Need: Reception Ideas

Jason and I have been discussing what and where to have our wedding reception, and we are kindof at a standstill. I think it is time for a poll:

If you are married and had a reception: what did you do? what went well? what would you have done different? Please describe.

If you are not married, but have attended a reception: what was it like? what went well? what would be the ideal experience as a guest?

Please help us!

Dresses I Like

I really like this dress: Jason, don't click here.

I also like this one: Jason, don't click here, either.

Excitement Creeping In

It hit me yesterday -- I'm getting married! Don't get me wrong, I knew before this I am getting married, but sometimes I feel like I am going through life in a daze -- watching someone else live my life. Then I have these awakening thoughts like ... this is all REAL; I will be spending the rest of my life with Jason. It's weird, I know, but it's just the way I am.

Anyway, I really thought I would freak out when this realization hit (based on how I reacted previously to life-changing decisions in our relationship), but I didn't. I'm actually starting to get excited. I'm not all oogly-googly in love: I really think we are beyond that. It is more a feeling of wonderful contentment; knowing that I will spend the rest of my life with a wonderful man by my side.

I am truly blessed.

Frustration

So I asked my mom if she would forgive me if I don't change the date from August 12.

She replied, "Would you forgive me if I don't come to the wedding?"

Change of Plans

My mom wants me to change the wedding date. She has a big conference in Dallas that just happens to also fall on August 12. She wants me to move it to April.

I really don't think that is going to happen.

I think we've officially scratched the Victorian theme. Tonight the idea somehow came up to have a Major League Baseball theme for the reception. The wedding will still be 'Casual Elegance,' with basic white for me, dark green for the bridesmaids, and tuxes with green vests for the groom and groomsmen. The reception would be baseball themed with each table representing a different MLB team. We would have hot dog, popcorn, and roasted peanut vendors, with the guys from Jason's Bible study serving. Decorations would be baseball pennants and flags, and the flowers on the table would be the color of the team the table represents.

We're still brainstorming this whole concept, and it's possible the whole thing could get scrapped, but doesn't it sound like fun?!?

Plans on Hold for the Holidays

Good news! I just found out that my church will not be charging me for use of the sanctuary, though they usually charge $200. Also, we can use the Chapel for the reception at no cost, as well. I'm not sure if we will do the reception there, but it sure is a nice option.

Besides that, planning is pretty much on hold until after the holidays. We did a rough count of guests the other night, and it looks like 150-175 with just family and close friends. We might try to get a rough guest list together next week.

Oh, does anyone want to go to Festival of Brides with me in February? I just received a coupon with free admission for 4 people. I want to go, but really do not want to go by myself.

Victorian Theme?

I've watched so much Jane Austen-novel-movies lately; I am completely entranced.

I especially like some of the ideas on this site. A tea-party reception sounds quite lovely! :o)

August 12

Well, it looks like the church can be booked, no problem. We are already penciled in, and they will meet to firm up dates in January (there are four churches who meet on our site, so I guess this means they will all be meeting together to make sure there are no conflicts). I am also looking into having a simple reception in our fellowship hall.

I found out something very interesting about August 12 (which my cousin alluded to in a previous comment). It seems my aunt and uncle were married August 12, 1960, and my cousin and her husband were married August 12, 1985. Isn't that interesting???

Your Wedding Webpage - The Knot

Your Wedding Webpage - The Knot

Nothing new...

Not much happening this week on the planning front. Jason and I were both at the hospital yesterday for his grandfather's surgery, and we were both sick today. I was looking at wedding dresses Saturday ... and freaking out at all that is involved with that... holy cow!!!

On the to-do list: compile a guest list, figure out a budget, finalize the wedding party, decide on a reception location ... hopefully all before Christmas.

I Want Her Hair!

Do you think I can pull it off?

Receptions, and Guest Lists

Dilemmas of the day: where to have the reception and who to invite?

We are definitely having the ceremony at my church in Fullerton. The issue, however, is where to have the reception. The very simple solution would be to have it in the fellowship hall of my church. This is not very elegant, however, and I am not sure if we could have dancing there (still not actually sure if I WANT dancing to begin with). One possiblity we are entertaining is the Fullerton Arboretum (Hmm, just looked at the prices and time constraints on that one ... don't think it's going to happen.) On the other hand, we could also go with Jason's grandparents' suggestion and use the meeting facilities at Leisure World. They even have a caterer there. >:o) (no, we are not even considering this) Any other ideas?

Regarding guest lists: how do you choose who to invite? Immediate family and first-level uncles/aunts/cousins are the obvious invitees, as well as close friends. The problem arises with acquaintances or folks who used to be close friends but have since lost touch. Any suggestions? What about people who frequent my blog and/or invited me to their weddings? I'm at a loss when it comes to the propriety of all this. Should I just say: If you think you should be, or want to be, invited, let me know? I'm really at quite a loss regarding this.

Task Number One: Reserve the Church

I emailed the church secretary yesterday to find out about reserving the church for August 12, at 2:00pm. She said there shouldn't be a problem, but I have not heard back with a definite confirmation. She also mentioned that there is a set of "wedding requirements" that I need to get from them. Oh joy. I hope to go by the church tomorrow and pick them up.

Oh Reluctant One

I will, hopefully, be getting married on August 12, 2006. I will, unfortunately, be having a wedding. Why is it unfortunate, you ask? Simply because of this: I HATE weddings. I've never really figured out exactly WHY I hate weddings, I just know that I do. And now, that which I feared most has come upon me.

This blog is to chronicle the joys and terrors of planning a wedding. Enjoy!

Also, for those of you with any experience in planning a wedding, please feel free to give advise. I am going to need all the help I can get!