Finally! The Napkin rings.

Who would have thunk one of the hardest things for us (well, for ME) to decide on was what to put on, or around, or in, our napkins for the reception tables.

Our original idea had just too many components. Common sense kicked in and it was kind of a silly thing to have that many pieces for people to have to remove, then have them hanging all over the table while they eat. I wanted simple, but wasn't happy with a lot of the designs we were coming up with. We also had to keep in mind it's an outdoor reception and if it's windy, any light-weight items we attached to it may blow away. I know poor Dave was getting frustrated with me. I was getting frustrated. We're not crafters. We're clever and creative, but not crafters.

When we started to realized we have soooo many things to use for decorations, the simplest option became the winner. Although I wanted to use the tartan ribbon I sent away to Scotland for, the lighter green ribbon will look great on the purple linen napkins and we'll tie the ribbon together with the name-card holders with the small purple bows. 'tis DONE!

Well, technically not DONE, just the decision was done. We'll still need to create them now. I THINK that's the last thing we really had to decide on. Now if Michael's Craft store has the rest of the ribbon we need for the chairs, I think we're done....and the napkin rings didn't defeat us. Yeah, us!

Some Things Getting Done

Today I picked up my wedding band at Kay Jewelers. I've never bought a wedding band before, so I don't know what I was expecting, but I guess I was expecting more than having the ring wrapped in tissue paper and stuffed into a clear plastic bag! She asked if I wanted a box...well, yes please! Seeing how I have to keep it in a safe place so I remember to take it WITH use to NY, yes...a box would be nice. The "box" I received was the tiniest little white cardboard box I've ever seen. Oh, well. It holds the ring and I'll always know where it is...I hope!

I also bought two pairs of shoes for the wedding. One pair is a more traditional sandal that will be very comfortable and fashionable. The other pair is VERY unconventional, but appear they'll be the more comfortable of the two. They're a little funky AND they had bling...that's kind of what sold me on them. They're from Sketchers. I'll have to try both pair on with the dress to see which will work the best. I'm hoping the Sketchers look as cute as I'm thinking they are. I'll also be the same height as Dave with them on.

I picked up some earrings, a necklace or two and a pretty bracelet. I'll only wear the earrings and bracelet for the wedding. The halter top of my dress will make a necklace chafe.

I also bought a bow maker at Michael's Craft Store. It's called Bowdabra. I picked up two more spools of our purple ribbon and we'll make our own bows for the wedding reception. It'll either be fun, or we'll screw it up! LOL A DVD came with the bow maker, so hopefully we'll get good instructions.

Tartan Ribbon From Scotland

I've been having a hell of a time finding the tartan ribbon to match the tartan on Dave's kilt (Scotland Forever), but I finally found some on Ebay...from Scotland and ordered two different sizes of it. 1/4" and 1" wide. More than I wanted to pay, but it's the real article and it's from Scotland!

Floating Flowers

Well, if we can't come up with something to disguise the hot tub at the chalet in some fashion, it might be fun to leave it open and float something like this in it.

Balloons vs. Flowers

Another good idea that would be a less-expensive option than all flowers for decorations is to use balloons. Preferably helium-quality ones.

Filling a room with flowers isn’t the only way to set the scene. Creatively displaying colorful balloons can also transform a space -- and for a fraction of what you’d spend on a large floral display. On average, a couple will spend 10 to 15 percent of their wedding budget on flowers. Imagine what else you could to do with all that cash you’ll save!

I think balloons are sounding a little better now.

Do, do, dooooo!

First purchase for the wedding reception. These little cuties were on sale on Myweddingfavors.com and in a color that I'm potentially going to use....sage green. So I bought 24 of them at around .60 cents a piece.