Team SB project #1 - How to cut paper

This is a less "entertaining" post and a more functional, directions oriented one. I am doing a pocketfold invitation, with three inserts, a belly band, and lined envelopes. I ordered the materials from cardsandpockets, but am cutting/printing everything myself.

My trial runs, so you can see where we're headed.
The invite mat & patterned paper will be different.

The DIY goods. Nothing too fancy: Scissors, paper cutter (not shown), pencil, ruler (the one in the pic is in millimeters, how annoying). Clover pocketfold, cream square flap envelope, 8.5x11" patterned paper, regular printer paper.

Step 1: So as not to waste the cardstock/expensive paper, I used regular paper and cut it into various sizes to figure out the dimensions I wanted. And to practice using my cutter to be accurate.

Some of the sizes we tried out. For the invite, invite mat, inserts, band, liners.

Step 1b: Good Thursday night tv, a tasty cocktail, and a helpful fiance make this go faster.

Step 2: Once we were happy with the proportion/look, we wrote down all the dimensions and what type of paper would be used (cream, clover, or patterened) and tried to figure out how to maximize the paper we had.

Trying to figure it out by hand. We couldn't find a regular ruler, so we used a yardstick. A lil' cumbersome.

I found the best method was to go into powerpoint and resize the slide so that it is 8.5" x 11" (or whatever size your paper is). Then make little boxes for the sizes you need for the invite pieces and color code them. Then you can move the boxes around to maximize the space you've got. Our results (for the cream cardstock) are below. We did the same thing for the clover & patterned paper, but it looks basically the same.

Side note: You should probably do this BEFORE ordering. I was stressing that I'd not have enough, but it worked out ok.

Two 4.5" x 6.5" invitation mats + 3.5" x 5" inserts fit on one piece.

Three 3.5" x 6.5" inserts on another.

Three 3.5" x 6" inserts on another.

Step 3: The easy part! Cut and paste. Cut out the sizes you've planned and glue them to the preformed pocketfolds. I used a two sided glue runner so that there wouldn't be a line from real glue and that they'd be securely tacked down with no "gaps" on the edges.

Mr. SB & Elliot cutting paper.

We didn't cut the cream cardstock yet, because I'm not sure how my printer will handle small pieces of paper so I might have to print then cut, rather than cut then print. But it's planned and ready to go for that day in the future. We also didn't glue in the envelope liners, because (for now) I'm planning on printing the addresses and don't want the extra thickness in the printer.

The finished result. All liners cut and folded/scored. Invite mats & belly bands glued down.

Overall, I think team SB did a great job on our first project (in my humble, unbiased opinion) and I can't wait to see the finished product.

How have your "team" projects gone?

Adding some swirlies

Although it fits the look and feel of our life and wedding venue not at all, I think damask weddings are pretty spectacular in their drama. I mean, how GLAMorous would you feel with these details around you. The black and white base with endless accent color options. So pretttty...

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And you can even get matching TP! :P

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Anyway, back to my wedding (yes, that was long enough thinking about some one else, back to me, me, me!), I was on the lookout for paper to multi-task as #1. envelope liners, #2. belly bands, #3. invitation mats. I ordered my invite products from CardsandPockets and they had a design your own paper option. I decided to go that route because at the very least, the colors would match. And they had a pseudo-damask option, the design "Swirls".

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I was a little nervous because the example didn't give me a great idea of the size of the pattern or what a whole page of it would look like. But I ordered some in clover & cream and was very happy with the result.

My own picture of a full sheet. The background really is cream, the lighting is just off a little here.

Although I hadn't planned on it, I'm very happy that we were able to incorporate a little damask-ish element into the wedding. I think the invite suite is much more interesting and cohesive because of it.

Up next: The making of the semi/mostly-DIY invites!

Where did you sneak in little patterns to your wedding decor?

FMIL

Pronounced "Fimmel," a future-mother-in-law is something I just realized that I'm getting. Very soon.

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My mom never really got along that great with her MIL, and I could never figure out why, but I knew that I would be different. She'd love me! Even better than her real kid! Calling her "Mom" would be natural! We'd get along great!

Then I fell in love with an only child of a single parent. Pretty much no chance I'll ever be "more" anything that her own kid. However, I did expect that we'd have a great relationship! I love your son! He chose me! It'll be great! Love and happiness!!

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Hello reality.

In the 6 1/2 years Mr. SB & I have been dating, I have spent a total of mayyyyyybe 6 hours with her. (I don't have a single picture of us together.) We certainly don't email or talk on the phone. And all inquiries of "How's your mom?" are met with "She's fine." And...... that's about the depth of our relationship.

We certainly don't have a *bad* relationship, it's more of a non-existent one. She came to visit us recently (3 of those previously mentioned 6 hours together were this week) and she was very pleasant and friendly. But not the sunshine & rainbows I had hoped for.

To be fair, Mr. SB & his mom don't really have a sunshine & rainbows, talk-all-the-time, we're BFF kind of relationship, so it's not realistic to expect I would. But it was a strange realization that I won't be part of either stereotype. She's certainly not a monster-in-law, nor will we buck the trend and be BFF. She leaves us alone to live our life together with support and without interference. We'll be two grown women who adore the same guy, in very different ways. And that I can live with.

Is your relationship with your FMIL/MIL what you expected it to be?

Confessions of a Bad RSVPer

Until 3 months ago, I had little appreciation for the mountainous volume of work that planning a wedding involves. One would assume, however, that I had possessed basic social etiquette skills. The following examples indicate that may not have been the case.



During grad school I was (kind of randomly) invited to the wedding of a high school friend of mine who I had lost touch with. I got the invite, realized I couldn't make it, didn't want to look rude by sending an RSVP "too soon" (what?!) so I NEVER REPLIED. Nice. Classy. Emily Post would be so disappointed. Click the link above to see proper behavior for RSVPing.

Next, my best friend was getting married in CA while I lived in Boston. I was super upset about being unable to attend (which, yes, I had informed her of). The week before the wedding, I got the incredibly bright idea that I would find a last minute ticket, drop my Boston obligations, and fly out to surprise her! (What?!) Thankfully, that plan didn't pan out, but how um... "surprised" would you be on your wedding day to have a random extra with no seat, meal, name card... etc. Eek.

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So, anyway, I think karma is getting a kick out of these past "errors in judgment." We are inviting 81 people and want 65 to come. Like exactly 65. And no more. Really, no more. Seeing as family takes up the majority of the A list, there are some pretty darn good friends on the B+ list that we'd really like to invite (and not go over 65, if you hadn't heard). But sending STDs/invites to the B+'s is dependent on a firm "No" from the fam.

I've been asking my parents to ask their sibs if they'll be able to make it to our big day... pretty much since the day we got engaged. I put out the requests again since we sent out the STDs... but so far no solid replies. Alas.

All I can do is wait I suppose. Hopefully the B+ friends won't be too upset/realize they're not A list, but who knows. I know it'll work out, but I'm still anxious.

How tight is your guest list? Did you try to force people to pre-RSVP?

Development of a Wedding Cake, part I

Oh fondant, you're so beautiful. Before I had ever heard your name, knew how to pronounce it, looked up how to pronounce it on YouTube, or what you tasted like... I loved your look. Your smooth sides, the beautiful detailing that is possible, your elegance.

You are the basis of all my cake inspiration photos.

Four previous photos from TheKnot.

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But, oh beautiful fondant... even my hyperactive sweet tooth thinks you're too sweet. Like sickeningly, weirdly, thirst-inducingly too sweet. And while I may be willing to sacrifice comfort for beauty (hello stilletos!), I won't ask my guests to do so.

So... farewell fondant cakes... I'm heading to your delicious, if very slightly less attractive, cousin.

Buttercream!

What choices have you made regarding fashion vs. function?

"You don't have to"

I sometimes feel guilty that I spend a significant portion of every day thinking about my wedding.

Not my marriage, the important part.
But my wedding, the party part.

Maybe it's because Mr. SB & I have been together so long that I feel really confident in the "important" part. And we really have discussed our views on money, kids, pets, goals, travel... and life with each other. And I love us for our similarities and differences. It's nice to stop and remember that in the midst of all the party planning adventures.

I'll leave you with a little bit of cheese, that reminded me of why I like this guy so much...

This weekend, Mr. SB and I were on a plane and I was struggling to finish the "difficult" Sudoku in the inflight magazine. He leaned over and gave me a few helpful breakthroughs. As I finished the puzzle, he congratulated me.

My reply with an I'm-kind-of-down-on-life-in-general-lately groan: "Sigh. I couldn't do it alone."
His answer with a sweet grin and a this-is-about-more-than-Sudoku look: "You don't have to."
Then, "That was cheesy."

Cheesy, but perfect.

Did your honey come through with any awww moments to in the midst of the planning chaos?

The dentist with the sweet tooth

I really really really like dessert. Alot. Mr. SB cannot fathom why after EVERY SINGLE MEAL I go looking for my "something sweet." While he can do without, I always sneak an eager little nod to the waiter at the "Would you care to see the dessert menu?" question. And yes. I'm a dentist. I know.

So back to the wedding world. We've been to weddings with and without the traditional cake and I think both options work just fine to get their guests the little "something sweet." I do like cake, but I'm not that into cupcakes (if I was going to serve cupcakes, I'd rather just do regular cake). However, brownies, cheesecake, pie, fudge, petit fours, mousse, cookies, yes. I'm into those. Very much.

(I also understand it's very "in fashion" to forgo the big cake in honor of "non-traditional" desserts. And seeing as I'm so fashion forward, I'd definitely consider that. No. Not that at all. I just really like a lot of different desserts.)

I do love pie. And look how pretty these are! Apple, cherry, pecan, pumpkin...
Especially with ice cream!
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Little cakes made of sorbet.... Oh my cuuuute.
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After minimal googling, I found the world of multiple mini dessert buffets... Everyone could get their favorite! I could get it all! And the pre-wedding diet would be over! And it's so pretty!!!

Pistachio Macarons & Key Lime Pie Shooters
It even matches our colors!

Fruit Tartlets and Baby Cakes

Chocolate goodness & Banana Pudding
Three previous drool inducing images from Source.

As my eyes glazed over from looking at all the yummy possibilities, a little voice spoke up. "Excuse me, sugar lady, haven't you always liked looking at wedding cake photos? The multi-tiered, sleek beauties, with their gorgeous details. Don't you watch BOTH of the cake shows on tv?? Aren't cake photos one of the things you like best in the recaps? And if you buy 6500 little dessert-lets, you can't really justify 'the big one' too."

Oh yeah. Forgot about that.

So, wiping the drool off the keyboard, I went and found my "something sweet" to satisfy my now substantial craving and put the dessert bar/mini desserts idea aside. I'll just have to find a party to throw to incorporate them. Anyone need a baby shower??

What more "modern" options did you discard in favor of something more traditional?