Thinking out loud
I came across an idea last night, in one of the bridal magazines Sharon gave me, that I really like, so I wanted to be sure to write it down: leaving goodie bags in out-of-towners’ hotel rooms. The magazine, of course, had really expensive goodies in it, but I bet I could come up with something cheap. Maybe cut out write ups the paper does on local restaurants, photocopy some maps, stick in some cookies or candies or something from one of the local shops.
I hope people will stay at the Inn. Provided we do our reception there (I’m pretty sure we will, barring extreme expense, which shouldn’t happen — I hear they have a discount for locals).
I was thinking about cash bars, too. Mom said she liked the $139 per person package the Inn offers, which includes 5 hours of open bar. The people on The Knot think they’re horrible and you should never make your guests pay for drinks. But at $139 per person, we can only have 71 guests (assuming we only spend $10,000 on the reception, and I really don’t want to spend any more than that). As a guest, I’d prefer an open bar, but if I have to pay, hey, that’s better than no alcohol.
Maybe we can go with just beer and wine. I haven’t talked to anyone at the Inn yet, but I bet that would save a bundle.
February 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I’m getting married at the Wake Robin as well this fall and I couldn’t agree with you more about how wonderful Michael and Shaffin are to work with. I’ve been scoping out your blog after it came up when I googled “Wake Robin” and “wedding” to see if we wanted to have our wedding and reception there. We’re getting married there in October.
I apologize for stalking the site, but I was curious to hear about someone else who was having their wedding at the same location as us (and who loved the area as much as we do!) – James sounds like a great guy. I’m sure your wedding will be fantastic. Since we’re not from the area (just like visiting to hike, etc.), I’d be interested in knowing how you’ve found the local vendors (flowers, hair, etc.). Any thoughts? I know it’s a ways away, but I’m overwhelmed already!!!
February 12th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Nice to meet you! Where are you from?
As for local vendors, we’re just getting to that. James wanted to use Millerton Market for the cake, but with the $1.50 per slice plating fee the Wake Robin charges, we nixed that.
We’re hoping to use Country Gardeners in Millerton for flowers, but haven’t sat down with them yet.
We’re using Loon Meadow Farm in Norfolk for a horse and carriage, if you’re into that sort of thing (this is my one crazy splurge–hey, I only paid $350 for my dress, I can have a horse and carriage).
There are no local DJs. We’re going with Music in Motion based in Seymour, Ct.
As for hair and make-up, I’ve been living in this area for six and a half years and I still don’t have a hair dresser. James wants me to use a friend of his hair dresser. She has salon space at 81 Main Street in Sharon, but I can’t remember her name. I’ll give her a shot.
For make up I’ll use Colleen Kopec of Skintastic in Lakeville. I started going to her for waxes a few years ago and I just love her. She does all kinds of great stuff, facials, spray on tannning, manicures, all that good stuff.
I’d be interested to know who you end up using.
February 13th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Hi! Thanks for all of the great info. It’s nice to meet you as well.
We live in Brooklyn and work in Manhattan, but Reed’s originally from Ridgefield, CT. I’m from Michigan (we met at Michigan Law School and Reed’s my reason for moving out east), so I don’t know the area at all, but we’re both sort of nature-types, so we get out of the city as much as possible.
Reed’s not a huge cake fan and so we’re avoiding cake altogether and the WR is doing pie for us – sort of in a fall theme. My mother is scandalized, but my friends think it’s cool.
Since we’re not going anywhere, I think a horse and buggy might not be necessary for us (which is too bad, really). Can I ask though, where did you find a dress for $350 – that’s totally within my budget, and not that scary budget the wedding stores set for you (I mean, $1000, really?), but a realistic, normal person budget. No one told me that buying a wedding dress is an extreme sport. I’m almost ready to buy the next one I see just so I don’t have to go out again!
We were going to use an ipod for music to save money, but we haven’t looked into DJs yet so I don’t know how budget-friendly they are.
I’d be happy to keep you updated on who we’re using and I’ll send you the link to our website as soon as we get it up. If it’s okay with you, I’ll be sure and mention your name if I go with Colleen to do makeup, etc. She sounds like a find.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Sure, use my name wherever you want. I write for the local paper (The Lakeville Journal at tcextra.com — free registration required) so people might recognize it.
The $350 dress was an accident. I went into Boston to get an idea of what kind of dresses I liked and what looked good on me. I meant to buy one online. But they were having a sale on their floor samples. My favorite dress just happened to fit perfectly (I brought it home that day) and be on sale. It’s a Mori Lee, which are on the cheaper side (I think regularly it was around $500).
February 27th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hi! We just got our site up and running (as of today, so it has a few kinks in it and it’s not completely finished). http://www.ReedandMelissa.com I think it’s only fair that we trade sites, although I don’t have a running blog like you do yet. It’s such a neat idea that I’m trying to get one started.
I was trying to find the thread that we were emailing back and forth on (this one) and I came across an alarming thread – is the Wake Robin for sale???? I had a minor heart attack and thought about googling for wedding insurance. What are the odds it will sell prior to our wedding dates. Ugh, I don’t even want to think about it. *shudder*
Some updates on my end – I found The Dress (which I thought was a myth). I’m more of a jeans girl myself, and in the office I wear a pants suit, but the dress I got is great, you don’t need help putting it on (a total plus) and (the best part) it didn’t break the bank! Also I got it from a local Brooklyn shop so we’re supporting the ‘hood.
We’ll be up to the Wake Robin for our tasting I think maybe in May and then I’m going to scout for flowers…have you done your tasting yet?
- Melissa