We finally found a Save the Date design that we both love! Thanks to wedding chicks for the free custom download of this Mad Men inspired Save the Date. Love the retro look and the show! We are still deciding whether to send them out as postcards or to turn them into magnets. Either way, it is a fairly simple project and pretty cost effective too.

~Fun Favors~

Pinwheels, parasols, and ribbon wands will add a little bit of color and zing to our outdoor nuptials on the beach. These fresh decorative accents are not only budget friendly but they will be a fan favorite for the little people at our wedding. The best part is that the pinwheels and ribbon wands are relatively easy DIY projects that my sister and I can put together in an afternoon. The parasols, which have a practical purpose (to shield Mr. Sunshine) are relatively inexpensive. I can't wait to get started on these projects!


Ribbon Wand Tutorial w/ customized banner

Pin Wheels Tutorial

DIY Invites

Materials

1. PDF File Custom Designed Invite Suite $125
(created by Kemba Celebrations on Etsy)
Note - $50 for the PDF file & $75 for custom design monogram, which is feat. throughout our invite suite. The splurged was on the one-of-a-kind design of a Apsara motif with our initials.

2. Guest List w/ Contact Info
-We use Google Docs spread sheet to keep tabs on our guests list

3. Paper Cutter: Tonic Studios 12-inch Guillotine Paper Cutter $30.00
- This paper cutter is considered a favorite among scrap book enthusiasts and crafters
(Overstock.com)

4. Adhesive Tool: Glue Glider Pro $15
- Easy to use and cost effective adhesive with no mess!
(Cards and Pockets)

5. Laser Printer - We have a family member who has offered to print our invites.

6. Calligraphy pens: Pilot Varsity Fine Tip Disposable Fountain Pens $2
- My new favorite writing pens! They have a real nib that makes for smooth writing.

7. Paper Supply:

Text Paper - 8.5 X 11 Pearlescent White Metallic Text Paper 100/$20
( Paper and More)

5 X 7 Panel Card Stock - Pearlescent Metallic Gold 100/$14
(Paper and More)

3 5/8 x 5 1/8 RSVP Envelope - European Flap style 0.12 per piece
(Cards and Pockets)

5.25 X 7.25 or A7 Invite Envelope - European Flap style 0.17 per piece
(Cards and Pockets)

Notes:
The 8.5 X 11 size text paper produces TWO 4.5 X 6.5 invite which will be layered onto the 5 X 7 panel. It gives a 1/4 inch border frame. This fits a A7 envelope purrfectly.
RSVP Card & Event info card is 3.5 X 5 ( printed on left over text paper). We ordered extra envelopes for mistakes and the left overs will be used for T.Y notes. We have not included postage costs since most of the invites will be delivered in person.

Estimated Quantity: 60 English Invitation Suites, 30-35 Khmer Invitations w/ some that will include RSVP and Event card.

First Set: English invites include a full invitation suite (Invite, RSVP Card & Event Card)
We hope to have them completed before Christmas vacation because we intend to hand deliver some of them to our close friends and family on our trip to California. The rest of the English invites will be sent out in early March. We have set the RSVP due date 3 weeks before our wedding date.

Note: Etiquette dictates wedding invitations should be sent out 8 weeks before the wedding. RSVP due date is usually 2-3 weeks before the wedding date.

Second Set: Cambodian Invites will not include an entire invite suite since it is not Cambodian custom to RSVP. However a few will include RSVP and Event cards for some of our guests who also follow Western customs. This does worry us a bit as our space has a capacity of 200 people. The Khmer invites will also be printed at a later time as we do not know the formality regarding the proper wording. A friend or family member will be assisting us when the time comes as I don't read or write in Khmer *hangs head in shame* We will hand deliver most of the invites and send out the rest to OOT guests.

Meet Dayton

The bridal shop gave me a call today to tell me Dayton has arrived! The sample dress is on loan as part of the lending program by Blue by Enzoani. I missed the trunk show at another bridal shop so I tried to locate the nearest dress shop that carried the line. Unfortunately, the 2011 dresses won't be available until after January so I asked if they could send me a sample. I will get to meet her tomorrow. So excited!

The dress has a unique feature - a sweet heart neckline with a detachable Swarovski crystal halter strap and razor back. The modified mermaid is a light weight tulle and lace dress with a ethereal train. Puuurrfect for an elegant beach wedding!

Visit Blue by Enzoani, click on the 2011 line for Dayton

Custom Crazy: Etsy Finds

Nobody wants a cookie cutter wedding. So why not put your own spin on things by having personalizations that will make your wedding a memorable event! Etsy, the global market place for unique goods and hand crafted artifacts has a section devoted to weddings. There is everything from one of kind custom cake toppers to snazzy bride maids gifts. It's truly your one stop place for creative finds.

Some Etsy goods we purchased for our wedding include a custom made rubber address stamp from Sugar Letter. We also had wedding stationary created by Kemba Celebrations. There are a few more customizations we have in mind.

For our head table - Custom Name Luiminaries lit by mini led tea lights. I intend to add fresh or silk flowers as accent to the luminaries. The color of the card stock and font can be customized. Symbols can also be added too. See Paper Acorn for more designs and pricing info.

A custom cake banner ($20) with a paper bride and groom cake topper ($8) adds a fun factor with vintage charms. Created by Ready Go

As part of the gift set to my bridesmaid, I wanted to

give them each a silk dupioni cosmetic envelope or jewelry roll (pictured above). I'm going to include a treasure trove of beauty products and some nifty trinkets as a way of saying thanks. I also want a money bag with Pepe's last name customized on it. Prices range from $10.99-$28.99 Created by Plethora

Modern Floral Centerpieces II

After scouring the internet for modern floral art, I stumbled upon these fun, whimsy arrangements as inspirations for my short and tall centerpieces.

I heart the free flowing lily grass and cascading phalaenopsis orchids in the tall centerpiece. The petals looped through the lily grass in the second centerpiece (2nd picture) adds a really funky effect. (Floral Arrangements by Datura: A Modern Garden)


Clustering of flowers make a huge impact especially when using bold colors. The yellow billy balls (Craspedia) flowers in the short centerpiece adds a pop of color, texture and a fun factor!