An A-to-Z Tag

I was tagged by one of my new favorite blogs - Semi-Hipster Homeowner

A - Attached or single? Engaged
B - Best friend? Am I dork right now if I say my fiance?
C - Cake or pie? Cake.
D - Day of choice? Saturday
E - Essential item? Lipstick (a close second - Carmex)
F - Favorite color? Fushia
G - Gummy bears or worms? Bears
H - Hometown? Wooster, Ohio
I - Favorite indulgence? Coldstone Creamery
J - January or July? July
K - Kids? Ah...some day.
L - Life isn’t complete without? My new puppy
M - Marriage date? 5/25/08 (I just peed my pants)
N - Number of brothers and sisters? Two sisters
O - Oranges or apples? Apples
P - Phobia and fears? Not a big fan of beetles or cockroaches...
Q - Quote? "Winners never quit and quitters never win." - Vince Lombardi
R- Reason to smile? No traffic on the Kennedy
S - Season of choice? Summer
T - Tag three people: With This Ring, I thee Obsess, A Windy City Wedding, For this Instance
U - Unknown fact about me? I was in ballet for 12 years (unfortunately, you would not know that especially after seeing me trip twice today leaving my place)
V - Vegetable? Corn
W - Worst habit? Talking on my cell phone in traffic (illegally)
X - X-ray or ultrasound? X-ray
Y - Your favorite food? Italian
Z - Zodiac sign? Leo

Bridesmaids Dress Drama II

• So what can folks learn from my bridesmaids dress drama?
  
  1) Research, research, research. I didn't even think of looking at the yahoo or google comments, etc., until I started having problems. My feeling is you may have one bad rating, but when you have about 300...that tells me there is a problem.
  
  2) Even if you feel rushed to make a decision and the salesperson was nice to you - take your time. They are like car salespeople - they are going to tell you anything you want to hear.
  
  3) Read the contract. I was told first week of March. After reading the contract, it of course said a minimum of 18 weeks, so of course that was what I was constantly told whenever I asked after the 18 weeks where the dresses were.
  
  4) Even as they try to blame the designer (mine was Jim Hjelm) for the delay - they are still at fault, because they promised they would have the dresses.
  
  5) Lastly, don't ever go to Eva's Bridal in Orland Park. Just don't do it. They are rude and the dresses took forever to get here - more than 18 weeks, which they promised they would be here by the 12th week.
  
  I decided last night after writing the first post, the owner was hoping I would follow every other bride who has had a problem and wanted to blast them. She would scare us into believing she could stop us. Also - I even started going, well...I did get the dresses. But still - they had horrible customer service and I don't want anyone to go through the stress I had to go through.

Bridesmaid Dress Drama

So recently, I alluded to some drama over our Bridesmaids dresses. I would like to say that we did receive the dresses last week and have since been delivered to my bridesmaids. They are beautiful and I am thrilled with my decision to go with this dress. To give you a little history, I was "late" in ordering these dresses, but they were still ordered way over 20 weeks ago. I was assured that I would have them by the first week of March (around the 12 week mark). Rather than rehashing the whole story again, I will just say that I was pretty much at my wits end, because I found out last Tuesday that they would not be arriving until this week and they couldn't even promise me if they would arrive then. (Hello - Our wedding is less than 30 days away).

Part of the problem I had with them is - fine, we will wait for the dresses, because that was all we could do - but please treat me with some respect. They never called me back (and I mean - they never called me back.) I have been in this wedding planning process for quite some time, so I am use to vendors not calling me back, but this was ridiculous. Even better yet when I did talk to someone, they constantly cut me off and would tell me something new on the delivery date and then state to me like i was a child - "we will call you when the dresses arrive!" At first I took a step back and thought maybe it was me, but I had never seen such a lack of customer service in my life. I didn't even get bridezilla or anything, they were just rude from the beginning...wait a minute - they actually became rude when I started asking questions about the dresses.

I finally talked to someone who was nice and she assured me that she would do everything to get the dresses in last Friday. It was the first time I was actually treated nicely by these people. In the meantime, I got a call from the owner (she maintained that no one had ever given her a message from me until that day before. Whatever). She was probably even worse than her sales associates. And that was when I went Bridezilla on her. I finally had it with the lack of customer service. I told her I was definitely going to make an issue on this. I said I was going to rip her on every Chicago Bridal magazine site, blog, website, etc. Ok - Was I dramatic? Yes - But I had been dealing with this for over two months now. It was actually the first time I just layed into someone over anything with this wedding.

She finally apologized for my issues with their store and I think we finally resolved all issues. Even though she informed me if I wanted the dresses here by last Friday - I would have to pay for the rush delivery. Again...Bridezilla temper peaked again and she backed off that.

Now - here is the interesting part. I think they are horrible people. Just not nice, but I actually was warned by the store owner that they are seeking legal action about negative postings on wedding sites, blogs, etc. and my feeling is the owner is watching very closely to see what I do here. Not that I ever talked about this blog to her, but I have a feeling they are watching me, just because the last conversation she made sure to tell me this. So is this just a scare tactic by her?

Etsy Find of the Week

(paperlust)

So the polaroid guestbook...to be honest, I felt like it has been done before and not really exciting, but every time I brought it up to family and friends, they seemed really into it (I forget that they are not keeping up on all the wedding blogs like us). So after searching endlessly for something unique, I buckled and bought a camera and film on Ebay. Please make note - this is not a cheap venture. Especially now that they are not making polaroids anymore. I got the camera for under 25 bucks, but the film is expensive.

Adesso Albums sells a guestbook that is specific to polaroids (but I was not loving their album), so I went to Michael's and Hobby Lobby and did not find anything either. I ended up searching on Etsy and found Paperlust. I did not want to spend more money than I had to, but I loved (or lusted - get it!?) for her guestbooks. They look so vintage with the kraft paper and she works with you to customize the book. So after debating for a week, I made my purchase yesterday and Amanda has been wonderful. I cannot wait to see the finished project! (I will make sure to post it once I get it)!

(paperlust)

How Many Days Away?

Wait for it, Wait for it - We are a month away! We are literally a month away! Oh my. I really am thrilled to say that I feel like I am on top of everything, but several projects are still in need of being done...

1) Our timeline is set, but I am working on a small brochure with information about the wedding and other festivities for our guests. OH and of course the Out-of-town bags, but really not too concerned about those.

2) Menu Cards and program finalized - Oh yeah, these need to be done.

3) I finally decided on the guestbook and we are doing the polaroids. I think I found a great option on Etsy for the guestbook, so we should be good there.

4) Our RSVPs are due on Monday and I still have 40 folks who have not sent back their invite. (mental note here - I will always fill out my RSVP card immediately after receiving it to all future weddings...).

...so maybe I am not so on top of everything?!

Customized Napkins

Er, Er...as much as I want to vent on the big bridesmaids dress issue, I am going to stay positive here. In happy news, I am thrilled with Printglobe.

Many months ago, I was against personalized napkins. I just didn't see a need, but then we added a cocktail hour and I realized for the appetizers and drinks - this might be a good thing, so I started looking around. At first I browsed the niche wedding sites, but then quickly realized only a few allow you to do the "customized" napkin with your own logo and then they may also charge you more for the customized part. I knew I really wanted to use our logo on the napkins - so I was happy to find that Printglobe did not charge extra. The other great benefits - Their website was oh so easy and I felt like the prices were the best. But what probably impressed me the most was that the sales rep returned emails immediately (I know! I guess this is a rarity in anything related to weddings). So I ordered them and they arrived today. I am so excited to use them! I know - nothing special - they are napkins, but I guess when really good customer service occurs - it makes it even better!

Stay Tuned...

I recently saw a post from a bride who graded her vendors. I actually got a little agitated by it because her reasons for a grade D or F did not seem really that bad in my eyes. It just seemed a little unnecessary to blast her vendors when they maybe didn't seem to have the right tone when she called to complain about something very small (in my eyes). I made a mental note and thought I would never do that unless there was a major problem with that vendor. Well - I might be doing this very soon...I am going to wait until the bridesmaids dresses are in my BM's closets before I start on a tirade, but my bridezilla temper is lurking...

Etsy Find of the Week

So you found a great sale on a dress at Ann Taylor. How about some earrings like these to go with your new outfit? I love Mia bead's jewerly! I think her stuff is beautiful yet so elegantly simple.

Plus the designer is having an earring giveaway on this website. (Hurry - the giveaway ends tonight!).

Ann Taylor Sale

For folks who are in need of some new outfits for showers or rehearsal dinners - Ann Taylor is doing a Friend's and Family sale this weekend

SPRING FRIENDS & FAMILY
25% OFF as many purchases as you'd like at Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory stores and online Thursday, April 17 - Sunday, April 20

Plus, receive FREE SHIPPING online with your purchase of $100 or more. Print this offer and present at any Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT and Ann Taylor Factory store or enter code 10701100 online at ANNTAYLOR.COM.

Leave a comment with your email if you want me to send the coupon to you!

RSVPs

Invitations went out a month ago and now the RSVPs are coming in...and yes, I do get excited everytime I go to get the mail. It is like Thursday nights every day (Thursdays are when my US Weekly arrives). You are giddy when you see the accepts, somewhat disappointed when you get declines.

There is also a little bit of nervousness, because we went over our capacity.We definitely did not plan to do it, however, both parents asked to add some names at the last minute. Well, those some names turned into a total of 30 more people (just an additional 15 invites, but they wanted "and guest" to be included as well). I was worried, but I was told by both guilty parties - "they won't come, but we felt like we still had to send them an invite." HOWEVER (dramatic pause here)...they are coming. Of those 15 extra invites - we have received "yes" on 13 of those suckers. So now at night, I run through the numbers instead of sleeping. We have not received all of our invites back, so I do think we still have a chance to make our magic number. But I don't want to have to send this email out to our guests. Yikes! I wonder how long it took Steve to write that?!! Again, I think we will be ok and our coordinator has assured me we could get that many people in our space but I still can't sleep until I get all of the RSVPS in!

Gocco on the Mind

Mind you, a post ago I stated I would never be a DIY Bride. And then I saw this post and I am really, really itching to buy a Gocco. It intimidates the hell out of me but I am also so curious to try it too. It is probably too late in my wedding process, but I am still debating on if it could help in the last couple projects I do have. Damn you, Gocco.

DIY Bride Not

Even though it has been done before and is really not new - I loved doing the wine cork escort cards because of our venue. I thought this would be a pretty easy project. Yes a little time consuming, but definitely something I could do. I picked up a mini knife cutter and then drank a couple glasses of different wine last night to add to my collection of corks. I had found directions where you cut 1/4 of the cork so it will lay down (and not roll) and then make another slice where you put the escort card. Ok so here comes the part where I would not make a DIY Bride. On the first cork, I sliced my thumb...badly. So badly that I bled all over the place. Despite all the blood, I kept working and made about five. They look good, but unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of my project because of this new friend.

She is our new puppy and while I was away, she decided to nab each of the wine corks and stash them in a hiding place...yeah, I think she even smiled for the camera.

The Clock Is Ticking

Ugh, it has happened. I have wedding on the brain. And I don't think it is going away any time soon. Today, I was in a meeting and instead of listening to the conversations, I went into To-Do List mode - NOT work stuff just wedding. It was so bad that during the ice breaker, we were asked to talk about one thing that people may not know about us. I couldn't think of anything except that I was getting married in 40 days. 40 DAYS!

The good news - instead of me making our favors - which will be an array of chocolates - I found a really good price from a vendor back home, who also said she could put the boxes together, ribbon and labels. What a relief!

I Have Been Tagged!

I am usually behind on the times and don't realize I have been tagged BUT this time I actually read my comments - so I have been tagged With This Ring, I Thee Obsess.


RULES:
1) you link back to the person who tagged you.
2) post these rules on your blog.
3) share six unimportant things about yourself.
4) tag six random people at the end of your entry.
5) let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.


1) I absolutely hate washing dishes. But I hate looking at them in the sink even more (Thank goodness my fiance doesn't seem to mind washing them...or he has just realized that I will never do them myself).

2) I lived in Austin, Texas for over a year and never went to a live concert until after I moved from there. Sad, but I was a poor intern.

3) I have a loud laugh. I was so loud that earlier this morning, I was caught laughing outloud by a co-worker when I saw that Tara was a Candy Stripper (Now we know how she is paying for the wedding, haha) in her tag post.

4) My cat loves to steal my Carmex out of my purse. He actually can open my purse - I swear. So the thought of putting him on David Lettermen's Stupid Pet Tricks segment has crossed my mind several times.

5) I was an arts reporter for my college newspaper and probably my biggest thrill was interviewing the band - They Might Be Giants.

6) ok, ok I confess. I watched Rock of Love II religiously this past season. So this past weekend when I was watching Georgia Rule, I realized that Destiney was actually an extra in the movie (and when I pointed this out to my fiance, I was mocked).

Again, I am late in the game, so I am tagging anyone who wants to play!

Recession Weddings

Our spare bedroom is now packed with wedding projects and an array of gifts that we have already received from our registry. As I looked among the pile of goodies, I actually told my fiance - "hey look, we have right here our own economic stimulus plan". With all these purchases, I wondered if how much the wedding business is affected by a recession. And then poof - here was this article.

Welcome!

I am like a proud mom! My photographer is blogging! Yah! Another one that will be added to my google reader!

Etsy Find of the Week

Really, it is not one of my finds. I saw this post on Wedding Bee and fell in love with this charm. I got nervous when I noticed that it would be backordered for a couple of weeks, so I fretted and then purchased.

Kick Off Those Shoes!

(StudioThisIs)

Last summer when I was looking through my photographer's work, I saw these shots and knew I totally wanted to do something like this as well. It fits me because when I was five-years-old, I attended my uncle's wedding and they could not get me off the dance floor. Many years later, I am still the same way, so I love this idea of having comfy shoes for your guests. So tonight I headed over to Hobby Lobby which was having a sale on flip-flops! I picked up about 12 brown and 12 fushia flip-flops. They are not the best quality but for a $1 each - I can't complain about the price. However, I started having buyer's remorse when I was at the counter and the woman behind me asked what I would be doing with them. I told her and she did the "oh wow." weird look. I raced home and thought maybe this was a stupid idea. Then I saw this shot and said screw it - I am so doing this.

(StudioThisIs)

Lovely Favors

A couple month's ago, I found Karen Smallbone through Jaime's site. I think she is one of the best in creating unique and cool favors, so I ended up buying some items from her store which hopefully I will later show here as our favors. But I would recommend her to anyone. I asked a ton of questions and she always emailed me back with answers (Yes! Isn't it so nice when a vendor actually responds back to you!). Even if you do not buy anything, I would look through her custom favor ideas - they are so beautiful.

Oh So Vintage!

I decided long ago that I only wanted a photographer. I just had seen so many bad wedding videos - REALLY bad wedding videos. My photographer even offers a videography package, but I still did not budge. Then I saw this on Esty Wedding and I so wish I had fit this in our budget. I love, love the vintage look that the 8MM filming gives you!

My Last Wedding Day Accessory

So my shower was a ton of fun and I ended up getting this as a gift - my purse. I actually had seen this in an antique store back home and thankfully my sister went back and got it for me. Unfortunately, you cannot see is that well, but it is a vintage clutch and I love it! Very shiny and very beautiful with a ton of character.

Now I can check off my accessories for the wedding.

Bridesmaids Dress Drama

I have been told numerous times - I am pretty laid back for a bride. That was my goal from the beginning - to never let them see me sweat ...and god forbid show any signs of "Bridezilla". Well, she came out last night and she might actually be here to stay. I know I was "late" ordering our bridesmaids dresses (if you consider in wedding lingo that six months before the wedding is late), but as I was told in December that we would be fine, but order them by this date (Dec. 8). So I did just that, ordered them on Dec. 1 to be exact. The saleslady at the bridal store stated that we should be getting them in by the second week of March at the earliest, but I quote - "Jim Hjelm is really good - so no worries."

I could give you the whole long drawn-out story (here are the cliff notes version - me calling them on March 20; talk to rude saleswoman who tells me that I should have them in a week; On March 31, me calling again; they never calling me back; me calling again and talk to extremely rude, rude salesperson, who tells me April 2; me calling again and never hearing back), but rather just end with my vent instead.

I am not a pest. I do not call over and over again just to hear the same answer. If you tell me that my dresses are going to be here the second week of March. I believe you. I only call when it is now April and I have not seen the dresses. I also call back when you tell me you are going to call me with an answer and days go by and I have not received a call.

So fast forward to last night. I called after again not receiving a call when promised. This time - the sales lady actually said, "Oh, you again." And that is when it happened. I snapped and Bridezilla reared her ugly head. I am to receive a call today. I am going to be optimistic and believe them. Because after a couple glasses of wine last night, I have decided this will be the one and only time that Bridezilla makes an appearance.

Skybus Blues

Did anyone get hurt with the latest airlines going bankrupt? We had booked flights on Skybus for a wedding this summer. I received an email two weeks ago that they were changing the flight times, which did not work for us, so I canceled the flights and got a refund. When did the refund go back into my account? Ah...yesterday. How crazy is that?

I am also hearing horror stories with brides having booked their honeymoon trips on Aloha Airlines to go to Hawaii. Ugh, I hope it is not any of you.

Breakfast for the Bride

Just received this in my email inbox. Darnit - can I miss my shower for this? I so wish it was not on a weekend when I am out of town.

Breakfast for the Bride
Hosted by Chicago's finest bridal vendors and Steven Rosengard of Project Runway

Chicago's own Steven Rosengard from Season Four of Project Runway will showcase a bridal gown of his own design and offer wedding fashion advice to attendees PLUS a preview of erin gallagher jewelry's new bridal collection and the latest line from Special Occasion Separates by Scarlet Designs.

Saturday, April 5, 2008
10:00AM – 1:00PM.

erin gallagher jewelry
1017 W. Lake Street

RSVP by April 4
312.492.7548
or by email:
Brides@lizkorespr.com

Enjoy displays and demonstrations from All She Wrote, Blumen Design, Gerber + Scarpelli and Kiki Reef Events while DJ Mary Nisi of Toast & Jam spins. Snack on morning pastries and hors d'oeuvres from Foodstuffs and sweets from Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique. The first 50 brides will receive extraordinary gifts, with the opportunity to win a free wedding!

Etsy Find of the Week

Yeah, screw it. Because it is becoming part of my obsession, might as well make "Etsy find" a weekly feature. Today I am going to tell you about these awesome purses from muchacha K. I was actually thinking about doing custom clutches for my bridesmaids and here at muchacha found unbelievable great ones! For only $27, she will make you a custom clutch bag just like theses. I jumped right on it and am having her make one for me. Um, yeah, sorry, bridesmaids - I might just be doing your jewerly for now! However, she also does jewerly rolls and little pouches - that I might use instead. She has a great blog too- please check it out.