Goin’ To The Chapel: Bridesmaid Dresses
Anastasia picked this dress...
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
Picking out a bridesmaids dress is kinda like going to the dentist. You keep putting it off until you absolutely have to go and then have to figure out a way to coordinate your schedule—and the schedules of every important woman in your life—around the hellish experience.
A while back I had decided to go with black bridesmaid dresses. When older women would hear this decision I was mostly faced with blank stares from the polite ones and horrified gasps from the traditionalists.
I didn’t care. I told my modern bridesmaids my decision and they were fine with it. I’ve always thought everyone looks his or her best in black.
I started to search for dresses online that would be simple and stylish. I found a few, and, being the dutiful bride I am, forwarded them along to my four bridesmaids for review. I got a little feedback but mostly was told the decision was up to me.
I decided the best route would be to have an outing to the bridal boutique and have all the girls try stuff on and agree on one together. Of course, coordinating five busy gals’ schedules was problematic but we figured something out.
... in this color.
After trying on a few selections all of the girls settled on a strapless number that could (dare I say it) be worn again to another function.
As I looked at the pretty dress with all the sleek lines that would be lost in the black color I made a split-second decision to change the color to a lighter lavender tone that would also fit in with the flowers I had selected.
Three of the girls had no problem with the change in plans. But of course something had to go wrong. My one bridesmaid told me that the black dress would be nicer and gave me a lecture about how she thought I was being unique going with a color that many people shy away from. She then explained in detail how much prettier the dress would look in the darker hue. She ended her speech by telling me that of course she is so easy-going and would wear the purple dress if she had to. Gee, thanks!
I felt the dormant bridezilla inside begin to stir, but quenched the desire to scream, “It’s my wedding and I’ll do whatever I want!”
Because I’m calm. I’m laid-back. I don’t care about this wedding stuff! Remember, I wanted to go to Wedding’s R’ Us and be done with it. What’s happened to me? Uh-oh …
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
Goin’ to the Chapel: RIVERSHARKS
Regular readers may recall that
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
from our semi-regular Goin’ to the Chapel feature.
Well, Anastasia, I have scouted the best possible wedding location for you. And I did it all while scouting craigslist free stuff for another bookcase!
Free Wedding at Campbell’s Field (Campbell’s Field)
Reply to: see belowDate: 2009-04-06, 12:25PM EDT
Limopatrick and the Camden Riversharks are teaming up to put on the baseball wedding of your dreams. One lucky couple will have the chance to have their wedding at Campbell’s Field during the June 26th game against the Long Island Ducks. Traditional wedding events such as the first dance and bouquet toss will all take place on the field, and the night will be capped off with post-wedding fireworks. As the presenting sponsor, Limopatrick will provide complimentary limo service to and from the wedding for the bridal party. So, you want in? Well, it’s simple – just follow these easy steps:1. Write a letter to the Riversharks telling them why you and your loved one deserve to be the lucky couple.
2. Email it to Poorya@riversharks.com.
3. Cross your fingers.
4. Call 856-583-0035 if you have any questions.
- Location: Campbell’s Field
- it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1109567597
Cuz if there’s anything that says ‘forever,’ it’s a rivershark:
That is to say, a member of a genus which has been deemed ‘critically endangered,’ or not too likely to be in it for the long haul, so to speak.
They should have played up the baseball “diamond” aspect, on account of it bein’ a pune, or play on words.
Craigslist free stuff: Free wedding at Campbell’s Field
Goin’ To The Chapel: Registry II
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
The registry has gotten out of control! I’ve filled up my lists at both Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond with tons of kitchen and household items to fill a home I don’t even own yet. I’ve spent every night for the past two weeks at numerous Macys and BBB locations in the Delaware Valley, not to mention two Lenox stores in Southern New Jersey.
The list is sofreakingclose to being complete except for one thing, my crystal stemware. I know it sounds pretentious but I’ve concluded that if I get the fine china I might as well spring for the fine crystal to go with it. What the hell, no one’s obligated to get it, and every store clerk I talk to tells me the same thing: “Don’t look at prices!”
I’ve got it narrowed down to three choices. The ones I selected are patterns that didn’t look like they belonged in my grandmother’s china closet, but also wouldn’t cost her a year’s worth of Social Security checks.
The first one is by Lenox. It definitely goes with the Lenox China I’ve selected. It’s plain and modern with a little twist on the stem.
The second is by Mikasa and the cheapest of the bunch. It follows in the same style as the Lenox selection but it has a bend in the glass that creates a wave pattern. It also has a thicker platinum rim that matches the china I’ve selected.
The third one is a more conventional pattern. The cuts that begin in the stem and extend to the top of the glass are very traditional but I think they work with the pattern. They’re very heavy, which I’m not crazy about.
After I decide on the glasses, the registry will go live for the entire world to see. This has me a little nervous. Will people judge my selections? Are the things I picked to expensive? This was supposed to be a fun experience but it has completely stressed me out. In my next life, I’m eloping.
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
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Goin’ To The Chapel: Registry
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
I went to Macy’s yesterday to complete my registry. I had such high hopes for the experience. What could be better than shopping for everything you want and getting someone else to pay for it?
I got there around 7pm, thinking two hours of shopping would be sufficient time to fulfill my domestic wet dreams. However, looking around at all the fine china and crystal vases proved a little overwhelming.
I’ve never owned a house and my apartments have been mostly furnished by IKEA (translation: cheap, pretty and dispensable). It’s easy to pick your style when things are in the $5-$20 price range. The last kitchen I furnished had bright red canisters on the counter and fluorescent-colored plastic plates in the cupboard. I was so excited to live a little more luxuriously.
As I looked around the department store at all the exquisite things with equally exquisite price tags had me second-guessing my choices. Is this what I really want? Should family spend their hard-earned money on this $145 Nambe bread plate? Will I really use it? Is it really my style?
After two hours of looking around I felt more lost then ever. Even the things that should be easy choices had me stressed. I know I need a stand mixer, but do I need the 4.5-quart for $200, the 5-quart for $300 or the 6-quart for $400? The most complicated thing I’ve ever baked is cupcakes out of a box.
The choices are endless. You can’t just say you need a waffle maker and click on the box. There are 13 different varieties of waffle makers in all various shapes, sizes and prices.
The hardest choice seems to be choosing a fine china pattern. The prices are totally outrageous. I know this is supposed to be fun, but I kept thinking that shopping for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of dishes is just morally wrong in this economy. I know that people aren’t obligated to purchase it but I just don’t think I can do it.
I left the store with 10 items on my list and a headache. I have two more stores to visit and must populate a longer list. Something tells me this upcoming week is going to be filled with a lot of online ordering and Advil.
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
Goin’ to the Chapel: Flora and fauna
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
The time has come to start looking for a florist for the wedding and reception. I found lots of beautiful flowers, but the problem is the pretty ones come with a hefty price tag. I really like calla lilies because of their sleek and clean quality. All the pictures I’ve bookmarked or cut out of magazines include them. However, with prices ranging from $8-$12 a stem (wholesale) I decided to only include them in my own bouquet.
Florists also range in price and each one charges for different services. Some charge delivery fees, some charge rental fees for vases. Prices for typical centerpieces start at $20 for a small simple arrangement and can go as high as $300 for a tall arrangement with specialty flowers.
Riehs Florist in Northern Liberties is fantastic. The staff was super friendly and they were very upfront about what they offer. Everything had a set price, which is really helpful when deciding what you want and what you can afford. Many other florists make up prices as they go along, which complicates things and makes me trust them less.
I’m no expert but I’ve noticed that if the vendor has a flashy office and offers you cappuccino, you’re going to pay out the ass. Most of the reasonably priced (but still high quality) vendors I visited worked in small, unadorned spaces or from home.
After some deliberation, I decided to go with a light purple rose. Pretty but relatively inexpensive. I should complement to the black and white damask tablecloths and add a pop of color.
In other news, I went to Michael’s craft store this week and saw aisles of black, white and purple wedding ideas. They also have these fabulous DIY damask wedding invites that will be a huge money saver. Typical wedding invites can range from $5-$20 each! With a big fat Greek wedding with over 300 guests that’s just not happening.
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
Goin’ To The Chapel: Demanding Damask
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
I know I’ve been against this whole wedding plan nonsense, but I had an epiphany. The floodgates have opened and there’s no turning back now. I have an idea.
While casually browsing through some wedding magazines, I saw pictures from one bride’s dream wedding. She had used this fabulous black and white damask fabric as table runners and had added the print in small bursts throughout the reception. The result: A stylish and classy ultra-modern affair without any wedding cheesiness! I was in love.
The search for those runners and tablecloths is on.
They have to be perfect. There are so many different patterns of damask, some are darker, some have more ornate designs. A quick search on the Web brings up thousands of different results. The thing the surprised me: I’m not the only psycho out there looking for it. I’ve seen dozens of other brides on the hunt. There are forums dedicated to the search for the perfect damask-inspired wedding. The possibilities are endless. I’ve seen the print incorporated into almost every aspect of the wedding, from the cake to the invitations. One chick even wore a damask dress! Blogs titled “Mad About Damask” and “My Perfect Damask Wedding” appeared. There were even some former brides who put their used tablecloths for sale.
However, everywhere I looked other brides had already been there and scooped up the sought-after fabric. You’d think this would make me happy, knowing that I wasn’t alone in my obsession, but it only fed my hunger. I knew I’d crossed into obsessed territory when I saw a listing on Craigslists searching for the runners and thought of posting one myself. I stopped myself. For now.
But if the obsession deepens, I might need to cut a bitch to get this stuff.
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
Goin’ To The Chapel: Flying Solo
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here—including the quest for the perfect dress. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
By now I’ve been to my fair share of venders trying to plan this wedding. The one thing that stands out to me is the question I get every time I call for a consultation. “Is mom coming with you?”
I remember the first time I heard it. Last fall, I’d gone with my BFF Roula to look for her wedding dress. They sat her down and told her to fill out a form. Kinda weird but I figured it was standard operating procedure; you do it at the dentist office, right? When the bridal consultant came over, she asked Roula, “Is your mother going to help you make your final decision?”
Roula was horrified. Although her mother is a perfectly nice lady and probably would’ve had a small impact on which dress she selected, Roula was appalled on my behalf.
My mother passed away when I was 16 years old. Although I’ve come to terms with it, dealing with others who haven’t is always a sticky situation. When someone broaches the subject of moms in my presence, my friends and family always get squeamish. I guess they assume bringing up the subject reminds me, makes me upset. I sometimes want to point out that I don’t a need a reminder.
Goin’ To The Chapel: Wedding Photography
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here—including the quest for the perfect dress. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
Wedding photography is a complete rip-off. I went to two appointments with photographers who’d been recommended to me. Although the work was admittedly nice I definitely don’t think it warranted the huge price tag. They tried to dazzle me with sepia tones and airbrushing but all I could think was “two months pay!”
I guess the main thing to look for when selecting a photographer is creativity in picture styles. The first person I met with had tons of candid fun shots. The second was a company that’s been around for over 75 years and it showed through the infinite pages of staged family portraits. The main cost comes in when selecting the finished albums. There are tons of options: leather bound or suede finish, flush or mounted. From what I gather, a flush album consists of photos that stretch to the very edge of the page and can be assembled in all kinds of funky ways. Traditional mounting is the kind where you see the actual picture.
Both companies worked with videographers. Of course, he comes with a separate (but equally large) price tag. I met with one last night. He showed us a few weddings he’d done; definitely no Spielberg. Everything I wanted was extra. Will you tape the bride getting ready? Sure, $250. Can you add a childhood montage? Sure, $150.
The one thing that I definitely wanted to include was something I had seen at a wedding I attended last year. The videographer had prepared a short synopsis of the wedding, everything from the time the bride started getting ready to the cocktail hour, and played it during the reception. It sounds cheesy but I thought it was fantastic! I knew I definitely wanted to include that. Could they do it? Sure, $795.
As you can probably tell I need a few days to weigh my options. I’m going to keep looking. Next up, picking a band that will satisfy my Greek family.
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
Goin’ To The Chapel: Dresses and the Dark Side
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here—including the quest for the perfect dress. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
I bought my dress!
Although I should feel relieved to be over that hurdle I feel more stressed out now than ever. On Wednesday, I went to Sabrina Ann’s and found that they had a great selection of never worn samples that had been bought from bridal salons in the area. The dresses were gorgeous and the prices were amazing; more than half off the designer price tag. The problem was I was limited in the dresses I could try on. Since there is no ordering involved, you can only try on dresses in your size or larger. I tried on a few in my size but was disappointed with the small selection. The good news is if you do size in the smaller digits (which I don’t) the whole store is at your disposal. You can always take a dress in but usually can’t let a dress out. I found a dress I thought I could see myself in and put it on hold.
Yesterday, I went to the Bridal Garden in New Jersey to look at big-girl dresses with big-girl price tags. The first 15 dresses my “bridal consultant” brought me were frilly, flowery numbers with ’80s sequins and lacy butt bows. I started to think I had made the right decision putting my little half-price number on hold at Sabrina’s. I resigned myself to the fact that I wasn’t going to get “the feeling.” You know “the feeling.” The immediate physical reaction you’re supposed to get when you put on Your Wedding Dress.
The next dress had clean white lines with minimal beading. I looked hard into the mirror and surveyed my emotions. Did I feel any different in this dress? I shut my eyes tight to see if I could squeeze out a few tears. Was that a flutter in my stomach or was I just hungry since I skipped lunch to go to this appointment? Nope. Nothing. Nada.
I turned to my cousin and told her I just didn’t think this was gonna work. But then something weird happened. The bridal consultant dragged in this huge plastic bag filled with this luminous fabric. It was all squished up in the garment bag, but the fabric was so silky and smooth it stood out among the other dresses on the rack. She told me it wasn’t what I had asked for (dropped waist with some beading on top) but that she thought I would like it. As soon as she pulled it out of the bag I knew I was going to love it.
I looked over at my cousin before I saw my reflection in the mirror and I knew. She had the look I had been waiting for. I stood up on the pedestal and took it all in. Yep, definitely The One. It was perfect. I even got a little misty-eyed when I said “I’ll take it.” (This could also be attributed to the fact that I handed over the entire contents of my checking account.)
Now the bad news. I’ve taken a turn to the dark side. I’ve tasted the good stuff and I want more. I got home and all I could think about were diamond necklaces, Spanish-style lace veils and the $400 satin slingbacks I had seen at Neiman Marcus a few weeks ago. What happened to me? Does this mean I’m one of Them—the binder carrying, magazine collecting, self-obsessed chicks that only talk about wedding details? Did I have a dormant case of bridezilla that has now been unleashed?
This weekend I have two appointments with photographers. Both were referred to me by my M.O.H.—who is also engaged and getting married in 138 days or so she tells me. Since she’s about five months ahead of me in planning and since we have similar tastes I have the luck of being able to peek into her 300-page wedding planner and going with the best she’s found. It’s gonna save me a lot of time and energy. I’ll let you know how it goes.
*Written by Anastasia Kotsosavas
Goin’ to the Chapel: Anastasia’s Getting Married
PW associate editor Anastasia Kotsosavas is getting married (to a guy with an equally long, equally Greek last name). In eight months, she’s going to walk down the aisle come hell or high water (or even worse: rain). She’ll be chronicling all her crazy planning experiences here—including the quest for the perfect dress. Donations can be sent to the PW offices.
I’m getting married. I know I’m supposed to be obsessing about shades of pink and duchess satin, but I’m just not that into it. I’m not sure how this happened. Before I got engaged I would fantasize about the perfect proposal and the song I would dance to with my father. As I waited in line at the grocery store, my eyes would wander over to that picture-perfect woman in the beautiful white gown staring up at me from the magazines. She seemed so happy, so beautiful. I wanted to be her.
Now my time has come. I got the perfect ring—my wonderful fiancé was gracious enough to let me in on the selection process—and the date is set. We’re getting married on September 6.
The only problem is, that’s as far as I’ve gotten
No dress. No photographer. No flowers. Just the date. People keep on asking me how the wedding’s coming along and I just nod and smile.
My two closest friends, who by some crazy coincidence also got engaged last year, are knee-deep in magazines and flower arrangements. They carry around binders with all their appointment dates and magazine clippings. I know they look at me like a sad little puppy they need to help. I made the mistake of telling my friend Saya that I was thinking about the color purple (something I had heard was totally in this season) and have since received non-stop emails of bouquets, bridesmaid dresses, tablecloths, invitations, place cards and lighting fixtures all in varying shades of the hue. What am I supposed to do with that? Is there a store that sells these beautiful tables? If there is, I’m there. I’ll take 30, and be done with it.
Today I’m off to try on dresses. I heard Sabrina Anne’s Bridal, a store on Lancaster Avenue that sells never-worn designer dresses for half price. I’m going to check it out and see if it’s worth the trip to the Main Line. Who knows, maybe after that beautiful fabric touches my skin I will be miraculously changed into a gushing bride. Maybe I will have an epiphany. I’ll learn the difference between organza and taffeta. Maybe I’ll buy a binder. I sincerely doubt it, but fingers crossed.