I'd like to buy or make a lot of stuff for use in the wedding ceremony/reception that isn't designated as wedding stuff or from a wedding vendor... I figure it will be a lot cheaper that way.  

So I'm starting a list of things I think I can/want to do that way and ideas on what to get and how to get it... Any suggestions would be great.

Things to buy as regular items... not wedding items:

*Bridesmaid dresses

*Flower girl dresses

*Shoes and accessories

*Candles and candle holders

*Disposable cameras

*Flowers

*Stationary / cards / invitations

*Guest book pen

*Cake(?)

*Favors(?)

Things to get my craft on with:

* Flower girl basket

*Ring bearer pillow

*Centerpieces and bouquets

*Guest book (or other guest-signing item)

*Album or scrapbook

*Cake topper(?)

*Decorations

*Favors (?)


Less expensive services & rented items:

*Limo = funeral home? 

*Catering = buffet from a restaurant

*Photographer = friend

*Music/DJ = friend

*Officiant = notary friend 

*Makeup = makeup counter at a department store

*Hair = one of Steve's hairdresser relatives

*Bartender = someone from the Kerryman if possible

*Liquor = buy our own if possible

*After part (maybe reception if I can't find anything) = Kerryman


Places to remember to shop for stuff:

*Target (duh)
*Walmart
*K-Mart
*Big Lots!
*Steinmart
*TJ Maxx
*Goody's (apparently they have formal wear!!!)
*Sams
*A farm? - apparently you can get flowers there!


I'm not all that worried about the details - I know I can make those happen.  I just can't wait until Steve gets back so we can go to Longwood and scope out venues.  I'm getting a little freaked that I have NO FREAKIN' IDEA where we can even have the ceremony and the reception.  I don't want to have the ceremony in a church.  I don't want to do anything outdoors.  I want to stear clear of hotels and country clubs unless they let you do some key things yourself / with other vendors (i.e. outside catering). Plus we need a place with at least a capacity of like 150?-200ish. 

When Steve returns we're going to do a meeting of the parents and us in Longwood.  So I should be able to make more headway after that.