I apologize in advance for all the posts I have posted and for the ones in the future. I am overwhelmed with planning, but I feel I have come to the right place for answers.
For starters, I have the following booked:
Ceremony and Reception - Brennan's Downtown in Oct. for a 11 am ceremony in the courtyard and reception following in the ballroom
DJ for reception: Sound Spectrum Entertainment, the owner Jerry will be our DJ
Ceremony and brunch (meal time) music: Leo Polk
I am considering using the following vendors:
Photographer - Chinh Phan from Fotowerk Group
or
Fernando Weberich Wedding Photography
Dance Floor Rental - Mike's Dance Floor Rental (preferred vendor at Brennan's)
Wedding Dress Designer - David Peck - He is located in Houston and will custom make a dress starting at 2K dollars and it will not need alterations. It is difficult to go with this option b/c I will not see the finished product and see if I like the fit until it is paid for and is constructed. I'm not a visionary! lol
I am in need of the following vendors:
- I need someone for flowers. I will have 10 tables with 10 chairs around them and I need some type of budget friendly floral arrangement. I am fine with bulk flowers from costco if I can hire someone to arrange them. My budget is 1K
- We will need to drive away from the reception in some type of transportation. Any budget friendly options? Someone suggested hiring a cab and I have not ruled that option out. However, my fiance is a car nut and would probably die over the thought! Our reception will be over around 330.
-Do you think we need microphones for our vows? We will be in a courtyard with 100 people? If so, I need to rent this equipment. Any recommendations and approximate cost?
- Wedding Cake Brennan's will be serving bananas foster, but we would like a cake to cut for pictures. We are inviting 100 people I am interested in a small 2 layer cake with simple frosting. We would like to have sheet cakes in the back, ready to be served on the same plate as our bananas foster.
The biggest issue I am having is finding a wedding gown.
I have been to several bridal stores (Weddings by Debbie, BHLDN, Nordstrom, Mia Bridal in River Oaks, Merry Go Round Bridal Consignment) and I have been searching every day on www.preownedweddingdresse.com. I cannot find a dress in a price range and in the style I want. I am interested in a trumpet style dress/fit and flare/mermaid gown. My eye keeps going to lace sweetheart necks, V backs, with the rest of the dress in duchess silk or lace all the way down. I would like a simple and classic dress without a ton of bling. I do not like dresses that cut off at the knee and have a different fabric. If you can recommend some dresses for me to try... I would be eternally grateful! I have posted pics below of dresses I like, but are too expensive for me.
My favorties are both by Alvina Valenta Style number 9457 and Style number 9002. 3K is my MAX budget for a dress (including alterations)
I was told to budget 1K dollars for alterations and to not get a dress larger than 2 dress sizes, bc it is difficult to alter a dress down too much.
Is this true?
Do you have any recommendation for tailors?
I know this was a lot, but I appreciate any info on any of the vendors listed above or any advice you feel would benefit my situation!