Nearing the 1-year countdown!

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've updated. We're nearing the 1-year countdown mark as October approaches!

The wedding industry's insistence on using their own expensive caterers for kickbacks (even on public historical sites!) has left a bad taste in my mouth. Yes, it would be lovely to have the ceremony somewhere interesting like The 20th Century Theater, but it's looking more and more like we're going to have go the park route. It's so incredibly frustrating. I really do not want to support the industry, nor can our budget remotely touch their demands, even if I felt so obliged. The phrase "Whose wedding is this anyway?" comes to mind when dealing with venues. I understand they are a business and are trying to make the most money possible, but they refuse to accommodate my needs as a client.

So frak 'em!

After much consideration, I'm leaning more towards a "cake & punch" style reception. I'm thinking of including a few basic appetizers like a cheese & crackers and a veggie/fruit tray. This would allow me to spend $ on amazing gourmet cupcakes from SugarPlums Cupcakery!

The reception would be followed by an after-party. Basically, a smaller group of friends gathering back at my house. We'd be able to bring in some Chinese catering from our favourite restaurant, The Golden Buddha (now known as May-Thai, but will always be The Golden Buddha to us, or at least "Lee's," who is the owner). We can't afford to feed 80-100 people dinner, but we might be able to swing enough for 35-40. I really, really wanted to have them as our caterers, and I was getting bummed by the thought of not being able to use them. This is the loophole we can use so that I can have my lo mein and eat my cupcakes, too! I hope the main guest list will be okay with the cake & punch concept. I'm quite certain they will be once they taste SugarPlums' crack-like addictive icing. ;)

Halloween stores and goodies are popping up left and right. :) This is hands down my favourite time of year. Pumpkins, cider, hot cocoa, cinnamon, a slight chill to the air, colour-changing leaves, skeletons, ghouls, witches, black cats, and bats! Mmm...autumn!

What I love about using Halloween/Gothic elements for the wedding is that nothing is going to end up a waste. We will use these items in our home year-round!

Wedding Worthy Target Finds:

Wedding-Worthy Target Finds by Lunakitty on Polyvore.com