Comments on: The Slavery Of Choice

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:49:31 +0000

I have no idea how I stumbled on to your blog, but its just lovely! I love the post you have here, I’ve found myself in the same boat while planning our wedding. I found a photographer that I went crazy for and it was “almost too good to be true”… but after a lot of researched I found out, that they are just that good and I’m excited to get to have them for our wedding… now on to the MANY other tasks… fun! :)

Love the blog, keep writing!
Lauren
http://www.TeamGiles.com

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:03:32 +0000

This is by far my favorite wedding related post/article/piece of advice I've read, and trust me, I stalk a bunch of sites... I even forwarded it to my fiance because we both suffer from "the slavery of choice."

I realized, though, (and I think this is worth pointing out because of this blog's subject and readership) that what I agonize most over is finding the ABSOLUTE BEST deal/price. And honestly, I think that's just as destructive as agonizing over the perfect flowers or favors!

I bought an amazingly beautiful dress at a Brides Against Breast Cancer gown sale, and the tag said it would have retailed for $5000+. I googled when I got home and couldn't confirm this anywhere (I didn't find anything that disproved this either.), and I was sort of crushed. What if it wasn't really this incredible deal I thought it was? I had to practically slap (unintentional pun, but I'm liking it!) myself in the face to realize that I loved my dress whether I saved $4000, $50, or $10,000. It's so me and it was within my budget, so who cares about the rest?!

Thanks for knocking some sense into me once again!!!

By: Ariane

Ariane — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:53:03 +0000

Thanks for this post. I went to see a venue today that is a great price whose inside has a lot of potential . .. but I did not know if it was the super-duper, be-all and end-all of places. Reading what you have written, in particular the quote, gave me a push towards taking this place and making real, concrete plans.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:34:49 +0000

Yes.
Research, research, research. When people ask about the wedding, my fiance refers to my spreadsheets. It is disheartening because it seems this joyous occasion has turned into an exercise in organization-even though much of this was an effort to stay under budget, not a quest for perfection.

The choice dilemma has been extremely prevalent this week as my very talented fiance begins to work on our invitations. This post couldn’t have had better timing as a reminder to focus on the end result of this whole process – a happy and fulfilling marriage.

By: Jack and Cassie

Jack and Cassie — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:31:25 +0000

Thanks for this post. I am the queen of indecisiveness and it drives me and my fiance crazy. I'm pretty low-key when it comes to the wedding, but I'm always questioning my choices. Last night I had a nightmare that I was at my wedding and the photographer was acting funny and not taking pictures.

My photographer was the best choice for our price range and style. If we had more money, we may have a chosen another photographer but we don't. I made the most responsible decision. I should be happy with that, not fretting over it.

Thank you.

By: Vestirdeblanco

Vestirdeblanco — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:37:24 +0000

I partially agree with you. What we do is: we take a decission and then browse and browse until we find the version that fits our tiny budget. And as soon as we find it, we take it.
I will buy my dress from eBay, inspired by one I already love (first choice, as Guilty Secret) by a 10% of its price. He is going to rent the tuxedo, only buying the shoes and shirt. And 95% of our budget is the food and the drink we will offer to our guests. Which in Madrid means luckily we will be under 30000â‚Ź (45000$).

By: miss purple

miss purple — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:59:07 +0000

What an amazing quote. Thank you so much for sharing.

I think we often get caught up in searching for "the best" because, really, we're looking for what will make us look awesome in the eyes of all our guests.

Although I admit that that happiness of my guests is very important, I've stayed sane by remembering that a) it's our wedding and should reflect what WE are like, and b) our guests don't actually care about colors/flowers/dresses/invitations/you-name-it.
as much as I think they do.

And when in doubt, go with your gut.

By: invisiblyrose

invisiblyrose — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:30:26 +0000

i love this post!

we did it your way with a few more steps.

7. we argued with parents over our decision
8. we second guessed our decision because of our parents
9. we look back at our notes on #1 and we feel better

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:32:15 +0000

I *heart* your blog and your practical wisdom. It echoes my own sentiments and it's just so refreshing to read.

I will admit I drove myself nuts agonizing over all the little crap in the beginning; this place, that place, this photographer, that one, etc.. But once we chose our venue, I was determined to not spend so much energy deciding. Now we make choices based on our budget, choose two vendors that offer that service, talk with them and decide right away.

Altho I'm still 2nd guessing my dress, but oh well.

By: Spitfiregirl

Spitfiregirl — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:31:00 +0000

Our biggest decision has been over the caterer…primarily b/c it’s such a huge portion of our budget! I talked to about 10, but are tasting with 3. I’ll be SO happy when i don’t have to think about side salads!

For the photographer,event designer/florist and dj i’m completely going with my gut (and referrals of course). Plus i’m doing trade with the first 2 vendors to offset cost AND getting the best service possible!

Oh, and Meg…glad you like the Style Me Pretty website…i designed it! thanks for the positive feedback!