Thursday, May 27, 2010
Be Right Back
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We are moving right now and have been packing and cleaning for the last few weeks. I also had finals and work. The good news is we passes all of our classes! Once I am settled into our new location and jobs I will be posting more blog posts. I also will be getting into more projects with pictures so look forward to that.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Photobooth Guestbook/Scrapbook for under $100
I wanted to do a photo booth at my wedding for a while now. The majority of photo booth rentals are $500-$1100. Now that is a quarter to half of my budget.
I also had the idea of having a friend setup at a spot at the reception and for a limited time take pictures and I could arrange them like photo booth pictures in a scrap book. I am not that patient!
So then I did some Googling. I came across this program that turns your computer [with web cam] into a photo booth. [Click here for demo]
You could setup a cool background or just some chairs and the guests just click the space bar. 4 pictures are taken and turned into your photo strip. It then saves them all in a folder on your computer.
You can also have a prompt where the guests enter their name and email so you can email them the pictures.
I plan on using this program for the engagement/wedding/rehearsal dinner and anything else I can think of . It would probably be great for birthdays too.
I also had the idea of setting up a table next to the computer with my guest book. I am using this and awesome Martha Stewart Idea for the book. [Click here for the idea]
On the front of the envelope [the side that is going to be glued into the book] I will have the people who took the picture write their name and email. This way I can track down the photo they took and print it up and match it to the guest book comment. It may take some time but I think it will be an awesome piece of memory from the wedding.
[Click on any of the vendors for more information]
Scrapbook: $10 [Target]
Envelopes: $7 [Etsy]
Business Cards: $15 [Office Depot] You could probably find them cheaper through Googling but I like to round high to keep it safe. If you want to go fancy and get them pre-printed you can get them through FedEx for $30 [250 cards]
Printing pictures: $16 [Through FedEx ] I called for a quote on Black and White on Card stock. It's little more for color on gloss.
Tape, Scissors, Pens etc.: $10 [DollarTree]
Photo booth Program: $40
Total Cost: $98
You are getting awesome, fun pictures of family and friends and also a cool creative guest book for under $100. The program is totally worth it to have at all kinds of events!
I also had the idea of having a friend setup at a spot at the reception and for a limited time take pictures and I could arrange them like photo booth pictures in a scrap book. I am not that patient!
So then I did some Googling. I came across this program that turns your computer [with web cam] into a photo booth. [Click here for demo]
You could setup a cool background or just some chairs and the guests just click the space bar. 4 pictures are taken and turned into your photo strip. It then saves them all in a folder on your computer.
You can also have a prompt where the guests enter their name and email so you can email them the pictures.
I plan on using this program for the engagement/wedding/rehearsal dinner and anything else I can think of . It would probably be great for birthdays too.
I also had the idea of setting up a table next to the computer with my guest book. I am using this and awesome Martha Stewart Idea for the book. [Click here for the idea]
On the front of the envelope [the side that is going to be glued into the book] I will have the people who took the picture write their name and email. This way I can track down the photo they took and print it up and match it to the guest book comment. It may take some time but I think it will be an awesome piece of memory from the wedding.
[Click on any of the vendors for more information]
Scrapbook: $10 [Target]
Envelopes: $7 [Etsy]
Business Cards: $15 [Office Depot] You could probably find them cheaper through Googling but I like to round high to keep it safe. If you want to go fancy and get them pre-printed you can get them through FedEx for $30 [250 cards]
Printing pictures: $16 [Through FedEx ] I called for a quote on Black and White on Card stock. It's little more for color on gloss.
Tape, Scissors, Pens etc.: $10 [DollarTree]
Photo booth Program: $40
Total Cost: $98
You are getting awesome, fun pictures of family and friends and also a cool creative guest book for under $100. The program is totally worth it to have at all kinds of events!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Be in the right Spirits.
One thing I knew was going to cost a lot was the alcohol for the wedding reception. I looked up many things online about cash bars, open bars, no bars etc.
Here are some routes you might want to go:
1. Open Bar: An open bar is the most considerate approach but it's also the most expensive. Guests can order whatever they want and you pick up the bill after the wedding.
2. Limited Bar: You can offer only beer, wine and vodka only drinks. A way to limit the cost is to have waiters go around with drinks or limit the time the bar is open. Make sure you have a beverage table with water and tea/lemonade for those who don't drink.
gracious This is a pretty unpopular choice because people don't come to a wedding with a wallet full of cash. It is also pretty controversial. I would steer clear of this.
4. No Bar: You can have fun drinks like pink lemonade and sparkling cider.
5. Jackki's Option: We decided to do beer and sangria. I found and modified a delicious sangria recipe. We are going to have a beverage table with Iced Tea, Pink Lemonade and Lemon/Cucumber Water. Then there will be a bar area with someone making sure no one is going over board and serving the sangria/beer. This way we aren't paying a lot for hard alcohol and we have a fun, fruity and delicious wedding drink. You can also spring for good beer. Since we are also having it in a park we can bring our own and just pay the $12 for liquor permit. I have included my sangria recipe!
This makes enough for 25 people
3 1/2 cups Superfine White Sugar
5 Oranges Thinly Sliced
3 Thinly Sliced Granny Apples
5 Thinly Sliced Lemons
5 Thinly Sliced Limes
4 3/4 cups Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
9 Bottles of Red Wine
Add some ice cubes to each glass to chill.
You can put the sangria in a dispenser kinda like this :
That way everyone can see all the fruit.
We are having a cocktail hour before the recpetion [so we can take pictures] then the bar is going to be closed during the dinner and then open during dancing. This way we can limit the amount people are drinking and save some money.
We decided to spend the extra little money to have a person manning the bar that way we can also make sure it's not a free-for-all. the worst thing would be for one of my friends to be throwing up all over the cake. We are using these cups as well to have decent serving sizes with our going overboard:
Over all cost for our bar is: $350.00
The sangria and beer is $290 and the Wine Glasses are about $60 [from the Dollar Tree]
Here are some routes you might want to go:
1. Open Bar: An open bar is the most considerate approach but it's also the most expensive. Guests can order whatever they want and you pick up the bill after the wedding.
2. Limited Bar: You can offer only beer, wine and vodka only drinks. A way to limit the cost is to have waiters go around with drinks or limit the time the bar is open. Make sure you have a beverage table with water and tea/lemonade for those who don't drink.
gracious This is a pretty unpopular choice because people don't come to a wedding with a wallet full of cash. It is also pretty controversial. I would steer clear of this.
4. No Bar: You can have fun drinks like pink lemonade and sparkling cider.
5. Jackki's Option: We decided to do beer and sangria. I found and modified a delicious sangria recipe. We are going to have a beverage table with Iced Tea, Pink Lemonade and Lemon/Cucumber Water. Then there will be a bar area with someone making sure no one is going over board and serving the sangria/beer. This way we aren't paying a lot for hard alcohol and we have a fun, fruity and delicious wedding drink. You can also spring for good beer. Since we are also having it in a park we can bring our own and just pay the $12 for liquor permit. I have included my sangria recipe!
This makes enough for 25 people
3 1/2 cups Superfine White Sugar
5 Oranges Thinly Sliced
3 Thinly Sliced Granny Apples
5 Thinly Sliced Lemons
5 Thinly Sliced Limes
4 3/4 cups Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
9 Bottles of Red Wine
Add some ice cubes to each glass to chill.
You can put the sangria in a dispenser kinda like this :
That way everyone can see all the fruit.We are having a cocktail hour before the recpetion [so we can take pictures] then the bar is going to be closed during the dinner and then open during dancing. This way we can limit the amount people are drinking and save some money.
We decided to spend the extra little money to have a person manning the bar that way we can also make sure it's not a free-for-all. the worst thing would be for one of my friends to be throwing up all over the cake. We are using these cups as well to have decent serving sizes with our going overboard:
Over all cost for our bar is: $350.00
The sangria and beer is $290 and the Wine Glasses are about $60 [from the Dollar Tree]
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Low Budget Reception Venues
I was going to do a blog on the cupcake tree I was going to make for my engagement party but I got a cold. I decided to write a blog on Low Budget Reception Venues.
1. Community Centers: Cost: $300-$600 If you plan of catering the event yourself this might be a good option. Most community centers come with a kitchen. Some community centers don't allow alcohol depending no the cities laws and ordinances. Usually the centers are near a park so that is a possibility of having ceremony in the park attached.
I have only come across one community center that includes chairs so that is an added expense of $200-$400 dollars.
2. Park: Cost: $50-$200
I am planning on having my ceremony and reception in the same park both outdoors. You can utilize the picnic tables or a grassy area. We found a neat picnic area that has solar panels as shade panels and enough picnic tables for 150 people. You can also talk with your local Parks and Rec guys about setting up table on a grassy area. You would have to rent tables and chairs which again will probably run you $200-$400. Another issue might be the alcohol thing again. Just check with Parks and Rec about this. You also wouldn't have a kitchen to work with but you could use your home kitchen or if you are from out of town rent a home from http://www.vrbo.com
3. Organization Center [Church Halls, Odd Fellows Hall, Senior Center, Etc.] Cost: $400-$900
If a local group or organization have a community center they most likely have a Multi-Purpose Room. This might include a kitchen as well if you want to self cater it. The ones I have found also include tables, chairs and PA System. The reason these places come so well equipped is because they throw their own events.
4. Hotels, Convention Centers, Banquet Halls Etc. Cost: $3,200-$7000+
Obviously not a low budget venue. This is something I also ways look at when I am overwhelmed. Imagine a place where you don't have to cook the food for the wedding, you don't have to decorate, you don't have to do anything but show up. Then imagine being in debt for a while. I also think that I wouldn't have the creative freedom that I get with doing things the way I want. But if you have the means for this type of wedding go for it. Less stress for sure.
1. Community Centers: Cost: $300-$600 If you plan of catering the event yourself this might be a good option. Most community centers come with a kitchen. Some community centers don't allow alcohol depending no the cities laws and ordinances. Usually the centers are near a park so that is a possibility of having ceremony in the park attached.
I have only come across one community center that includes chairs so that is an added expense of $200-$400 dollars.
2. Park: Cost: $50-$200
I am planning on having my ceremony and reception in the same park both outdoors. You can utilize the picnic tables or a grassy area. We found a neat picnic area that has solar panels as shade panels and enough picnic tables for 150 people. You can also talk with your local Parks and Rec guys about setting up table on a grassy area. You would have to rent tables and chairs which again will probably run you $200-$400. Another issue might be the alcohol thing again. Just check with Parks and Rec about this. You also wouldn't have a kitchen to work with but you could use your home kitchen or if you are from out of town rent a home from http://www.vrbo.com
3. Organization Center [Church Halls, Odd Fellows Hall, Senior Center, Etc.] Cost: $400-$900
If a local group or organization have a community center they most likely have a Multi-Purpose Room. This might include a kitchen as well if you want to self cater it. The ones I have found also include tables, chairs and PA System. The reason these places come so well equipped is because they throw their own events.
4. Hotels, Convention Centers, Banquet Halls Etc. Cost: $3,200-$7000+
Obviously not a low budget venue. This is something I also ways look at when I am overwhelmed. Imagine a place where you don't have to cook the food for the wedding, you don't have to decorate, you don't have to do anything but show up. Then imagine being in debt for a while. I also think that I wouldn't have the creative freedom that I get with doing things the way I want. But if you have the means for this type of wedding go for it. Less stress for sure.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
My DIY Budget Template
Right now the preview link in the template gallery isn't working so this is a different link. If you search in the Google Docs Template Gallery for Student Bride Wedding Guide Planner you will find the template. Just click use this template to preview it. There is an instruction sheet for each tab. I will be doing a blog on each tab and what I chose to do in that category! If you have any questions PLEASE email me jackkianderek@gmail.com or if you have any comments, suggestions, typos, whatever!
Here is also a link to the original Google Wedding Doc. This is a little more on the side of planning a wedding with catering, florists and wedding planning where my wedding is completely DIY. But you may just want some of the wedding to be DIY and not all of it be as stressful as the path I have chosen [I kid!]
Stick around for the riveting tail of a cupcake tree that was meant to be.
Here is also a link to the original Google Wedding Doc. This is a little more on the side of planning a wedding with catering, florists and wedding planning where my wedding is completely DIY. But you may just want some of the wedding to be DIY and not all of it be as stressful as the path I have chosen [I kid!]
Stick around for the riveting tail of a cupcake tree that was meant to be.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Google Docs
I figured since I am using Google Docs for a majority of my planning and will be talking about it on here I would do a post about it.
I first started using Google Docs in school to share notes, study guides and also collaborate on projects.
Once I started planning my wedding I used it to collaborate with my Maids of Honor in Portland and in NY. This way they could add things they wanted to it or just write notes.
I also found a template on Google templates for a wedding planner that I turned into my planner. The template was made for people who possibly had more money than I did. But I once again made it my own.
I will start with posting a great idea I had to get information from my wedding party.
I first created a Facebook Group for the wedding party. You can make it a closed private group so only those that you invite join. It's great because you can create events with it [example: Tux Fitting, Dress Fitting, Mani/Pedi's] and this way you can get the word out to the Wedding Party and know who will make it. You can also have discussion boards.
I have digressed! So I made this group on FB and proceeded to post a form that I needed them to fill out. This way I could get all of their info name, address etc.
Here is a link to show what the form looks like. [There are many designs to choose from]
Here is what the spreadsheet will look like.
If you look at the top right corner you notice the button that says share. This way you can share this information with anyone. You put their email address in and they can either look at it or also edit it. You can do this with any document!
Tomorrow or the next day I will be posting the template that Google Docs has for weddings and my version!
I first started using Google Docs in school to share notes, study guides and also collaborate on projects.
Once I started planning my wedding I used it to collaborate with my Maids of Honor in Portland and in NY. This way they could add things they wanted to it or just write notes.
I also found a template on Google templates for a wedding planner that I turned into my planner. The template was made for people who possibly had more money than I did. But I once again made it my own.
I will start with posting a great idea I had to get information from my wedding party.
I first created a Facebook Group for the wedding party. You can make it a closed private group so only those that you invite join. It's great because you can create events with it [example: Tux Fitting, Dress Fitting, Mani/Pedi's] and this way you can get the word out to the Wedding Party and know who will make it. You can also have discussion boards.
I have digressed! So I made this group on FB and proceeded to post a form that I needed them to fill out. This way I could get all of their info name, address etc.
Here is a link to show what the form looks like. [There are many designs to choose from]
Here is what the spreadsheet will look like.
If you look at the top right corner you notice the button that says share. This way you can share this information with anyone. You put their email address in and they can either look at it or also edit it. You can do this with any document!
Tomorrow or the next day I will be posting the template that Google Docs has for weddings and my version!
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Engagement Party
The first thing I am going to blog about is our engagement party. We are inviting 35 people. The first thing we decided to do is pick a theme. the top 3 choices were:
Great Gatsby
Southern Garden Party
Picnic Party
We went with Picnic Party because we were going to have it in the park and it seemed to fit the best into our budget and our location.
Just because you don't have the money to go with your first choice doesn't mean the next one is the worst. After choosing this theme we realized how much fun it is going to be.
The first thing you will want to do is set a budget which will take some time. Set up a spreadsheet [I live by Google Docs] and start inputting everything you will possibly need down to garbage bags! If you leave something out it won't fit into the budget.
I have attached a link to an example budget/template from Google Docs to help you.
Also hit up websites and stores like Dollar Tree, Oriental Trading, Smart and Final and even Vons/Safeway you can price check online.
When making a budget always round up and price high. You don't want to assume something will be on sale if it isn't.
If you are doing a BBQ or Picnic don't hesitate to ask family to bring food. My mom is making our salads and beans. If you are doing a small get together you can do a potluck. Keep in mind that if you are on a tight, small budget, a 100 person engagement party may not seem reasonable.
Link to Engagement Party Budget Example
[Please feel free to copy this budget add onto it or change whatever you want! If you find that I missed something please let me know. I want to keep this as accurate as possible!]
Great Gatsby
Southern Garden Party
Picnic Party
We went with Picnic Party because we were going to have it in the park and it seemed to fit the best into our budget and our location.
Just because you don't have the money to go with your first choice doesn't mean the next one is the worst. After choosing this theme we realized how much fun it is going to be.
The first thing you will want to do is set a budget which will take some time. Set up a spreadsheet [I live by Google Docs] and start inputting everything you will possibly need down to garbage bags! If you leave something out it won't fit into the budget.
I have attached a link to an example budget/template from Google Docs to help you.
Also hit up websites and stores like Dollar Tree, Oriental Trading, Smart and Final and even Vons/Safeway you can price check online.
When making a budget always round up and price high. You don't want to assume something will be on sale if it isn't.
If you are doing a BBQ or Picnic don't hesitate to ask family to bring food. My mom is making our salads and beans. If you are doing a small get together you can do a potluck. Keep in mind that if you are on a tight, small budget, a 100 person engagement party may not seem reasonable.
Link to Engagement Party Budget Example
[Please feel free to copy this budget add onto it or change whatever you want! If you find that I missed something please let me know. I want to keep this as accurate as possible!]
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