Random Ideas (Reception)

I've picked up a few ideas from weddings in the past that I've liked.  The one I can think of off the top of my head has to do with the reception.  A wedding I attended during college had a bowl with the names of all the other couples who were attending the wedding up at the bride and groom's table.  Every time the bride and groom stood up to kiss with the clinking of glasses, they'd also draw the names of another couple in the room who also were to stand up and kiss.

I'll do what I can to keep a theme like this going for you.  YEA, Randomness!!

Bachelor/ette Couples' Party Idea

Hi All! I had an idea for a party that I wanted to run by you all, and also to see if anyone else had some ideas.

I think Amalie and Gavin would have a lot of fun at a joint or semi-joint bachelor/bachelorette party (something tells me both of them are going to want a party on the tasteful side vs. the conventional raunch that goes down at some bachelor/ette parties...). Since they met through dance, and so many of us enjoy dancing, how about starting the party out with a ballroom dance class? I found a few places in Omaha that do private group instruction classes: Omaha Ballroom, Simply Ballroom, and Just Dance, to name a few. After we refresh our waltz, tango, and swing skills, we could go on to a nice dinner, and then end the night (with or without bachelors?) with some good old, diva-belting karaoke. :)

What are your ideas?

Hi everyone!  I'm just going to update on dresses thus far:

Becky has chosen:






Abby has chosen:





Kylie has chosen:

Marlena has chosen:


Pattern C.


Elizabeth has chosen: 

Molly has chosen:



Betsy has chosen:




We're done and confirmed!  My mom and I will begin working on finding the correct fabric(s), and we'll get on sending everything out to everyone.  Betsy has begun working on her dress by creating a muslin copy of her dress.  She has a very good idea in that she can work out any kinks with making the dress with the muslin copy and maybe make any changes to the dress that would better suit her body or tastes.  I'm so excited!

Well, to begin the merriment, I'm very excited to announce the MOH and bridesmaids' dresses' "states of being".*  (I started with "situation", but that's such a negative sounding word.  You'd all be holding your breath trying not to be scared or worried... but perhaps you should be. Heh, heh, heh.)  Upon my mother's suggestion, knowing that I wanted everyone to wear a floor-length black dress of their choosing, but fearing that the blacks would not match up, Gavin and I have chosen two dress patterns for each MOH and bridesmaid.  I will be sending each of you the online links to view your choices.  After critically viewing your two choices, you get to select the one you like best.  Some choices are shared between two people, so I do have some veto power in case two people choose the same pattern.  -I'd really love everyone to be different, because, let's face it, we're all pretty different!  That being said,  upon the selection and "okay" by me,  please send me your measurements or, if you're modest, the pattern size you would need.  My mother and I will buy the patterns and the fabric and upon arrival and division of supplies, we will send your supplies to your residences.

Your mission!  You may either find and employ a seamstress to make your dress, or you may make your dress yourself if you are so inclined and able.  Typically everyone has a mother, grandmother, or aunt who is pretty adept at using a sewing machine.  I believe all the patterns are around the "average" range, so no one need worry about an "advanced" dress that is extremely difficult to construct.  I'm really excited about this.  I think it is a unique way to have everyone involved in the dresses.  I hope that this way everyone gets a dress that they at least like and perhaps can figure out a way to alter in the future to wear again... "And the best part is you could just cut it off and wear it again!"  "Definitely, so true." -27 Dresses.

*Attendants, Gavin and I are still discussing our ideas about what you shall wear.  Again, we want you to be comfortable and happy with your attire for the day, but we are considering knee-length or tea-length.  I will be in touch!  Any ideas based upon the above paragraphs would be welcomed.

I'm not sure if everyone here has a Pinterest account, but we could create a shared board on the site. M, I know most of the stuff is pretty trendy, but it might be a good idea to share ideas with people!

Wedding Sites that Didn't Give Me Hives, circa 2010

The following sites were my best of the best list a couple years ago. The had great ideas and weren't overwhelming.

Utterly Engaged: Pure, unadulterated wedding porn (yes, that's actually a phrase). Best viewed on iPad.

Etsy: This is basically what you would get if you crossed a craft fair with Pinterest and Amazon. Etsy is not necessarily a wedding site, but I found some wonderful ideas and it was great to patronize the small businesses on this site. The bridesmaid clutches, some of my jewelry, and my fascinator all were Etsy finds. "Artisanal" means something here.

Off Beat Bride:  This one is a bit of an answer to The Knot/Nest/Bump, except ideas are a bit more, well, off-beat, and there's much less judgment in the community forums. (I dare you to tell The Knot community forums you are thinking about an ice cream cake for the groom's cake. The internet panic incited by this is sadly hilarious.) I highly recommend registering with the Off Beat Bride Tribe if you'd like a place to dish with other brides with similar tastes or in similar situations to you. Note: 87.6% of everything you see here will *not* be for you. That's one of the best things about this site.