Doing it on our own (mostly)

We don't have a wedding planner.
We don't have a sponsor.
We don't even have Martha Stewart or The Knot.

Martha "freaking perfect" Stewart

We're going at it alone.

With the average national cost of a wedding totaling $26,000, I was scared. BIG TIME SCARED.  And what's even more scary? The average New York wedding is nearly double that at $50,000.  Those numbers are terrifying, especially to an already struggling self-proclaimed shopaholic.  EEK!

How I'm feeling.

We sat down and talked moneys.  Yes, I call it moneys to make it a bit less intimidating.  We figured out a budget, and a high number we knew we absolutely couldn't cross.  All seems well right?  Sort of.  We are both bad savers.  I like Saks Fifth Avenue and he likes Apple products.  However, we knew we would have to sacrifice.  Here's our (hopefully) helpful guidelines to budgeting (especially in New York):

1. Don't mention a wedding to vendors.  Do this and the charge will go up at least 30%.  It's New York and it's someone out there will be willing to pay the price.

2. Be flexible. If you are dead set on a Sunday wedding at 2 PM and the vendors know this, you're going to be taken advantage of.  Look at weeknight, Friday, or Saturday dates.  Trust me, they are a ton cheaper.

3. Look at penthouse and lofts.  Although you may not think of this first off as a wedding spot, you'll be happy you did.  Most are unfurnished or lightly furnished, which gives you ultimate flexibility in decorating.  It's also perfect if you like more of a minimalist or utilitarian look.

4. Be rich and/or have awesome parents.  Ok, so you can't really control this, but it's a huge plus.  First off, moms want to help.  It's like their ultimate calling to do wedding planning.  They eat it up, believe me.  Tell them everything you need to do or need to buy. Wa Bam! It gets done and it's freaking awesome!

5. DIY. Do it yourself.  This isn't just for crafts anymore.  We are making our STDs (save the dates), invitations, guest sign-in (not a book), and decorations.  If you're a control freak, like me, making it yourself is heaven.  You save moneys and you get it done the way you want (pending that it turns out alright).

A big thank you to my mom (for monetary and kick-ass emotional support), my grandma (for dress talk and wisdom), and my aunt (for a little bit of everything).

Just a little thank you...

I just wanted to write a little thank you to boyfriend for being so wonderful.  He's as good as it gets.

1. Thank you being keeping me sane.  I know sometimes I think I have ridiculous diseases after getting caught up on WebMD when my stomach hurts.  I appreciate you telling me that it will all be alright and being optimistic.

2. Thank you for stepping up with the dog.  I appreciate all of your training research, your "time out hallway", and buying the treats and food.  It means a lot that you have taken on a larger role since you know it's been very stressful for me.

3. Thank you for thinking of me.  Last night, you had Indian food ready for when I got home.  You have no idea how much this meant.  I was tired, had a headache, and had ate like a bird all day.  It's always comforting to come home where I know I'll be taken care of.

IFLY. That is all.

Sweetest of the Sweet

I honestly couldn't wait to share this with you today.  I've been bugging the boy about packages, the mailman, and deliveries.  I've been waiting on the sweetest delivery yet.

Our Bunting!

Bunting Cake Topper

Silhouette Detail

So, let me back up a second.  I used to work with Figs & Ginger when I was in buying.  They are some of the nicest people I have ever met in the retail world.  It was started by Rhonda & Elijah, the cutest couple ever.  Sneak a peak at this little video of them below (Warning: This video is extremely charming and you may be very warm & fuzzy inside.)

Figs & Ginger from DuckDuck Collective on Vimeo.

Elijah & Rhonda

They actually began making eco-friendly jewelry inspired by nature and just recently began offering wedding/party pieces!  After I inquired with them about their new collection, they graciously sent me these pieces since my nuptials will be coming up soon.  I can't wait to put them on our actual cake and have them in our pictures.  Since they are wooden, we will be able to keep them for a lifetime and possibly put them in a memory shadowbox or scrapbook.

Please check out their shop, Figs & Ginger.  They have beautiful handmade pieces literally made with love.

Lee Tai Tai

The name change game. To change or not to change, that is the question.

First, I'll give you a little background.  Everyone always calls me Miss Lindsay Moore, regardless of if they have just met me or if they've known me for a while.  When I asked a good friend why everyone calls me that, she said "Because it's your email?."  Oh silly girl!  What about people that don't know my email address?  She said that it was fancy, formal, fun, and it flowed together seamlessly.  Hello alliteration station!  I've always liked it as well.  I feel that it gives me a certain aire.

So...I'm getting married.  Am I changing my name?

YES.

Why? Because I love my future husband and his last name (even if it is pretty common).  I don't want to confuse anyone, especially any future little ones. I also love the sound of 'Lindsay Lee.'  It's cute and fun, don't you think?  Lastly, I want to show my dedication to him by making us more unified as a family.

So there will be paperwork upon paperwork, hassles, and dealing with disgruntled government workers.  Am I going to let that stop me?  Nope!

In June of next year, I will officially be Lee Tai Tai (Mrs. Lee)!