Dress fittings and why you should always have emergency money in the budget.

  I knew that when I got alterations to my dress it was not going to be cheap... I thought I only had to get my dress taken in 1 size then I ended up losing some weight and we ended up having to take the dress in almost 4 inches on both sides... THAT IS 8 INCHES...
    There are some very important tips that you should always remember when going to a dress fitting.

• Wear ALL the undergarments that you are planning on wearing on your wedding day. (I didn't put on my longline bra for my first fitting meaning I had to get the dress adjusted again on the second fitting)
• Wear the shoes you are planning on wearing for the wedding. They will be heming your dress so you want to make sure that your hem is the right length with your shoes. (Your slip/crinoline will also affect your hem so wear your slip/crinoline at all fittings)
• If you are worried about your dress being pinned too tight or too loose do not be afraid to speak up. You are paying for this service don't say ok until you are happy with the way you are pinned.
• Drink lots of water. If your wedding dress is anything like mine you are going to be HOT so make sure that you drink LOTS of water my seamstress told me stories of brides fainting at their fitting when I was asking my bridesmaid for water.
• Make sure you have someone with you at your last fitting. If your dress is a lace up you will need someone who knows how to lace it up. Or how to do the buttons or how to just make sure it is on right. 

   My good friend told me that alterations were not cheap. I thought she was overreacting until I started calling around to get price quotes. 

   When I first went I was a bit in shock at the price I was given to take the dress in (I need to learn how to sew wedding dresses) Then after 3 fittings I got the bill and wanted to cry.... It was almost DOUBLE the price they quoted me.
   Always make sure to have extra money in the budget for unexpected expenses. If not you could be scrambling at the last minute to cut some costs or get more money because there will be at least one thing that goes over budget.

What to toss?

      I have been going back and forth on what to toss when the Mr and I are announced Husband and Wife. I was not sure if I wanted to do bubbles, confetti, or something different all together. I wanted to skip this all together because I don't really like the idea of paying for something for people to throw at us (and I don't think the guests would miss it or even realize we didn't have it) but the Mr said that we needed it so these are the options we have come up with.

Source

    Bubbles can be really pretty! It can make for some great photographs and less face it the bubbles are not so badly priced. But if it is windy then they will all blow away, leaving no bubbles for pretty pictures. If they spill they can leave stains on the guest pretty dress clothes, and make a big mess with the little ones. I think bubbles are pretty expected also every wedding I have gone to in the past few years has had bubbles. I understand why it is the "Safe" option I just don't know if it is the right choice for us!

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     Then there is Confetti! This was off the bat a no with our venue. They told us they would charge us an arm and a leg for the clean up of all the confetti. UNTIL I did my research! I found out that there is bio-degradable confetti that all you have to do is  take a hose to it and there you go all cleaned up!! Our venue liked the idea of this and told us that if we picked bio-degradable confetti they would allow it. I made sure to get that in writing on our contract. If your venue is not originally open to the idea you have in mind make sure to talk with them you might be surprised! 

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   But the good and bad points of confetti.... It is pretty and just like bubbles can make for some great pictures! It comes in all different colors so your confetti can match your wedding colors if you care about that. It is bio-degradable so clean up is easy and it is not bad for the environment. BUT if it is windy it can make it so that the confetti just floats away... The confetti is not all that badly priced BUT you also need to to find a way to package the confetti adding another expense to the wedding. I can see how it may be hard to get out of your hair and anywhere else it might find its way too... I am still not 100% sold on confetti so lets take a look at the next option!

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      Sprinkles? Ya sounds cute right little sugar candies being thrown at you... Not as cute anymore right? My cousin and one of my bridesmaids linked me to this picture in form of a Pinterest pin, and told me it would go amazing with my bright summery wedding and yes it would probably be pretty I can see this turning into a big melty, colorful, sugary mess. I am getting married in August the chances someone is going to have sweaty hands that will make those sprinkles wet and then throw those sprinkles at me in a big white dress... I dont want my dress stained or that big sugary mess... (plus this seems like a waste of sprinkles to me and there is no way my venue would ever agree to this) So before sprinkles could even have a chance they are cut out of the running... 

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     Sparklers are a very photogenic option! And super fun for in the evening when it is dark and would be a even funner option for a 4th of July wedding! Once again they make for some great pictures! I think children and adults could have fun with them. They are a bit more expensive than the other options (for my wedding could not do this for under 200 dollars) Sometimes sparklers can be VERY hard to light making it so that some of your guests might not even be able to get theirs lighted and that would be a bummer. Plus a lot of venues have restrictions about sparklers for exits so you want to make sure that it is ok with your venue before you make this investment for your wedding. I would love to have sparklers at my wedding but I don't know if it fits in our already tight budget or if our venue would even allow it!

     I have a lot to think about with the Mr as we pick out what we will use for our send off... What will you be using for your send off?

Holly Mason Jars Batman!

     I told my mom last time I was visiting that I needed some Mason Jars for the wedding. I knew she had some in her garage from her canning kick and figured she should have the 30 or so I needed for the wedding centerpieces and to put along the aisle.

     Last night my dad dropped off the mason jars and HOLLY MASON JARS BATMAN... My dad dropped off 10 boxes! I haven't even attempted to count them yet but I will count them when I have to wash all of them...

     Right about now I wish I had a backyard and a hose instead of planning on doing them one box by one box (that I have to carry up then back down two flights of stairs) in my bathtub or kitchen sink... I am thinking I am going to have to recruit the Mr. to do the lifting!

      Next drop off from the family will be the wine bottles and I know there is at least 50 of those coming my way (even though I need more than 50 of those)! Wondering why I would need 50 Wine bottles? well that is another post for another day! In a few months I will have a very colorful DIY project to share!

     Has your family been helpful with wedding planning? and did you ever put a request out for something and get more than you bargained for? Also share any ideas you have for mason jars I have lots to play with :)

Wish Upon Starfish Hanger review and GIVEAWAY!!!

     I love Wish Upon Starfish's Etsy page! There are a pretty good number of her items that I am buying for my wedding! She sells all sorts of products from crystaled out shoes, to bridal hangers, and is now selling headbands sashes and braclets too! She is adding new products to her shop ALL THE TIME! So make sure to check back often to see what new things she has added!
     So the biggest seller is her Personalized Hangers she sells for just $4.50! Weddings are expensive so she trys to keep the costs downs for all brides so that everyone can afford the wedding of their dreams!
     I got my hanger in the mail today and I have to admit I was VERY excited! I got mine to say Mrs Enriquez (my future last name) AHHH I cant wait to get married 269 days to go!
    Now to the review! I got the Hanger in the mail and after a struggle with the postman... (this is a long story lol) I was able to open my mail box and saw my package containing this beauty! The hanger is GREAT quality and I love the color of the dark wood! It is even more rich in color in person! The wire is slightly flexible and I have to say that is a plus because you can fix it if there is any bending from shipping! I love the bow on the top of the hanger it is white just like my dress (no white dress jokes please)!

    I do know that I will be getting one of these for each of my bridesmaids with their name on the wire as part of their bridesmaid gift! I also know that they will LOVE them! I think I am going to have their "getting ready robes" on these in the bridal room waiting for them! (I wonder if I can even set that up)
    I think that these hangers are worth every penny (even if she charged double) and you better believe I will be ordering a whole lot more from her website!
    AND now for the fun part one lucky reader to my blog will be getting their own hanger from  Wish Upon Starfish! Notice the Rafflecopter below well enter in to win a hanger for you or someone you know! One of these hangers would make a great gift for a bride to be! Enter to win one today


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Venue is OFFICIALLY BOOKED!

This is what you see driving up to the venue!

    So any of you who read my blog know that finding a venue has NOT been easy for me... I flip flopped over venues more than anyone ever should!
    BUT Deposit is paid and the venue is ours! MrPanda and I will be getting married at Creekside Golf Club on August 17th 2013!
  I loved this place so much I booked it on our first visit before MrPanda had even gotten a chance to see it! I went with one of my bridesmaids Cassi! We got a little tour of the place and I asked about a million questions! They handed me the catering menu I looked through it and wrote the check for the deposit on the spot!

This is where we will be having the reception!

   The reception space is amazing I did not think I wanted an indoor wedding at all, but with the amazing windows it almost feels like you are outside! And it lets in the most amazing natural light.
    There are many other factors that drew me to this place! It fits my crazy huge guest list even if no one RSVPs no we will still have enough room to fit everyone!
     But guests that does not mean it is ok for you to bring an extra guest (this girl is still on a budget and the guest list has gotten a little out of control)!

Across the pond!

     I got an AMAZING discount on their prices so they work into our budget! I have to admit I was a little bit worried because before the discount they were not going to be able to work in our budget. But we got very lucky!

     They will also be handling the catering so that is one less thing on my long list of things to do! Now my catering choice is just going to be show up to a tasting and and choose what meal MrPanda and I like the best!
    They are also throwing a bunch of extras like vases for the flowers, Table Cloths, Cloth Napkins, Set up and tear down the day of including any and all decorations that I drop off as long as they are dropped off a day or two in advance!

The view from the reception space!

     The girls and I will be able to get ready at the venue because they threw in the bridal room at no extra cost! This helped hook me for sure! I did not want to have to travel to the site with the bridesmaids and I and wrinkle our dresses at all! Plus the hassle of renting a hotel room and working out transportation is just something I did not want to deal with!
     We are still working on what time we want to wedding to be but we have time to decide because they only book 1 wedding a day so we will not have to worry about scheduling with another wedding party!
    I will be updating the blog with more information as I get it and I am still on the hunt for addresses! Because before I know it I will be sending out the Save the Date magnets!!! (ok I am not really sending them until December or January but I do need the addresses!)

    What do you think of the venue?

Vendor spotlight- Wish Upon a Starfish

     I have been looking around for those AMAZING bridal hangers that you see just about everywhere when I came across Wish Upon a Starfish on Etsy! When I noticed that not only are her hangers great they are also one of the best prices I have found so far! The hanger I have pictured personalized to your last name or even just bride for ONLY $10.00!

   But the hangers are just the beginning! She will crystal your shoes, or glitter the soles, make your bouquets, hair flowers or even a crystaled out holder for your bouquet! 

    I mean look at these shoes! you can not tell me that you wouldn't mind a pair of sparkled out heels in your closet! If you are getting married or not! These would be perfect with you wedding dress or a little black dress!

    If you are not into the closed toe shoes she also does open toed heals and will crystal out your favorite pair of shoes for you too! Look at the glitter at the toe part so much extra sparkle!

 
 If any one has suggestions on how to convince Mr.Panda on why I need a pair of these shoes please share! I mean my birthday is coming up... (hint hint Mr.Panda if you are reading this post)


   And if you are planning a beach wedding her Etsy page is a one stop shop for you! She has the perfect bouquets and decorations for any beach wedding. 

     Look at this Starfish Pomander Kissing Ball! How cute are these I am starting to rethink my wedding maybe I should do a beach wedding? 
 
Check out her facebook page Here  or her etsy page Here! If you like her Facebook page let her know Ms.Panda Sent you!

And if there are any vendors out there who are interested in me writing about your blog comment with your email and I will contact you!

Our Save The dates!

    As I mentioned in a previous post I WON FREE SAVE THE DATES from magnet street! I mean how exciting is that!
   So here is a picture of our Save The Date Magnets! I have to say I love them! But don't mind my crappy paint job. I love all you readers but I feel like I share enough of the wedding with you on the blog I kinda want the website for just the invited guests!

   So I had a hard time picking out what invites to choose there are so many options on just about every site that it makes choosing just one a lot of work! I looked threw the pages of magnets until I saw this one and I loved the bright colors and that it was a little fun, but I have to admit that I did have about 10 other tabs open of other save the dates that I liked.
   But I love that fact that they are magnets people can just throw them on their fridge and not just get thrown away! or shoved in a drawer some place!
    Have you ordered your save the dates yet? If yes How did you choose yours, and If no what are you looking for in a save the date?

Picture This

OK so I have already admitted that I love Taylor Swift (don't judge me) Well when her video Mine came out I couldn't help but notice the hanging pictures... See picture ---->

 How AMAZING would this be at a wedding? Well I think It would be VERY amazing! And I don't want just random pictures of me and the Mr. Hanging no I want our engagement Pictures AND Friends and Family's wedding pictures! I think it would be sweet.

 I have already told family that I need copies of these so I can make copies and do all the work that will be involved in a pretty easy but time consuming DIY project!

 Oh and my Aunt who I told this idea to said it would be also really cute (and rustic) plus easier to just clothes pin the pictures to the string in rows.

 I still don't know what one to do... What do you think? Hanging pictures or Clothes pined pictures?

My newest dream dress....

Bonny Bridal 123

I have a wandering eye when it comes to dresses I will most likely be a 2 dress bride and I am OBSESSED with looking at wedding dresses! My newest love is Bonny Bridals 123! Picture here ---->
Why do I love this dress so much? Probably because the neckline is EVERYTHING I want and my newest wedding dress love is lace! plus I want a sash. Mine would most likely be Hot pink... But still not 100% sure on that...
But I keep wondering would lace be too heavy for a august outdoor wedding? (I am planning on having a 2nd dress to change into) and If i got this dress would I even want to change into a second dress... Probably not.... There is no one in Oregon who sells this dress (this seems to be my BIGGEST issue when dress shopping) But I can find something like it right? Ill have to try on a similar dress to try on and find a Pre-owned dress or get one made for me... But I am so afraid that getting one made for me it wouldn't look right....
Well look for a dress shopping post soon because as soon as I can get my girls together we will be doing another shopping trip! (the last one didn't go to well)

Anyone with wedding dress shopping tips? I think I am going to need them...

Dancing all by myself



(apracticalwedding.com)



    I love to dance! Juan not so much. I couldn't imagine dancing not being a part of the wedding but Juan says that he wont be dancing other than the first dance. So what do we do? I don't want to be dancing without him. But if I were to dance without Juan I am pretty sure I wouldn't be left to dance all by myself. Well even if I was I could still have fun!

(espanol.newyork.backpage.com)

    I did get him to dance at my birthday so maybe he will change his mind? But just in case I need to make the first dance count! Maybe we could do a Choreographed first dance? We have all seen them. And yes they have been over done but they could be fun... Right? Other than if I am going to have a hard time getting him dancing I doubt I can talk him into a Choreographed dance. 

    But we at least have some good news! We picked a first dance song! YAY! After LOTS of talking and yes even a little bit of arguing we decided on Never gonna be alone by Nickleback! I attached the video so you can watch it!

   Who knew wedding music would be such a hard choice?

I hate fake nails!!!!

(myeasynaildesigns.com)

As I posted earlier I was going to be getting my nails done for the first time. and well I HATE THEM... I got what is in the picture but hot pink instead of white. I feel like i can hardly do anything. In fact typing right now SUCKS...
   I  cant undo my daughters car seat buckle without a 5 minute struggle. And texting on my phone is a nightmare... I did get the solar nails because they are not as bad for your nails but I NEED to google how to get these suckers off... So needless to say I will be not having fake nails EVER again. So I will either to a french manicure or a all over color on my nails.
   Am I the only one who hates fake nails? and does anyone know how to get them off? HELP!!!

Nails Natural or fake?

(life123.com)

    So one thing I have been going back and forth on is do I want fake nails for the wedding or just do a fun polish?
    I should also add in I have never gotten my nails done before. I will be getting them done for the first time in the next week. Not only for my birthday but if I hate them then my going back and forth will be over!
    I Like the way that the fake nails look (well not the cheap press on nails though) Well and then there is the cost of fake nails. Yes it is not a lot but yes it is one more cost of the MANY costs that can go into the wedding. But luckily one of my best friends and one of my bridesmaids does nails! She went to school and all of that and will be doing my hair nails and all all that as a wedding gift YAY!


(luuux.com)

     So My trial run later this weeks should tell it all right? Well then I was thinking how great it would be to just be able to have my nails painted. I could choose any color then I could have that polish to keep and every time I wear it it would remind me of the wedding! Maybe even a HOT PINK! Well Hot pink is one of my favorite colors AND a wedding color!
    I could still do a french tip or a cool design! BUT I could still do this with my toes even if I do choose to do fake nails.
    Never did I think I would be putting this much thought into what my nails would look like on any day...
    How did/do you want your nails on your wedding day?

In Memory

http://www.destinationweddingfavors.com/

    How do you include the loved ones who have passed. Do you use a vase? A memory charm on your Bouquet? Have a Reserve seat in honor of your loved ones? There are so many ways to honor your loved ones how do you choose?

    Sadly today I got news of a loved on passing and it took me completely off guard. It is so hard to loose a loved one and you don't want to make your wedding sad. So how do you choose the right balance of remembering and keeping your wedding a happy place?
    I still don't know what where going to do. I wish that Wedding planning was all sunshine and butterflies. But somethings I wish just planned itself...
    Is there any part of the wedding you didn't want to plan?

My name is Shanda and Im a Wedding Addict

 Never did I think that I would become a wedding planning addict... (I'm sure I am not the only one out there) 2 1/2 weeks is a LONG time to stay away but I did make it a week and a half!

    So now I am exactly 1 week until my birthday and birthday BBQ. You think I would be planning that right? Well I really am not I hope Juan knows what he wants to do what food to serve etc... Because I haven't been much help...
    I still find myself stalking Wedding bee (And posting too...) I am a Wedding be addict also... Those of you who haven't put 2 and 2 together I am MsPanda on Wedding bee!


Isadora ann by Maggie Sottero

     But My biggest Wedding obsession right now is Wedding dresses I found a store that has the dress I want to try on! Maggie Sottero's Isadora Ann I LOVE IT! I am head over heals for this dress and I am so afraid that I am going to have the "I loved it until I tried it on moment" So I still haven't made a appointment. (I know I'm a chicken)
    I do feel like the Isadora Ann Is perfect for the Garden/Back yard wedding. But I hope It will still make me feel like a bride. I do love that it is tea length! and that I will be able to dance in it! I just have to get over my little fear and make the appointment.
    Did anyone else get "addicted" to wedding planning? And did/do you have a fear of trying on "the" dress?

Taking a break from wedding planning

(Borrowed from http://www.nicolewick.com/)

   YAY! I am giving myself  2 1/2 weeks off (if I actually make it will be interesting) But with my birthday coming up Juan and I have decided I need to take some time and take care of me. We all know wedding planning can be stressful and Ill admit it I SUCK at handling stress (I blame my high school for not ever putting me in stress management even though i requested it all 4 years of high school)

   But to keep this post from being SUPER boring I will share some of my fun 22nd Birthday Details!

    First off my birthday is not until August 2nd So that's why my break is so long.... But on my actual birthday Juan planned a little BBQ inviting some friends and family nothing huge but I love that he is doing it for me!

    Then the Saturday after my birthday one of my best friends and one of my bridesmaids and I are planning a night out. Going out for drinks and dancing and hoping for just a really fun night! And what would a birthday night be without a birthday dress! (the picture shown is not my dress) My dress is the same idea but the straps are one length and not a cap sleeve the hot pink band is thinner and ties in the back and my dress is a lot bigger than 4T lol...

    Did you ever take a much needed break from wedding planning? And if yes what did you use that much needed break for?





Wake up and smell the.... Daises?

    What kind of flowers we wanted has changed just a little bit.... One thing I knew I DID NOT WANT ROSES. But as someone who didn't know much about flowers I also didn't know what we wanted. There are so many different kinds of flowers and some of those flowers cost a arm and a leg... Going with our color I wanted bright flowers too! Then I found one "inspiration" picture and now I know exactly what I want!

(TheKnot.com)

   Green green hydrangea and Gerber Daises! To be completely honest I didn't even know they had green hydrangea (Plus even if they didn't they have floral paint) So now the only flowers that will be at my wedding is Gerber Daises and green hydrangea.
    I do know that for my mason jar centerpieces (ill dedicate a whole post to them a bit later!) I will go between having hydrangea and daises and only daises!
    I love flowers and I love our centerpiece Idea and I cant wait to share my (at least I think) AMAZING idea!
    What kind of flowers do you want/did you have at your wedding?

The Perfect Headband (easier said than done)

    So now is the start of finding "The Perfect Headband". Well I should say the perfect headband at the perfect price... I have a few "needs" in my headband... I need it to be Ivory (NOT WHITE), Yes I'm wearing a Ivory dress (haven't picked out the dress but I know it will be Ivory) Seems pretty easy right. Well the fact I want a ribbon headband makes that need just a little bit harder. Every Ribbon headband I have fallen in love with has been white.



    Well maybe I can find a AMAZING headband on Etsy and have them just make it in ivory? Well that's my hope. But I have to admit right now I have Champagne taste on a beer budget. So maybe I can just DIY it?  But where do I find the embellishments to put on the headband? The headband in the picture is PERFECT (other than being white) But the store that sells it is no more.

    I am going to have to keep looking but I have to admit I really hope I can find this headband again at a store that actually sells it.

    Have you ever found something "Perfect" just to find out it wasn't being sold anymore? And did you find it again? (please tell me you did)

Hairspiration!



(http://www.hairpedia.com/)

     One thing I knew coming into this wedding planning was how I wanted my hair! So as soon as we started the planning I started growing out my hair. My hair was not short but I knew I needed it longer to get the look I wanted! I want really long curls! ALL the hair down very Taylor Swift!
    I love her hair and I love her music! But I do know my hair is way to thin to get this look so I am going to have to find some really good hair extensions. And I want to add bridal head band and of course a veil! But those will be other posts!
    But you know how there are two dress brides I am going to be a 2 Hair bride... When I told My best Friend/Bridesmaid/Hair dresser. She thought I was crazy. (I bet you think I'm a little crazy right now too!) She started telling me that there wouldn't be enough time to do a change and It would be just a PITA. Until I showed her what I was thinking then she told me it was OK!

(http://www.hairstyle-blog.com/)

  
    Did I mention that I LOVED Taylor Swift's hair? Well this is Hair #2. We will keep in the headband but loose the veil. Then we will move the hair into a side ponytail and maybe have to re curl just a little bit (Fingers crossed).
    Now you are probably wondering why I want to hair styles right? Well I am going to have a outdoor reception in August, So I am not going to want all of those curls down. It would be WAY TOO HOT and I want to dance and have fun so I don't want my hair to get in the way...
    Oh and the fact I'm going to be a 2 dress bride also... Yes I am going to have my ceremony dress and a reception dress! But once again I am going to leave you waiting on that post too!
    How did you choose the hair for your wedding? and who (if anyone) was your celebrity hair Inspiration?

Make a wish?



(Etsy seller madebydine)

Favors Favors Favors.... I knew I wanted a unique favor but I didn't want to do a crazy DIY that stressed me out but i still did want to DIY it... I want a easy DIY that I can do ahead of time and I can do on my VERY limited budget. I was searching and searching everywhere and then I was complaining to a friend when they told me I should do wish bracelets. What is a wish bracelet? I didn't know either until she told me along with a quick google search. It is a bracelet with beads that you tie onto your wrist and make a wish and when the bracelet falls off your wish comes true! I thought it was something cute and yes its completely useless but there will be a wish bracelet at every seat! Now I have to come up with a cute little poem to go with the bracelets! Oh and I need to order a ton of string and beads, card stock oh and a hole punch. (how do I not have a hole punch already?)

What are you/have you used as your favors? and what would you think if you got a wish bracelet as a favor?

Where is the Ring Bearer?

    You have met my flower girls, My bridesmaids, and even Juan's Groomsmen. So I bet about now you are wondering where is the Ring bearer? Well the thing  is we are ring bearer less... Yes we have adorable little boys in the family that we could ask... Heck we could even ask my little niece to do it.


(leashandpaws.com)

     We are planning on buying a puppy soon so why not use our future puppy? Trust me I LOVE this idea but with us getting married in a church I don't think that would go over very well. Plus my odd fear of the puppy jumping on me and ruining my dress... I wonder if this is a fear of any of the ring bearer dog brides?
    So I think at least as of right now we are going to have a wedding without a cute little boy or dog having stunt rings on a pillow (yep even if we did have one we would only have stunt rings on the pillow)

    How did you choose your ring bearer? Or to even have one?