Grooming the Groom!

So, a while back when my FH and I decided on the black and white color scheme, we though tuxes. But the more we considered it, we really think a great suit fits our personality more. I mean, don't get me wrong - I love a black tie affair as much as the next glamour girl, but when the only people wearing tuxes in the room are the bridal party (because it was mandated), it feels a bit forced. Enter the Alfani Red Tonal Stripe Suit from Macy's. It may not look like much online, but in person, it is cut just right for the modern guy! After many suit trips and try-ons, we stumbled across this style. It is cut slimmer in both the shoulder of the jacket and seat of the pants, with a shorter rise in the pant as well. What does this mean to us girls? Well, it means our guys look slimmer, a little less "boxy", and don't have the obligatory massive shoulder pad that accompanies many a suit.

While classic suits definitely have a place in the boardroom, the slimmer, cooler Alfani has a great place in our wedding! We are pairing it with a black tie (Windsor knot), white french cuff shirt, and pocket square in a TBD color.

The best part - we got the suits on sale for 155 (including tax). For the ENTIRE suit! We also managed to score these great Tasso Elba french cuff shirts on sale as well. So, for 200 dollars, the groomsmen get to keep their suit, rather than paying to rent a tux.

Oh - and another side note. If you are a Macy's cardholder, register as early as possible for your registry items! Once you register, any personal buys you make with your Macy's card will give you 5% cash back to Macy's. That doesn't even include the items other buy off your registry! We used our Macy's for Christmas presents and are now building a steady little honeymoon wardrobe fund in Macy's rewards!

Thoughts? Did you go the tux or suit route? How much input did you have in your FH's ensemble?

Vendors: Check, check, check! And then write actual checks....

So far - here is who we have booked for the details:

Florals: The Special Event Florist
Tina Barrera made me feel so very warm and welcome during our initial consultation. She walked me through vase heights, flowers that would withstand my *potential* August heat, as well as those that fit the aesthetic we were shooting for. We decided on huge pomanders of white flowers atop glass cylinders on half of the reception tables. The other half will have a trio of shorter vases with 3 different types of white flowers. My bouquet is still TBD - but right now we are thinking roses and ranunculus - hooray!

Strings: Serenade Strings
After getting some fairly ostentatious quotes for a string quartet, I found Serenade. They have an enormous Beatles repertoire (which I plan on using as much as possible), and were incredibly easy to work with (hello - Paypal deposit site!). We are planning on having all Beatles music for both the processional and recessional, as well as some modern classics (think, Viva la Vida) for the receiving line.

Linens: Weinhardt Rentals
I was all set to sew my own damask tablecloths, until I found Weinhardt! The price they quoted me for these linens could not be beat - and so they are officially booked! We will also be using them for the welcome bbq hosted by my parents, but that will be blogged about later...

Cake: TBD
Gasp! *Insert stern look* Less than 4 months away and no cake booked? Well, I have narrowed it down. My father had surgery this month, and I promised him he could join my FH at the cake tasting. So, we are hoping to go over the coming weeks! We are looking for something simple, white buttercream, black ribbon, big obnoxious monogram.

Transportation: St. Louis Transportation
After searching many car options, I decided to gift the bridal party a vehicle that would not require acrobatics to get in/out of. While I love the look of a stretch Chrysler Hemi, shoving my 10 person bridal party, plus bride and groom, plus photographer, would not be fun. So, I traded my pretty vision of an elegant car for a much more practical (and perhaps more fun) Limo Bus. It seats 25, and has perimeter seating, and little handy tables for drinks, and best of all - they were amazingly affordable! Not to mention that I won't have the dreaded fear of ripping my mermaid gown trying to get in and out of a limo. I'll have dainty little steps up and down in my new ride!

There are a few more surprise vendors that I will reveal over the coming days. Right now, I want to keep them a secret - as my FH and I are the only ones who know!

I am having vendor overload. That is all for now. Next up - let's groom the groom - and his men! Hooray for menswear shopping!

What was your favorite vendor to book? What vendor did you enjoy the least?

Guilty as charged: Delinquent blogger....

I realize it has been 4 months without me blogging. No wedding postings, no hellos, no nothing! No excuses! The horror!

Well, here is what happened. I work full time for a major research institution here in the city, and on top of that decided to go back and take Anatomy and Physiology II this semester. I have MCAT dreams for next spring, and this course gets me one step closer in my preparation. Well, between class 2 days a week, working full time, and trying to get to the gym as to fit into *the* dress, my blogging went by the wayside!

Well, here is the latest. My class ends in 3 lovely weeks, and I could not be more excited! I have dedicated May to be all wedding, all the time, and I am SO looking forward to it. As someone who finds thrills in the minutia of event planning, I can't wait to pour over floral books again, dream of the perfect font for programs, and choose the perfect ceremony readings and music. So, it is with a very sincere heart that I ask - can you forgive my absence and welcome me back??? : )

Photos to come...I know I am behind!