Posts by blueowl88

mellowjackal1 said:My big day is May 29th! Honestly, I can't wait... feels like time is just dragging its feet lately. All the heavy lifting is already done, so now I’m just sitting here with nothing to do...

🙂 Hehe... lucky you, being bored. I honestly don't know which task to tackle first. We have dance classes twice a week (my fiancé and I are trying to learn how to move together so we don't look like total amateurs), pre-marital counseling twice a week (thankfully that wrapped up last weekend), plus making all the invitations... then the thank-you notes... then those little favor bottles... then shopping for his suit (we finally checked that off the list today)... my actual job... and now we start making phone calls this weekend. I am absolutely exhausted. I'm living for the day this is all over so I can finally get some decent sleep 🙂 Not to mention the constant nerves about how everything will actually turn out... 😢

mellowjackal1 said:So when's the big wedding? Honestly, I think your drink selection sounds solid. In my experience, whenever people come over for wedding festivities, they usually just show up with bourbon... so your idea of having a little bit of everything... it's pretty great.

My partner wanted to add wine too, but I think he's given up on that idea. This looks more than enough to me. Sounds good. Thanks a lot.
The wedding is April 17th. It's coming up... very soon... 🙂

Listen, I know most of you aren't hitting your big day until around September (at least, that's what I've gathered from your posts), but my date is approaching fast. We need to start sending out invites, and we can't seem to agree on the drink selection. What are you all planning to serve? I was thinking about offering some local bourbon, cognac, an herbal liqueur, and maybe something sweet like maraschino cherries. What do you think?
thanx!

Jason Howard5 said:Is that jeweler at IKEA even still there, or did they close down?

They’re still there. It’s just a small, low-key shop right next to the Smith watch repair and the locksmith. We actually picked up our rings from them last week.

Henry Ortiz18 said:It’s me again... I find myself needing some advice regarding engagement rings. Where did you all end up buying yours, and what kind of damage did it actually do to your wallets? I’m specifically looking at white gold options in the Vinkovci area... THANKS!!!

I'm not from the Vinkovci area, but I can share my experience..
Before we bought our rings, we hit up every jeweler in Indianapolis. Gold prices usually hover around 200-$80/g. More or less, everyone carries similar (or identical) models. You often have to wait a bit for custom pieces, but it isn't a big deal. I know someone else on this forum mentioned the jeweler inside IKEA. In my experience, I have nothing but praise because they made exactly what we wanted. For instance, we got an exact match to a ring from the Celje jewelry store (where one costs about $1.25), but we got two for $0.90, and mine actually has three diamonds. It was a great deal for me. Plus, I requested an anatomical shape for the interior, which adds more weight. Diamond authenticity is checked with a little device that beeps and turns green when it touches the stone. I think it works based on hardness principles.
Regarding white gold—it’s never perfectly white; there's always a slight yellowish tint. That's normal. We just asked them to rodium-plate them extra so they would look truly white.
So, that's my take. Still, I recommend checking out the jewelers in Vinkovci and don't be afraid to ask about the price per gram. You can always get a discount if you pay cash.

P.S. The guy at IKEA works strictly from photos. He doesn't have display models. But it might still be worth driving to Indianapolis or finding someone similar in Vinkovci.

mellowjackal1 said:hey ladies!
Just joined the group and hoping you guys can point me in the right direction.
Does anyone know where I can snag those floating candles? Ideally looking for a bulk pack or something... need quite a few.
I swung by Vegas earlier, but honestly, it was kind of a letdown.

I'm looking for floating candles too. I originally picked up a 25-pack at the subway for about $10.. They're out of stock right now, though. No idea why. 🤷 However, I managed to order the exact same ones from an acquaintance in Naperville for a better price. Here's the link so you can see what she offers, but you'll have to contact her directly for pricing (you can just email her if you don't want to call). Don't let the basic website discourage you; her husband hasn't really gotten around to finishing the design yet. 😉
www.deko-phantasy.com

On another note, I saw some floating candles over at Paraffin... that's on Vine Street (Green Field) in Cleveland.
Oh, also... I walked through IKEA today. They had a similar 25-pack for about $5, but I think they only had white and champagne colors. I didn't check for other options, but maybe they have more...
Anyway, hope this helps. Best.

Bradley Wright said:I have a quick question if anyone here happens to know the answer
do I need to have an even or an odd number of bridesmaids, or is that
even not a factor at all?????

Oh boy... Don't scare me like that... 😕
I don't think the number matters at all..

gentledriver92 said:Anyone got the scoop on that expo out in the Great Plains from February 12th to the 14th?

Found this online just now:
"The 2010 expo season kicks off with an event centered on togetherness, love, and joy. Two major events—the 4th Wedding Expo and the 3rd Indianapolis Children's Fair—will be held together as one massive showcase in Indianapolis at the Great Plains expo center from February 12–14, organized by ReedPop.
Weddings and welcoming a new baby are definitely life's biggest milestones. This expo serves as a comprehensive guide for young couples starting their journey and for those stepping into parenthood. It’s much more than just a show, though; it's a chance to see everything needed for weddings, engagements, baptisms, and similar celebrations. You can compare endless details to match your personal style and get expert advice for newlyweds, parents, and caregivers alike."

I didn't even realize there was another expo happening. Thanks for the heads-up, >. I'm definitely going. 😉

rowdypanther16 said:Hey girls, so I swung by Vegas yesterday, specifically that spot right behind the Super store. I don't know who gave me the tip, but someone on a forum mentioned everything there was a total steal. Honestly? I am beyond disappointed. I went in looking for those little edible toppers for cake decorations—you know, the ones you put on top of a fancy cake. And get this, that absolute nonsense cost me $93. Like, seriously?? It’s such a joke. And nothing about it felt cheap. Even getting some helium filled for balloons was $1.75. It’s just all so overpriced. Maybe I'm being a bit extra, but in my book, those little figurines are way too expensive, the selection is pretty pathetic, and the staff? Ugh. They barely even give you a nod, let alone actually help you out. So yeah, Vegas gets zero stars from me. 😢

First, thanks for the heads-up about the balloons. I was genuinely curious about that, and I didn't feel like making the trip to Vegas myself. Thanks a lot. 😍
I'm not entirely sure about the price of those cake toppers (I think it was around $50, but don't hold me to it because I can't recall exactly), but I am CERTAIN I saw them at Bagaric Bakery in Chepin. They carry them in two sizes, if I remember right.
I ordered my cakes and dessert somewhere else, and the lady there offered to "rent" them to me for the cake (so I could return them later), but I turned her down because I wanted something custom. You might want to check other bakeries... they probably have them. It's always worth checking or, at the very least, giving them a quick call.

gentledriver92 said:Seriously... what do you guys think of these shots? http://fotozine.org/?omen=samir Personally, I think they're garbage. 😉

I love these photos. There's something about that editing style—the way the colors pop and the raw emotion comes through. My vote is 👍

gentledriver92 said:Kiara thanks, blueowl88 🙂 honestly, you just told me everything I already knew, haha... nothing new there. Anyway... I'm crossing my fingers that everything turns out great and they throw a killer party at your wedding... let me know how it goes. 🙂 (My wedding isn't even until next year, I assume yours is this year.)

Don't mention it. I'm glad I could help out a bit. I'll let you know how things turn out with my family once they arrive. My in-laws are coming in April. It'll be here before we know it. 🙂

gentledriver92 said:Hey there, everyone from the Midwest! I’m new here, so just figured I’d jump in and join the conversation... I see we're talking about photographers, and since I'm actually hunting for one right now, I was wondering if anyone has worked with that "shady" photographer out of Indianapolis? I'd love to hear any feedback—good or bad. Also, quick question about the band unknown that we've been looking at booking; I haven't actually heard them play a wedding before, so if anyone has any intel on them, let me know! Thanks in advance 🙂

Hey!
I can't tell you anything about photographer Sunny because I'm not from Toledo and don't know them, but I can comment a bit on Victor... 🙂 They are playing at my wedding too. They played for my cousin, and they seemed totally fine to me. I don't know about their backing musicians since she had someone else, but I think they'll be good. Overall, their repertoire seemed solid, and I've heard they don't play much country music.
Honestly, if these guys have been playing for years, they probably know what they're doing and we'll all end up happy. At least, I hope so.. 😉

For anyone else who was feeling totally overwhelmed about picking a wedding cake...
I did a little digging to help us out...

Katini Sweets $333 cake
Crown $33 per lb
Bagarić (Chepin) $20 per lb
Bos (Vinkovci/El Paso) approx $233 cake
Bagette (Đakov) $133 with whipped cream, $300 with marzipan.

swiftcrane31 said:That is quite a hefty bill, isn't it? It feels like a lot to me too... ladies, please help me out! Time is just flying by, and I haven't even begun to look at floral arrangements yet 🙂))

Here is how it went for me... Based on my experience... I checked four different places. Three had basically the same pricing, but Fantazija in Downtown was abnormally expensive. At least for my budget.
Boutonnières, bracelets for the flower girls, the wedding bouquet, car decor, the venue, the church... everything revolves around $1000. It depends on how many boutonnières you need, the type of flowers, how much greenery goes on the head table and the car, and how many tables in the hall or restaurant need decorating. For me, the focus was strictly on live flowers. I wanted Alstromeria and roses under the centerpieces, but I allowed for other flowers that blended in nicely. Basically, Alstromeria quoted me around $1067 (since I wanted glasses with floating candles on all the tables, and we're expecting about 130 people). Naturally, the more elaborate the vision, the higher the price. 🙂 I think I actually got lucky because I caught one of their promotions involving a gift card. So, I bought a $567 gift card and that's how much extra credit I'll get from them. I also heard they might be running a deal at Alstromeria where you get a free wedding bouquet if you book all your flowers there. You'll have to check that yourself. The best move is to bring some photos of what you want (even just rough ideas) and start visiting florists. They will break everything down by item and price. There you go. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Jason Howard5 said:So this lady who's making my cake is asking for $50 for just one tier... which means $200 4 tiers.. because apparently every single tier is its own separate cake.

That sounds great! That works perfectly for me. 👍 Can I get a receipt? It’s important because the restaurant insisted I have one. If you don't mind, send me her name and number. Thanks.

Hey everyone,
I have a quick question for you. I'm looking for a wedding cake. Nothing fancy—just a classic three-tier round cake with frosting (my aunt is going to handle the decorations herself)... so nothing over-the-top or complicated. I stopped by Caitlin's Bakery today to ask about pricing, and I nearly fainted when they told me what a wedding cake costs. $333 😵 Look, I respect their quality and everything, but that price tag is just way out of my budget. Does anyone have some better ideas for something reasonably priced that still tastes great? 😉
Thanks.

Jason Howard5 said:I'm also thinking about making my own invites, maybe even thank-you notes too. Does anyone know where to find the best supplies for invitation making? And how are the prices looking?

Thanks in advance 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Honestly, I'm not sure what to tell you. It really depends on what kind of look you're going for with the invites and thank-you cards. For my project, I picked up some heavy pearlescent cardstock at Michaels (I couldn't find anything like it anywhere else, except at Handmade Co. on Gundulic, but it was nearly twice the price there). I got rhinestones at Michaels too, then picked up some other gems and adhesive at the drugstore over by Walmart. I actually used some construction paper from a kid's art kit, and I bought satin ribbons while visiting Canada (Schiklos). I grabbed the envelopes in Washington, D.C. since I happened to be passing through, but I think the price is about the same as it is here ($1.00/each).
That's it. You can probably find most of what you need at Michaels.

Sandra Campbell9 said:Ladies, where have you all been hiding? I was wondering if anyone could tell me where you're planning to order your invitations from. I’m specifically looking for recommendations within El Paso-Srijem County... though I suppose anything near Indianapolis would work too, I guess.
Thanks 🙂

I don't know, but it feels like this forum is a bit quiet lately. Maybe it's just because everyone is still recovering from New Year's Day. 🤷
Look, let me give you my take on this. I’ve spent a lot of time weighing my options regarding the invitations, and honestly, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably better if I just design them myself. I haven't actually started yet—we still have four months until the wedding, and those little details tend to shift every single day. Everything else needed for them is ready to go; I just need to nail down the exact ceremony time before I dive in. Still, if I hadn't decided to DIY them, I think I would have gone with Magic. I'm not entirely sure where they're located right now—I think someone mentioned they were based out of Indianapolis, just across the river—but I've seen their work and really liked what they do. Their pricing seems pretty reasonable, too.
If I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me. It would be good to see some actual movement on this forum. 🙂

P.S. Wishing everyone the very best this New Year's Day. And to all the brides-to-be, good luck with the wedding planning and the big day itself. 😉

Jason Howard5 said:Honestly? I wouldn't switch just for $2000 something I already know is awesome versus somewhere I've never even set foot in. But hey, that's just my two cents. Because at the end of the day, those $2000 extra costs can sneak up on you and suddenly you're paying the same amount anyway.

My advice? Go there in person. Eat something, grab a drink, and see the vibe before you commit to anything. And one more thing: if the room holds 200 people, it might look pretty empty with only 130 :P

Anyway, good luck! :P

I agree with you. If you asked me, I wouldn’t change a thing either, but it’s hard to explain these things to a man's brain. They focus purely on the economics; aesthetics and comfort aren't even on their radar. I already told him that I’m going to inspect the restroom myself first to see exactly what they’re offering before we make any decisions. If something smells off—literally or figuratively—then it's a hard pass for me. I'm sticking to my vineyards in Napa Valley. 🙂
It’s sad to hear people saying there will be 200 people there. I honestly think that just means 200 people crammed together. To me, having 130 people spread out is perfectly fine for talking, walking around, and dancing. I can't stand being packed in like sardines. It just makes everyone tense. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. We'll see. 🤷

Maria Ramirez4 said:They're constantly running ads for them on the local radio stations, offering wedding dinners (1st and 2nd options) for $50 per person. I went there for weddings the last two years, and the food was tasty and looked great, but they have a new owner now. Everything’s been remodeled—they've got round tables and white chair covers, and I heard they can fit up to 200 people.

Thanks for the reply. I heard their radio ad, and Darij saw an ad in the paper (I think the photo showed standard long rows of tables... anyway, it doesn't matter...). Now this restaurant is stressing me out, and I really don't want to change my plans for Napa Valley. I had everything figured out in my head, and now he decides to overhaul the whole concept. We’ll have about 130 guests, which usually isn't an issue, but I'm worried about how it will all turn out since I have zero info on the food, the service, or the organization... especially since you mentioned the ownership changed. Ugh. Now I'm back to square one and feeling stuck. Still, thanks so much. This info was helpful. Thank you!