Calligraphy and Save the Dates

I finally got started on addressing our STD's - I decided that I wanted everything hand-lettered, so I broke out the nibs, bought a new pot of ink, and went to town last night on the return addresses. They're not perfect, but they still look nice. I haven't practiced my penmanship in a loooooong time. The fun part will be addressing the front of each envelope.

I did manage to buy some really cool stamps, the "Flags of our Nation" series - so everything is stamped now too. All I need to do at this point is go have the actual STD 'telegrams' printed up, then commence with labeling and folding (and stuffing. Lots and lots of stuffing.)

I really gotta get started on my dress. Shoo.

The bridesmaid's shoes came in the night before last, and they are BEAUTIFUL! So there's a small victory.

Foundation Wear

Here's the scoop about the inner workings of my mind, and why I don't open my mouth too much - because people might think I'm mean.

I HATE. HATE! it when brides and bridesmaids (or any lady dressing for a special occasion for that matter) do not wear foundation garments/shapewear for the big event.

I HATE seeing backfat and tummy rolls, and saggy bums. I realize that some people are fine with looking like this, but for goodness sakes, if you're spending all that money on a garment and a one day celebration, you should put some effort into filling out said dress attractively. In my mind it's on the same level with those hideous "wedding updos" that every salon tries pushing on hapless brides - who then end up looking like Jr. Prom court candidates. EWW.

I'm a liberated woman who regularly wears a very strong and tight old-school girdle (which also function to hold up my stockings), waist cincher, etc. And yes, it makes me look better. And I'm a size 4.

Here's a handy link that will set you straight: Lady Grace

For the love of a beautiful gown, wear some shapewear. Banish the love handles for at least one day. You'll be satisfied, I promise. Good shapewear is like a wearing a tight hug, a hug that rearranges your anatomy into something even better.

Back to the fun stuff - bridesmaid's shoes

Here's a picture of the bridesmaid's shoes I just purchased for my 3 attendants. I got them for 30% off (each pair!) - which is awesome.

I can't wait for these to arrive!

Guest List. Or How I Happened Upon the Gates of Hell.

No one told me it would be so hard.

Maybe I just care too much for people's feelings? I keep telling myself that I'm one of the only people left in this world who still has feelings of some sort, and that I'm just too sensitive. It isn't helpin!

Ryan and I both have HUGE. GIGANTIC. ENORMOUS. families. And there's the rub.

We want to limit our not-so-small wedding reception to 200 guests. No kiddies allowed - this ain't the circus - and that helps free up some seats. But the problem is that out of my allotted 100 guests, 85 of my spots are taken by family and Mom's invites. 85!! I do actually have more than 15 friends and guests that I'd like to invite, ya know?

So basically, people are getting chopped left and right. I don't want to hurt any of my intentioned guests' feelings - especially friends who aren't super close to me but close enough that I'd like them to be at our wedding. However. I just don't think there's room! I'm NOT paying for the catering in the end (but just about everything else), so if there's a larger guest list than intended, then so be it.

My mom and I combined have too many friends. We're people-people. That's what this really boils down to. We're too friendly!

Guest list making sucks.