Disney Girls Wedding

I have tried my best to fix up all the technical & coding issues with my blog but alas I can not …instead I have enlisted the help of Laura from Pink Flamingo Designs‏ to help. I am hoping that once we recreate the template, the heading will all come back, everything will fall back into chronological order and the missing entries & pictures will once again appear….. that’s the plan anyway !

In the mean time I am so sorry that some of the info is dropping out and that all the Disney information is not showing up, as soon as it can be fixed it will :)

What wedding would be complete with a few last minute “challenges” aka dramas !

We had an event filled few days prior to our Hunter wedding with broken water pipes, the brunch venue cancelling on us, the cake store forgetting to make our cup cakes, cookies and the cake (as they were so focused on the topper), the suit store lost the boys suits, the party hire company cancelled our entire decoration order (not just the tiffany chairs), I fired our make up artist after some not so sensational behaviour and then 11th hour guest changes meant seating cards, place cards & table signs could no longer be used and all the hours of work that went into them wasted.

Thankfully as we had been so organised prior to leaving we had the time to sort out all the problems before the wedding, but it did get a little hairy at times.

Our accommodation in Rothbury

Ceremony Rehearsal

I am so glad I insisted on a ceremony rehearsal and to those that though it was completely unnecessary – insert *told you so dance* here !!!!

Rehearsal Dinner

Our rehearsal dinner was great as it allowed us all to spend time together before all the other guests arrived.

Finally the sneak peak of our wedding video !!!!!!

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I have been planning our welcome bags for months, it’s one of my favourite wedding projects and today with the help of a great mate, we worked all day & finished them finally !!!

I wanted to make a goodie bag filled with treats & all the little things you might have forgotten or would like when arriving at a hotel. Now the tricky part …. quantity & cost ….. we have to make 70 and have a budget of $8.50 per bag MAX ! I had some great ideas of what I could include but things could get expensive quickly, so I had to think of fun & creative ways to fill up the bags on a budget.

I have dropped the canvas bag idea and gable boxes are out too as they are both expensive, instead I have opted for a natural brown bag with a big welcome sticker on the front.

For the contents we called in a favors, changed & swapped out items & bought in bulk to save on the cost but not quality.

1 x Mini bottle of Pink blush champagne $ 4.50
1 x Mini bottle of coke $0.95
2 x plastic wine glasses $free
1 x pkt kettle chips $0.95
1 x Block of Cadbury chocolate $1.40
1 x pkt of Wine charms (DIY)
1 x tube of local hunter valley jam $1.00
1 x pkt of Disney Princess tissues $ 0.10
1 x pkt of Disney Princess tissues $ 0.10
2 x pkts of chewing gum $free
1 x tube of cocoa butter hand crème $free
1 x mini bottle of hand sanitiser $free
1 x local information pack, map, brochures & weekend schedule

The final contents & cost $9.00 per bag

Unfortunately the pictures aren’t that great but I will take more and replace them when I have a chance.

Although they have end up quite different to what I had planned in the beginning, instead of rustic wine corks & copper wire they are lace & ribbon, I actually really like them. I though I would hate that they are not all the same but it has really grown on me and now they feel a lot more personalised too.

The biggest difference is the outer wrapper as some have chocolate or natural wood grain paper & some have a soft chocolate tissue paper

Inside

Main Invitation & enclosures

Envelopes

We have our Invitations supplies !!!!!

I found two great bargains today at the Stitches & Craft Show, first almost an exact replica of the designer lace I love, only this one was on sale at $1.28 per meter vs. the expensive one at $22.95 per meter. As each invite needed ½ meter the designer lace is out & the new lace is IN.

Then I found a mixed bag with two types of textured A4 paper, one was soft like tissue paper, the other very thick & rough, and only a $1 per sheet. This will be perfect for wrapping the invites, before the go in the envelope.

I decided to cheat and I purchased the chocolate envelopes from cards & pockets for $1.05 each. It saved heaps of time and was cheaper than if I had made the pockets myself.

I found textured thick card stock paper in crème & purchased it in bulk $42 The A7 & C6 envelopes I purchased from an invitation store, 200 in total for $66 I couldn’t find a green that worked with the new design and chose a brushed metallic paper instead. 2 Invitations per A4 sheet = 50 were $38.50

Ribbon – I have heaps of left over pink ribbon from our pink ribbon fundraiser

Pearls – I picked up a bag of pearl bears to thread onto the ribbon (to jazz it up a little) $2.49.

Seals – I used a variety of seals I had left over from other projects, I needed 200 in total and only needed to buy one box for $15.95

Here are all the supplies

I can't believe how quickly our 3 month coundown has arrived !!! only 88 days of planning left and so much still to do !!!

12 Months - completed! WOOO HOOOO
 Set Wedding Date
 Set preliminary budget
 Visit ceremony sites
 Research and visit reception locations
 Meet with different officiates
 Decide whether you want to have a band or DJ
 Think about a color scheme or wedding theme
 Meet with and book a Day of Coordinator (DOC)
 Have your engagement ring appraised and Insured
 Begin to think about bridal party
 Groom – begin to think about bridal party
 Start shopping for Wedding Dress ideas
 Sent out engagement announcements
 Engagement Party
 Create Wedding website
 Attend Bridal Shows/Showcases
 Make a list of vendors to contact
 Prepare preliminary guest list
 Set final budget
 Select a ceremony location
 Select a reception location
 Select an officiate
 Select a photographer
 Select a videographer
 Organise accommodation for guests
 Organise accommodation for us
 Finalise color scheme or wedding theme
 Think about centerpieces & bouquets
 Meet with different bands or DJ’s and select one
 Select and ask bridal party members
 Groom – select and ask groomsmen and best man
 Make up & send Save the Date’s (along with guest information)
 Think about where we want gift register
 Begin your honeymoon research
 Start wedding fitness program


9 Months - 14/23 completed
 Select a florist (bring pictures and floral ideas to appointment)
 Think about number & type of cars
 Give maid of honor the guest list for your bridal shower
 Send bridesmaid newsletter – DIY Project
 Create gift registry
 Add gift registry details to wedding website
 Book your honeymoon started
 Finalise guest list
 Disney ceremony Save the Dates
 Select and order/make invitations – DIY Project
 Purchase stamps for invitations (have them weighed)
 Purchase envelope seals – DIY Project
 Order mother of the bride/groom dresses
 Give all vendor information to DOC (address, contracts, phone numbers, etc.)
 Purchase tiara/headpiece/hairpins
 Order veil
 Engagement shoot (booked for Sept)
 Purchase wedding insurance
 Purchase table cameras
 Order your wedding gown
 Order bridesmaids gowns
 Order flower girl dresses
 Schedule Laser Hair Removal appointment


6 Months - 4/17 completed
 Select & book cars - cancelled
 Order Cookies
 Schedule hair trials
 Schedule makeup trials
 Arrange guest transportation
 Buy your shower outfit
 Check passports
 Update your registry and check for any discontinued items
 Shop for and order wedding rings
 Purchase wedding day jewelry
 Purchase cake serving set
 Purchase toasting flutes
 Purchase ring pillow
 Begin taking dancing lessons
 Start facials
 Select and order wedding cake
 Plan ceremony (writing vows, music selections, readings, etc.)
 Send out 1st edition WDW Cruise newsletter


4 Months - 11/20 completed
 Order / make bridal shower thank you cards – DIY Project
 Purchase / make ceremony decorations (pew bows, personalized aisle runner, etc.) – DIY Project
 Shop for, order or make favors
 Order / make tags & custom labels for favors – DIY Project
 Start wedding gown fittings
 Decide what kind of bustle you want (one point, two point, French, etc.)
 Purchase all undergarments for your gown including a slip, stocking, garters, etc.
 Purchase throw away garter
 Purchase wedding day shoes
 Purchase comfortable shoes for reception (slippers, sneakers, flip flops, etc.)
 Purchase bridal party shoes and have them dyed if needed
 Purchase a guest book or frame for sign in picture
 Purchase cake topper
 Schedule ceremony rehearsal
 Book rehearsal dinner location
 Order / make rehearsal dinner invitations – DIY Project
 Decide where you want to take photos after the ceremony
 Plan back up locations for ceremony and photo sessions in case of rain
 Purchase flower girl basket
 Order monogrammed napkins and matches


3 Months - 0/24 completed
 Attend bridal shower
 Send out bridal shower thank you cards
 Buy any ribbon or packaging you will need to wrap wedding favors
 Purchase bridal party gifts
 Purchase bridal party jewellery
 Purchase Bridesmaids shoes
 Purchase Bridesmaids clutch
 Purchase flower girl shoes
 Purchase flower girl clutch
 Purchase flower girl jewellery & tiara
 Purchase flower girl gifts
 Purchase ring bearer gifts
 Purchase parent gifts
 Meet with officiate and go over ceremony in detail
 Purchase or make ceremony programs
 Send out invitations (don’t forget to have them hand cancelled)
 Groom - order tuxes and have all groomsmen
measured
 Groom – buy groomsmen and best man gifts
 Meet with reception location and finalise menu
 Order grooms cake
 Send out rehearsal dinner invitations
 Purchase items for slipper basket (slippers, baskets, ribbon, bags, tags)
 Schedule hair color appointment for week before wedding
 Meet with florist and finalize floral details - how many centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, place card table arrangement. Also design and types of flowers and view/approve sample centerpiece
 Order table linens and check on tiffany chairs & colours
 Organise Popcorn Bar (glass jars, popcorn, bags, scoops & signage)
 Purchase items for place cards
 Send out 2nd edition WDW Cruise newsletter
 Send out 2nd edition Bridal Party Newsletter


2 Months - 0/39 completed
 Arrange for Photo session in WDW
 Arrange for photo session in NYC
 Arrange & purchase Honeymoon add ons / check Honeymoon register
 Check on DCL reception location & order cake
 Check on guest list for WDW and send out information packs to those attending
 Shop for honeymoon clothes
 Shop for items that will go in out of town gift bags
 Wrap and finish all favors
 Make petal cones & ceremony packs
 Select first dance song, bridal party entrance songs, mother/father dance songs, cake cutting songs, etc. and give to Band or DJ
 Create must play and do not play list and give to Band or DJ
 Organise vendor information packs (contact numbers, instructions, photo’s)
 Write up vendor questionnaire (meals, allergy requests)
 Finalise seating arrangements
 Prepare must take photo list (& samples) give to photographer
 Make final vendor appointments & distribute information packs
 Host bridesmaid’s lunch
 Make or order menus for table – DIY Project
 Make or order table number – DIY Project
 Purchase stands (easels) for table numbers
 Break in wedding day shoes
 Make sure you have something, old, new, borrowed and blue
 Give MOH list of people for Bachelorette party
 Get together pictures you want displayed at reception (baby pictures, engagement pictures, family wedding photos, etc.)
 Buy frames for pictures
 Purchase or make card box / money bag for gifts
 Purchase baskets for programs
 Purchase petal cone basket
 Purchase all items for bathroom baskets
 Shop for honeymoon necessities such as sunscreen, bug spray, beach towels, etc.
 Have second dress fitting
 Have teeth whitened
 Buy a wedding gift for h2b
 Organise welcome party at Crown
 Organise Sunday brunch & how/when supplies will be delivered & stored
 Think about contingency plan for brunch in case of bad weather
 Groom – have a discussion with your best man about his responsibilities
 Groom – buy a wedding gift for your b2b
 Groom – give list of guys you wanted invited to your Bachelor party to your best man


1 Month - 0/18 completed
 Finalise wedding day hair ( also MOB, MOH and bridesmaids)
 Finalise wedding day make up ( also MOB, MOH and bridesmaids)
 Organise DOC to have midnight snack delivered to our room
 Prepare out of town welcome bags – DIY Project
 Make place cards for reception – DIY Project
 Write up DOC information pack, run sheet & instructions
 Meet with DOC to go over Wedding day timeline
 Call guest's who have not RSVP'd
 Attend Bachelorette party
 Obtain marriage license
 Prepare bathroom baskets
 Have final dress fitting
 Arrange boarding for scratchie
 Honeymoon - organise DOC & travel agent to make call to check for honeymoon" reservations
 Make sure your engagement ring and wedding band are on your home insurance policy
 Call WDW Florist & have welcome pack sent to Hotel rooms
 Groom – attend Bachelor Party
 Organise packing for Wedding & Honeymoon - See Travel Checklist
 Send out Final WDW Cruise newsletter
 Send out Final Bridal Party Newsletter


2 Weeks - 0/15 completed
 Have final hair color appointment for wedding
 Meet with and give final payment to all vendors (go over all details and day of timeline with them for the wedding day)
 Double confirm honeymoon reservations and travel arrangements
 Arrange for transportation to the airport
 Prepare day of emergency kit
 Prepare any speeches or toasts for rehearsal dinner
 Designate someone to overnight your bouquet for floral preservation
 Give bridal party wedding day packs
 Wrap bridal party gifts
 Write thank you card to all bridesmaids and maid of honor
 Designate DOC to pack up all items from reception after the wedding to take home
 Pick up wedding gown from bridal salon
 Make sure you have all bags and items for honeymoon ready (passport, airline tickets, travelers checks, etc.)
 Groom – email groomsmen and best man with wedding day timeline and all info needed for wedding day
 Groom – arrange breakfast for groomsmen and best man for wedding day


Week Before - 0/6 completed
 Give reception location final count/seating chart of people attending
 Make sure programs, menus, place cards, etc. are all completed
 Have rings cleaned for wedding day
 Have a massage to relax
 Groom – get your hair cut and a manicure
 Groom – go with groomsmen & best man to pick up suits.


A Few Days Before - 0/14 completed
 Prepare and drop off box to the reception with accessories such as guest book, table cameras, toasting glasses, cake topper, menus, favors, etc
 Prepare and drop off OOT boxes to Hotels
 Place tips for each vendor in envelopes
 Make sure wedding gown and veil are pressed and have no wrinkles
 Arrange DOC to coordinate breakfast for wedding day when we are getting ready
 Go for waxing appointment
 If you did not go for weekly tanning go for airbrush tanning
 Bring all items to ceremony location (unity candle, programs, cry packs, etc.)
 Attend ceremony rehearsal
 Attend rehearsal dinner
 Bring camera to rehearsal dinner
 Check on supplies for Sunday Brunch & ask DOC to get anything that is missing
 Groom – speak with offending family member re loading of photo’s onto public forums
 Groom – give tip envelopes to best man to be handed out


Day Before - 0/4 completed
 Go get manicure and pedicure with bridesmaids
 Lay out all wedding items (jewellery, shoes, stockings, dress, veil, tiara/headpiece/hairpins, handbag with powder and lipstick, etc.)
 Groom – give rings to best man
 Attend Welcome Party


Day Of - 0/2 completed
 Put petals in petal cones for ceremony
 RELAX, HAVE A GRREAT DAY


Day After - 0/5 completed
 Attend weekend brunch
 Bouquet is sent for floral preservation
 Put top of wedding cake in freezer
 Special thanks to Bridal party & parents
 Take table cameras to be printed
 Groom – make sure all tuxes get back to tuxedo shop


2 Weeks After - 0/4 completed
 Have gown preserved
 Begin name change process
 Have favourite wedding photo framed
 Send honeymoon pictures & song selections to videographer
 Send vendor reviews & thank you's

Getting my gorgeous, absolutely perfect invitations (that I had been dreaming about for the last 3 years) vs our budget. This was a tricky one, as stationery is my obsession, I love it! and you can never have too much of it in my opinion. The thought of sacrificing my perfect invitations, for the big bad budget man was not something that was happening without a fight, the cake would go first!

So recap what invitations did I want… chocolate brown textured pockets with 4 inserts & the main invitation panel (all on crème card stock with a sage backing page).

Around the outside of the pocket envelope I was going to wrap a band of textured paper (in a natural shade) and have a split wine cork with twisted copper around it as the centre piece.

To keep them safe I was going to put them in boxes with paper wood shavings. They were going to be gorgeous only problem ….. COST.

A while back I realised that if I was going to pull off two jobs, two weddings & planning an international trip for 10 people, certain things were going to have to go, especially as I don’t have an army of BM’s in the wings, DIY absolutely every project was out.

So we bit the bullet and got several quotes………….. the best of which came back at $38.45 per invitation !! before postage, so added to this was $5.60 per invite to post, plus 0.55 for the RSVP ……… ahhhhh $44.60 per invite x 100 is definitely NOT in our budget.

So with no choice but to find a cheaper option, I cut the cost per invite in half with 3 things:

1) DIY on this project was essential
2) Invitations had to be mailed in envelopes & not boxes (which reduced the postage cost from a total of $615 to $165.
3) The cork & copper wire idea was out and I was planning on just sticking our monogram sticker over the front fold, to keep them closed.
I was disappointed but already had saved over ½ the cost from the best quote. So now I need to collect the supplies:
* Chocolate pocket fold envelopes
* Crème card Stock
* Sage backing card stock
* A7 Envelopes
* C6 envelopes (for the RSVP)
* Ribbon
Depending on how much the materials cost, hopefully I will be able to add some sparkle & extra bling.

I have been a bad bad blogger ! working & wedding planning have been keeping me so busy, with so much to catch up on a few picture posts should speed things along :)

Our popcorn (and now candy & cookie) bar is beginning to take shape!

Luckily I love vases and have quite a few we can use, and thus far (apart from the two I bought for our engagement party - the big ones at the far back) I haven’t had to purchase any :)

So this is what I have at the moment and I probably would have stayed with configuration, if not for a few candy & cookie items I have found and now have to include.

First up, while on Mindy Weiss’s blog last week I saw …… new Disney Fairies, Princess & Princess wedding M&M’s. I love the personalised ones with your photo on them and was thinking of getting some of these for our home reception. But now I think I have to get the Princess & Princess wedding ones instead



#2 our cake maker offered to make blue bird cookies to match our cake – I don’t have a picture but this is similar, hopefully ours will look more like Disney Bluebirds

#3 Lollipops - can't go past some princess swirl and Mickey face lollipops



#4 Mickey ears pretzels – we love these, they are amazing!!!!! They remind me of our trips to Anaheim so we can’t go past these.



But now I am stuck how many jars/vases is too many? How many more (if any) I should get, and what size or shape to make them? Should I separate the popcorn/candy or just mix the vases in together?