It seems that life after graduation is filled with paying back loans, job searches, new apartments, and the commencement of wedding season. Granted this 'season', for most, will last for the 5+ years after graduation. Mix in the baby season too, and life seems to be nothing more than a busy succession of showers and celebrations.
In the one year since graduating, five friends have tied the knot. Listening to their stress over planning and what goes into a wedding, I had a pretty good idea about the inside scoop. Luckily, its not my time to stress over the slight difference in picket fence and classic white. To me, their both white, so why bother stressing over the little things. At the end of the day only you and the poor people who felt your wrath will be the only ones to most likely notice the slight brightness in one versus the ivory undertone in the other. Though please, don't send ivory invitations and have white programs at the ceremony. Stick to one basic shade.
One week ago, I began a journey with a fellow graduate, which has given me a slight more in-depth insight into the world of weddings, and everything that goes into them. Finding a steal on the Micheals clearance rack, the bride-to-be got 150 invitations, including reply cards, envelopes, and ribbon for $40. Add the stamps and labels, makes it less than $200 for the whole thing. Well $200 and countless hours of your time. Definitely worth it for any bride on a budget though.
The time cost began last night, sitting in a small confined space, printing 150 invitations and tying what seemed like a million little bows. We haven't even started the reply cards, labels, and stuffing job yet. I now understand that 'tying the knot' is the easy part of the job, tying the bow is the workout for your fingers get so they'll look long and lean in all your ring photos. To all you grooms out their- get a finger workout: help tie some bows, you'll appreciate the ease of the knot.
So here is the process of a million little bows and a printer which was particular about which invitation it wanted to print at what time. Couldn't just accept the one fed into it. Had to be the particular one in its relationship with the easiest bride in the world.
And finally the finished product, totally worth the finger cramps:
A word of advise to all you brides-to-be, find some good friends who's fingers you don't mind sacrificing to the bow gods. And please, sit back, drink a glass of wine, and make the groom tie a few. I bet after one, he'll appreciate all your hard work.
Up next week is helping this bride-to-be stuff, stamp, and label, plus hopefully find a dress! After being engaged for 5+ years, this savy, budget conscious bride is probably the easiest person I'll ever work with if I end up in the industry. Thanks for being a non-Bridezilla and a guinea pig before my certificate class in July!
