Why oh why is it so hard to say no? This morning I had the distinct displeasure of telling my florist that I want her services for the ceremony only (a friend of my sister's is doing the reception centerpieces). This has been the plan all along, but the professional florist had built a quote around including an arrangement for the sign-in table, the head table, and blooms for the cake. When her final quote came in on Friday morning, it was shocking. I had a general idea beforehand, but once she added in her delivery fees and sales tax, it was way too expensive. I talked with R, and he agreed. So this morning, before taking the final payment to her, I had to break the news that we didn't want those things. Wow, she sure did lay on the guilt... Nice and thick! She responded with comments like, "So you really don't want to make your guests feel welcomed when they arrive at the reception"- that sort of thing.
She had to cut our conversation short and call me back a few times, so I had to reiterate my wishes and not succumb to the pressure more than once. It was brutal. I had butterflies in my stomach and felt like crap all morning. Finally she seemed to accept what I was telling her and tallied up my new total... but then told me to "bring cash" for my payment. What?? I felt like I was part of a drug deal or something! It didn't leave me with a good feeling. As it turned out, we gave her a check for the balance due... Which is exactly what my budget bridal book says not to do (it instructs, "always pay for wedding purchases via credit card"- that way if there are any disputes, the purchaser is protected). So now I have to wonder, is this florist planning to do a mediocre job? Or renege on the contract, out of spite because I wanted to reduce the tab? I sure hope not. In this day and age (with internet word-of-mouth, facebook, yelp, etc) I doubt any vendor would risk their livelihood out of spite, but it gives me the chills nonetheless!
My morning went from bad to worse when R told me that E wanted to speak with me about getting a sweater to wear over her gown. Firstly, let me say that I'm thrilled that everyone is communicating again. As I knew he would, R got over the fact that E left UCLA early. E has been part of our wedding plans again for the past month or two... And I knew she wanted to get some sort of cover-up. But suddenly this morning, it became my responsibility. At first, I called her and told her we could go look for something together. I appreciate that she wanted my opinion and didn't simply go purchase something on her own. But soon I just felt overwhelmed... I have so much to do, with so few days to do it in, and the last thing I felt like doing was going on a shopping trip. I immediately got on the internet and began hunting.
Although it wouldn't be the end of the world, I don't want E wearing a sweater if none of the other bridesmaids are... So it became necessary to find something suitable for everyone. What to choose? A faux fur wrap? Those tend not to cover the collarbone, so I knew E wouldn't be happy with that. A pashmina shawl? Not enough time for shipping, and besides, what color? Finally I found a somewhat pricey heather gray sweater at Macys. The color will match the silver shoes the bridesmaids are wearing, and the style (cropped, with 3/4 sleeves and a ruffle detail) should go with their dresses. I added them to my shopping cart, selected expedited shipping, and threw two purses for me in the cart for good measure. I guess I was feeling sorry for myself. It was a lot of work finding something! On a positive note, I no longer have to come up with attendant gifts for them. I just wish I had taken care of it sooner... I was already not feeling fabulous, and it further sucked the energy out of me. There is just too much left to do before next weekend, and I work most of the week preceding my wedding day. Luckily, I do have one day off before the big day... I'm going to need it!
The rest of my day was spent heading over to the nearest Sephora store with R. Last week we talked about going together, but today he seemed to have selective amnesia. Finally I convinced him to go (he needed a few things from a men's line that they sell). I didn't want to do it alone, but maybe I should have... No sooner had we arrived and a sales associate was applying makeup to my face when he began pointing at his watch. So I allowed myself to be suckered into buying the $60 foundation the associate was applying, and randomly grabbed assorted other products, and that was it. I felt pressured... I wanted time to find and try just the right makeup products for next Saturday. I can't blame R, though. Tonight is his Bachelor Party, so he needed to get home. When we finally got home, he had just enough time to get ready, and then he was gone. He did say to me, "I'd rather be spending the evening with you." Awww, that's sweet :-) and I believe it, too!
Tomorrow is our rehearsal. Our photographer will be joining us to take some pictures, so that's cool. We didn't do an engagement session, so we haven't had the chance to get to know him very well. I think tomorrow will be great! I'd like to have a wedding-day itinerary and the shot list ready for him tomorrow, but I don't feel up to working on it right now. Instead I think I'll do some laundry and go to bed! I have no idea when R is due home. I'm sure it won't be too late, but I don't want to wait up. I feel weary, and a good night's sleep should do wonders.
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