Figuring out the flower situation

Despite my continued claims that I am "not a flower person" I can't help but swoon over these pretty little green-leafed beauties. Ever since I was told that I may have the option of having dahlias at my wedding, I've noticed them everywhere.

Unfortunately, beautiful flowers don't come cheap! Like most brides, I headed straight for google to figure out how to save money on flowers. It seems like the top five ways to save money are:

1. Shop smart - This means picking flowers that are in season and are available locally. This also means, if you are getting married around Valentine's or Mother's Day, traditional flowers such as roses may cost you more.

2. Double Dip - Pick flowers for the reception that you can re-use at the reception. This means pick flowers that will last the duration of BOTH events. For example, while hydrangeas are budget friendly flowers they are SUPER prone to wilting because (as their name implies) they LOVE water. In order to preserve the bloom you can't simple cut the stem at an angle. The traditional angle won't give the flower enough surface area to get the water it needs. What you need to do is gently peel the outer layer of the stem off the bottom inch. In other words, do your research!

3. Think creatively - Instead of a bouquet, each of your bridesmaids could just carry a single flower. Sunflowers for instance make a great impact and would look great at a rustic outdoor wedding. OR if you have lots of bridesmaids they could each carry a single flower, such as a rose or a peony and then at the alter you could collect them for your wedding bouquet. This would obviously take some maneuvering but could definitely be a great (budget-friendly) choice.

4. Green is good - Use lots of fillers. Greenery will make your bouquet look fuller without adding too much to your bottom line.

5. Trust your vendor -Once you've shown your vendor what you like and discussed your color scheme, they probably have a lot of great suggestions on how to stay within your budget.

* 6. Boycott flowers!!- I didn't include fake flowers because I am personally not a fan of fake flowers. This is definitely a personal preference but obviously silk or even paper florals can be really great, if done right. Also, there is NO rule that there has to be flowers at a wedding. Personally, I love button bouquets and brooch bouquets! Unfortunately, they aren't really my style and I don't have the time or the energy to spend months collecting buttons/brooches.

There are obviously a lot of great ways to save money on flowers and the best thing about being cost-effective is that its also great for the environment!
So, after much searching I think that I have found MY dream bouquet. It is a perfect combination of the tropical yet romantic feel that I love. I love the use of the white orchid and the soft pinks.
{Source}

This is my second favorite bridal bouquet. How gorgeous is the HUGE white flower?!?!

{source}

I'm still working on the rest of my florals but these are some inspirations that I like for the bridesmaids' bouquets and centerpieces. I was thinking that we could deconstruct the bouquets and put a few stems in little glasses vases. I figure that tall centerpieces don't really make sense at a morning brunch. I also don't want the flowers to be too uniform. I want different sized arrangements in a variety of containers (mason jars, vases, bowls, etc.).
{Source}

{Source}

What are some other ways to save money on flowers? Did you find that the more you looked at flowers the more you appreciated their loveliness?

I HAVE A CINEMATOGRAPHER!!!

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

It was just a few weeks ago that I thought I wouldn't be able to afford a cinematographer. Today I can officially announce that Jon from Well Spun Weddings will be filming my wedding!

Let's start at the beginning. A few months I entered a wedding photography/videography package giveaway on Brooklyn Bride. Unfortunately I didn't win :( However a few days after the contest ended I was contacted by Christine Best at WSW and asked if I would still be interested in working with WSW. Basically, they asked me what I could afford and despite my non-existent budget, they agreed to do it! It obviously doesn't hurt that Jon will get to spend the weekend in Costa Rica!

To be honest, everyone at WSW has been so A-MAZING! I don't know anything about film or filming a wedding but Jon was just super patient and super nice. He explained things that I hadn't even thought about (ie. getting there early to get time lapse film of sunset/sunrise... yea, that's how they do that! I just assumed it was all canned film!) and was just really easy to talk to.

Much like the moment when Julie (my photog) said she was a ninja, I knew Jon was "the one" when he said "I really like to plan down to the minute, from the time I leave the house until the time I have to fly back home." L.O.V.E. He's even beta testing a program that will allow all your vendors to sync up their various schedules into one document which you could print and review! If I get my hands on the program I'll be sure to see if I can pass it along ;)

I really couldn't be happier. I know they haven't actually DONE anything yet but based on my experience thus far I couldn't be happier!

Here's are my final thoughts on picking a cinematographer:
1. Make sure that you really like the people who are going to be there the entire day! It doesn't matter as much if you hate your florist or your caterer, if they do a good job. But your wedding planner, your photographer and your cinematographer, they will be there for the most intimate moments of your big day so you want to make sure that they aren't a black cloud but an extra star helping YOU shine bright :D

2. Ask questions! Don't be afraid to ask, if even you think they are stupid questions! If they aren't willing to answer even your stupidest questions now, who knows what it'll be like once you get closer to the day!

3. Do your due diligence! Don't just take their word for it. Google is your friend. Double, Triple, Quadruple Check! It's your wedding and your money, make sure its what YOU want, at a price YOU can live with, for the services YOU want!

4. Be yourself! Let them know who you are so they can know what to expect and how to meet your needs. It's a two way street so don't make it too hard on your vendors.

I guess that's all...

I've posted these videos before but just in case you missed them I certainly feel they are worth re-posting!

Mexico from Well Spun Wedding Films on Vimeo.

Melissa & Rodrigo from Well Spun Wedding Films on Vimeo.

After the week I've had, I really needed this! It's been one of the most exciting developments of the entire wedding planning process...What has been your favorite moment in the wedding planning process? Have you had any unexpected surprises?

Too old for a tutu?... say it ain't so!?

A few months ago I discovered Ouma's etsy shop and fell in love. It doesn't hurt that her styling is crazy amazing. It's so ethereal and romantic...almost bridal even.






So for a couple weeks I was totally obsessed with the idea of having a tutu inspired reception dress... I knew I couldn't afford to spend $200 but I could certainly spend $50, right? Turns out reasonably priced tutus are hard to come by... le sigh.

Basically anything you can get for $50 doesn't have the volume of a $200 tutu. I was defeated. I was disappointed but able to convince myself that a tutu was ridiculous for a woman my age (yes, I recognize that I am only 26!). Then I saw this post on Southern Wedding Magazine and felt that tutu-longing ache in the pit of my stomach.

{Source}

So I am just putting it out in the universe. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn't it was never meant to be. We'll see what happens!

Is there anything you really really want for your wedding even though you know it doesn't make much sense? What is it about weddings that make them such a good excuse for indulging these desires?

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast...

Since I will be having a brunch reception instead of a seated dinner, I'm always keeping my eyes out for appropriate table setting ideas. The traditional tall flower centerpieces and candle strewn table tops are just not our style. I also have this "new" obsession with burlap. I particularly like it because it reminds me of those large coffee bags which in turn makes me think of Costa Rica, which makes it obviously perfect for our wedding! Now that I've lead you down a tiny trail of obsession here are some of my favorite table settings:


{Source}
1. Sweet and Simple: I love this one and I even already have access to a doily punch! Plus I love the purple thread sewn across the top, BUT I think this look would be a little informal for my wedding.

{Source}
2. An Elegant Affair:I love this use of burlap because it breaks the table up a little more and in this case, since they decided to use a bench instead of chairs, it spaces the guests out appropriately. That being said, I don't think I could put my guest on a long bench. It would just be so inconvenient for the guests to get in and out of their seat, especially since I'm probably doing a buffet style brunch. So bench seating is almost certainly out of the question. I also love the jars with the little circular name tags tied around the opening with twine. So cute!

{Source}
3. Tropical Romance: This are by far my favorite setup. I love the simplicity, the doily-esque placemats, the loose orchids and the pretty blush pink napkins! While I want my brunch to have a more laid-back, romantic, vintage, slightly whimsical feel, I want the evening Cake & Champagne reception to have a more elegant, romantic, vintage feel so I think that this would be a good start! L.oV.e.

{Source}

4. Rustic texture: I really like this one because of the ribbon and the kraft paper luggage tag. D liked the "sprig of barley" (I am pretty sure it's wheat but it may very well be barley). Regardless I really like the thoughtfulness of this setting.


{source}
5. Carefree romance: When I saw this table, I literally gasped! Now I totally get that this is 75% lighting and good photography but it's still 25% gorgeousness. I love the simplicity of the setting. It is especially special because it really highlights the natural wood table underneath.

What are your thoughts? How much thought are you putting into your table settings??

When to Wed

I've been having a difficult time deciding exactly what time to have my (our...why do I keep doing that!)ceremony. As you may or may not remember, Mr. Pancakes and I REALLY want to have a morning wedding. Practically, it'll allow our guests to enjoy their day in Costa Rica, and it'll be the rainy season so the morning is the best time for a rain-free ceremony. Personally, we love the morning, and we are super impatient (like children on Christmas morning) and didn't want to have to wait all day to get married. Recently, my wedding planner let me know that 9am would probably be the best time to have the wedding... and I was a little panicked! I would LOVE to have an early morning wedding. In fact, I use to dream about having a sunrise ceremony. I just loved the idea of starting the day off with a wedding and just spending the whole day celebrating.

The problem is that I don't want to deal with all the griping and complaining that comes with an early morning wedding. I already feel selfish for choosing a destination wedding but now to make people get up at 8 in the morning on their vacation!

Then I saw this:
{Source}
{Source}

This lovely couple eloped at 5am! The light is amazing and the bride and groom couldn't look happier... (no sleepy eyes here!).

Granted my situation is slightly different because I did invite guests so it's not just about getting me and Mr. P up, but also about getting all the bridesmaids and groomsmen up and ready in time for the ceremony.

Here's my thought: It's our wedding. If people are there, they are there. If they aren't, then they aren't. At the end of the day, we'll be married and we'll still have ALL day to celebrate with all the people we love...

Obviously it isn't that simple but it's nice to dream. It's just so hard to balance what's best for us and what's best for the guests (who happen to be our closest friends and family.)The way I see it there are a number of factors to consider when having an outdoor destination wedding:
1. Local Weather (You don't want to have a wedding in the hottest time of the day!)
2. When's high tide/low tide? (Make sure there is enough sand/beach!)
3. Light (Talk to your photographer!! what time of day do they like to shoot, and where will the sun be during your ceremony!)
4. Travel time
a. Where are your guests staying and how long will they need to get to the ceremony... unlike most weddings, at destination wedding the guests are often staying AT the ceremony site so there is far last travel time.
b. When are your guests arriving and when will they need to leave? While it may be cheaper for you, it may greatly inconvenience your guests to have a Friday night or Sunday night wedding.
5. It's your wedding!!!! Decide what's most important to you and go for it... After all you only get married once! (Well, we hope!)

What time are you getting married? Did you have any trouble deciding on a time-line or did it all kind of fall into place naturally?

Udderly in Love...

About 6 months ago Mr. Pancakes went to a wedding and was OBSESSED with the homemade dark chocolate chip cookies with infused milk shooters. He talked about it FOR WEEKS! While I am not sure it's something that we'll do, I can certainly see the appeal. The only reason we wouldn't do it is because I don't like chocolate chip cookies or milk :( I didn't grow up in the States so its not really a comfort food for me... but there are so many great ways to do milk & cookies at a wedding:

Milk & Cookie Bar: You could have all sorts of cookies and flavors of milk for your guests to choose from. You could do peanut butter, oatmeal, oreo, etc and then have jugs of strawberry, chocolate, skim and whole milk! I would be so easy to do and really budget friendly.

{source}
Passed around on a tray: The tiny shot glasses of milk with the individual cookies present really well. They look great and may help with quantity control. You could even do it with oreos. I heart oreos with milk! However, according to Mr. Pancakes, "they just make you feel bad when you have like 15." While that may be the (one) guys' perspective, keep in mind that even cookies can be classy! It's all in the presentation.

{source}

{Source}

{Source}
As favors: Who wouldn't love to go home with a little bag of cookies and some milk? Also how adorable are these mini ol' school glass milk bottles?

{source}
Untraditional: Reach for the stars, so to speak. Why do traditional chocolate chip cookies at all??

{Source}
So I have to admit that I have a soft spot for all things tiny. I pretty much love everything wedding-related but love it even more if it can be made tiny. I've been know to spend hours at Paper Presentation swooning over miniature envelopes and tiny luggage tags! I have no idea what I would do with a 1 x 2 inch envelope but they were SOOO cute!!

Has anyone had a cookies & milk bar or been to a wedding with one? Have other people been served Cookies with Milk Shooter do you agree with Mr. P?

Workout Plan Update

{Source}

In June, I got a groupon for a 30 day pass at Bikram Yoga Harlem and after months of procrastinating finally got myself up there! It was A-Mazing! After two years of an unbelievably sedentary lifestyle (like, literally 20 hours a day sitting or laying in bed!)

In the 30 days, I took 17 classes and truly fell in LOVE with Bikram. For all of you that don't know, Bikram classes run exactly 90 minutes and consist of a set series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Bikram Yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105°F with a humidity of 40%.

Unfortunately I can't stay at Bikram Yoga Harlem because the studio is WAY too expensive for me (like $150 a month) but I still have months until the wedding so I am not sure what I am going to do!!

That being said, I wonder why I didn't budget my own health into my wedding budget? I budgeted skin care, jewelry, and even new undergarments but I didn't even think to budget a gym membership or even a yoga DVD!!

This last weekend, I finally sat down and decided on a firm budget. Until now we have been working with very vague estimates because I had a really hard time understanding how much things should cost and how much I was willing to spend. Now that we've secured a few of the more important (expensive) items (location, dress, suit, wedding planner and photographer)it was much easier to get an idea of how much money we had left to play with and how we wanted to distribute that money. I think it's REALLY important to revisit your budget and not just to ADD to the budget but also to make adjustments as necessary! (and it WILL be necessary)

I also created this matrix to help me think about all the various wedding related expenses:


The idea is that things which are the most important to us as a couple and those that will last the longest deserve the most attention (aka largest percentage of the budget). On the other hand, those things that we don't care about and that won't really have a lasting impact, we should consider spending little to no money on.

So all the items that fall in the upper right quadrant are those things that we are willing to really splurge on, and those in the upper left and lower right are the items that we want but shouldn't blow the bank to get, and last but not least are the items in the lower left. These items are items that we really shouldn't bend over backwards to get and perhaps could even live without. (shocking, I know, but there ARE things that we may not need!).

So my preliminary matrix would look something like this:



Now there are two caveats:
1. I really have to be honest with myself about how important each detail is to us as a couple. It's important to think of things on a sliding scale and not just as important and unimportant.
2. It doesn't actually help us figure out how much we should spend on each item, it just helps us think about what percentage of the total budget we are willing to spend on each item.

So I guess the question still stands: Where would health/exercise fall?
Somewhere in the lower right quadrant?? Perhaps even the upper right??

Does anyone have any advice regarding good workout DVDs or free resources online?