acireta

Thanks! Yup, that's why we're looking for an indoor venue!! LOL Chicago in April - who knows how it will be! the room has a terrace included that we can use if it's nice out. I figure an evening in April will probably be too cool, but the smokers can go out there if they need :-) I really want to include the AHR info on our invites, that's why we're planning so early. Plus if we want an indoor venue, we need to book sooner rather than later. I still am on the hunt for a funky restaurant that will let us rent a room for appetizers and dessert, but no luck so far.

Thread's been quiet lately, everyone must be busy with summer stuff and planning! We're on the hunt for an AHR venue so we can include it with our invitations that we want to send out in the next few months. How are things going for everyone else?

I'm a April 2012 Chicago bride too! Sort of... I'm actually in the western suburbs - Downers Grove. We're getting married April 3 in St. Thomas. Are any of you guys planning an AHR yet? We're on the hunt for a venue. Brookfield Zoo ended up being out of our price range, but I'm meeting with the manager of events at Cantigny (in Wheaton) on Wednesday to discuss a Friday night event a few weeks after we get back. I'm calling it an anniversary party to control costs. It's amazing how prices double when you drop the W-word.

I think they ended up being about $20 each (including tape and rhinestone initial). I'm sure people could get them done a bit cheaper with more online research!

Very pretty, love the color of your folder/packet! you did a great job! Can I ask where you got the map? I've been looking for a good quality one on which I can chart our cruise itinerary!

Hey Erica, I just saw this now that I'm trying to nail down an AHR venue. Did you ever find one that worked for you? We're in Downers Grove, and some of the more affordable inside venues we've found (avoiding the city itself) are Cantigy in Wheaton, Brookfield Zoo (still waiting on 2012 pricing from them) and Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge in Hinsdale. I'm going to do some visits in the next week or two I think... We're getting married in April 2012 and want the AHR in the same month, so we have to find an inside venue - you know Chicago in April, absolutely no way to predict! Good luck if you're still looking! If you picked one, I'd love to hear about it! Erica :-)

thanks girls! they were SUPER easy, maybe an hour each? the hardest part was deciding how I wanted the flowers arranged. Only important part of floral arranging: tape every few pieces so you're not trying to keep everything together with one hand! And don't be afraid to rip it apart and start over!

haha thanks!! let me know if you need help, good luck!

It took a few weeks to research prices and to collect brooches and other supplies. Once I started wiring brooches and taping everything together, it was just a few hours (including ripping it apart and starting over a few times lol).

that is BEAUTIFUL! if it's in your budget, go for it!

that's awesome! I've never seen anyone in my family wear pins so I was out of luck there LOL Sounds like it will be a wonderful heirloom for you! Can't wait to see it!!

From our experience booking a few months ago, on Carnival, kids under 2 are free. After that they are the standard fare. We have a three year-old coming on our cruise wedding and she is priced at a third person in the stateroom (her parents being the first two). What cruise line will you be on? I'd call them to make sure.

Happy Monday! I was at my aunt and uncle's lake house all weekend, jetskiing, eating too much and playing with my cousins. I am finding it IMPOSSIBLE to get motivated to get work done. Maybe I'll just do some searching for an AHR location LOL

I would definitely not call myself a nonconformist, but I made myself a brooch and real touch rose bouquet. It was pricy and time-intensive, but in the end, worth it. I love it! There's a ton of tutorials out there on all of these types of bouquets for the DIY brides! I spent months doing research before I started making it but the thing is sturdy as a rock now LOL

I read about this in the other thread :-( I hope you feel beautiful in this dress, because you look great! I know some bridal shops and sizing can be tough on us bigger girls, but you deserve to feel as gorgeous as the tiny chicks!! ESPECIALLY after the battle you've been though!!

LOVE it! I'm a curvy girl too, and I think it looks awesome on you!! What's the style called?

oh that's annoying having to switch back and forth for the punctuation! looks perfect in the PDF format though!

Very pretty pictures you've inserted with those! You've done great work! Looks a little funky to me because I haven't downloaded some of the fonts you've used. Seeing it as a jpeg or PDF would make me understand better. My only suggestion is that you have some extra punctuation in the third pass (extra commas before periods). Also you missed a space before "Please reach out..." Nice work so far, good luck finalizing!!

Hi ladies, I got this from a vendor today. Good luck getting invites and RSVPs where they need to go!! Canada Post Canada post has reported that they have initiated the process to resume operations following the passage of legislation requiring Canada Post employees to return back to work. In accordance with the Act, employees will begin to report to work for their regularly scheduled shifts on Monday June 27 and on Tuesday June 28. Canadian consumers and businesses can expect to start receiving mail on Tuesday, June 28. Post offices that were closed will start to reopen on Tuesday and resume regular operations. All mailboxes will be unsealed starting on Monday and ready to receive mail as soon as possible.

I happened to do a google search for this dress the other night and a craigslist ad from NC popped up, listing it in a size close to mine for about 60% off! I ran to david's by myself, tried it on (to make sure I was on track with sizing), loved it, contacted the girl, set it up, and it arrived today! It's a bit too big, but it needs the same alterations that the correct size would have needed, so I just saved myself $300 bucks! This dress will give you curves you didn't know you had! :-) I'm so excited!

it'll change after you post a few more times. i think its like 15 posts when it becomes "newbie." don't worry, keep posting and it'll change quickly! Welcome to BDW!

Awesome!! Please post pics when you're finished, I'd love to see it!

Hi Natalie, Have you been able to look into shipping for 20-30 blue bags to 60516? Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks!

Hey Megan! Thank you again for the MSU fabric! I finally got the time to get this done, and it was really quick once I got all set up and moving. I made three this afternoon from fabric I had on hand, and I might end up doing these for all my guests once I have a final count. Green for FI, pink for my mama and MSU for my friend the alumna :-)

what a gorgeous cake! Congrats a beautiful wedding!