This is perfect! Found this on from the Queen City’s Bride. I love it!

However I can’t afford it as shown. Us budget brides must think about turning a luxe idea into a cheaply created reality!

I want to add a little more spice to the table setup so this would be perfect. I would like to have both a menu and seating card but cannot afford both. So. . .this would be perfect. A cute decorative pouch with a menu inside and a name card on the top.  

• By choosing the right textured paper I get the spice. I am thinking crocodile textured scrap booking paper. Maybe a fiery red? Believe it or not this does exist.
• Long satiny ribbon like above. No better time to buy than now. Jo Ann’s is having an awesome sale.
• My own version of a frame since every mini frame that I’ve found is at least a $1.00 a piece.
• A mini menu printed on card stock and tucked inside each envelope.

Now, think I can do this for under a $1.50 a piece? No laughing! I am all over this. . .until I find a better idea. Those of you that know me are well aware I change my mind a million times before I do something.

Whatever I choose, I want it to be under $90.00 bucks so let the creativity begin. As always, I am open to ideas.

Wow! That describes this right?

[Found Image from Brenda's Wedding Blog]

Tears of Joy Packets by Brandy Nicole Weddings. $1.00 each.

Tears of Joy Packets for Wedding Ceremony by Once In a Lifetime. $13.50 for 10. Equals out to be $1.35.  

Tears of Joy or Cry Packs for wedding ceremony by Glitzy Events. $62.50 for 50. Equals to be $1.25 a pack.

Or make your own. . .

I made a quick mock up by taking computer paper and folding into fours. I unfolded half of it and cut the paper down the middle. Leaving me with two sections. I took two of the loose sections and glued it together. It looks like the second picture above. 3 closed sides and 1 open.

I took some ribbon I had around the house and formed a belly band. I secured it with glue.

I printed the words “For your tears of joy” and cut it into a neat rectangle. I centered it on the paper and glued it across the ribbon.

Lastly I took two sheets of thick Kleenex and folded it like above. Insert the tissue and wah la. 

I could make a whole slew of these for under $10.00 bucks. This price includes a box of tissues, better quality paper, and ribbon (Jo-Ann’s always has a sale).

I will take a picture when I find some better paper. 

BTW, I am NO crafter. . .at all. This may sound like a mouthful but it was actually quite easy. I am strongly considering making these packets myself.

My mother has been asking for a visual of my wedding ideas and progress. It is time to start a check list, so here it is:

My site is an old historic mansion:

Ceremony will take place here. . .

DJ and Lighting team

Videographer. I am doing video Save the Dates. I will post them after I send them out. . .providing that they don’t suck.

My Colors. Chocolate, raspberry, honey and whipped cream.

Photographer: Sweetwater Portraits (also where the following images are from)

 

Florist

DOC (day of cooridantor). Gina Sole from Whoose Wedding Is It Anyway.

Invitations: Brandy Nicole Weddings

This isn’t exactly what mine will look like but it’s simmilar. It is a pocket style invite that comes in a box. I should be getting a sample in the next week or so. I will post it. My mother is sewing little bags for the invites. So very cute. Thanks mom!

Aisle Runner by Kristen L Henschen :

I can’t seem to grab of picture of the runner so click here. I love this damask runner and it just may be mine!

Custom Table Numbers: Kristen L. Henschen

Reserved Signs for Ceremony : Yin Vivo. $3.00 a peice. Not a bad price.

Ceremony Programs by Sarge Grl You can not beat a $1.00 a peice!!!!

 Water bottle labels and Custom Designed Seating Chart by Jessica’s Design Shop. The labels are $7.50 for 10. I will need about 50. So, it will come out to $37.50. I can work with that! The seating chart is going to have everones names along with circles to represent the table and a square for the dance floor.

Centerpiece vases and candle sticks are from CB2.

This is what I have so far. Of course this is only the tip of the ice berg. There is still so much more to do and figure out. I will keep ya posted! 

I am throwing my first cocktail party. HALELUJA!!!! I am so excited. I have been wanting throw a cocktail party for soooo long but never had anyone to come.I hope to take plenty of pictures.

I am making all of the food myself with the help of Martha’s big book of appetizer recipes. There will be an extensive cheese platter, antipasto, hot crab dip and grilled bacon wrapped goat cheese  stuffed shrimp just to name a few. Dessert will consist of dark chocolate and Carmel fondue with everything from strawberries to Oreo crusted marshmallows and brownies for dipping. O, and my pumpkins favorite dessert will be served. Banana pudding. Since this is a cocktail party and I want to make everything into a mini version of itself, I will  be doing mini puddings served in ramekins.

Hopefully the food doesn’t suck. Anyway, have a great holiday! May 2009 bring you much happiness.