Not fretting over Fonts

My fiance and I are designing our invitations through Zazzle. We selected two fonts for them.

Now that we're thinking about signage at the wedding itself, I decided that I would try to find the same fonts for free. I've read (on Weddingbee, etc) of brides/grooms going so far as to pay for fonts -- I wasn't about to do that; if the fonts weren't available, then I would find something suitable.

But don't fret -- I was able to find the main one: Parisian. I found it within seconds on Font Space.

(example of the font 'Parisian')

And for the other one, P22 PanAm, I haven't been able to find it (for free/open source). PanAm really brought me back to a style of font used around the turn-of-the-century and I suspected that the font was titled for Buffalo's Pan-American Exposition in 1901. That is exactly what we were looking for, as our reception is in a building that was built just at the end of the 1800s and our wedding is not a black-tie event (we didn't want script font thinking that it would convey that the event was overly formal).

(example of the font 'P22 PanAm' - source)

So when I checked out P22's website, I was pleased to see that indeed, the font was created for that reason. According to P22,

"This font was created to help celebrate the centennial of the Pan-American exposition of 1901 which was held in Buffalo, New York. It is based on a variety of printed ephemera from the exhibition (which incidentally is most noted not for the spectacular electrical illuminations provided by nearby Niagara Falls, but rather for the assassination of President William McKinley)." [cite]

One thing that I noticed that P22 was selling their font cheaper (by five cents) on their website than other third-party websites (such as fonts.com) sell them. But, if I were to purchase a font, I would see about buying it directly from the source, as they are the ones that put their sweat equity into designing it in the first place!

Out of Town Guest Bags

We're going to be giving a welcome bag to those traveling for our wedding (a majority). On many websites there are ideas for welcome boxes, baskets, tins, etc.; however, since people will be traveling on an airplane, we decided that a bag was the best option.

I was worried that a small cute paper bag may break after putting in some bottles of water, etc. so I started to price canvas and polypropylene bags. We're going with cotton, as it is the easiest to decorate (for instance, you cannot use an iron-on transfer on a polypropylene bag as that is essentially plastic).

I looked for bulk/wholesale/etc. bags and came upon many that were rather expensive (especially if the website was wedding-related).

Here are options I narrowed down looking for 100 bags:

Company: Discount Mugs

Size: 15" x 15"

Price per bag: $1.09

Shipping: Free/included

NB: They offer volume discounts (order more, save more); they also offer printing services

(the bag in question: http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/tote-bags/2039/blank/colored-cotton-tote-bags.htm)

Company: Cheap Totes

Size: 14" x 16"

Price per bag: $0.99

Shipping: $22.99

NB: $0.99/each regardless of the amount ordered

(you can find it here: http://cheaptotes.com/canvas_tote_bag_8.html)

Company: Tan's Club

Size: 15" x 16"

Price per bag: $0.75

Shipping: $27.48

NB: It's cheaper if you buy them by the dozen; they also offer volume discounts (making it cheaper than 75 cents each!) if you order more than 19 dozen.

(interested?: http://www.tansclub.com/blplcotobagd.html)

I placed an order for the Tan's Club bags! Stay tuned for more updates and what we'll be doing with the bags.

Centerpiece Ideas: Holiday Concepts

July 4th Theme Tablescape/Centerpiece

(personal photo)

While checking out party rental prices, etc., my fiance and I went to visit Buffalo Party Rental (after calling around, I can assure you they have the best prices and cheapest set-up fees). It was nice to walk around their showroom and see tables made-up. I thought their centerpieces were great and simple (...and inexpensive!).

An Easter Basket for a centerpiece! So simple!
(personal photo)

(personal photo)

Close-up of the Fourth of July Centerpiece. Just layer two/three napkins and add a tiny basket with American flags. The napkins in the water glasses also carried on the theme.
(personal photo)

Hair and Makeup Trial

I went to Capello Salon in the Avant Building in Downtown Buffalo. One of the reasons I think they are a good choice is their convenience factor (the current plan is that I will get ready at the Embassy Suites, conveniently located in the same building). The other main reason is that they are highly regarded in the Buffalo community.

The cost of the pre-wedding trial service is $90 (which I think is a bit high for Buffalo, especially when my "bridal up-do" isn't an up-do at all)!

After the trail, the woman assisting me stated that anything could be changed for the wedding day, or that I could have her us anything that I use (such as lipstick/gloss). Weird thing is, I had to ask for her to write down the shades of the lipstick and gloss (how would she remember the day of the wedding if I said, "let's do it exactly as the pre-trial").

The immediate reaction with the hair was 'great' -- but after the day, and thinking more about it, the 'look' wasn't quite me. For the makeup, I thought it was 'great' in some aspects but not in all. First of all, I have some spots of acne, and some were still red (a noticeable spot on my chin). I mentioned this and she said that the day of the wedding they can make sure that there is no red. And while I don't wear a ton of makeup on a day-to-day basis, I wasn't sure if I would need more coverage for the wedding day (it is a long day after all, and there will be many photos taken!).

When my mother saw me about 3hrs later, she said that she loved the eyes and eyelashes (which I love too) but that I still looked too pale (I don't tan) and that I needed more foundation. Her reaction to the hair was it looked like I had two "horns" in the back -- and if I went with curls on the wedding day, I should have them more spaced out so that it looks more natural and not contrived.

During the weekend, I met with my photographer, and she mentioned that she had two trails before her wedding. I'm thinking of doing the same. I have confidence in that the woman working with me has the skills and ability -- and I'm sure the majority of clients ask for a rather typical up-do/bun.

Here is the inspiration I showed the hair dresser (who also did the makeup):

And this is how it turned out (photos taken without flash...if that makes any difference to you):

The two "horns" are on the right-side (the more defined curls) and became more pronounced as the day wore on (it was a windy day in Downtown Buffalo...but it could also be just as windy on my wedding day)

The total cost of the services for the day-of-the-wedding (or any of their bridal packages, found on their website) do not include a touch-up kit (unlike major metropolitan areas).