we went to the flea market near my apartment and she bought a really cute knock off coach purse with a matching wallet. Since I looked at them with her and found out we have really similar tastes when it comes to purses, I think I can pick one out on my own. I'm not sure how early I'm going to buy this because they have new styles almost every weekend. If we have a snow free weekend soon, I'll go and check them out to see if there are any really great ones. If not, I'll come back during the summer to get one then.The next time I talk to her mom I'm going to find out what perfume she has in her room and I'll probably pick up a small bottle of that.
Coach purse: $35
Perfume: $15
Total: $50
Bridesmaid
A is my other cousin. Honestly, I have no idea what in the world to get her because she changes her tastes on things all of the time. So I emailed her mom to get some suggestions. I know that probably wasn't the best way to go about it, but we live 3 hours away from each other and usually only see each other for a weekend or so in the summer. I did pick up a candle and tote for her while making the other purchases though.
Tote: $1.50
Candle: $4
Total: $5.50
So far I've spent about $60 and have one gift completed, one almost completed and good ideas on the other two. Not bad at all!
Oh and I completely forgot! They are all also receiving a handmade necklace and bracelet they can wear for the wedding and I picked up silver pashminas for them in case we decide to have the ceremony outside.
How much did you spend on bridesmaids gifts and what did/are you going to get them?
So, since a snowmageddon is going on outside (thank you Mother Nature, the state of Maryland must have really screwed you at some point), and I'm stuck in the house, I decided I could start looking at bridesmaids gifts and see if I could come up with any ideas.
I had no idea what in the world to buy. I know that you are supposed to buy gifts for them like you are shopping for their birthday, but thats kind of difficult when you're not birthday gift giving friends. I posted on the knot and got a ton of good suggestions. I also asked where I could find those grocery totes that have different patterns on them and was informed that Forever21.com has them for $1.50. That is an awesome price! They didn't have a huge variety, but I was able to find 3 of them to buy that will work out quite well and even matches the tastes of my bridesmaids.
Then I started looking around on the Forever21 site and found a ton of stuff that would work out as cheap but nice gifts. So I began shopping. I ended up with a pair of slippers, two candles, 3 totes and hair clip for $30. Then I moved onto Bath & Body Works, spending another $30 and getting bubble bath, a sleep mask, and two pairs of those scent infused socks.
Not wanting to give up on gifts just yet, I went to restaurant.com and bought a $50 gift certificate for $15. Usually they are $25 (and half price still isn't bad) but I was able to find a coupon code (ironically it was BRIDAL) to save me the extra $10.
Here is the breakdown of gifts (and intended-to-purchase gifts) with their prices.
Matron of Honor
S is a stay-at-home mom and opening a daycare in her house. I bought the restaurant gift certificate for her because I know she likes seafood, likes the restaurant and definitely could use an excuse to get out of the house for a date night with her husband. I also picked up a pair of the scent infused socks for her since she is usually on her feet all day.
Gift Card: $15
Socks: $6
Total: $21. Since I still have $20 to spend, I think I'll pick up either a picture frame that I know she'll like or some type of a figurine for her house.
Maid of Honor
C is going to become a mommy in May. It turned out that she was the easiest to shop for once I got the idea in my head that a recent mommy is definitely in need of some well-deserved me time. The other pair of socks are for her along with all kinds of other pampering type things.
Socks: $6
Bubble Bath: $12
Candle: $3
Sleep Mask: $5
Slippers: $7
Tote: $1.50
Total: $34.50
I'm not sure if I'll end up picking something else up for her or not. It really depends on if I see something. Maybe a bottle of wine to relax?
Bridesmaid
K is T's sister. I know that she likes to drink, so I thought a tote with different types of alcohol, premixed drinks, glasses, and maybe some snacks would be a neat idea. All I have purchased so far is the $1.50 tote, but I think I'm going to check out Target to see what type of barware stuff they have.
Tote: $2
Total: $2
Bridesmaid
R is my cousin. She will be almost 21 for the wedding. I wasn't sure what to get her either, but last summer we went to the flea market near my apartment and she bought a really cute knock off coach purse with a matching wallet. Since I looked at them with her and found out we have really similar tastes when it comes to purses, I think I can pick one out on my own. I'm not sure how early I'm going to buy this because they have new styles almost every weekend. If we have a snow free weekend soon, I'll go and check them out to see if there are any really great ones. If not, I'll come back during the summer to get one then.The next time I talk to her mom I'm going to find out what perfume she has in her room and I'll probably pick up a small bottle of that.
Coach purse: $35
Perfume: $15
Total: $50
Bridesmaid
A is my other cousin. Honestly, I have no idea what in the world to get her because she changes her tastes on things all of the time. So I emailed her mom to get some suggestions. I know that probably wasn't the best way to go about it, but we live 3 hours away from each other and usually only see each other for a weekend or so in the summer. I did pick up a candle and tote for her while making the other purchases though.
Tote: $1.50
Candle: $4
Total: $5.50
So far I've spent about $60 and have one gift completed, one almost completed and good ideas on the other two. Not bad at all!
Oh and I completely forgot! They are all also receiving a handmade necklace and bracelet they can wear for the wedding and I picked up silver pashminas for them in case we decide to have the ceremony outside.
How much did you spend on bridesmaids gifts and what did/are you going to get them?
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