The Wedding First Dance with my limited skills - Formal and Fun

I'm nuts right? Two weeks out Mr. Chic 'n Cheap and I decided to have a choreagraphed first dance. The more we thought about it, the more we wanted something memorable. I've seen many couples just swaying which is cute, but gets a little long.

I'm blessed to know a former modern dancer who was able to choreograph for us. I have lots of dinners and goodies in store for her.

Seriously, I could look like this?


I looked like that in my head. But it took 2 sessions and 7 hours to nail it down. This is mostly due to the fact that I have no capacity for remembering steps. "One, Two, what's the third?". We, or I have to practice a lot more. I'm like a deer in headlights when it comes to choreographed steps. I just need to get it down until it's totally natural.

But I'm happy and we have a great song (edited down of course) with some cute moments.


Are you having a first dance?

Carolina Herrera Secret Sample Sale in NY

Courtesy of a Knot e-mail Carolina Herrera Invites You to the Secret Sample Sale of the Season!
Saturday August 8, 2009 | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Please call 212-249-6552 to be added to the list Email: Michelle.Kim@cherrera.com • 30-70% off Select Carolina Herrera Bridal Gowns • Collections through Fall 2009 • Many sizes and styles available • Mother of the bride and select evening wear 50% off

Edit to Life Booker free manicure posting

Sorry I had a typo - it was "NYSUNSHINE" not "SUNSHINE" for the free manicure.

If you run into any trouble, please contact support@lifebooker.com or call 1-800-401-9258.

Silk vs. real flowers - what do I do?

My mom has recently insisted that my silk flowers are a total no-no and I have to get real flowers. She says they won't photograph well. She also thinks they may be tacky.

Sigh, this would have been useful when my friend helped me buy them months ago.

But I wanted silk flowers because I could make the bouquets in advance and they won't wither in the gross August sun (our wedding pictures will span 10 hours - 9 am - 7 pm including the whole reception and before and after shots).

The colors admittedly are very fall like in keeping with the original wedding. But I think the dahlias are pretty cool still and I loved the amaryllis when I bought them at Michael's. My girls are wearing dark red dresses, some come with a poppy (red orange) sash. So I like red or yellow tones for the flowers.

I'm wondering whether to keep them at all and then if I can mix silk and real flowers.

Dahlias and tiger lilies

Amaryllis, dahlias, and tiger lilies

What do you think? Brutal honesty appreciated.

DIY wedding flowers + make your own napkins

DIY wedding flowers + make your own napkins | The Wedding Chicks
Serious cuteness for those that need to rent everything or as a favor at a shabby chic wedding! Love contrast trim!

Free DIY Eco-Stationery Templates: WedVert

Free DIY Eco-Stationery Templates: WedVert

How cute is the botanical envelope wrap?Or this cameo candle shade?
I don't need more projects but these are awesome.

Posted using ShareThis

Free manicures for new Lifebookers NYC users

Use code "sunshine" here by 7/30. Of course remember to tip.

Rock on. I'm going to see if a bridesmaid wants to do this.

Finding the right tux, especially the elusive vented tux

Mr. Chic 'n Cheap and I have had an ongoing debate about me buying his tux.

He says it was a control thing because he wanted to own that aspect. That was hard for me since I had been stalking eBay for months looking for his tux. But it was his thing so I just let him be eventually.

He knew he wanted a vented tux and pleated pants to accommodate his booty.

This led me to some informal style tips regarding tuxedos:
Jacket

• 1-2 button - better for a shorter torso or to not draw attention to the stomach
• 3 button - better for slimmer or longer fits
• vents (side or back) - good for movement and space around the midsection

Pants

• pleated - allows for more movement and better draping
• flat front - tighter around booty and thighs possibly causing bunching

Materials

• polyester - may look a bit shiny and may irritate certain skin
• wool - usually all-season, but may be still be warm

So he went to Men's Wearhouse and they do NOT have vented tuxedos. We were both surprised - aren't they a warehouse for men's clothing? But apparently it's not popular. Weird.

I went back to eBay and after some back and forth bought him a tux that just came. It's a perfect fit, matched all his requirements, and now he has to cancel his order.
It was a vintage Louis Roth tux that cost $61 with shipping and insurance. Gotta love it when everyone is happy.

Our marriage prep test results

...were among the most highly matched among any couple our priest has done. :)Lamb cake toppers from Mudcard on Etsy (little lamb is my nickname).

Then we were wondering if he's only counseled like three couples.

Regardless I really enjoyed our pre-marital counseling because we covered a range of topics from emotional issues, finances, children, and deeper feelings (mostly centered around the test).

We had a rough time last year and it's been a journey of rediscovery, a lot of talking, and a lot of subsequent good times (it was good coming back to the US). But I credit a lot of improvement in me and our relationship to Mr. Chic 'n Cheap. He's very open with his feelings and it helps me understand my behavior and its effects better.

He definitely makes me a better person and I hope I make him one too.

Woo-hoo, getting married soon!

Bird Cage Giveaway and discount - DonnaElla Etsy store

Bird cage veils = instant classic glam

A possible custom bird cage veil if you're the lucky winner = very happy bride

DonnaElla's bird cage giveaway ends on July 24 - post a comment here and win something that could look like this.Chic 'n Cheap Readers - receive 20% off at DonnaElla's Etsy shop when you mention Chic 'n Cheap and buy at DonnaElla's shop.

Dove cake toppers - cuteness

I just saw these on Etsy from Red Light Studio. Are they the cutest things ever?Is it worth $60-$120? Obviously, they could be kept in the home as a lovely memento.

Loveliness is pretty pricey sometimes.

Gifts for readers and some of the cutest notepads ever

I was on a reading binge a few weeks ago - Joyce Carol Oates, Stephanie Meyer...

But these were all library books though my shelves are overflowing with other books. One of my best friends loves treating herself to books. I even got her a Barnes & Noble membership one year and a gift card to feed her habit.

But in looking at book related accessories, I realized these could double as great wedding accessories as well.

Are you including your pet in the wedding or want to include a note for your Out of Towners? How about some cute notepads?These bookmarks could also be great escort card clips for a garden wedding (I envision them attached to ribbon)
These booklets are great for gifts for the littlest (or biggest) guests and could be a great part of a package to your friends. They're a great vintage glam type of item.
Aahhh, I love pretty little things...

Shopping that suits everyone - hello Amazon and Wishpot

We resisted creating a registry for a while.

After all we're moving to London and I have accumulated some pretty awesome kitchen/housewares over the past few years. My mom is probably going to help us buy a house some day and helping us finance our way to London so that is gift enough.

My tastes are also more Williams Sonoma while his are Apple Store.

Finally, it also felt odd to have a gift list. "Yes, please get me that bowl!"

But we succumbed.

We made a list that was totally useful and us with universal registries through Amazon and Wishpot. They allow you to post ANYTHING online as a wish list item. It was kinda fun and I don't actually expect or care if people buy things on the list because I can get them later.

And I am totally TOTALLY excited about what we've received so far:
American Cancer Society donations
Let's all continue to fight the many forms of this horrible disease Ivory feather fascinator
I'm wearing it at the wedding!
Luggage
lightweight all the way!Sephora gift cards
Gotta love skincare and makeup for the wedding and everyday!
Who knew that it would be so much fun! Are you creating a registry? What will you put on it?

The roles of family during the wedding

How do you fit in family when you don't have all the aspects of a traditional wedding?

Okay, the church part is certainly traditional. Interestingly enough, our priest informed us that the giving away of the bride is actually not a church tradition and was actually started by royals in England. He did say we could have representatives from each family either say something or walk with us.
Our situation is delicate since Mr. Chic 'n Cheap only has his sister left. His dad fought a valiant battle with cancer and it ended a few months ago. I used to be a peer counselor at school but I still don't know how to handle tragedy on a personal basis. I just try not to do anything that involves joint parents (e.g. dance with the parents) or just ask him. It's not an easy thing and the least we can do is include a note in our program and try to set up American Cancer Society donations.

But he will be walking in with his sister. I will be walking in with my parents.

Mr. Chic 'n Cheap's sister is a little shy so we are not asking her to do a reading. But her daughter will be our flower girl/ring bearer.
My brother will do a reading.
My effervescent cousin will be the MC/videographer for the night along with her brother.
My mom is planning the rehearsal dinner (with great discounts based on her connections).

It will be fun and each person is helping us in a way that are suited to their skills and personalities.

How is your family going to be involved?

Bergdorf Goodman Bridal Sample sale - 7/20 - 7/25

Gotta love a sale, especially at the place which has exclusive Monique Lhuillier Platinum collection gowns like this.

Stationary Musts

I read this article on the Knot today about the 3 types of stationary that you must have.

They are:

1. Wedding invitations
2. Escort Cards
3. Thank you Cards

I wholeheartedly agree with 1 and 3' some people love to keep invitations as a mementos and thank you cards are required (I can still remember who hasn't given me thank you cards from weddings I attended).

But escort/place cards?

We're actually doing open seating during the reception. Our restaurant has several groups of beautiful booths and a lovely bar room and we really wanted to encourage movement. We thought it would be nice for people to sit wherever they want.

So my secondary list of wedding stationary in order of priority is:

1. Programs - it's a nice way to lay out a timeline and call out the wedding party or send a quick note to guests
2. Menu cards - nice, but an individual menu card isn't requisite if the food is pretty apparent
3. Save the Dates (STD) - I've gotten and have sent e-mail STDs (supplementing with calls) - even if it's a magnet on my fridge, I may have forgotten it

What do you think? What are some stationary items that are really just optional?

Free Estee Lauder New Advanced Night Repair - July 23, 5-9 pm

Who doesn't like to try skincare for free? Estee Lauder is giving 10-day samples (no purchase necessary) July 23, 5-9 pm.

Read about it here.

How do I feed thee? Help me pick my menu!

We're meeting with the restaurant to finalize some details. We also need to pick food pretty soon. I have 3 vegetarians and 5 "non-beef or pork eaters". I can pick two from each category.

So chicken and fish perhaps for the entrees? Otherwise, the duck strudle sounds really interesting and I love portobellos so they're in for the appetizers. The sides are fine though Mr. Chic 'n Cheap can't eat almonds and I don't really do asparagus.

This is a buffet so people can eat everything!

The men rejoiced at this news. :)

Appetizers
Mixed Green Salad with House Vinaigrette
Iceberg Wedge Salad
Caesar Salad
Grilled Portobello with Arugula and Shaved Parmesan
Seasonal Soup of the Day
Braised Duck Strudle with Tamarind Glaze
Shrimp Cocktail ($4 supplement)
Atlantic Smoked Salmon with Frisee Salad ($4 supplement)
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($5 Supplement)

Main Courses
Penne Pasta in Vodka Sauce
Roast Chicken Waldorf
Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad
Grilled Steak Salad with Chimichuri Sauce
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Ricotta Ravioli with Sage & Spinach
Shrimp Scampi with Lemon & Garlic
Grilled Tuna with Three Pepper Corns & Coriander
Broiled Salmon with Béarnaise Sauce
Chicken Francaise with Lemon & Capers
Barbeque Beef Brisket
City Hall Hamburger
Grilled Steak au Poivre
21 Day Aged Black Angus Sirloin Steak ($10 Supplement)
Prime Filet Mignon ($10 supplement)

Potatoes and Rice
Skillet Hash Browns
Smashed Potatoes with Olive Oil and Dill
Hand Cut French Fries
Coconut Basmati Rice with Mint
Anson Mills Heirloom Grits with Parmesan & White Truffle Oil
Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Tahitian Vanilla
Scalloped Potatoes
Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary & Caramelized Onions

Vegetable Sides
Caramelized Cauliflower with Slivered Almonds
Creamed or Sautéed Spinach
Broccoli with Mustard Hollandaise
French Green Beans with Shallots
Sautéed Squash with Garlic& Thyme
Grilled Vegetables with Balsamic Vinegar and Truffle Oil
Grilled Jumbo Asparagus ($5 supplement)
Sautéed Mushrooms with Truffle Oil ($5 supplement)

Kleinsfeld NYC Anniversary Blow out Sale - July 28

The mama of NYC bridal boutiques and "Say Yes to the Dress" star is having their annual sale.
They have sales several times a year, but this is their largest additional discount.
It's also a great place to get ideas for your gown and the craziness is tempered by the fact that they let in only a few people at a time.

Kleinsfeld Sale - July 28, 3 - 7 pm
$499 and up - up to 70% off and an additional 35% off
No appointment necessary

Designer Thursday: Luxing it up - Edgy Shoe bling from Litter SF

Ok, we've seen the brooches and delicate beading that brides use to customize shoes. But what about ladies who are looking for something a bit more modern? Or something we can wear to a cool evening event.

Well, check out the shoe jewelry at Litter SF:

The Walkabout at $135 combines metallic and shiny meshThe Walk it out at $89 combined gold tone chais with faux pearls
They're not cheap, but they are chic and pretty unique. More crafty ladies could also recreate this look at home.

Components of a wedding slideshow: funny pix from childhood and beyond

I'm pretty particular about the pictures of me that can be easily viewed by the rest of the world.

Just ask Mr. Chic 'n Cheap. I make him delete pictures off Facebook or untag myself all the time.

But I don't mind silly childhood pictures. Who doesn't love the fake bookshelves/meadows/lasers in the background? I'm basically comforted by the fact that everyone looked like that and it's a testament to the era of 80s/90s silliness. Even celebrities had to endure these random backgrounds.
We've divided the slideshow into a few categories:

• Our engagement
• His/hers section consisting of the following:
  

1. baby pictures
2. childhood pictures
3. Pictures according to categories of attendees (h.s. friends, family, undergrad friends, work friends, grad school friends)

We will also have a short "skit" in between. Mr. Chic 'n Cheap excitedly explained that he ordered a Charlie Brown t-shirt and will play sad Peanuts music when we start showing my grad pictures.

Yeah, he finds himself hilarious.

So will you have a slideshow? What will you include?

Chocolate and Charity - favors whose proceeds go toward a cause

I see more and more notes at wedding receptions indicating that the couple is making a gift to charity in lieu of favors (or more elaborate favors).

But why settle for just favors or just a donation when you can do both!

That's what Truffles for a Cause said too.
They package beautiful truffles for your wedding favors and $2 from each package goes towards a humanitarian or medical charity of your choice. There is a 100 minimum order and packages range from $3-$7 in your choice of colors.

Sweet indeed.

French inspired decor for your wedding reception and home

In honor of Bastille Day, Bonne fête!

I do have a special place in my heart for things French after living there for a bit last year (though I don't miss trying to buy groceries on Sundays - they were only open for 3 hours in the morning!). Mr. Chic 'n Cheap also proposed to me in France by scheming with my roommate to get me onto the Pont des Artes at a specific time.
More another time if you care to hear. :)

I lived in two different houses. Both places were located in villages surrounded by these lovely forests. Seriously, this spot was 1 km from my house and there were horse stables nearby. The fall was gorgeous there.Since we were in the land of great fromage, we frequently had brie or parmasean, baguettes, prosciutto, and Carrefour brand mustard (the best honey mustard and only 1 euro!) in the house. I do miss French baguettes...
I now regret not having browsed more French flea markets for lovely vintage items. I would recommend bringing French speaking friends of course if you decide to visit markets.
I would not be one of them, but I can provide great commentary.

I'm glad I have my alencon lace gown and veil. I would have loved to bring back fabrics and housewares as well.

How nice that I discovered this lovely retailer today - Paris Hotel Boutique

Perhaps your family's wedding pictures could grace this beautiful engraved platter, $145

Or you could place your rings in this Nimes casket box, $55How about wearing this antique silver and rose gold award fob with pearls for $260? This would be lovely with many a dress...
I don't consider it wedding related purchases if you can use it after the wedding right?

Free ice cream for volunteerism (and if you're <25)

Rewards in the form of icy treats are always nice.

That and serving your community is a nice break from wedding planning.

Get a 6 oz. cone from Baskin Robbins for joining Do Something.
Though I look young, I sadly can not participate in this promotion. But for the younger readers, go for it!

Quirky brooches starting at $5

$5 buys:

• 2 McDonald's snack wraps and small fries
• venti frappuccino from Starbucks
  
• 3 Beard Papa's cream puffs

It could also buy adorable brooches on eBay from seller tintansalon.
His auctions start at .99 and shipping is $4.50 to the US. Nice.

Here are a few favorites:
Vintage flowersDogs in their blue coatsKey to your heart
and my favorite...your favorite chick
I already have a brooch that came with a Priscilla of Boston dress. I would love something quirky though. Which ones do you like?

Dealing with guests of your guests

So, we have a strict "No date unless it's a significant other policy". As we all know, receptions get expensive and we've already cut plenty of costs for the wedding.

Though we explained this policy to our friends, one still RSVP'd with a guest. Mr. Chic 'n Cheap regretfully told guest that we could not accommodate guest's guest because we were trying to keep the wedding small.
Guest responded by telling us "You're so messed up."
We apologized and cited the tight financial situation.
Guest said "Maybe I won't come and save you guys money."
No word since...

What happened here? Guest was a good friend and we're kinda baffled by the response. How do you deal with guests that want to bring other uninvited guests?

We're going to wait and see. But it's a sad situation.

IKEA ideas for low cost wedding decor and centerpieces - Examples part 2 of 2

IKEA also has some interesting potential centerpieces (the drinking glasses in part 1 were a very cool twist on candle holders).

But there are lots of interesting options.

Vases
Here is my favorite one, the Blomster, $3.99
It is a lovely bud vase that could double as a favorCandle holders
The Blomster candlesticks at $17.99 (set of 3) add a nice element of different heights to the table
The NÄSSJÖ candlestick at $7.99 is simply modern and elegant
Picture holders
Do you want simple heart framed pictures of the happy couple or their favorite friends and family at each table?
Well, get the Finlir then at $4.99
How about a collage effect at the table? Consider the metal dutt picture holder, $6.99
I hope this gave you a few low-cost ideas. What other cool IKEA things have you seen and could use for the wedding?

IKEA ideas for low cost wedding decor and centerpieces - Examples part 1 of 2

The modern, utilitarian, and utterly affordable pieces from this Swedish home furnishings juggernaut are no stranger to dorm rooms, model apartments, and restaurants.

But keep them in mind for your wedding decor as well.

Seriously.

Here are two examples of IKEA being used as decor or props for weddings.The $24.99 Ung drill frame is an ornate oval frame that can be a great prop for a vintage style wedding. I got it too for our photo/video corner! Here it is in action.

Photos: Sweet Monday Photography

IKEA decor can also be used for centerpieces (more to come in part 2). Here is an example of simple IKEA drinking glasses filled with candled and surrounded by orchids. Pretty and simple!

Six degrees of savings – my $1000 silk alencon lace chapel length veil in the making

$1000.

That was the price of the alencon lace veil I tried on at Kleinsfeld a few months ago. My two couture dresses don’t even cost that much. I was quoted “starting at $500” for a finger tip alencon lace veil at M&J Trimming. But I really wanted this veil, especially since I never bought that Monique Lhuillier. Why the high price tag?

Alencon lace trim is about $25-$55/yard. If it’s double-sided, I would still need 3-5 yards. Silk tulle, which I admire for its even, non-poofy finish, was $120/yard. Depending on the width, I would need probably 1-2 yards. I was determined to make my own awesome veil for much less. I scoured the internet and got tips from my bridal blogger buddies and set off on my mission.

Find 1: I got my silk tulle from a lovely eBay seller who was closing her bridal shop. I got over a yard/120” wide for less than $50. I am able to make an elbow length and a chapel length veil from the tulle.

Find 2: The Thirty Something Bride referred me to this great site. They have great trims, but not exactly the one I was looking for.
So I hit the pavement. I was at my 8th fabric store searching for the trim. The salesman didn’t have what I wanted but took pity on me for some reason. I think he thought I was just a poor student (FIT was nearby). He said “Do you have a pen and paper?” I handed him the aforementioned items and he wrote down a name and address nearby. He said they might have what I wanted.

I walked into a random office filled with fabrics. I told them who referred me and they let me look around. I found this beautiful lace trim (which I have carefully cleaned up). It wasn’t the length I was looking for. But $20 was tough to beat and I was thinking of shortening my veil anyway. It turns out this guy was a wholesaler who doesn’t normally sell to the public. He just has random stuff left over from jobs. I went over to Lace Star that day to find a coordinating lace to round things out. I found some remnants for below retail and am still deciding whether to keep them.

I went back the next day and bought breakfast for the guy in the first fabric shop, the wholesaler, and the Lace Star guy. Sometimes you gotta know someone to get a great deal. Look online, go to flea markets/estate sales, and ask around.
I'm extremely lucky to have found my wholesaler. It's possible - do your research and ask around too - the connection with great prices could be waiting for you!

Veil tutorial part 1 here and part 2 here!

Six Things that Make me Happy

I've been tagged by Project: 10k wedding and Pink Argyle to list a few things that make me happy. I'll list my favorites of the moment...

Here we go!

1. My Mr. of course - but Charlie Brown has more hair, Mr. Chic 'n Cheap likes it squeaky clean shaven :) 2. Alencon lace - I'm thinking of making 2 separate veils now. I should get on that...3. What I got today...
4. The anti-wedding diet bomb sitting in my fridge
5. Veils, like the birdcage veil below

6. This little dove I randomly saw on Etsy. I don't know what to do with it, but there has to be something right?
I'm going to tag:
1. lilies and grapes
2. A. Mountain. Bride
3. Anna and the Ring
4. One Little Dove
5. Westside Wedding
6. The Frugal Fabulous Bride