Plan A Wedding: All the ways Pinterest is wrong

Who relies on Pinterest to plan their weddings?  I use it to not only get ideas, but also to determine my to-buy list.  While planning my wedding and talking to friends, I found one consistent trend.  Some things on Pinterest are obviously over the top and unlikely to happen.  Such as fireworks as you are leaving the reception.  However, other things seem like prevalent wedding trends but in reality no one I spoke with had these.  So save yourself some money and do not feel like you need these things (unless you really want it).

The Bride/Groom Chair Sign

How often do you see those signs on Pinterest for the bride and groom?  These are beautifully ornate or just simple signs.  Even when it looks like the bride and groom chair did not face the guests, these signs are present.  

Yet almost every wedding I've been to there have not been signs!  Maybe a different sash or some streamers added to the family and wedding party.  But no signs for the bride and groom.  Why?  Because they are not necessary!  Everyone at the wedding should know who the bride and grooms are!  We hope.  So save yourself some money and headaches, just skip this step.

The Place Card Stand

Such a beautiful idea, but if they do not also serve as a favor.  Guess what happens to them.  They are thrown out!  So you just spent about $1 per person for an item that is just thrown out.  Of course you can also make it yourself, because brides usually have a lot of time on their hand to make stands.

Place Card in General
Why does it have to be separate place card for each guest that just gets thrown away as soon as they are at their table?  Instead, do what we are considering.  Invest in a large frame (that you'll likely use) and list people's name and table.  Still put their name in alphabetical order instead of by table.  Easier for guests to find their name!

Cheap Bridesmaid Dress Sites

You can get some great ideas for bridesmaid dresses, but be cautious of the "cheap" sites.  You want to trust these sites because so many have pinned the dress.  But so few have actually bought from these sites.  Do your own research, every time!

What frustrates you about Pinterest Weddings?

Why I went to my graduation commencement...

I knew I was going to be bored and my cellphone wouldn't make it. So why did I go to my Master's graduation commencement?  I have been through it before in undergraduate.
No one made me, not C or my parents. Let's get that excuse out of the way.

It was for myself.  This chapter of my life took 2 years and 7 months, which is a very long time.  It was not always enjoyable, more often I was mentally exhausted.  I was so happy to be done with school in the end.  I even started working before today.  So this academic chapter of my life should have closed.  However, I did not feel like a Master's gradate until today.  Even though my name was not called, I did get to walk onto the stage and at that moment it truly registered for me.  I am hold a Master's Degree!  It made me feel SO much smarter.

Honestly, I do not regret the 2 hours I spent sitting there.  It was great hearing my friends who had gotten their PhD's.  Though in the end, I did sneak out a little early because my family had commitments.  I am glad I walked!!!!

2 people, 1 bathroom - How to Survive

So one of my friends will be having a house guest next week for a couple weeks, but his place is sadly not a house.  Instead he lives in an one bathroom apartment.  So he jokingly asked me: how will I survive?  Here's what I told him...

• Don't tempt fate: if you are leaving a place and think you can make it home before using the bathroom - Use The Bathroom!
• Shower when you agree: it's easier if one person showers at night and other in the morning.  Pick a time and stick to it.  Don't change it day-to-day.
• Ensure toothbrushes don't match: the situation gets bad when germs are passed between roommates through the toothbrush.
• Store everything: just like your mother said, designate a place for everything and put it back there.  I found this is especially true for a girl and guy living together.
• Power accordingly: be conscious of when you blow dry your hair in winter (or summer).  The bathroom and one or both bedroom might be on the same fuse in older houses, so having a blowdryer and fan/heater will lead to temporary power outage

In the end... Just Survive!