twixygrl

I have read the many posts on silk flower petals, and viewed the websites people have listed. I have not ordered samples from the different vendors, but I do know that this is an option for a small fee. Has anyone done this to compare the product?? Since I am not ordering a ton of flowers a few samples will probably equate to half the cost of the petals. I was just wondering if anyone has recently ordered flower silk flowers that would like to comment on a) the cost and the quality. I know a cost comparison is tricky because some places use cups v. bags v. number of petals. Just wondering where the good values are and if there is a difference in quality. I have no idea if the quality difference is that noticable when it comes to the petals....maybe the are all the same! I just plan on using them for the aisle and for the flower girls. If anyone has any info, please share!!!

I am thrilled to say that I ordered 100 welcome dinner menus and 100 dinner menus FREE with vistaprint. I used the offer for 50 free oversized postcards (4 times) and uploaded the menus on the front with a blank back. I only paid 2.49 to upload the image plus the cost of shipping (less then $30 for all 200 menus)!!!! Here are the menus!!

We prepared first aid kits to include in the OOT bags. I purchased cello bags from Bliss Weddings Market ($3.99 for 25, around $16 for 50 bags including shipping). We designed a cardboard insert to go into the bag and sealed the bag with a first aid sticker. The back of the cardboard insert has the "anatomy of a hangover" description. I ordered the chapstick from LipBalmExpress.com and I love it! I ordered the watermelon flavor and it smells great. The cost was around $57.00 for 100 lip balms and shipping. Included in the first aid kit are the following items: Pepto Advil Alka-seltzer Chapstick (2) personalized with name and date Excedrin Immodium (2) Dramamine Emergen- C (2) Sunscreen packet Here is how they turned out: http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909003.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909005.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909009.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909010.jpg

We had our logo made into a sticker and used the stickers for several of the reception items including the luminary bags and the cake boxes. Our wedding coordinator is setting up the luminaries. We have a sign that will be on the cake table inviting the guests to take a piece of cake with them. http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909026.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909028.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909030.jpg

We ordered our OOT bags from Cheaptotes.com. The cost was 3.99 each plus about 22 for shipping. I love the size, they are very big. I also love the quality. We had our logo screenprinted on the front. Here are a few photos of the final product! http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020910001.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...20910002-1.jpg

We mailed our invitations out two weeks ago, but our camera was lost about the same time. I finally found this old digital camera in the closet, but it is not quite the same. Our invitations are handmade and were designed and produced by: Cathy Colbert First Dance Cards 702-290-6805 www.firstdancecards.com [email protected] I am really happy with the final product, they are clearly personal, unique and very professional at the same time. The outer envelope is pearl and opens at the top. We sealed it with a logo sticker just as we did with the Save the Date Cards. The invitation is inserted along with an information card with our honeymoon registry info listed. The cost of the card was very reasonable. We paid $4.15 per invitation including the assembly, registry card, invitation and envelope! Also, Cathy was a pleasure to work with. In fact she created 5 different options for me in my price range, each handmade and very creative for me to choose from. She modified our draft twice after that until we got it perfect. I would highly recommend her services to anyone. She is located her in las vegas but can work via mail and email! In any event, here our our invitations. Final Proof http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0001_NEW-1.jpg Invite http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909025.jpg Close up of Detail http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...0020909022.jpg Registry Card http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...20909024-1.jpg

So I have done two more things to check off the list: 1) set up our photosharing website, and 2) ordered photosharing cards to give in the gift bags and set on the table during the wedding events. Again, I ordered FREE from vistaprint taking advantage of their offer for 250 free business cards. Here they are: http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...photoshare.jpg

As you can see, I am on a roll with vista print. I ordered two sets of FREE notecards to give to my "unofficial bridesmaids." I just paid $5.33 total for 20 cards which was just the cost of shipping. I will give the cards, along with a gift to the girls individually as they arrive to Cabo. I plan on writing a more personalized message on the back of the card if I use the folding card which is blank. I ordered two sets so I could pick the one I like or that matches the personality of each girl! Here they are: http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...ridesmain1.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...ridesmaid2.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...vepreview1.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...vepreview2.jpg

Special thanks to JessicaM and CheeseDiva for the templates and photos I used for the post cards. I ordered them free from Vistaprint and paid only $2.49 to upload the image and about $8 for shipping for each 100 postcards I ordered. I ordered a total of 300!!! I will put them in clear plastic envelopes and include them in our welcome bags. Here is how they came out: http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...GroupImage.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...l/El_Arco1.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f.../Umbrella2.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...dBackBlank.jpg

Well, I have finished three important things on my to do list. 1) I have finally selected our menu options for the welcome dinner and reception dinner, and 2) I designed the menus, and 3) I ordered the menus!! I ordered 100 welcome dinner menus and 100 dinner menus FREE with vistaprint. I used the offer for 50 free oversized postcards (4 times) and uploaded the menus on the front with a blank back. I only paid 2.49 to upload the image plus the cost of shipping (less then $30 for all 200 menus)!!!! Here are the menus!! http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...inner_menu.jpg http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...inner_menu.jpg

Thanks for sharing!!! I look forward to seeing your pix!!

It makes me so sad to read a review where it seems like things just went terribly. But the two of you look so happy, the ceremony set up was picture perfect!!

Amy, what a wonderful review. thanks so much for sharing with us! Everything sounds just wonderful!

Thanks so much for the template. I have been searching for something that I can use...I guess it is one of those things that is so basic, it is hard to get started on! Plus everyone's is a little diff. Anyway, thanks!

I am goinng to have unofficial bridesmaids as well. Mostly because of a tense family situation with 3 sisters, only one of which I actually would want in the wedding. If we asked the same number of people between me and FI we would have 8 on each side...that is just silly. This will give me the chance to honor each of my friends as an unofficial BM without really asking them to buy a plane ticket, dress, shoes, get their hair done etc. etc. I haven't picked the gifts yet, but I am leaning toward a photo book of our friendships for each girl. I also really like the idea of honoring them at the ceremony with a flower. I guess we will see!

How inspiring for you to honor your family and friends. I am sure it was very special!!! Good for you for putting some thought into it! The toasts had me nearing tears, so I am sure you brought down the house!

So cute. Thanks for sharing. I love the one of you laying on the bricks!

Wow. SO amazing!! I just love every pic. They are all so good. What beach??

The fans look great!! Nice work!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I am so glad to hear your positive info about suzanne morel!!

Wow!! Looks great! Your guests will love it! Good work!!

You must be so excited! I hope you enjoy every minute of it!! Can't wait to read the review and see some pix!!

Thanks so much for sharing the photos. All of the locations are beautiful!

Thanks for the great review. I love your dress, and I love the reception setting. The scene is just beautiful!! Congrats!! Looking forward to seeing your pro photos!

Everthing looks so great!!!! I am sure the wedding was wonderful. I really love the menus and the idea of having guest sign the painting!!