Vancouverpetunia - Now Sapphire - April 7, 2016

[vancouverpetunia]

Ladies... sh*t just got real:

 

 

Now we just have to figure out the plans for the legal wedding!  I think we have picked out a restaurant that is on the water in Vancouver, with the Seawall in front of it. If the weather is nice, we could do it outside. If not, they have a little Juliette balcony from their second floor that overlooks the restaurant that would be very cute. I went to the restaurant in December and they said they would be happy to have us come in 30 mins before they open, so that we could have privacy. And then we would stay for an early dinner. But Jeff hasn't been to the place yet and he wants to check it out, so we have reservations for Feb 6. It will just be me, Jeff, his best man and his girlfriend. Still have to find an officiant, but I think we will do a Sunday, so there should be lots to choose from and I'm really not that fussy about who they are or what they're like. Quick in & out.

 

Onto other updates (warning - it's long)...

 

Dress

Also in the "getting real" category, I pick up my dress tonight! Yikes. I haven't seen any photos since the last one I posted, so fingers crossed. I don't think I will be able to try it on at the dressmaker's, so it may be a few days before I can post any photos. Unfortunately she doesn't do fittings or alterations. It is what it is and if I need anything changed, I have to do that on my own. 

 

Bachelorette Party

This is planned for Feb 20. My bridesmaids don't live here, so two friends are planning it. I don't really know who's attending, although I do know that my BM who lives in Portland, OR is making the trip up for the weekend, so that's very exciting. I asked them to invite most of the women invited to the wedding - I left out the older ladies (aunts, etc.) and a few who are on Jeff's side who I don't know all that well. I've asked to keep it low key. It sounds like there will be something earlier and something later in the day, so maybe a spa day followed by dinner? Not sure. They are being very hush hush.

 

Bridal Shower

My cousin has kindly offered to throw me a shower. I'm not sure what to think about that. Honestly, I didn't really want either a bachelorette party or a shower. I don't really like being in the spotlight and I don't want people to spend even more money when so many of them are going to Mexico. Plus, for the shower, we have pretty much everything we need, not to mention, nowhere to put anything else! That said, my cousin suggested a "wine & spice" theme. Not sure what the spice part is - food or lingerie? LOL. But the wine part sounds good to me!

 

So, I assuming I go ahead with this, who should I invite? I was thinking this would be great for the older/family ladies to attend. But for everyone else, I'm not sure. I feel like I'd rather have those NOT coming to the wedding, since they aren't spending the big bucks to come. But then it would be a great opportunity for those who ARE coming to the wedding to get to know each other. Any suggestions? I'm not sure what is "proper" etiquette.

 

Stationery

I have found a company that will do custom artwork for all of my stationery for very cheap! They come highly recommended from FB group I'm in, so fingers crossed. I've asked them do everything in a Mexican/papel picado theme in our colors, so: welcome letter, mad libs card (in lieu of a guest book), program fan (decided to go with all matching stuff rather than do the one I posted previously, although I really liked that one), escort cards & table numbers. I think I can get away without a seating chart/placecards. We'll just include the table number on the escort card - I don't plan to assign actual seats. I'll let you know how they turn out. 

 

Hair & Makeup

A friend of mine was supposed to do my make-up and possibly my hair (she's a trained make-up artist, and can do basic hair, but I only wanted basic). Unfortunately, she and her husband have decided they cannot make it (that takes us down to 39 guests, including kids). They have some financial issues right now and they would be coming all the way from Australia, so I can't say I blame them. But I'm disappointed, of course, especially because my wedding was going to a mini-reunion for a group of us who now live in Vancouver, Toronto & Sydney. But what can you do?

 

Luckily, I have hair & make-up included at the resort salon as part of my package. So my friend has sent me some make-up suggestions with more to come (these are pinky-brown smoke, apparently, and she's also going to send some that are more purple). 

 

 

 

 

I'm busily pinning hair photos. I have an angled bob (short at the back & longer at the front) - actually very similar to the make-up shot above. So I'm somewhat limited in my options. Plus it is is poker straight without a lot of body. I do want it off my face, at least partially, in case it's windy. I love the look below, but I don't know if my hair will hold the curl (it doesn't really hold a curl at the best of times, but does puff up a bit in the humidity so maybe?). Can anyone speak from experience? Or have other suggestions?

 

 

I'm not sure what to do for my BMs. I don't know if either will want hair and/or make-up done at the salon. I would like to offer to pay, but it's $160 USD each for both services. Would it be tacky to tell them they can pick one and I will pay for it? If they want the other, they'll have to pay for it themselves? Haven't paid for any part of their outfit, and I don't really have a gift for them yet. Just a getting ready robe.

 

Other

• We booked the golf excursion for the guys. It's the day before the wedding and I've told the groomsmen that I will KILL them with my bare hands if Jeff is hungover for our wedding day (he is the worst with hangovers). 
• Jeff's ring is in for resizing.
• Our MC is confirmed.

Next Up

Well, we're now 75 days out from the wedding day, so it's getting to crunch time. Here's what we have to get done next:

• Rings engraved
• Legal ceremony booked
• Figure out & book spa appts
• Get local appts booked: nails, waxing/laser (hair already done)
• Sort out beauty stuff: tanning (HELP! I know nothing about tanning) & teeth whitening
• Figure out any gifts for parents/wedding party, etc.
• Finalize & ask people to give speeches

 

[acw271011]

@@vancouverpetunia ok catching up.... I can't believe I've missed so much!! Countdown is on!!

 

I love your dress design!! It's so pretty and will be wonderful for an April Mexico wedding!! The lace is gorgeous!!! Can't wait to see it complete!! Those hair and makeup styles are beautiful! I do really like the last one - can you do any kind of trial either before you go or once there to see how the curls "curl up" and how long they last? Even without humidity you might get an idea of how well they want to "stay" and then see from there? I love the girls dresses and the colour will totally pop!

 

I haven't heard of parent gifts but we did photobooks and both sets loved them, plus we bought actual small albums and had 200 prints made and set up a full album for my dad and Dougs parents. They all enjoyed them. I know what you said about BM jewellery it what about going with something like that "just for the wedding" like pearls? With only 2 you could get something a little nicer maybe and it's something that can always be worn again. Just a thought.... Or shoes as Kim suggested. I like that idea too.

 

I like your legal ceremony plan. Sounds very sweet and romantic and..... Simple!! Your to do lists are totally doable and I agree with Dee - you're so together with everything and so calm!! My vote with the bachelorette and shower - if people want to be happy for you, go for it! Enjoy it!! As to who to invite I like the idea of everyone so that everyone gets to know each other!!

 

So if the guys get a golf day what do the ladies get?? It really should be fair you know... lol

 

You've got this Erin! You know exactly what you want and you're completely organized! Not long to go!! Very much Looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing pics!!! If you can go check out the GTA Brides Meet up thread. Something interesting possible happening.....

[vancouverpetunia]

So I picked up my dress last night and I couldn't be happier It's not exactly the same as the photo but it's similar and I think it's very pretty. It is also beautiful work(wo)manship. And it fits like a glove! Not a gap or a pucker anywhere.

 

 

The belt doesn't come with with it, but it definitely needs one.

 

 

 

 

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@@acw271011 Thanks, Ann, for you suggestions, feedback & support!

 

 

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[rebeccarpeck]

Love the dress!

 

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[krystalball]

The dress looks gorgeous on you! It's going to be perfect for the heat of a destination wedding

 

 

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[acw271011]

@@vancouverpetunia Oh Erin! It's beautiful!!! I really love it!!! It looks gorgeous on you!!!! I think it will be perfect for your wedding!! You're right - it fits perfectly and it definitely needs a belt!! Are you adding that one, or looking for a different one? That one looks great with it!! What are you putting on/in your hair? A veil or something else? A veil would look pretty (imo lol) but a birdcage would be gorgeous!!! lol And your lace shoes.... perfect!!! (if that's still the ones lol)

[vancouverpetunia]

@@rebeccarpeck, @@krystalball Thank you! 

 

@@acw271011 I do like that belt. I actually wouldn't have picked it off the rack - a bit too much bling for me, but I think it looks good. I'm going to hunt around a bit, but may end up getting it. No veil... thinking a headband, which I might try to match to the belt (i.e. if I go with a rhinestone belt, go with a rhinestone headband). The shoes are these:

 

 

They are a little more ivory than the dress, but I don't think you will notice since there is quite a gap between the dress and the shoes. I don't know if I would have picked them to go with this dress (I picked them to go with a different dress), but I think they'll work. I'll probably end up in flipflops later anyhow 

[acw271011]

@@vancouverpetunia I think you should stick with that belt! lol It looks beautiful! LOVE the shoes!! They'll be perfect! I don't think the colour will be any kind of an issue. If anything a slight difference in the shade will set off both really nicely!! A hairband will be so pretty, especially if you get it with bling!! lol

[bride2016]

Your dress looks beautiful and it looks so great on you!! Ahhh! So exciting

[calgarybride2015]

Hey!

 

I think your dress is gorgeous. She did a fabulous job and it looks awesome on you

 

With respect to hair -- I think what you do with it depends on how your hair holds in humidity. Most don't. Even Perian just mentioned her curls wouldn't hold either. I may consider an up do for this reason!

 

For BMs. Why not just say you will pay their hair and leave it at that. Let them know makeup is available if they prefer it done professionally and give them the cost. I told my girls their options (self vs salon) and gave costs and all jumped on booking. No one was upset as for their weddings we paid our own too!

 

I agree with Ann, if the men get a golf excursion you ladies should get something too for gifts if you want ideas - maybe a piece of jewelry for their dress? Or a little pampering gift pack of stuff for Mexico in a nice make up bag? A beach bag or swim suit coverup? Some have found sunglasses or watches cheap too! Hmmm or like the golf help pay for the excursion.

 

With respect to tanning -- you should start soon rather than later. Depending on your skin tone it can take a while to build up time and thus a tan. You'll need 2+ months!!

 

Good luck. It'll be here before you know it

 

Heheh I realized I gave ideas before for the BMs. I'm sorry!

 

And love those shoes. A slight different in color won't be noticeable as you've said since there is a gap!

 

 

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Edited January 25, 2016 by calgarybride2015