Where's the logic?

papabear Posted: Oct 29, 2003 12:03 AM

Where's the logic?

I haven't had any attacks to my opinions lately so I figured I'd ask the following:

Given the many natural and unavoidable stresses that come with planning a wedding, why do brides feel it necessary to add to it by doing things that are already taken care of by some vendors.

Case in point: Placecards - doesn't the catering hall already supply these for free? I've seen various threads about special placecards - votives, piano themed, etc - while i understand the desire to be creative, doesn't this just put an added strain to ones wallet and psyche?

My fiance feels the same way I do and I wonder how many brides to be will get to the final stages of prep and realize that something as simple as placecards could have saved them money and piece of mind.

Not attacking peoples decisions and opinions - just wondering why people do this to themselves?

NYCHICK Posted: Oct 29, 2003 12:06 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

we do it becasue of the desire for perfection, as silly as it sounds. I consider myself to be a bit of a perfectionist, and control freak. If it is something as big as my wedding I will not feel good unless I take care of it myself.

Sunny Posted: Oct 29, 2003 12:10 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

Case in point: Placecards - doesn't the catering hall already supply these for free? I've seen various threads about special placecards - votives, piano themed, etc - while i understand the desire to be creative, doesn't this just put an added strain to ones wallet and psyche?

This is too funny- dh and I had a fight about these because he did not understand my need to buy them when the hall gave us some.

I did not want to have to write them out, and they were ugly!

wenndypoo Posted: Oct 29, 2003 01:33 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

I'm finding my self obsessing about things I'd never even imagine I'd remotely care about! STD's RD's, FG's, and of course, BM's ( ). I was considered the anti-bride, but I personally find myself so caught up in this whole wedding thing. I guess I've just kinda gotten swept along with the momentum. I think some of this is fed by the wedding business, saying how every last detail must be personalized and perfected. I think for some it is perfectionism and a control thing.

I agree it's/I'm out of control.
Sorry papabear, no arguement here!

kathleenmarie Posted: Oct 29, 2003 05:48 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

My feelings on the issue is, some places use ugly ones and the bride/groom wants them to match the theme, some places like mine doesn't use them at all. They walk the guests to the tables and use a seat chart that FI and I fill out ahead of time. He said we could use cards if we really wanted them, or they came free with the invitations, which would be the other reason, they came free with the invitations and they match! I personally feel that the way they do it is fine with me. To each there own. As long as it makes you happy! It's nice you and Your FI agree on so many issues!

jenny2penny Posted: Oct 29, 2003 08:19 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

You do have a point that 'they are provided' but I think it's preference. Will you be happy with the ones they provide? For a few extra bucks, I want to enjoy everything I look & my guests look at that day. I only get to once, throw a HUGE party, so I enjoy taking care of the finer details. I think people do notice. At my e-party, our guests noticed and commented on all the little things I did to make the day special, 'I thought of everything'. I enjoy crafts and making the day complete.

deedee Posted: Oct 29, 2003 09:25 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

It is true. We as brides pay such attention to detail. My mother keeps telling me that your guests come to your wedding for you, not to look at all of the little things. Don't get me wrong, I am the first one to want the most unique wedding and quite honestly I never knew I had such an imagination. But you really don't have to buy place cards pretty much all halls supply them. They also supply direction cards as well- but go figure, I'm guilty..I had them made to match the invites We are all crazy in some aspect of this planning process.

Misty Posted: Oct 29, 2003 10:13 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

Posted by papabear

'Case in point: Placecards - doesn't the catering hall already supply these for free? I've seen various threads about special placecards - votives, piano themed, etc - while i understand the desire to be creative, doesn't this just put an added strain to ones wallet and psyche?'

I agree, I think it's kind of a wasteful thing to do, and I used the halls placecards (same hall as yours, they are very nice) and had flowers on the table and rose petals, it was very pretty and elegant just like that, and didn't cost me a dime extra because the florist did it without a charge. I have been to weddings where they gave me soap with my name on it (everyone at the wedding had the same response...do we smell?), I have received a vase with a little flower that 10-15 people broke on the way into the reception, I have received a frame that doesn't fit a single picture I have, a little chair that has no friends....I could go on and on.

But, in any case, if a bride has a vision of what her day will look like, this may be a part of it. And, it's one of the cheaper ways to make an impression too!

Latina511 Posted: Oct 29, 2003 10:18 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

We thought we would be using the place cards from our hall. When they were given to us DH and I hated them and felt we needed to do something better. We didn't go all out creative. I think I spent $20 on place card holders and I printed the name and table # on business cards.

jennbaby Posted: Oct 29, 2003 10:20 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

I did candle place cards because when i saw Sonic Stef and Susans do them, I fell in love with the idea. It added so much to my wedding!

I also got numerous letters & calls after my wedding to tell me how beautiful of an idea it was and questions on how I did it.

I would do it a thousand times over again.

endlessluv429 Posted: Oct 29, 2003 10:33 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

I just ordered really nice autumn themed placecards yesterday--it wasn't stressful @ all!! It only cost about $60 and it was a nice way of incorporating my Autumn theme without going overboard-- my wedding is a year away and I have them already-I think that is plenty of time to write them out and to make it as stress-free as possible. I wanted mine to be different - not the usual ones that the place gives you--it's preference.

nrvbrd Posted: Oct 29, 2003 10:34 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

The answer to this question-

You want to set yourself apart from everyone else.

Jordan Posted: Oct 29, 2003 10:35 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

There isn't always logic in personal preference. Some people choose to stray from the cookie-cutter look and add their personality to the 'little things'. Nothing wrong with that...and nothing wrong with doing the norm - it's all personal preference.

shelzyp Posted: Oct 29, 2003 11:23 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

I made mine, since i wanted them to match the yellow and blue that i was using thru out the wedding. If I would have had to buy them, I probably would have used the ones form the hall.

Sage10.03 Posted: Oct 29, 2003 12:32 PM

Re: Where's the logic?

There was absolutely no added stess and minimal extra funds involved in making my place cards....and let me tell you, PEOPLE DO NOTICE THE DETAILS!!!! Anyone who thinks differently is mistaken.
Yes, they come to the wedding for you and FH....but details are not lost on your guests.

My MOH made mine for me and they were gorgeous and people did comment on them.....
She used a wine colored backing and then a cream card with their name printed on the front. Then punched a whole in the corner and used a ribbon to tie each to the bottle of wine I was giving them as their favor.
IT LOOKED AMAZING!

gertyrae Posted: Oct 30, 2003 12:44 AM

Re: Where's the logic?

I have to agree with Wendy, I was the anti-bride. I have no idea what happened, but I now stress over everything wedding related. I did decide to do my own placecards, just cuz I wanted them to match the whole wine theme we are doing.
Sorry, I too am guilty of over acheiving