Why Not Try DIY?

So I have been looking at Pinterest--my escape from the mounds of homework piling up and the stress of finishing up an internship--and have found several new trends. One that I have become completely enthused with is this idea of saving money by DIYing. I've always been interested in this such as this, I mean my sister and her husband are all about DIYing, but I never thought I could apply this concept to the wedding themes. With that being said, my first is to DIY the Save the Dates. Dave the Date cards can get so expensive and it isn't even the main invite. Normally they get shoved in a drawer or placed in a folder, never to be seen again.

Here's where I'm going with this. Below is a picture of a Save the Date that I found on Pinterest. This is something that can be ordered, but my fiance and I have decided to tackle this challenge on our own and put that money toward  something else.

This Save the Date could very easily be made with a quick stop at Michael's or AC Moore. Any craft store will work. It basically made up of an engagement picture (which we have) printed on a piece of firm paper (Michael's) with writing. Thankfully I enjoy being creative and so does my sister. Then the little envelopes that the numbers come out of can be easily attached and spray painted the color of your choice and written on. Finally, the numbers can be cut out of construction paper and attached to a piece of string. Simple. Easy. Cost Effective.

So try some DIYing for your next event. Doesn't have to be a wedding and let me know what you think/what you DIY!

<3 LT

Venue??

I have been anxiously awaiting some warm weather and have been itching to get outside. One excuse that I have found appropriate is to start thinking about wedding locations. My fiance and I are both open to looking at places that offer both reception and ceremony sites, but have not stayed firm on that option. As we have started to branch out and look at a couple of places recommended to us via friends and family, nothing has really caught our eye. So I decided to turn to you. My avid readers. We're not that picky so any ideas of venue sites will at least be a step in the right direction. I have been into the country and rustic look lately, but hey, the wedding is a little over a year away and that idea may go flying out the window. So how bout it? Is there any place you know for a fun-loving couple. We are interested in places that are within a 35 mile radius, but if we love it, our family and friends won't mind making the trip.

So let me hear it. What are the secret treasures around your area? Where's a good place to get hitched these days?

<3 LT

Next Steps.

With spring fast approaching and everyone stepping out from their homes, I am getting ready to graduate and FINALLY start planning my wedding. Among the loads of homework that I have a the graduation requirements that need to be completed, I have allowed my mind to wonder into the world of bliss. I have complied a list of things that don't require much time away from my school work, but are still a step towards the aisle (not in any order):

• Pick a location
• Make save the dates
• Send out save the dates
• Compile a tentative list of people we would like to invite
• Get ideas for DIY projects that can be completed early
• Pick the bridal party

I have decided that working on the wedding list would be a great way to get started. In order to look at locations, we need to see many people we will be expecting. This is also a great way to view how much you are willing to spend per person. Having a rough idea of how many people you would like to invite compared to how much your wallet can handle is a key factor in planning a wedding. You don't want to break the bank for one day and often times when keeping that in mind, you have a better wedding. Those who mean the most to you will be the ones surrounding you compared to a wedding with a bunch of strangers.

So the next step for me is to make a guest list. If you are in the same position, think long and hard about each invite you plan on sending out because someone you are the closest with now may not be who you are close with a year from now.

<3 LT

What can I Do?

Besides from what has already been posted, I figured I give you a heads up about what I plan on doing during this span of Wedding Planning for the College Student.

I have already discussed some song options, engagement pictures, and so on. But for this post, I would like to focus more on themes. Looking though sites such as Pinterest and such, I personally have picked out my own taste-- or at least I think I have. I have come to realize that the term "anything goes" can now be applied to weddings. From TV shows to online sources, I have seen weddings focused around the Renaissance period, weddings in aquariums, the list goes on and on. I have found myself found of the country/rustic theme.

Once you have decided on your theme, whatever that may be, you can begin to plan the more personal touches and plan out those expenses. These are all manageable things that can be done while still attending classes. You can decide if your budget allows you to splurge or the more expensive things or if you would prefer to take the new trend of DIYing.

With that being said, come up with a theme and start looking at the small stuff. Things that can be done at home, should be in order to save the added cost. Who knows, maybe your saving can add up to a bigger, nicer dress, or a lavish honeymoon.

LT <3  

Hello...again

With the dawn of my final semester, I felt it necessary to get this blog back up and running. If you haven't noticed, this blog will look at all aspects of wedding planning as it applies to school students. I am a college student embarking on the wedding planning train. Some people who are engaged and in school feel as though there is no time to accomplish the daunting task of planning. Here's where this blog come into play. There are small yet significant things that can be tackled all while maintaining a good GPA.

What can you expect from me? You can expect, at a minimum a post a week. Each post will help give you tips and ideas of things that you can do during your schooling while not allowing your grades to slip. So here's to a good semester and to a lot of great ideas. If you have anything in particular you want me to discuss, feel free to comment.

<3 LT

Response to Boogie Down

In response to Talia's comment, I am very thankful for your input.You had great suggestions and surely eased my nervousness.

My responder brought up good points and in turn has sparked some ideas and words of advice that I feel I need to share with all of you.

Weddings are supposed to be fun times so therefore, the music should reflect that. Playing current and relevant music will enhance the mood that I want. I am youthful and I want my wedding to feel that way. Play older, overplayed music will kill any wedding atmosphere. As long a variety of different genres are played and they are all recent and fun, any party guest will get up and dance. Hey, it's our day, right?

Can I just say, I listed to both of the songs that were suggested for both the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance and I love them! Although I have heard the mother-son song (Perfect Fan) before, I haven't heard it recently. I absolutely love that idea for his song with his mom. It is so adorable and so fitting all at the same time.

The father-daughter song (My Little Girl) was one that I had never heard till Talia posted her comment. For that, I am thankful! It is such a beautiful song and will definitely be up there on the list when making the final decision!

Thanks again to my respondent and if anyone else has any ideas of suggestions, feel free to leave a comment on this post or the previous one.

<3 LT

Boogie Down....

Hey Everyone,

With being a college student, classes and homework often take over my day to day activities. This makes it very hard for me to even think about venues, food, guests, dresses, etc. for the wedding. After looking at what little things I could continue to do all while not letting my grades slip, I found one thing that could do while working on homework and walking to class...MUSIC.

Music is in every way, a huge part of my life. When I am trying to concentrate on something (as crazy as it may sound) music is what helps me to do that. Now, I listen to music with intent. I have lists upon lists of songs that would be perfect for the wedding, but I am hesitant because not everyone's taste in music is the same as mine.

Whenever thinking about my big day, I have always wanted it to include dancing and a good time. I never wanted my guests to feel left out or bored. I plan on having a line on the invitation where I ask my guests to place one song that they would like to hear on my big day.

As a trial run, I would like to see what you guys would like to hear if you were attending a wedding; songs that are upbeat, evoke a sense of love and family, and keep everyone on their feet and dancing. A list of 3 to 5 would suffice and give me plenty of ideas.

If you can't think of any upbeat songs to keep the party going, what about first dance songs, father-daughter songs, and mother-son songs? These would help as I always change my mind on what song I want to use just about every day.

Thanks!!!
<3 LT