Monday, June 7, 2010

i need your thoughts/opinions, please...

our wedding is approaching quickly!!
maybe even quicker than recently planned because as of last night our date has to be changed AGAIN!!
it's a little frustrating but there was misscommunication between some family.
since there are so few of us, picking a new date should be easy.
although it is summer and it seems like there is always something going on.
we have two dates in mind, just hope one works for everyone.

i have a million thoughts going through my head.
i figured there was no place better than my blog to look for some advice/opinions.
keep in mind our wedding is very casual/non-traditional.
it will be outdoors and we are only having our parents and siblings, the ordained minister and photographer.

music
do we play the traditional music when i walk down the "isle" (the walkway on the deck)?
no music?
our ceremony is going to be short and sweet, maybe 5 minutes.
do i have my dad walk me down the isle?

cupcakes
since we are on a very tight budget.
i am thinking we will go with cupcakes.
these are what i have in mind.
i am hoping to order them from sam's.
they will be displayed on a fun cupcake stand.
whatcha think?

decor
we are getting married on the deck near my parents pool.
i don't know if i should decorate the deck/fence?
if so, with what?!
any ideas for something that can float in the pool that is inexpensive?
i don't think i want floating candles.
i've got faux flower petals to line the isle with.

we are getting married under an open frame canopy like this.
i'm going to hang paper lanterns from the canopy in our colors, pink green and orange.we will stand under the hanging lanterns or closely under them.
they can't be touching our heads obviously.
does this sound okay??

we will have 12 chairs similar to the chairs above photo.
i want to tie sashes on them with a flower, shown below.

bouquet
i am going to take the advice of some sweet blog ladies and make my own bouquet!
there is a local farmer's market that starts in a few weeks, i'll be heading there the first saturday it's around. i'm not exactly sure which type of flowers i'll be using just yet.

dress
i still don't have my dress....
it should be here by the end of this month.
call me crazy but i am not having any alterations done to my dress.
it's not in the budget.
at the store when i tried my dress on it fit great, so please just keep your fingers crossed for me that it fits the same when i get it! :)
since i will only be wearing it for about two to three hours at the most i think everything should be just fine.
my mom said she will figure something out if it's not.
mom's can work magic when needed.
after the ceremony i'm changing into a dress i bought when we were planning to have a reception/party.
i love my little party dress!
picture to come soon!

OK, that's enough for one post! ha!
i just realized i didn't include anything about hair...
i do have an appt with my adorable friend and hair stylist so that's a good thing ;)
probably missed a few other things as well.
what i am planning for before and after.
that will all come in the next wedding post as well!

thank you SO VERY MUCH for your thoughts/opinions!!
photos have been saved on my comp for a long time,
sorry i'm not sure exactly where i got them all.

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

awww you are getting so close! i think... if this date would stop changing! lol

I would say yes to your music! since there are so few people you could even hook an ipod up to speakers and just make a play list for your entrance...and then the rest of your night. I would also say yes, have your dad walk you down the aisle. I think that is something dads look forward to :-) You might be able to find some light bulbs to change the color of tint to the pool. Or just try and find beach balls that are your colors and throw them in to float around so that they match the lanterns...

I think even it's not a traditional wedding, you still deserve to treat yourself to the little things! you'll always remember your dad walking you down the aisle and the small moments that will happen that day :-) good luck!

♥ H ♥ said...

Your wedding is going to looks SO pretty and FUN! Yes to the traditional music and yes to your dad. And as Adorably Distracted mentioned, you can go to Orientaltrading.com and maybe find some cute beach balls or something else that floats. They have a bunch of stuff that comes in bulk. Everything looks and sounds fabulous!!

Becky said...

I think no matter how big or small your wedding is, you should just make it your own! (I have learned this planning mine.) You should play music when you walk down the aisle! You only get married once, and there is nothing like hearing the dun, dun, dundun....Or whatever you want to walk down to!! I would talk to your dad and see if he wants to walk you, some dads DREAM of that day, so I would give hime the opportunity to do it if he wants, and if you want! As for decorations, I LOVE the idea of the paper lanterns and the bright colored cupcakes, I think it is going to be SO cute! As for something, floating in the pool, that is a GREAT idea. What about flowers (faux or real) or maybe some balls (like beach balls in your solid colors) or something like that. You can look on oriental trading and get some ideas maybe. I think anything you do will make it beautiful because it is YOUR day and you can make it perfect however you want it! As for your dress, I wouldn't worry about alterations, if you tried the one at the store and it was fine, it will be fine! Mine came in a few weeks ago and didn't need a single alteration, so, it happens! Happy planning, and don't stress out too much, it will all work out and be beautiful! Have fun with it!

Unknown said...

You should absolutely have your dad walk you down. just because this is a smaller wedding doesn't mean you should sacrifice any of the traditions you both want. You're going to be a stunning bride!!!

Kristen said...

it sounds like everything will be fabulous no matter which direction you go! This is your first wedding right? If it's important for you to have your dad walk you down the aisle then you should definitely do that. Instead of a traditional wedding march you could walk down the aisle to yours and Billy's song? or just a favorite of yours? Can't wait to hear what you decide to go with!

Jenn said...

Colors- So fun! You can do so much with them!

Decor- Order some stuff on etsy or make your own pom pom balls and laterns..

Do you have a hobby lobby or Dollar tree there?

Dress- No worries, my opinoin it doesn't have to fit perfect!!!

Can't wait to see your party dress!!

Make it as traditional as you want, if I was you I would walk with your dad and have music, why not! You can even play it on an ipod and have a friend control it on an ipod deck on the side like in the bushes..

Cupcakes- So cute! Very in, maybe decorate the cupcake stand just to make it "unique"

Let me know if you want anmymore opinons!

Gwen said...

I would totally do the music. It's a moment you'll never forget and the music just makes it even more special. :) I love the cupcakes! Such a cute idea and love the colors. I also think the idea of beach balls in your colors floating in the pool is great. Or maybe balloons would be fun. Paper lanterns are fabulous and they will look great on the open canopy. I can't wait to see your bouquet and don't worry about your dress. I didn't need alterations on mine either. Some of us are lucky like that. ;) XOXO

Lauren said...

Seriously, your wedding is going to be so sweet, cute, intimate, and it will be PERFECT!!!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I vote for music as you walk down the aisle for sure :) and I also vote for having your dad walk you! I'm planning on having my mom walk me (since my father passed away) but I'm definitely having someone walk me so I dont fall and trip if nothing else. :) Plus, it's something your dad is likely looking really forward to. :)

As for the pool, what about floating flowers in different colors.. Ooohoooh! Or what about different colored rose petals? You wouldnt be able to toss em in til right before the ceremony, but I bet they'd look pretty.. :)

Everything is sounding so great! The cupcakes will be adorable in the stand, too!

You're such a chill bride.. changing dates, etc.. You kinda get rockstar points for being so flexible, I think! :)

Have a great day, beautiful bride! XOXO!
-Jax (I have issues signing in at work sometimes). :)

Charlotte said...

all of those are sweet and touching details! your day will be perfect!!! go with your intuition on everything and it will all be beautiful!! can't wait to see pictures!!

Shannon said...

I think your plans are awesome. I almost wish we had a smaller, intimate wedding like this. I think you should definitely have your dad walk you down the aisle if that's what you want. It's going to be amazing no matter what!

Jessica said...

Ahh, the joys of wedding planning!!
-I say YES to traditional walking down the aisle music, you will not regret it. It will TRULY make you feel like a bride, and definitely have your dad walk you down. It's a very very special moment that you'll never forget!!
-LOVE the cupcakes, they'll be a big hit!
-DECOR - what about giant old school large balloons in the colors of your wedding?? they're soo stunning when you get lots of them together, the really round ones! You could also use them at your decor tables or even around your canopy. They give a very fun, vintage feel!
-I also LOVE that bouquet, should not be too hard to make! You'll do a great job I'm sure! :) Check out my new invitation blog http://jandpaper.blogspot.com I'll be doing lots of posts about fun outdoor/colorful events, so maybe you'll get some ideas!! :)

Nicole-Lynn said...

Everything is going to turn out great! Your dress will be here before you know it.. and btw, the cupcakes are adorable! :)

Heather (Live.Love.Laugh.) said...

Love the cupcakes. Def have your dad walk you down. The Chinese lanterns are cute. For the deck maybe some white fabric or xmas lights. The lights would look pretty at night.

My actually wedding was small too but all the little details made it so us. Don't focus on the size focus on what you want there, it's your day.

The Undomestic Mom said...

you have such great taste! your wedding is going to be amazing!

Jordan Elizabeth said...

First of all, i LOVE that you are having such a small and personal wedding & your colors are amazing, OBSESSED! That is def. what i want for my wedding! My opinion, i don't think you should have too much decorations because it is such bright colors, too much might over do it, ya know? Maybe just some of the paper lanterns hanging from the deck. I think what you have now is great! I can't really think of anything to float in the pool besides flowers, candles, petals or lily pads might be cute. I think you should choose a song ya'll both love to play when you walk down the isle (& def with your pops) and its can be playing quietly during the ceremony. Well obviously i have never planned a wedding before but i hope that helps :) Cant wait to see how everything turns out!

Alison said...

The cupcakes are super cute! I think you should have your dad walk you down. Sam and I eloped and I walked down by myself and it was kind of sad! Good luck with all your decisions! :)

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

I would be going crazy if our date had kept changing...how you manage to keep so calm and cool about the whole thing is amazing!

As for music, I would definitly have something, does it have to be traditional? Nope. I say pick a song that has meaning to the both of you. Since you're doing a casual wedding will you have a first dance? If not, choose a song you would have used for that. And you should have your dad walk you down the aisle. It doesn't matter if there are 2 people or 200 people, if it's important to you I say go for it!

I LOVE the cupcake idea...but I will say, we did cupcakes for my friends baby shower and they actually ended up costing about the same if not a little more than just doing a cake. Because each one has to be individually decorated the cost per piece goes up...just something to keep in mind if you're on a budget.

Are you going to use fresh or faux flowers for your bouquet? My friend did her own and all the bridesmaid's using fake flowers and they turned out amazing!

Can't wait to see everything!

carrie1 said...

You def. want the music... or even just back groud music. And ABSOLUTLY have your Dad walk you down the isle! You want those memories. =) Just because its small your still going to want those little touches.

What time is the wedding.. during the day or more towards evening?

Confessions of a Northern Belle said...

Why don't you pick one of your favorite songs for you and your dad to walk down the aisle to??

And for the pool - I have seen tons of cool things you can float in it... maybe something that has a special meaning to you and your hubs? I once saw a wedding with little plastic ducks... and another with balloons....

The lanterns are a gorgeous idea to hang above you in the canopy!

Kristin said...

I vote yes to your dad walking you down the aisle!!

The cupcakes are perfect and will look great in a stand!

You could just hand a few lanterns along the railing but I'd say leave it plain unless it's going to be part of the focal point of the wedding or in all your pictures.

For the pool could you do some flower heads? Or are there some waterproof balls or something that would look similar to the lanterns?

Whenyou go to the farmers market ask the different vendors what flowers theyll have ariund the time of your wedding. My aunt actually had someone do something similar with her so she went out and did extra pruning and care so the girls flowers were perfect. If you tell one of the vendors that they may be able to work withyou to make sure you get the best flowers for your wedding so you don't have to go to a florist and spend an arm and a leg!!

I can't wait to see how it all comes together!!

Summer Athena said...

yes to the cupcakes. gosh, i want to make them for you. i do. i do. i wish i could. they just dont mail very well. :(

yes, on the paper laterns. so nice!

xoxox

There's No Place Like Memphis Mama said...

I love all your ideas! I think the cupcake thing is precious!

Kelsey Claire said...

I love the cupcakes! So fun and cheery and will go with everything else you are doing. I don't know what you should do for the pool, but I would do something bright and cheery! Love the idea of doing your own flowers. When we got married I ordered some flowers from a wholesaler online and they were beautiful and cheap! You just put down the day you want them to show up at your door and sure enough they come.

Marian said...

OK girl, here is my input.

In regards to music, I would definitely play some whether it be traditional or something more laid back. I think it may put you a little at ease to have something in the background while you walk down.

If you have a close relationship with your father, I would definitely have him walk you down the aisle. I think it is one of the moments father's treasure the most with their daughters.

Love LOVE the cupcake idea!!

For decorating you could always use lights, I think it can set the mood though it depends on timing of the ceremony. And I like the idea of floating flower petals. And teh lanterns are a great idea as well. I think it will really set the mood.

xoxoxo

Unknown said...

Love the cupcakes and bouquets and everything else! If you are doing casual, do you have any friends that can play the violin or anything so there is something playing as you walk down the isle but nothing cheesy? I'm excited to see pictures, it sounds like everything is going to be BEAUTIFUL!!!

Mallory said...

I think it's going to look great!! Maybe use some twinkle lights on the deck, and some of the paper lanterns you're already using for the ceremony on the deck too.

and for the pool, look at some of these ideas on the first and second pages..

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1T4RNWN_enUS269US274&tbs=isch:1&q=floating+pool+decorations&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=20

i like the idea of having candles around the pool in those little bags (maybe you could find pink/green bags??) instead of candles in the pool. and also i like the balloon arches going across the pool (page 2, second row, middle picture - but without the tacky bride/groon balloon creation thingy, lol). good luck! i think it's going to look great :)

Meg said...

I want a date! I am so excited for you guys.

Ok, here is my run through of your ideas: music-I'm actually walking down the isle to Somewhere Over the Rainbow; cupcake-we too are doing cupcakes, I think Sam's club would be a great place to get them; pool-I'm still stuck on that one too, I need some ideas (I'll relay them once I get them); canopy-<3 it; lanterns-<3 them hanging from the canopy; chairs-they look great; bouquet-I think that will be a great way to save money, just make sure you run by the farmers market before the wedding to do a mock up; dress-my fingers are crossed that it still fits perfectly and I'm super excited to see the party dress!

Jules said...

It sounds like you’ve got it all figured out and I really like your idea, especially about the cupcakes and paper lanterns. Regardless of it being the deck that is your aisle, I still think it would be nice to have your dad walk you. I am indifferent about the music, since it will be a short ceremony. I think that if there is a song that is really special to you and Billy, you could play that. For the pool, I’m wondering if you could get beach balls in specific colors and blow them up to float on top of the pool in pink, orange, etc.

I know that you will make everything nice and I’m really excited for you!

ajs {of MN} said...

you have so many people getting back to you, but remember this. It's yours and billy's wedding day- do what you both want. even though its small and with just family, you should pick the day that really... works for YOU TWO. It's 100% obvious that you are marrying the love of your life and for darn good reason- you are having a small wedding, something simple, sweet and honest to help celebrate your soon to be marriage. Also- something sticks out in my mind when reading your post, the music... personally music moves me and when I had my Grandpa walk me down to my Dad who gave me away to my awaited Groom- I didn't even hear the music... if that tells you anything BUT you should give a listen to Vitamin String Quartet's Rock & Roll Wedding Album- there have some GREAT sounds that I am sure any bride would love!! Hope this helps- you have great ideas and no matter what the day will be perfect! best of luck, email me with ANY questions as I spent over a year and a half planning my "simple" wedding as well ;)

LWLH said...

I would go for the music and your dad walking you, if you orginally wanted that. I think the rest of your plans are great. It will be beautiful girl.

Whitney @ EHFAR said...

I love the idea of having cupcakes. I was thinking about doing the same time, when my boyfriend and I get married. I love the flowers in the photo. I think you should put some decorations in the pool.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have a vision & I saw go for it! After all, it's YOUR wedding! The ideas all sound great!

Suzy said...

Looks to me like you have everything planned perfectly! Stunning, elegant, simple, and very beautiful!

Yes, have Daddy walk you down the aisle...maybe to a song that the two of you love? That was the one very special moment from my wedding day that I will never forget!

I can't wait to see everything come together, from the colors to the ideas you have it's all going to be perfect!

Jenni said...

I think that all sounds wonderful! If you have always pictured music playing and your dad walking you down the aisle then do it! There is nothing saying that a casual ceremony can't be traditional. :) Make it what you have always wanted! Cupcakes sound darling!!!!

Hayley said...

Annie, it's going to be beautiful. The cupcakes look so good! I love all your ideas. Except for the pool thing. I'd just leave the pool alone. But that's more because I'm lazy than anything!

For your music, I'd go for something simple... like a pretty piano solo. I like the instrumental theme from Romeo + Juliet (1996). And you should def have your dad walk you down the aisle!

drollgirl said...

this is so exciting! your big day is getting near! i think i'd go with a little traditional music at the ceremony. and decorations are always a good thing so that the place looks festive. paper flowers might do the trick and you can do that on the cheap! i have my fingers crossed that it will all work out, and i know it will! it will be LOVELY! :)

and thank you for your sweet comment.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

First off. If you want those traditional details like music and having your Dad walk you down the aisle...do it. It doesn't matter how small it is...it's YOUR special day! Love the cupcakes and lantern ideas!!

Our blog has moved! We would love for you to visit us at our new site: http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com/
Unfortunately, if you followed us with Google Friend Connect you'll have to re-follow but everything else is the same! Hugs, K

Katy Mary said...

I think all of your ideas sound really great and you will look beautiful!!

Brown Girl said...

I love all of your ideas, one thing I recommend is planning ahead and getting things done ahead of time. Making a bouquet can be a little time consuming if you've never done it so just allow enough time for everything.

It will be beautiful and I'm so excited for you!!

Sierra said...

I would say do what you enjoy, if you want traditional music that would be nice, but if you have a favorite song in mind that would be equally romantic and outdoorish with the theme, I think that would be pretty too. I think it would be nice to have your dad walk you down the isle too! :) For floaters I think flowers, candle, or paper mache (spell?) type objects are just lovely. Your dress is going to look gorgeous regardless of the alterations and sorry you have to change the date again, hope that work out. The cupcake stand will be SO beautiful and I LOVE those cupcakes, so bold and colorful!

Jordan said...

I say yes to music! Love the cupcake idea. Personally I'm not a fan of cake! And I say yes to your dad walking you down the aisle! :-)

aLena said...

I would definitely do the music, but since your wedding is less than traditional I would play my favorite song instead of the traditional wedding bells ... You should really consider having your dad walk you down the aisle ... it's a special moment that only you two will be able to share and I personally totally loved it when my daddy walked me down the aisle!

I love the cupcake idea ... the colors are sooooo pretty and look super duper delicious!

A definite yes on the lanterns ... perfect idea for an outside wedding ... for the pool I would buy single battery-operated LED lights and put them instead of pink, orange, and green balloons to float them in the pool ... I think it would look really gorgeous especially in the evening ... I've bought them before at Wal-mart in the wedding aisle or you can also get them on-line ... and if you have problems with the balloons floating away, you can always tie a weight to do so that they'll stay in the water ... good luck I'm soo excited for you! ... hope this helps!!!

aLena said...

BTW I didn't need any alternations for my wedding dress ... so just saying its possible and keep your fingers crossed !!!

Brittany said...

I can't believe you contemplated having your dad walk you down the isle! That's one of the things I'm really looking forward to (whenever I get married haha). I'm sure it will make him very happy.

I think music is a great idea. As others said, it may put you at ease. Music always brightens the mood and makes things fun.

Try lightening the pool with different color light bulbs.

I think it's great how you're saving money by making your own bouquet and such. I can't wait to see the pictures of your wedding!

{andthisiswhatshesaid} said...

You should def, have your dad... I would give ANYTHING to have my father, do it when I get married (although he will in spirit!)

Love your colors!

Alison Kinsey said...

I think your wedding will be wonderful girly! Try not to stress too much about the details. I think the paper lanterns will be adorable and the cupcakes will be tasty and a big hit. I think your Dad should definitely walk you down the aisle!

Kirsten said...

Choose what you want and what is important to you. My sister, it was her dress, flowers and decorations. Me, total opposite, it is shoes, booze and photo/video. Choose what suits you best and enjoy it.

Kassie said...

a cousin of mine had a cupcake "cake" at her wedding, and it was really pretty, and nice to just take one! as for decor, I say ribbon more than flowers...it's less expensive but just as pretty! :)

Anonymous said...

I would definitely say have your dad walk you down the aisle. Especially if you are close with your dad. It will be special for the both of you, I promise. As far as music, maybe play a song that is special to you and Billy. It doesn't have to be a traditional song. I love the idea of cupcakes. Super cute!

Anonymous said...

If you're looking for a cup cake stand - Hobby Lobby should have some. As for everything else, I have no idea! LOL

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I think the cupcakes are a great idea! They'll be something really fun! As for the music, I'd have at least something playing in the background.

Drew's Mom said...

Love the cupcake idea.. and I think the traditional music and dad walking you down the isle sounds good. Can't believe it's coming up so quickly. can't wait to see pics from the big day!

Tatiana said...

I love your cupcakes! They are so fun! I also like the lantern idea a lot. I think you should do whatever makes you happy as far as having you dad walking you and the traditional music, because after all, it's your special day and you should have everything you dreamed of... You're going to make a beautiful bride!

Brittany said...

I think you should definitely have your Dad walk you down the isle. When I got married I wanted to do something different for the music but there's just something special about the Wedding March so I think you should go with traditional music.

The cupcakes are a perfect touch and I love the lanterns. As far as the pool goes Steel Magnolias keep coming to mind. Maybe some large bloom flower that would float??

I hope everything works out and you get a final date soon!!

Becca said...

I WOULD...

definitely play music. I did the traditional wedding songs and it just didn't fit right to me for our very short casual beach wedding. SO pick something that sounds good to you. MOST definitely have your father walk you down the aisle. I think if you didn't, you would regret it.

LOVE the cupcakes! I am almost did cupcakes. It seems like so many more people are opting for them. I think those are SOOOOO cute.

I think the paper laterns are going to look fabulous. I wouldn't worry about anything else. I think it will look great regardless.

Good luck with your bouquet. Hope you are able to find some pretty things this weekend!

Perfectly Imperfect said...

I think you should throw little touches of you guys in everywhere no matter the size. You should have music to go down the aisle, but maybe something non-traditional, like a song that means something to y'all. I would most def have your Dad walk you down the aisle. Paper lanterns will look great. Could you get some large flowers from the farmer's market to float in the pool? The sashes on the chair will look great and a bouquet is so easy to make. You'll do great at that! Can't believe you're getting so close!!

Katie @ Modern-Day Family said...

Thanks for coming by! Yay for wedding planning! Love that lantern inspiration photo and those drink dispensers you made are sooo cute and i LOVE the cupcake idea and colors :)

Just Add Walter said...

I think you should definitely have music! I love the cupcakes and making your own bouquet idea.

Crawford said...

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