Haven't posted in a bit, sorry. :)
Here's a quick update.
I got a call back from the jewelry store on the island a day later, but my mom answered the phone, wrote down all the quotes, and promptly lost the note in her sea of paper.
However, she said the cheapest quote she got was around $1300. D:
I seriously though taking six diamonds out of it would drop the price below $1000, but I guess that's the price you pay for designer brand name shit. If you're the kinda person to allow yourself to waste money...
I could go to a local jewelry store and get something very similar for $400-600, and I plan to ask them if they can make the designer ring I liked...
Did I mention the wedding show I was going to go to last weekend with Matt? We completely forgot about it the day of.
We spent the whole weekend making costume props. :P
Of course I would have only been going for the chance to win door prizes. Not like I'd ever really buy anything from the overpriced vendors.
And I had a cake epiphany. Every time I've talked to my mom about what kind of cake I'd like to make, she warns me, "Nicole, a lot of adults don't like cake," which seems completely insane to me.
But if I do a tiered cake, I'd decided to do a Cheesecake on top, Carrot Cake in the middle, and and Vanilla cake with Raspberry filling on the bottom.
But a cupcake tree is also an option!
Though my grandfather could turn down the cakes I spent hours working on in the Wilton Cake Decorating Class >=( I've never seen him refuse carrot or cheese cake.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
I went to the Vancouver Bridal Welcome Wagon last Thursday night.
My mom went with me, even though that's not really her thing. I originally approached her about it a week ago, and asked her if she was busy on Thursday evening. She said she probably was, why? She instantly gets defensive whenever I ask her if she's busy, because she is always busy, and if I want to do anything with her, I have to make her write it down in her appointment book, otherwise she'll schedule over me... >=(
Anyways, I told her a bit about what it was, but said it was fine, I'd go alone.
She comes back to me a bit later on, and says she's not busy, she'll be able to go.
Then, I guess I made the mistake of telling her about another bridal thing that's happening in two weeks. I asked Matt to go to that one, since it's marginally closer to where he lives.
Anyways, last night rolled around, and my mom asks me, 'That wedding thing is tonight?"
"Yeah,"
"And you're going with Matt?"
"No, I'm going with you..."
"WHAT?!"
Yeah, she forgot, or I guess I should say she crossed her wires. She instantly gets defensive because now I want her to go to this one, AND this other one that's way out of the way... NO. That's the one Matt is going to!
This one was at Metrotown. It is only a 15 minutes drive away! If you drive like a normal person...
Anyways~
We were a teeny bit late, (seriously, it's only a 15 minute drive. Matt's GPS said so, and we made it there perfectly on time, but my mom drives really slow) but plenty of other people were as well. It wasn't really an organized event, so much as just a vendor free-for-all. People were filtering in and out all the way through the event.
The only organized events were the fashion show, of which my mom and I spent the entire time fawning over the sexy tuxes, and commenting on the girl's busts. They were either far to small for the boned bust of the dress, and looked like they had mannequin boobs or they were too big, and bursting out over the top of the soft fabric tops.
There was a couples game, in which they were asked questions, and had to get matching answers, and there was the main draw of the event; Door Prizes.
I had hoped, that because there was so many prizes being given away, that I might win something. Every vendor there was giving away a door prize, and doing their own individual draw, but alas. No luck.
Other than that, the main point of going was looking at all the different vendors.
They had everything from dress and tux shops, to wedding cruise and holiday packages, to laser fat removal and candle party companies.
Pretty much every booth was giving away some little trinkety thing, like pens, or tea-light candles or chocolates.
One booth that was about investing for your future together gave me a roll of pennies. I almost told them, "No thanks, I already have investments," but then remembered how much money I have set aside simply from rolling pennies. I'll take that 50 cents, and like it, thank you very much.
It was fun, and my mom agreed, despite constant complaints about having to walk aaaaaall the way through Metrotown, and about her back hurting, but in the end it was pretty much as I expected. Trying to sell really over priced stuff.
Even as my mom was fawning over the limo rentals, she turns to me and whispers, "One of my clients moonlights as a limo driver."
Those are the kinds of deals I want to get in on.
Back in earlier planning stages, Matt said he wanted to rent a limo, but that's kind of fallen by the wayside, considering our budget. Still, I'd very much like for him to get to ride in one.
My mom went with me, even though that's not really her thing. I originally approached her about it a week ago, and asked her if she was busy on Thursday evening. She said she probably was, why? She instantly gets defensive whenever I ask her if she's busy, because she is always busy, and if I want to do anything with her, I have to make her write it down in her appointment book, otherwise she'll schedule over me... >=(
Anyways, I told her a bit about what it was, but said it was fine, I'd go alone.
She comes back to me a bit later on, and says she's not busy, she'll be able to go.
Then, I guess I made the mistake of telling her about another bridal thing that's happening in two weeks. I asked Matt to go to that one, since it's marginally closer to where he lives.
Anyways, last night rolled around, and my mom asks me, 'That wedding thing is tonight?"
"Yeah,"
"And you're going with Matt?"
"No, I'm going with you..."
"WHAT?!"
Yeah, she forgot, or I guess I should say she crossed her wires. She instantly gets defensive because now I want her to go to this one, AND this other one that's way out of the way... NO. That's the one Matt is going to!
This one was at Metrotown. It is only a 15 minutes drive away! If you drive like a normal person...
Anyways~
We were a teeny bit late, (seriously, it's only a 15 minute drive. Matt's GPS said so, and we made it there perfectly on time, but my mom drives really slow) but plenty of other people were as well. It wasn't really an organized event, so much as just a vendor free-for-all. People were filtering in and out all the way through the event.
The only organized events were the fashion show, of which my mom and I spent the entire time fawning over the sexy tuxes, and commenting on the girl's busts. They were either far to small for the boned bust of the dress, and looked like they had mannequin boobs or they were too big, and bursting out over the top of the soft fabric tops.
There was a couples game, in which they were asked questions, and had to get matching answers, and there was the main draw of the event; Door Prizes.
I had hoped, that because there was so many prizes being given away, that I might win something. Every vendor there was giving away a door prize, and doing their own individual draw, but alas. No luck.
Other than that, the main point of going was looking at all the different vendors.
They had everything from dress and tux shops, to wedding cruise and holiday packages, to laser fat removal and candle party companies.
Pretty much every booth was giving away some little trinkety thing, like pens, or tea-light candles or chocolates.
One booth that was about investing for your future together gave me a roll of pennies. I almost told them, "No thanks, I already have investments," but then remembered how much money I have set aside simply from rolling pennies. I'll take that 50 cents, and like it, thank you very much.
It was fun, and my mom agreed, despite constant complaints about having to walk aaaaaall the way through Metrotown, and about her back hurting, but in the end it was pretty much as I expected. Trying to sell really over priced stuff.
Even as my mom was fawning over the limo rentals, she turns to me and whispers, "One of my clients moonlights as a limo driver."
Those are the kinds of deals I want to get in on.
Back in earlier planning stages, Matt said he wanted to rent a limo, but that's kind of fallen by the wayside, considering our budget. Still, I'd very much like for him to get to ride in one.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I finally got in touch with the jeweler! They never did respond to my e-mails... I had to wait for a day where my work shift didn't cover the entire time their store was open to call them.
Although, in hindsight, I'm glad there was a delay.
I was originally planning to get quotes for 14k white and yellow gold, but have since learned never to buy new white gold. Why? Because it doesn't really exist. LOL
Well, it does, but the quality is very iffy.
White gold, in the most literal sense of the word, does not exist. Gold is yellow.
White gold is an alloy that's had other metals mixed with the gold to make it appear silver-y in color.
It's apparently not easy to make well. Some alloys being not that silvery in color, or a lighter yellow than gold normaly is. Most are rhodium plated to offer that pure silver finish, and plating wears off, which explains why Matt had to take my ring in for cleaning before he gave it to me.
Apparently it was a dark brown before that. =\
I'm curious to see it change color LOL But not eager to pay upkeep to keep my ring looking nice.
Oh well.
I've read that there is white gold that's actually silvery without the plating, but it's a hard process to achieve, so the writer only buys white gold antiques, so they know if it's been plated, and what it looks like after it's worn off.
So I've asked for the quote with 14k yellow gold, and either Platinum, or Palladium.
Palladium is a bit cheaper than Platinum, but either way, the initial cost increase should save Matt from having to replate his ring annually.
Although, in hindsight, I'm glad there was a delay.
I was originally planning to get quotes for 14k white and yellow gold, but have since learned never to buy new white gold. Why? Because it doesn't really exist. LOL
Well, it does, but the quality is very iffy.
White gold, in the most literal sense of the word, does not exist. Gold is yellow.
White gold is an alloy that's had other metals mixed with the gold to make it appear silver-y in color.
It's apparently not easy to make well. Some alloys being not that silvery in color, or a lighter yellow than gold normaly is. Most are rhodium plated to offer that pure silver finish, and plating wears off, which explains why Matt had to take my ring in for cleaning before he gave it to me.
Apparently it was a dark brown before that. =\
I'm curious to see it change color LOL But not eager to pay upkeep to keep my ring looking nice.
Oh well.
I've read that there is white gold that's actually silvery without the plating, but it's a hard process to achieve, so the writer only buys white gold antiques, so they know if it's been plated, and what it looks like after it's worn off.
So I've asked for the quote with 14k yellow gold, and either Platinum, or Palladium.
Palladium is a bit cheaper than Platinum, but either way, the initial cost increase should save Matt from having to replate his ring annually.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I stopped off at work yesterday to take advantage of a specific sale.
Some little gift box sets went on Clearance, but they were still $14.99 for 50, so I set them aside and wait for an even better sale.
For the most part, Michael's coupons don't apply to clearance or sale items, but I was lucky and didn't have to wait long. A 10% off your entire purchase, including sale items came up! Yay, they're pretty rare.
But for some reason, the coupon wouldn't work with them, so the cashier just added my staff discount, which also isn't normally supposed to apply to sale or clearance items. So I get an extra 25% off.
These boxes are normally priced $34.99, but I got two for $25. Woohoo!
They're white and grey... Our actual colors are going to be light blue and royal purple (our favourites) But they'll go with these white and silver hat box things my mom kinda talked me in to buying. They'll be used as decoration, probably as flower containers. It was pretty easy for her to talk me in to it though, since they were super clearanced, and the big ones were 1.49, and the small ones were .49
You'd also think a small business would be able to reply to e-mails in a timely manner...
I just can't imagine that a non-chain jewelry store would get that much e-mail. And it only took them overnight to reply to my first one, but now it's been two business days.
Matt and I also had a chance to run in to a jewelry store today to get his finger sized. About 15...
He seemed kinda hesitant. :P And the sizing isn't accurate, bucause the store didn't have any inbetween sizes, and that was a wee bit loose, but it'll help me get an estimate.
Some little gift box sets went on Clearance, but they were still $14.99 for 50, so I set them aside and wait for an even better sale.
For the most part, Michael's coupons don't apply to clearance or sale items, but I was lucky and didn't have to wait long. A 10% off your entire purchase, including sale items came up! Yay, they're pretty rare.
But for some reason, the coupon wouldn't work with them, so the cashier just added my staff discount, which also isn't normally supposed to apply to sale or clearance items. So I get an extra 25% off.
These boxes are normally priced $34.99, but I got two for $25. Woohoo!
They're white and grey... Our actual colors are going to be light blue and royal purple (our favourites) But they'll go with these white and silver hat box things my mom kinda talked me in to buying. They'll be used as decoration, probably as flower containers. It was pretty easy for her to talk me in to it though, since they were super clearanced, and the big ones were 1.49, and the small ones were .49
You'd also think a small business would be able to reply to e-mails in a timely manner...
I just can't imagine that a non-chain jewelry store would get that much e-mail. And it only took them overnight to reply to my first one, but now it's been two business days.
Matt and I also had a chance to run in to a jewelry store today to get his finger sized. About 15...
He seemed kinda hesitant. :P And the sizing isn't accurate, bucause the store didn't have any inbetween sizes, and that was a wee bit loose, but it'll help me get an estimate.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Of rings and venues
I'll quickly say for anyone that cares, we're planning a mostly out door wedding, on what will likely be the hottest day of the year.
I've called around about nice parks, but the city doesn't even book this far in advance. I guess that's okay, cuz it will give us time to go look at some of them... During times when the plants are growing.
Although the nice garden near my house is too small to accomodate all my guests. :(
Though I don't really know how many people are coming yet, since no one can be bothered to get me guest lists yet.
On the topic of rings, Matt's given me a family heirloom, and he wants his to be a surprise. (This he tells me after I show him a picture of one I really like)
That is to say, matching is not an issue, and he also doesn't want to help pick it out!
So it just so happens that as I was flipping through a magazine, I saw a picture of a men's ring that I think is perfect. It's neither boringly plain, or girlishly designed.
Is there a seller in Canada? Why yes! In Toronto, and on Vancouver Island... I do have family on the Island that I could get to pick it up, but... I'm currently e-mailing with the store to get a price, but also to see if I can get the ring made at all without even going to their store...
Here's the ring,
Matt would even prefer it without diamonds, because he doesn't want to worry about losing or damaging them.
I've called around about nice parks, but the city doesn't even book this far in advance. I guess that's okay, cuz it will give us time to go look at some of them... During times when the plants are growing.
Although the nice garden near my house is too small to accomodate all my guests. :(
Though I don't really know how many people are coming yet, since no one can be bothered to get me guest lists yet.
On the topic of rings, Matt's given me a family heirloom, and he wants his to be a surprise. (This he tells me after I show him a picture of one I really like)
That is to say, matching is not an issue, and he also doesn't want to help pick it out!
So it just so happens that as I was flipping through a magazine, I saw a picture of a men's ring that I think is perfect. It's neither boringly plain, or girlishly designed.
Is there a seller in Canada? Why yes! In Toronto, and on Vancouver Island... I do have family on the Island that I could get to pick it up, but... I'm currently e-mailing with the store to get a price, but also to see if I can get the ring made at all without even going to their store...
Here's the ring,
Matt would even prefer it without diamonds, because he doesn't want to worry about losing or damaging them.
The dress
A bit of an update, since I'm just starting the blog, but have not just started my plans.
I went looking at dresses with my mom early this week.
My original plan had been to buy used. To go around to some different shops, try on some different styles to see what I looked good in, and then to start hunting the garage sales and thrift stores. I figured, I can get a wedding dress for $400 or less, easy.
It's not quite that easy, as it seems most bridal shops don't like you trying things on without an appointment. I guess they're relying on the fact that people like me would feel guilty about taking up their time without the intention of buying anything.
Or maybe they're relying on their sales people's ability to pressure you in to buying something.
Well, we tried a couple shops, and eventually found a consignment shop that allows you to try dresses on without an appointment. The lady was nice enough to let us take pictures as well.
She was also nice enough, or confidant enough to write down the dress brand and code. I imagine most shops wouldn't do that for you, though it turns out it's illegal for them to try to hide that. I found this article that talks about that briefly.
Anyways, this all leads me to feeling slightly guilty, because I found the perfect dress there, for what I'm sure is a really reasonable price; if the dress is an original.
Frankly, I don't care if it is.
I began looking for it online. Could I buy that specific dress used? I'm sure I could, if I looked hard enough.
Or I could buy it custom made at a fraction of the price.
I quickly found the dress on a website that offered it at a fraction of the price, but their size chart was a little bit stupid. The bust size didn't measure up proportionately with the waist and hips at all. They did offer custom sizing, but that tacks on an extra 50% of the cost. Plus, there was the unknown risk that customs would charge me duty.
I tried looking in to what exactly that might be, but all I've gotten out of them so far is that it depends on where it's made, where it's shipped from, what it's made from and what I plan to use it for... (a-duh)
Oh, and a lawyer to then decipher the huge PDF file that determines the duties based on those things.
~le sigh
A little more digging around turned up a website, which I'm assuming is all run by the same company anyways, but with a lower price for the dress, and a lower charge for making it in the right size.
I decided to ask around online if anyone had used any of these sites, and I did get some decent feedback, but someone also suggested I check eBay. (At the very least, because they have user feedback)
So, I'm currently e-mailing back and forth with someone, who says they can make it for $180, which is definitely the lowest so far.
But, we'll see how this turns out.
I went looking at dresses with my mom early this week.
My original plan had been to buy used. To go around to some different shops, try on some different styles to see what I looked good in, and then to start hunting the garage sales and thrift stores. I figured, I can get a wedding dress for $400 or less, easy.
It's not quite that easy, as it seems most bridal shops don't like you trying things on without an appointment. I guess they're relying on the fact that people like me would feel guilty about taking up their time without the intention of buying anything.
Or maybe they're relying on their sales people's ability to pressure you in to buying something.
Well, we tried a couple shops, and eventually found a consignment shop that allows you to try dresses on without an appointment. The lady was nice enough to let us take pictures as well.
She was also nice enough, or confidant enough to write down the dress brand and code. I imagine most shops wouldn't do that for you, though it turns out it's illegal for them to try to hide that. I found this article that talks about that briefly.
Anyways, this all leads me to feeling slightly guilty, because I found the perfect dress there, for what I'm sure is a really reasonable price; if the dress is an original.
Frankly, I don't care if it is.
I began looking for it online. Could I buy that specific dress used? I'm sure I could, if I looked hard enough.
Or I could buy it custom made at a fraction of the price.
I quickly found the dress on a website that offered it at a fraction of the price, but their size chart was a little bit stupid. The bust size didn't measure up proportionately with the waist and hips at all. They did offer custom sizing, but that tacks on an extra 50% of the cost. Plus, there was the unknown risk that customs would charge me duty.
I tried looking in to what exactly that might be, but all I've gotten out of them so far is that it depends on where it's made, where it's shipped from, what it's made from and what I plan to use it for... (a-duh)
Oh, and a lawyer to then decipher the huge PDF file that determines the duties based on those things.
~le sigh
A little more digging around turned up a website, which I'm assuming is all run by the same company anyways, but with a lower price for the dress, and a lower charge for making it in the right size.
I decided to ask around online if anyone had used any of these sites, and I did get some decent feedback, but someone also suggested I check eBay. (At the very least, because they have user feedback)
So, I'm currently e-mailing back and forth with someone, who says they can make it for $180, which is definitely the lowest so far.
But, we'll see how this turns out.
Hello all, and welcome!
This blog is here to serve as both an information gathering point for all who may be concerned with my wedding, and also simply to help me catalog the planning of said wedding.
(Because this will help me remember an important time in my life, and because it will give me something to do while everyone else is telling me to slow down and don't worry about, and basically not helping me)
Bare with me as I get this party started...
This blog is here to serve as both an information gathering point for all who may be concerned with my wedding, and also simply to help me catalog the planning of said wedding.
(Because this will help me remember an important time in my life, and because it will give me something to do while everyone else is telling me to slow down and don't worry about, and basically not helping me)
Bare with me as I get this party started...
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