Odds and Ends

When it comes to decorations at the reception, I am thinking less is more. I do not plan on having tablecloths on the indoor tables (why cover those beautiful wood tables?), but I do want some fabric overlays/decor on the cake table, buffet table, etc. And the outdoor tables will need a little pizazz.

Mom and I spent some time out in Hamburg this afternoon looking at random things for the wedding. They had many fabric patterns out in two-yard quantities for sale...I scooped up two burnt orange fabrics and one grass green fabric. I think I can use these for some of my "extra" tables mentioned above. 

Not sure exactly what I will do, but here are some potential ideas (or at least images to provide inspiration): 

I like the runner idea on this table...

I love this fabric look! So bunchy and fun!

This overlay is pretty. My thought exactly for the outside tables. Except some of those will end up being high top tables.

Also, when it comes to fabric, DaRae did not have cloth napkins at Keene Run for use. That may change before our September wedding, but I may end up needing to rent some. I really like this Martha Stewart idea for napkins:

These napkins echo the mood of the day: "we tied the knot!"

Other notes from this weekend: finally completed a few DIY projects, purchased my first round of shower thank-you cards, bought two large white metal buckets for sparkler collection (post grand exit), completed mine and Jacob's seat markers, purchased all paper and envelopes for our invitations/RSVP cards/programs/signage/etc, determined our basic menu for the reception, discussed our alcohol plan for the reception and spent time hunting for photos for a special montage. What a weekend! Happy Memorial Day everyone.

Take a seat

Are wedding reception seat markers for the bride and groom a have or a have not? I am kind of torn with this DIY project idea...this isn't something I have seen a lot of in weddings I have attended, and the photos I have seen on the Web leave quite a bit to be desired. The ones I have come across are typically labeled with the usual "Bride" and "Groom" or "Mr." and "Mrs." like the ones below:

These are not bad ideas at all; they just do not reflect us as a couple.

I realize we will spend very little (if any) time sitting at our table...thus making seat markers not a super important decor project. But it could be a cute touch (and would reserve our seats for when we do try to sneak a bite to eat!).

If this is something we end up wanting, I will certainly make it a DIY project and will go with "K" and "J" letters...painted in a shade of burnt orange or emerald green and tied to the chairs with a ribbon in a corresponding color. This "theme" would go with another piece of decor I have been DIYing for the wedding...you will see in September!

Taking Inventory

With a 17 month engagement, I knew that we would have plenty of time for planning...being engaged...and saving money. However, I think the extra time has made me lazy! Jacob and I have been engaged for nearly 7 months already and I feel like there is still so much to do. In actuality, we do have quite a bit to accomplish, but we are moving along at a nice leisurely speed.

What gets me are the people who have gotten engaged recently and have just as much - or more - planned for their weddings that are just as far off as mine! Makes me feel like even more of a slacker. :)

My big thing lately has been to get organized. The wedding binder is looking good, budgeting spreadsheets have been laid out, checklists created and timelines drafted. I am in a good position. I just need to move forward!!

To feel a little better about what I have accomplished, I am going to do a little inventory.

Things I have to date:

• A date/time: September 18, 2010
• Ceremony site: Southland Christian Church (where we both grew up)
• Reception site: Keene Run Golf Club
• Caterer: DaRae and Friends
• Wedding Party: Check (sans a few of the ceremonial roles/ushers)
• Minister: Todd Tyler (close to Jacob and the Kelly's)
• Color scheme: emerald green, dark orange, white
• Photographer: Mary Lashbrook

Things I have ideas about:

• Invitations
• Programs
• Centerpieces
• Reception/ceremony decor
• Ceremony components
• My dress
• Wedding party attire
• Flowers

Goals to accomplish before Christmas 2009:

• Research and hire a DJ
• Research and hire a florist
• Make a decision about a cake and hire a baker

Also along the way, I have bought misc. items that we will need for the big day. Things like crafting supplies (bone folder, paper cutter, corner rounder), dessert serving set (super cute orange/green set from Pier One), dried grasses and berries for a centerpiece at the reception, etc.

The many ideas out there are a bit overwhelming...I think it is my fear that I will get the whole thing planned and then have some totally other ideas come into mind. And then what will I do??! I think the only thing is to make my decisions and stick with them...no matter what else may come up.