Went to a wedding this weekend

Just thought I'd share. It was in Putnam county, but for the first time, I was really in tune with what the bride and groom chose to have at their wedding which was cool b/c I could see what was worth the extra cash and what was a waste of money.

First off, really cool - the dance floor was marble instead of wood - at first I though I'd slip and kill myself, but the floor must have some sort of treatment on it, b/c it was tacky enough that your shoes (and I had on 3 inch heals) had something to grip. Not tacky like a movie theater floor, but just enough to grip with out slipping. It was very pretty.

The DJ was a little annoying. Girls, make sure you request that your DJ and your catering staff COMMUNICATE. The dj starting the conga line when the salad was just served. To those of us who like salad, not only was I not interested in joining the conga line, but it was a bit annoying to hear the little sand rattles (don't know what they are called) that the dj gave the conga line guests, in your ear when you are trying to eat. I just thought that the dj should have waited unitl a time when there was no food on the table. JMO.

They did the anniversary dance which was cool even though FH and I were the first one's 'kicked off' the dance floor, definitely something I'll do at my wedding. FH agreed.

They got an ice cream cart - something I thought was cool at first, but to be honest, no one was interested! There were no takers. I'm not sure how much they spent on it, but I almost wanted to get an ice cream just so that it could be utilized. They did a cordial table and the hall made fried bananas with ice cream - a much bigger hits.

Let the buyer be ware - I know we all go to food tastings and these places put their best foot forward, etc. I'm sure this place did the same. FH, his dad and I all got the prime rib. I had a beautiful piece and so did his dad. At one point I look over at FH's meal and wondered 'what the heck did he order?'. He had a giant piece of FAT! I ended up cutting mine in half and giving it to him. FH is not one to complain (fear the staff will spit in his food lol), so he tried to grin and bear his, but only to end up nauseous. Just thought in my mind that I may ask my hall - if it's not a good cut, please don't serve it to my guests. I can understand why someone would feel uncomfortable making a stink at their friend's wedding.

Next, the wedding was pretty far away, for the time of year and the bad weather, that was a little annoying. Not that we regret going, but once we got to the hotel it was another 30 minutes to the hall. In that weather, it wasn't so great and FFIL and FH (who did all the driving) were complaining a bit. The hotel had the word 'suites' in it's name - FYI, they put up a wall separating the mini-fridge area from the bed. Not exactly the jaccuzi 5 room luxury room my FMIL was expecting. Also - the shuttle only came back to the hotel at 12am and 1am! The shuttle only held 12 people at a time! Plus the cocktail hour started at 6, recep at 7 - you do the math... and that leads me to someting else...

Extended receptions/cocktail hours... we got to the cocktail hour at the end of it... and by the end of that mere one hour the food was starting to look, lets just say less than appetizing! The hour and a half cocktail hour was something we were considering at one point, but I'd rather the matre D just bring us some food right after the pics or something. It really is too long.

As for the 5 or 6 hour receptions... after the cake was served the party was 'over'. Even though the dj was still trying to keep it 'kicking' after 11pm (4 hours after the reception had started) people were ready to say 'congrats and good night!'. We didn't opt for the shuttle, but I felt for any out of towners without a car who had to rely on that. 12/1am is a bit much to wait for a ride.

Just thought I'd share... lots of times I read about people looking for ways to get the maximum amount of memories and fun, but are on tight budgets. I just thought that it was worth sharing the realities of some of the 'extras' that'll just cost you money, but no one will really appreciate in the end. I know as brides we want to keep the party going all night - my recommendation - get a REAL suite and 'party' with your new hubby, your guests are happy for you, but want to go to bed!

In other news...
On a VERY good note - I've posted on here that in attendance at this wedding would be my FH's childhood friend's wife who said some BS to my FFIL a few months back about hooking up my FH with one of her friends b/c she had gotten wind that we had an arguement, despite the fact that we were completely on the mend.

Well, she was there last night and FMIL wanted me to be fake to her and just look past it. Well, I'm SO glad I didn't. FFIL came to me and said that the girl really feels horrible about what she said, she was liquored up, thought things were worse than they were, etc. Point is she told him that she wanted to fix it and FFIL suggested she talk to me and tell me how she feels. She also approached FH and told him she really wanted to fix things with me and didn't mean it to be what it sounded like. He had wanted her to wait b/c he didn't feel it was a good forum in case things didn't go well (lots of faith in me this man has - like I'd start a fist fight or something??? MEOW). Anyway, she didn't listen to FH and she asked me if she could talk to me privately. We talked about what happened candidly, I told her exactly why it hurt me and she said that she'd hate her too, but she looked me dead in the eye and said that she was sorry. And maybe it's all BS, but she didn't have to fess up to it and try to mend anything, I gave her tons of cudos for being 'woman enough' to admit she was wrong. We hugged and my future in-laws and FH were proud of both of us. I feel so free now too - no more feeling awkward around her and I'd be delighted to see her new house and have her over my house as well. Sometimes being honest with your feelings is the best. Had I just sucked up and put a smile on my face - this would have lingered forever, but now I can finally put it to rest and she did learn her lesson too! Oh, my FFIL let her have a piece of his mind too, but that's a whole other story. One big happy family - once again!

Re: Went to a wedding this weekend

sounds very interesting...its amazing how much you notice at a wedding when you are planning or have planned your own. I thought all weddings were great until i started to realize what you can/should do.

Re: Went to a wedding this weekend

No one went for ice cream and 'sprinkles' huh? Oh well, the dance floor sounds really nice. I would have been the first at the ice cream cart, but I prefer ice cream over any other type of dessert. I guess when you are faced with all the other yummy stuff, no one is going to try everything.

Re: Went to a wedding this weekend

Wow, I'm so glad things went well with that girl! I know you were really concerned with how that would work out. You're right, you have to appreciate that she was 'woman enough' to talk to you about things and it sounds as though things will be so much more comfortable with you guys in the future.
As for the wedding, thanks for noticing the details. DH and I really wanted to extend our wedding, but when the time came to make the choice we realized that everyone was having such a great time, we almost wanted to go out on such a high note instead of trying to drag it out. We also saved alot of money!!!