I know you said you are not a fan of fake flowers, but check these out.. this woman is amazing with fake flowers, they look gorgeous.

http://www.angelsaccents.com/3/miscellaneous4.htm

11/25/2009 5:10:13 PM

those are pretty snazzy!

11/25/2009 5:11:52 PM

Quote :

"Links to this website You may not create a link to any page of this website without our prior written consent. If you do create a link to a page of this website you do so at your own risk and the exclusions and limitations set out above will apply to your use of this website by linking to it."

11/25/2009 6:02:08 PM

hahaha

11/25/2009 6:25:00 PM

anyone know of a place where i can rent clear tents?

i have not done a search yet, just figured i'd ask around to see before i did

i loveeee this!


[Edited on November 30, 2009 at 8:32 PM. Reason : oops]

11/30/2009 8:25:52 PM

that is beautiful!

check here:

http://www.beachviewtentrentals.com/inventory.php

11/30/2009 8:35:16 PM

HOLY SHIT THEY HAVE POOL COVERS TOO?!?!?!

we're planning on getting married in my mom's backyard...and it has a pool.

you are awesome.

thank you thank you thank you


[Edited on November 30, 2009 at 8:41 PM. Reason : ok, ok im studying now]

11/30/2009 8:36:51 PM

i was coming back in here to mention that! that is freaking sweet!

11/30/2009 8:47:05 PM

Need cupcakes for your wedding, shower, or other party?
Want to serve up or chow down on some tasty ginger snaps?

http://www.leealanbakery.com/home.html

12/1/2009 10:49:50 AM

I just got married two months ago... thought I'd throw in some vendor reviews. I've also posted what I paid/pricing as best I remember.

Venue: The Barn at Valhalla - A - $2500, but he includes Friday evening to set up and you can come back on Sunday to clean up. Also, you can rent the upper loft for $200 (?) a night, which will sleep 18 or so folks and makes a great place to get ready. http://www.barnatvalhalla.com/

I loved this venue when I saw it. We were looking for something nice and different and this worked well for what we wanted. Duffy was so easy to deal with, but does have a few things that are requirements. For example, you can't have the doors open with the DJ going, but he does tell you all these things up front. On that note there were a few small issues. When we got there all the trash was in his truck and it was smelling up the whole outside of the house, but when we asked him to move it there was no issue. He was very responsive to our requests. Overall I was very pleased and felt like we definitely got out money's worth.

Caterers - Visions Catering - A+ - 18.50 per person with full meal buffet, and 2 passed apps.

I cannot say enough positive things about the caterers. They were WONDERFUL. When there was an issue with the tables (the ones Duffy provides are 72" and their linenes do not fit those - which I discovered on Friday when I came to set up), they rented all new tables for me at NO COST TO ME. They set up quickly and efficently, the food was wonderful, and they helped clean up. They made sure they came all the way down to where we were taking pictures to make sure my hubs and I got passed hors d'œuvres and water. And they brought our dinner to the table. There prices are unbeatable, and even though they are out of High Point they didn't charge a travel fee.

Photographers - Story Photographers - A+ - $1750 for day of with two photographers, $250 for Bridal portraits.. all photos on disk and rights to print as you want.

http://Tellingyourstoryphotographers.com

Ashely and David are great. My bridal pictures are WONDERFUL and the pictures I have seen from the wedding so far are awesome. They give you full rights to all the photos so you can make as many copies of you want. They are also personable and capture the special moments. I would definitely recommend them.

DJ - Island Sound DJ's - B

They did a good job with the music and moving things along, but I did have one issue that brought them down to a B. I was under the impression with the toasts that they would let the maid of honor toast and the best man and then open it up to everyone, which they didn't. So my stepfather didn't get to toast. This wouldn't have been a big deal, except that when he went to ask to toast the DJ told him that the bride had said she absoultely didn't want anymore toasts, which I NEVER said. When we talked during the pre interview I told him I was worried about my stepfathers toast (he has a different sense of humor), but that I wanted him to toast. I think he took it upon himself to find a way to not have him toast - the problem was the it really hurt my stepfathers feelings and created a bit of a rift. So - make sure you have, in writing, who you want to be able to toasts if you are doing them.


Flowers - Holly's Flowers at Woodcroft - A

The flowers were beautiful. They only did the bouquets, boutinnieres, and corsages, but they were perfect and exactly what I had envisioned.


Rentals - Grand Rental Station - A

Everything was delivered and in good condition. They were definitely easy to work with as far as changing the order last minute.

Honeymoon - Sun Palace in Cancun Mexico - A+++++

This was the best place I have ever stayed. It was all inclusive and adults only. Right now they are offering free excursions as part of the deal. The service is EXCELLENT, they will do anything that can to make you happy. The spa and massages are great, the food excellent. It was so hard to come home, but if you are looking for a low key, relaxing, fun honeymoon, this is an excellent place.

12/2/2009 8:15:46 PM

be sure to post some pics!

im curious!

12/2/2009 8:50:17 PM

^^A+++++++ post

Also, yall, for smaller weddings (don't know how many guests - you'd ahve to ask them), the general aviation terminal at RDU rents out their space for special events.

It's really nice. Almost-wish-we-hadn't-eloped nice.

12/2/2009 8:58:35 PM

Those fake flowers are the heat.

12/3/2009 12:32:43 AM

^^^^ My uncle (family friend) is the president of Grand Rental Station (Capital Events) and I can tell you that their intentions have always been to provide super quality service. They are such nice people, and they aren't going to provide crappy or damaged equipment like other places may end up doing last minute! Also, you can rent LOTS of different stuff from them for any occasion (Cotton Candy Machine and Pink Flamingos!).

12/4/2009 12:49:31 PM

Quote :

"Ashely and David are great. "

I'm glad to hear that since I just signed a contract with them.

12/5/2009 7:15:48 AM

oh boy, i can post in this thread now

12/5/2009 9:22:59 AM

^ awww, congrats!

12/5/2009 10:12:14 AM

^^^ You really won't be disappointed at all. They were great and I know I stressed Ashley out a bit with getting ready - we were WAY behind schedule. I LOVE the pictures.

12/6/2009 2:03:41 PM

The woman is freaking out on the wedding front, so ill turn to you wedding planning WolfWebettes to save me 10 months of misery. Planning a september/october/november wedding next year. Popular time for weddings obviously so some spots are pretty booked up for saturdays. If we aren't going to elope I definitely want the wedding on a saturday. Guest list is about 225 right now. I'd guess 180-190 will show. She wants to keep it under 10 grand total even though her parents are offering more.

Biggest obstacle now is where to throw this shindig. She wants a barn (we've looked at valhalla--haven't ruled it out). My personal preference is the Pavilions at Angus Barn--that thing is sick, but they are booked for saturdays through october. Definitely couldn't do it for under 10k, but i wouldn't mind throwing down 4 or 5 large myself for the all the stuff they do at that place. I also don't mind doing it in early november the way weather was this year.

Other suggestions?

12/7/2009 2:23:57 PM

I'd send you my grandmother's info since she rents out her barn for weddings but she's in middle of nowhere SC

Valhalla is amazing and I've heard the guy is easy to work with for the most part.

Some other places in NC I know have barns you can hold your reception in:
http://www.magnoliamanorbnb.com/
http://www.fearrington.com/house/weddingbarn.asp
http://www.shawneelodge.com/
http://www.lakeedenevents.com/main.php

12/7/2009 8:11:36 PM

^^ Similar situation as us. I wanted something where I could do the wedding outside with a back up plan. Valhalla was perfect for us. It was reasonably priced, Duffy was easy to work with, and I was able to keep on budget because of it. Original budget was 10K I think we ended up spending close to 15K by the end of, but some of that were things my mom wanted. I think with Valhalla 10K is definitely doable. I was afraid of having enough space. We invited 225, and about 120-130 showed up. There was plenty of space and we could still have the dance floor inside.

12/7/2009 10:20:14 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXj4P3iz2yg

Interesting video on ipod weddings. I don't really agree with him including an ipod in the cost analysis, since one would assume you already own one if you're thinking of using it at your wedding.

12/8/2009 7:38:23 AM

Alright, my younger sister just got engaged, and I get to be the wedding planner!!!

Any ideas for a Greensboro Venue for wedding and reception?? We're honestly trying to keep it as cheap as possible. My wedding was $5k for 125 people and that's what we're shooting for, but we're also realistic with the prices. Not sure on time of year yet, but they're thinking early fall?

12/8/2009 10:33:03 PM

Parks and recreation centers are always a good place to start if you're on a tight budget. Try some of these to start:

http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments/Executive/events/hosting/culturalcenter/
http://www.studiob-gso.com/
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Parks/Facilities/recreationcenters/warnersville
http://www.centercitypark.org/schedule/rental.php

12/8/2009 10:38:49 PM

Thanks. Other places she's looking are out in the Summerfield/OakRidge/Reidsville area. I don't think she'd considered anything downtown yet.

12/8/2009 10:51:24 PM

Yeah it will probably just come down to what sort of feel she wants her wedding to have. That's how my venue ended up being on Topsail. Well that and it's cheap

12/10/2009 10:16:24 PM

Going to David's Bridal anytime soon?
/message_topic.aspx?topic=583741

12/15/2009 4:06:44 PM

^sold.

12/16/2009 3:03:53 PM

what's the average cost of a DJ for a reception?

and does anybody know one for the Asheville area?

12/29/2009 8:29:12 PM

Most guys I've emailed seem to charge between $500-$700 for a four hour reception.

12/29/2009 8:49:31 PM

Okay, that's what we were mostly getting... just wanted to make sure

The guy charging $350 threw us off a bit

12/29/2009 9:00:50 PM

He could be legit. I would want to see some samples of his work though.

12/29/2009 9:04:19 PM

So, I just asked my g/f to marry me yesterday and she said yes! And we're looking at wedding ideas.

So what do you ladies think?

1/4/2010 8:47:41 PM

I had a college student for UNC- Charlotte dj our wedding. I didn't want any of the introductions/cheesy dj banter. We just kept it fairly simple. I gave him a list of various songs and artists that I wanted to be played during the meal (Norah Jones, James Taylor, basically light and easy music). Then I told him to pump up the dancing/club type music once the meal was over and the old folks started leaving. He did a great job! Send me a pm if you want the name/number.

And he was cheap. $200 for 4 hours.

[Edited on January 4, 2010 at 9:19 PM. Reason : price]

1/4/2010 9:16:06 PM

Was your wedding in Charlotte?

1/4/2010 10:23:07 PM

The reception was at a place called Vesuvius Vineyards in Lincoln County. Here's the link:

http://www.vesuviusvineyards.com/

1/5/2010 6:22:17 PM

For those who have already gotten married:

What things are you really glad you did?
What things would you have changed?
What would you have skipped altogether?

1/5/2010 11:28:29 PM

What things are you really glad you did?
VIDEOGRAPHER! I thought, "who cares? We have a photographer--do we really want the videographer and that expense?" It was a last minute decision and I'm so glad we have it. There were things that happened that the photographer didn't get (witnesses signing our certificate), or really couldn't be recreated unless it was live action--like our ring bearer softly speaking out during the ceremony, "I'm tirrrrrred," and catching him sneak quietly to his mom's seat...or our dog whining when I started my vows b/c she didn't recognize me in my dress, but heard my voice...or the whole reception singing along to Dean Martin's "That's Amore" while we cut our wedding cake. Not to mention the way our videographer editted and filmed the ceremony is really beautifully done...we'll always have that and can hear ourselves exchange vows, which was such a blur when it was happening that day.

"Sweetheart table"--a surprise by my parents. MAN! I'm glad they did that. We hadn't seen each other since the rehearsal dinner, then there was the ceremony, then pictures after, and it was nice to be like, "Hey you...my husband/wife! " Two plates full of food were already there waiting for us, so we didn't have to get in the buffet line like everyone else...so we got to EAT! It's a little weird sitting by yourself, but we got to talk, eat, and rest before our guests finished eating then came up to say hello.

Doing some photos b4 the ceremony (me w/ bridesmaids...he w/ groomsmen) to cut down on time spent taking photos after the ceremony.

What things would you have changed?
I wish I got to talk to all of our guests. I wish there was more direction for our "surf board guest book" b/c not everyone at the reception signed it.

I probably would have done a pre-ceremony reveal and photo session w/ Justin. It was so hot, by the time the ceremony was over my hair was starting to go flat, so all of the pictures of he and I after aren't as good as the photos I took b4 the ceremony w/ my bridesmaids. It also would have cut down on time. However, I'll say the way we did the timing of the day w/ photos b4 and after worked really the way we had it...it just would've/could've been even better.

What would you have skipped altogether?
The bouquet & garter toss. By the time we realized, "Oh, the reception's almost over...we should probably do this now," we probably should have just nixed it all together. It was a fun photo op, yes...but otherwise it just interrupted the fun everyone was already having on the dance floor.

1/6/2010 4:01:08 PM

I'm paying ~ 1000 for 5 hours for a DJ... which i'm okay with because he's awesome.

I was supposed to have my friend do my photography, but i just found out shes charging me ~ 1000-1200 more then the average photographer around here with a much better portfolio... so i'm going to have to turn her down. If she was giving me a deal it would be one thing... but i have definitely learned you do not mix friends and business...

surprisingly things have gone VERY smoothly.. im expecting something to go terribly wrong sooner or later.. its just felt like a cake walk picking everything out so far.

1/6/2010 4:06:40 PM

Two things I'm so glad we did: Photos before the wedding. Cuts down on a lot of time! And you don't have to rush. Our photographer recreated our "first sight" moment, so we still got the mushy shots and it turned out super awesome. It also meant that we got to spend more time with our guests.

And the other thing I'm really happy we did is my husband and I "escorted" all of our guests out of the ceremony. Yeah, sounds weird at first, but worked out really well. Here's what we did: We were announced husband and wife, we exited, bridal party exited, and then my husband and I went to each row and individually greeted guests on "our" sides, got to speak with each person, and then moved on to the next one. It was nice because we didn't have to do a receiving line (no one likes those anyways), I got a moment with each person who attended, and it didn't take up any extra time, because they had to be escorted out anyways. Speaking with our family afterwards, they all appreciated the one on one time, and it just made things sweet.

Things We Could have done without: Like ^^ said--the bouquet toss and the garter toss. Sure, they're standard at every wedding, but we didn't have a lot of single friends, and the ones we did certainly didn't want to catch the garter. Makes for a nice photo op, but that's about it.

And things I would have done differently, but still loved: I know that sounds weird. But we did a sit down meal, and I think I would rather do heavy hors d'oeuvres. As soon as the meal was over, and the cake was cut, they took that as a signal to leave. I think with my family, that would have happened anyways, but maybe they would have mingled more if there were food stations instead of a meal?

Also--I would have made the seamstress take my dress out. It was a 0 and she was convinced it didn't need to come out, and I wanted it let out maybe a 1/2 cm or something. When I tried on dresses, the 2 was too large, and they didn't have a 0 to try on, so that's what they ordered. It still zipped, not a problem there, and it didn't look small at all, but I would have liked a little breathing room.

I can honestly say I was 100% happy with my wedding. It was June 6, outside on the river front, with the reception inside a historic fisherman's wharf. It was perfect, and it wasn't a budget breaker. $5,000 was our tops, and we stayed within that.

^The only thing that wasn't "easy" in planning for our wedding was a week before, I could NOT get in touch with our string quartet. She hadn't confirmed the music I had sent her months before, and I was trying to get the programs printed. Finally, 5 days before, she called me back, but I was about to have a minor breakdown, and I was worried she wouldn't show, etc. But she did, and the music was beautiful. I walked down the aisle to "Buon Giorno Principessa" by Nicola Piovani from Life is Beautiful.

[Edited on January 6, 2010 at 4:33 PM. Reason : music]

1/6/2010 4:30:36 PM

Quote :

"But we did a sit down meal, and I think I would rather do heavy hors d'oeuvres."

we did a heavy hors d'oeuvres reception, and we still had people leave as soon as they were done eating b4 the cake was even cut. people will leave early no matter what.

I too can honestly say I was 100% happy with our wedding...it was the best day/weekend of my life. It's the little details that no one on here would be interested in that really made our wedding ours...it's those things that make me the most happy and make the would-be-changes and would-be-omissions miniscule.

1/6/2010 4:46:52 PM

OMG SO NOT THE THREAD I MEANT TO CLICK!!

[Edited on January 6, 2010 at 7:44 PM. Reason : .]

1/6/2010 7:44:20 PM

What things are you really glad you did?

I did a lot myself. I made all the centerpieces, decorations, etc myself with my mom. I think that was the best thing we did. It brought us close together, but on top of that it saved us money. My wedding was EXACTLY what I wanted, and a lot of that was because I did it myself. And I had FUN.

What things would you have changed?

I would have hired a videographer. The day goes so fast and I know I missed a lot. I didn't think it was worth the expense of doing it, but I really wished that I had bitten the bullett now.

What would you have skipped altogether?

I don't know that I would have skipped anything. I really enjoyed every peice of my wedding.

I can't be happier with how my wedding came out. I was really happy on that day and so was my husband. I loved all of my wedding.

1/6/2010 7:54:55 PM

Quote :

"And the other thing I'm really happy we did is my husband and I "escorted" all of our guests out of the ceremony. Yeah, sounds weird at first, but worked out really well."

yeah, ive heard of people doing different variations of this. i'm planning on escorting my mom and dad out

[Edited on January 6, 2010 at 9:39 PM. Reason : ]

1/6/2010 9:38:07 PM

I think I should get this cake.

1/7/2010 6:58:30 AM

Or maybe this one.

1/7/2010 7:12:57 AM

Quote :

"I would have hired a videographer. The day goes so fast and I know I missed a lot. I didn't think it was worth the expense of doing it, but I really wished that I had bitten the bullett now. "

I'm thinking if I buy a couple of $150 HD Flips and make it a responsibility of two trusted people to film the ceremony and parts of the reception we could save on hiring a videographer. Good idea or no? It's an afternoon outdoor wedding so lighting should not be an issue.

1/7/2010 8:56:54 AM

^ I'd say go for it. I wish I would have had SOMEONE tape it.

1/7/2010 8:40:18 PM

How my friend, and NCSU alum, was proposed to on New Year's Day

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2010/01/08/met_562359.shtml#comments

1/13/2010 2:58:34 PM

That's so awesome!

1/13/2010 3:12:47 PM