I currently have one piece of luggage that was handed down to me from my dad, who seems to have a gazillion pieces. It’s a Lark, which apparently isn’t even around any more, but when it was it was apparently a good brand. And you know what? It has definitely stood the test of time. I’ve HAD other pieces of luggage, but all of them at some point or another have succumbed to my travels and suffered from broken zippers, ripped fabric, or some other malfunction I can’t remember. Aside from breaking, they all had one thing in common: They were cheap.
Since FH and I are planning on going on a two week honeymoon overseas, I don’t think my lil’ 4-day max Lark is going to do the trick. Neither is FH’s current bag. So, on a recent trip to one of our registry stores, we decided to check out a few NICE (aka expensive) pieces of luggage that we could possibly register for. We have to buy them, so even if people don’t get them for us, we’ll still get a discount. If only I could register for clothes…
Tumi, a well-known luggage line, is top-notch when it comes to quality. While lots of stores carry it, Crate and Barrel recently came out with an exclusive line at a nice price. If you’re going to register for some high-price items and are in need of some new luggage, this is a good option.
Product: T-Tech by Tumi ®
Price: $244.95-$344.95
Details:
A world-class travel collection, designed exclusively for Crate and Barrel. High-performance black nylon luggage is durable and lightweight with storage to spare. Each piece is accented in bright red, from the zip pocket linings to the wheels on the rolling suitcases. Three rolling suitcases each feature exterior front zip pocket, top and side handles, extendable “teli-handle” and a double-zipper option for expansion on the way home. Rolling carry-on meets airline size requirements for a carry-on.
I got back from Miami (where the wedding is going to be) on Saturday, and feel like I’ve been in a wedding tornado!
While my 10 days down there was exhausting, it was also really rewarding. I’m relieved AND excited to finally have a date, venue, and everything else finally in place. Since my last post, I’ve made some planning progress. I’ve booked the photographer, finalized the wedding menu, sent out my save the dates (right in the nick of time!), bought my wedding dress and veil, completed my wedding website and registry, and started a whole slew of other things on my to-do list. Here’s what else I was able to accomplish in 10 days:
Decide on a color scheme
I actually got my inspiration from stamps I used on my Save the Dates. I also realized that strangely enough, my wedding website had the same colors. Since I’m having a Fall wedding with a sort of Renaissance/rustic Italian villa vibe (more on that later), I thought these colors would work perfectly.
Start thinking about table décor
This is a work in progress, but I’ve finally been able to figure out how I want the tables to look. One of the things I love about my venue is that they have these amazing farm tables instead of the round tables with linens on them that you see everywhere. Paired with a modern Phillipe Starck Bo chair, it’s a great mix between rustic and modern and I want to carry that over on the table settings as well.
Bo chair
I went to the local Anthropologie store for inspiration, and they were extremely helpful. A saleswoman was helping us with a few questions, and actually brought the creative director out to speak with us, who normally does the in-store displays. If you’re looking for some free help from an expert, try doing this in your local store! She actually gave us some great ideas, and who doesn’t love that store? I’d like to live in one of their catalogues.
Since I have a farm table at home, I am going to try and set up a “test” table so I can start to get an idea of what my ideas will look like together. I’ll post the results as soon as I finish!
Figure out the flower situation
I met with several florists when I was down in Miami, and of course I was shocked at the prices they gave me! There is no way I am spending thousands of dollars on flowers. Mostly because when looking through these florists’ portfolios, I wanted to gag. I HATE those tall centerpieces that everybody and their mother has at weddings and other events. To me they’re like the teased bangs of the 80′s. Gross.
I actually want my flowers to look natural, not like some superhuman creation that Edward Scissorhands could have made. Because of this, I’ve decided not to go with one florist for the event, and instead get my flowers from a wholesaler and hire a designer from there who can do simple arrangements (such as roses cut short…that’s it!). I want the flowers on tables to look like I did them myself (and that I have some skills. LOL). I *might* hire a florist to do flowers for the huppah and entry to the venue, but that’s it.
I still have lots to do (like finalize a cocktail hour band and dj, and find a reasonable hair and makeup person), but other than that, I would say I’ve planned 80% of my wedding in a week. Not bad!
Neighborhood: near Coconut Grove
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
View their website
Average Cost: $27,000
*Average cost for THIS venue, including tax and gratuity, is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list for a 6-hour reception on a Saturday night using the least expensive menu and bar options and renting your own table and chairs (since they’re not provided by the venue). They do not include transportation to/from the venue, or any optional fees such as tents or decorations such as flowers and table linens. Numbers are rounded up to the nearest hundred.
How it breaks down:
Facility Rental Fee: $12,500 for use of the property from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. for guests. Set-up and deliveries can start that day anywhere at 3, 4, or 5:15, depending on the location. Food: A licensed caterer must be used. Assume the going rate is anywhere between $50-$100/pp. Using the least expensive option, it would be $6,250. A $375 catering permit must also be obtained.
Bar: BYOB, so look for a caterer that doesn’t insist on providing the alcohol (ask them for bartenders and setups only). If you BYOB, you can assume a generous $20/pp cost for beer, wine, and liquor, plus up to $500 for servers. $3,000
Tax and Service: This will be unique to your chosen caterer, but plan for a 18% service charge and 9.25% sales tax on food, beverage, and any rented equipment. There is also a 7% tax on all facility rental fees.
Party On! Events can go until 1:00 a.m. for an additional $1,500/hour. Music is encouraged to be “lowered” past 11 p.m. since the museum is in a residential neighborhood.
What’s Included? Nada. Assume each table setup (tables and chairs with 8 people per table) will run you $75 each. So factor in another $1,200 for a wedding of 125 people. Keep in mind you also have to get linens, etc.
More Stats:
Space Type: Mostly Outside (Inner courtyard is covered, but the terraces and gardens are not). You can rent out the historic interior (basically, the museum part) for $2,500 for the first two hours, and $1,200 for each additional hour. You can tent the terrace in case of rain from $2,500-$4,000 depending on size and tent accessories.
Size: The inner courtyard can hold 100 people, and the outside (East Terrace) can accommodate up to 300 people.
Food Service Type: Your choice
Dressing Rooms Available: Brides have to use the restroom for a dressing room.
Elevator: N/A
Security Provided: No. Police officers are available for $100/hr.
Valet: No.
How Will Grandma Get There? The museum is a 5-minute drive from hotels in Coconut Grove and Brickell, and about 15 minutes (with traffic) to Miami Beach. Out-of-town guests can easily take cabs to these location.
The Report:
Vizcaya was built by industrialist James Deering, and he used the mansion as his winter home from 1916-1925. Deering wanted the house to mimic the look of an Italian Estate that had stood for 400 years…and it really does. The 50-acres that villa sits on are expansive and gorgeous, like something you would see in old-world Italy or France. The most beautiful thing about the house is that it sits right on the bay, and has an amazing stone terrace that looks out to it. Inside, there are over 70 rooms that are preserved with original furnishings (the majority of these rooms are roped off, and would be for your event as well.) The inner courtyard is covered, so if you are worried about rain you would have to tent the terrace.
Woman Getting Married Says:
Having grown up in Miami, I’m very familiar with just how spectacular this place is. It’s location on the bay is stunning, and I think it might be one of the most beautiful places in Miami, period. My two biggest issues are the price, and what happens if it rains. You’re paying almost $13,000 JUST for use of the property. You think for that price they could at least throw in some tables/chairs, right? Also, while the grounds really are gorgeous, if it rains you’re going to miss out on a lot of it. My advice if you want this place on a budget? Go low-key on the food and music. Instead of a DJ, just hire a local three-piece band (check the University of Miami). And for the food? Think Cuban and get a VERY inexpensive restaurant to cater some local favorites. Otherwise, you’re looking at a not-so budget friendly wedding.
I’m not even close to picking out a wedding cake, but that doesn’t stop me from looking at all the adorable wedding cake toppers on Etsy.com. I’ll have to wait to see what kind of cake/wedding style I end up of having, but these are some of my favorites, below.
Etsy Seller: MagicBeanBuyer; The Wedding Couple in Pink $43
As a newly engaged writer, I had a hard time finding the practical information I needed to plan my wedding. While the wedding books, magazines, and websites I read had pretty pictures, they seemed to just skim the surface when it came to providing helpful ways for me to create the wedding of my dreams. Now that I'm married, I hope this blog serves as a resource for all you other bride-to-be's, with unique ideas for wedding venues, wedding decorations, wedding dresses, and more!
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