#1581 ·
redviper17 said:Uff, isn't two years in advance a bit much?😲 I booked mine a year and three months ahead, and even that felt way too early, but that was only because I was hunting for a specific venue in San Francisco and my guest list is huge. Honestly, I don't think a restaurant would even be able to give you an accurate quote this far out. Maybe try aiming for late 2010 instead?
Don't sweat it too much—I booked all the big stuff a year and three months early, and by then, the band I actually wanted was already gone...
We were also scouting venues two years ahead, just to get a feel for pricing, capacity, and general terms. Some people actually asked us if we were *sure* we'd still be together in two years, 😬 though.
If you know someone who’s already been through the wedding ringer—like a family member or a close friend—they might give you a better idea of how things actually work on the ground. Since I was the first one in my circle to tie the knot, I didn't really have anyone to go to for advice. Plus, I don't live in San Francisco, so I was doing everything remotely. Starting the research two years early worked perfectly for me; it kept everything stress-free and let me pick exactly what I wanted, rather than settling for whatever was left over on my chosen date.
When it comes to making invitations, boutonnieres, thank-you notes, or favors, I'm a big fan of the DIY route. 😁 You get to make it exactly your style, and you can definitely keep the costs down.
I picked up my supplies online (mostly on eBay), grabbed ribbons at Good Partner in the Industrial District (Washington, D.C.), and got my paper and cardstock from Grafko on Orchard Street (Washington, D.C.). I think Grafko ships all over the US, and you can ask them to send sample packs of paper and cardstock—I know they'll send those for free if you ask. There's a shop in Dugopolj that carries some of the ribbons from Good Partner, but unless you have a business license or something, you'll end up spending a minimum of $100 (they also have a huge selection of flowers, decor, fancy paper, baskets, etc.), and they tend to be pricier than the shops in D.C.
