Finals and MCATs and Money Oh My

So, I haven't really thought too much about wedding planning this week because I have been studying. This finals week is especially stressful because right after finals I really don't get a break because I am going to be studying for the MCATs and applying for med school. I am praying that I can get into Pitt so that I don't have to worry about going too far, especially since I will be a newly wed. It is stressful enough to save up and plan a wedding, but putting my career plans on top of it is even more stressful. If you read this blog, please keep me and John in your prayers. I hope to qualify to get any application fees and MCAT fees waived so that I don't have to dip into my wedding fund. I am standing on two strong scriptures for the next year, both in Philippians. "For my God will supply all my needs according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus" and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". After Friday, I am sure I will have some updates on those Save the Dates. That is still up in the air even though I said I would do them. That's about $200.00 that I could use for something else. Any thoughts? John didn't really like the idea of email save the dates. Hmmmm. Thinking Thinking...back to Organic Chemistry. Save those pennies because they add up.

The perfect book for a penny pinching bride

One of my friends was out and when she saw this book she thought about me. I started reading it as soon as she gave it to me today and I am really loving it. Thanks Gab. I'm hoping to get more inspiration as I make my way through the whole book.

I am getting really excited the more I look at stuff for my wedding. My mom has to keep reminding me that my wedding is a year away. I ALMOST wish that my wedding was this June until I remember that I don't have all the money I need saved up, then I am thankful my wedding is a year away. I know that I am annoying John with all my excitement, but hey what do you expect from me? LOL Have a wonderful Sunday afternoon every and save those pennies.

Save The Dates

So, after a lot of thought and careful money counting on my end I have decided that I am going to do real live mail out save the dates. Yes, this penny pincher is going to splurge a little bit and do save the dates. Well, it was kinda a combination of John not wanting to do save the dates by email because he thought it would be "tacky" and practical need. The fact that he had such a strong opinion about this made me want to actually do save the dates. I mean when I texted him the other day asking him if we should save money a little and go with save the dates by email, he actually texted me back "No". Not "whatever you want" or my favorite "its up to you", but "No".

Yup, now I have an actual deadline to meet with my first real live step towards planning this wedding. I mean I can have a venue, a dress and whatever else I want, but if nobody knows about this wonderful occasion does it really exist? For real.

Another reason why I decided to go with save the dates, was because we really didn't have an official engagement announcement so I guess there are a lot of people to officially inform. I have quite a bit of out of town family that I don't necessarily have close and constant contact with. Namely, my dad's side of the family. They will have to book stuff and I want to give everyone enough time to find the best price around. So, there is my carefully thought out reason to why save the dates are practical. LOL Yes, unfortunately that's that type of person that I am. I try to weigh everything out before I actually do things. Especially when it comes to what I am going to spend my money on.

Yuppers...come a month and a half from now you will receive some lovely envelopes in the mail that announce our wedding date. YAY

Flowers are a Penny Pincher's Worst Nightmare

I have been putting off looking for flowers since I got engaged. Despite the fact that I am not really a flower person, they are so expensive. I really don't think that its worth it to buy fresh flowers for your wedding day and then a week later, if you're lucky, they are dead. A couple of my bridesmaids suggested using candles for the bridesmaids bouquets. I really like that idea, but I still want something more. I've looked on Martha Stewart's website and found some cute things, but they would take a lot of time to pull off. She had flower bouquets made of ribbons. All my bridesmaids would have to pull out their sewing kit and start making blue and silver flowers LOL. Here's a picture of it.

They would be really pretty if the bridal party had the patience and creativity to pull it off. Ribbons and thread,  I kinda like them, but I am not sure yet.

I really like the idea one of my bridesmaids gave me about having each bridesmaid walk down the aisle with a candle and place it in a candelabra, but what would they hold during the wedding and more importantly during the pictures? I am so confused. And ultimately, what am I gonna carry. I saw this bouquet on a website and it caught my eye, but it is so expensive.

It definitely agrees with my personal style, classy with a quirk, but I can't get past the fact that it is almost $100.00. Ugh what is a frugal bride to do?