Well, the best of the news is...i get a forever husband, and....a new yard! Bad news is...three months to go and i have sooo much to do and almost no money left, and im starting to freak out.
Im getting married on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 7:00 in my back yard with approx. 120 people. I am going to reserve a tent, but i really don't want to use one. The ceremony and reception in the same place. Ceremony..short..then party till like 11 or so. Colors are mult. shades of green/lime and light/bright blue with brown linens and accents.
We are going to come up with some kind of pole/grid and do a canopy of twinkle lights (heard it was easier to run a basketweave grid first with jute, then string the lights on the jute) and lights in all the trees. Then we are hanging some white lanterns from the canopy .
Then the candles begin. Candles hanging from trees, on the tables, a walkway, ect...other pops of color are with colored blue and green glass. We are getting married under a homemade bamboo canopy with amber candles hanging from the top and colums on the side with the same amber hurricanes on them.

We are only doing appatizers (some hearty) and beer and wine because of the late hour and signature (ish) drinks with green and blue punch. Instead of one big ol cake we are going to do 8 smaller cakes from an amish bakery.

So here is the freak out stuff:
Lighting....am i overdoing it? will all the twinkle lights and candlelight effect my pictures? I really really want a pro but i don't think i can afford a photographer..prob. end up asking a few friends. Oh, and i am really worried about people's children and all the candles...should i mention it somehow?

I know this is farfetched but i really wanted to have a few small bonfires around the yard but all i can think of is how smelly you and your clothes get...but i thought it would be cute to have areas with blankets on the ground with big hurricane candles on them next to small fire/candle/glass? pits.

Centerpieces..i have a ton of votives, globes, vases, ect...and a bunch of lime and blue flowers for candles and table bouquets. But i was thinking of floralytes...has anyone ever used them? i thought they may look really pretty in amber. what about coloring the water in the vases green or blue? any advice on that?

Speaking of tables...when do you reserve your rentals? i don't want to get 18 tables and only need 10.

whew.....!! i just looked at what i wrote and can tell how freaked im getting. I need to stop now and just concentrate on one small thing at a time. Thank you all for listening...lol...most of the time its happy...but everyonce in a while i feel like the crazy lady.

I really look forward to hearing what you think...I think maybe i just needed to unload all this from my brain for a while...lol....

thanks guys

i know how you feel right now!! im getting married may 31, and still have alot to cover! and like you said, no money!!
the candles and lighing sound amazing.i dont think its overdone.. i think all the candles and twinkle lights will set the mood for a romantic evening. im not sure if it will effect your pictures.. thats something you might want to talk to your photographer about. but, i dont think it should hurt them. they have really good cameras.lol.
as for the kids..you hope they know better.. but if not, its the parents responsibility.lol
good luck!

Hey,
I can completely understand your freakout. I love the ideas with candles, it will be so beautiful and romantic. I am not sure about the bonfires, I feel like you will need to post someone in case they get out of control, and the smell wont be pleasant. May I reccommend calling professional photographers. It costs no money to meet with them, and when you do, ask them or email them questions about candles. No one said you had to sign a contract. Ask what they do to prevent glare, and then just relay that to your friends and family members with cameras. Good luck!

I think the candles and lights will be romantic. I probably wouldn't do the bon fires. As for pictures..let your photographer deal with that.

It sounds fabolous. I would definately do the bon fires and candles but to be safe I would add fire extinquishers to your list to be safe!

If you plan on handing out programs just make a little note on the bottom in regards to the safety of fire and candles etc.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Candleligh...epts&id=466230
Here's a quick article on candles and photography - hope it helps!

I understand the freak out as well, I'm getting married 5/25. The floalytes are very nice I'm using them in my centerpieces as well as candles. I love the effect. Are you using fire bowls for the bonfires? That might be a little safer and you can always use them in the yard later and some of them have a grate like cover.Maybe a good flash on the camera will insure good lighting for the pictures. GOOD LUCK and congrats!!

thank you all so much for your encouragement and advice. I am a bit more calm now...that usually happens after a good freak out.
I am not worried about the lights, candles, pics, anymore...
and i am super excited about the colored water in the globes on the tables. LOVE LOVE LOVE the way they look.
Next big thing is invitations...i can't believe i let them slide this long but a decision will be made this week

oh...and i almost forgot...kinda freaked out that i never once worried about my dress b/c i know exactly which one i want from david's bridal...online only of course....and...they are sold out in my size.
i wrote them, but the only reply was keep checking back.
boo on that..but im staying hopefull