2009 June | 12k Wedding Blog

June 11, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Wedding Party

UPDATE:

After writing the first Steve Madden post, I was contacted today by two different Steve Madden representatives. One gentleman left a comment on the previous post and a woman left me a voicemail.

I called back the woman who’d left me a voicemail and explained my issues to her.

She was very gracious and offered to give me a full refund on the three pair of shoes and to waive the restocking fee given the circumstances.

She also admitted that their system is not perfect but listened very carefully to what I had to say. She said that they will actually go back to shipping in boxes instead of bags this winter and that they are exploring ways to improve their inventory system.

I didn’t mean to cause a big debacle when I wrote the first post, just wanted to express that just because there’s already a process in place, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t always room for improvement.

While I’m still not exactly sure how Steve Madden heard about my issue, this litte mention on Consumerist couldn’t have hurt.

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Technorati Tags: Anjelica, Complaint, consumerist, issue, Shoes, steve madden

Paint Color Samples DIY Project

June 11, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: DIY, Reception

I want to do a DIY project with paint sample cards from the hardware store.

Not because I have a project in mind. But because it would be an accomplishment.

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Technorati Tags: Color, Decor, DIY, paint

Wheat Grass Centerpiece Example

June 10, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Reception

Just saw this wheat grass centerpiece expample over at Weddingbee PRO.

I love the little flowers for a softer touch.

Source: Angel Swanson at Weddingbee PRO

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Technorati Tags: Centerpiece, Decor, Flowers, Reception, Wheat Grass

Steve Madden Anjelica Shoes – FAIL

June 9, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Wedding Party

Here’s How it Went Down.

I ordered 8 pair of the Anjelica shoe from Steve Madden. After successfully placing my order, I got an email a few days later saying that four of the pairs of shoes were not available and that the remaining 4 would be sent in separate shipments.

Let’s back up here for a minute.

First of all, why would they sell me shoes that they don’t have available?

Second of all, why are they sending 4 pair of shoes in separate shipments?

When the four pair of shoes all arrived (at different times mind you), instead of being in brown shipping boxes, the shoeboxes were shipped in plastic bags.

Yes that’s right, the same bags you would send clothing in. Now, how Steve Madden determined that these flimsy plastic bags would be sturdy enough to ship cardboard shoeboxes is beyond me.

Upon taking the shoeboxes out of the bags, you could really see how beat up the boxes were. They were falling apart to the point where I had to put two of them back together.

Here’s the kicker: one of the shoeboxes doesn’t even have a top.

When I buy a pair of shoes, I expect the box to have a top unless its off the clearance rack at DSW. And at that point, I’ve consented to buy the shoes without a box top.

So of the four pair of shoes I had in my posession, there were two size 10s and two size 7.5s. Between the time I ordered the shoes and the time they arrived, we discovered that neither of my girls who I ordered the 10 for would be able to fit them. I had ordered one of the 7.5s as an extra size because a few people were in between sizes.

So of four pair of shoes, we ended up being able to keep just 1.

I clicked to chat with a Steve Madden representative online to explain find out what I had to do return the remaining three pair. We’ll just call her Jane. She sent me a return authorization email, but said that I’d have to pay a $6.95 restocking fee per item.

Whoa whoa whoa. Why should I be penalized when Steve Madden misrepresented their available inventory online?

I explained my position to Jane but she just apologized and told me that’s the policy. I understand policies are put in place to serve a purpose, but I also understand that Steve Madden has a responsibility to show accurate inventory counts.

Jane also said that online inventory is only updated once per day.

Excuse me? Once per day?

How do you run an e-commerce site that I’m sure gets plenty of traffic every day on such antiquated practices?!

I thanked Jane for her time, but decided that I need to call and speak with a manager or supervisor to this thing straightened out.

So I called Steve Madden’s 800 number. Wouldn’t you know it – they have one of those stupid stupid stupid voice recognition phone systems. The little automated lady started talking to me and before she could get her first full sentence out, she interrupted herself with, “I’m sorry. I didn’t get that…”

I tried pressing 0 for an operator, but all I got was, “I’m sorry that’s not a valid option”

I hung up. I figured it was the best thing to do if I wanted to keep my sanity for the rest of the night.

And let me just say – this entire experience is even worse because I know it’s possible to offer a great experience as a shoe company. Companies like Zappos and Piperlime do it every day.

So here I am. I am still the not-so-proud owner of 3 pair of Steve Madden Anjelica shoes.

What do you all suggest I do to get my little situation resolved?

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Technorati Tags: Anjelica, Bridesmaids, customer service, shipping, Shoes, steve madden

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 76-101

June 8, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Behind the Scenes

If you missed the first 75, you can find them here:

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 1-25

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 26-50

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 51-75

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76.    Use silk flowers in your real bouquet to replace those blooms that you really want but are too expensive or difficult to get
77.    If you have a bar, nix the iced tea/punch offered by the caterer. Your guests can soft drinks from the bar instead
78.    Before you purchase anything online, use a site like retailmenot.com to find discount codes and promotional coupons
79.    Use Ball canning jars as vases. You can usually find a case of 12 for less than $10.
80.    Grow your own wheat grass to use for centerpieces or to hold the escort cards
81.    Use chalkboard paint and chalk to transform a piece of plywood into a seating chart
82.    For the groom and the groomsmen, most places will provide a free tux for the groom with 5 or 6 paid rentals.
83.    Use carnations. One of the most expensive flowers, carns look gorgeous when bunched together instead of just being added as an afterthought
84.    Use branches from your own yard to serve as the tree to hold escort cards
85.    Use a clothesline with clothespins to display your escort cards, especially if you’re planning an outdoor wedding
86.    Check sites like travelzoo.com for hotel deals to block rooms for your out of town guests
87.    For the cake, skip the intricate adornment work and instead opt for a plain cake with simple details that can be dressed
88.    Have your rehearsal dinner at a local eatery that’s special to you as a couple. It doesn’t need to be formal, so choose a limited menu within your price range
89.    Add your wedding and engagement rings to your current homeowners or renters insurance policy and get a multiple-policy discount
90.    Skip the videographer. Instead, have a family member document your day. It’ll be a lot less expensive (hopefully, free!) and a lot more meaningful
91.    Sew your own ring bearer pillow. Of course you can add your own style to it, but simple directions can be found at http://www.ehow.com/how_17555_make-pillow-ring.html
92.    If you absolutely must use a credit card to pay for your wedding, which I highly discourage, find a card with 0% interest or a cash back feature: http://moneycentral.msn.com/banking/services/creditcard.asp
93.    If you’re interested in using a live musician during the wedding ceremony, contact the Music School at your local University and offer the gig to a talented student
94.    Instead of providing a full open bar for your guests, choose a few signature drinks that will be available throughout the night. This will cut down on the variety and amount of liquor that the bartender will need to stock
95.    Skip the champagne toast. Instead, guests will naturally just toast with whatever they have in their glass at the time.
96.    Host wedding parties (bridal shower, bachelorette party etc.) at someone’s house rather than renting a separate space
97.    Have your wedding in a park or other natural space, where little to no extra décor is needed
98.    Use your bouquets or pew arrangements as reception décor, either a the cake table or head table.
99.    If you’re completely overwhelmed and have no idea where to start, hire a wedding planner. If you really research and find a good one, they will actually save you more money than you think with all their industry connections and insight.
100.    Find your flowers at local farmer’s markets. In Detroit, for instance, the Eastern Market is a great resource for a wide variety of inexpensive flowers
101.    Look for contests online to find giveaways on everything from dresses and shoes to airfare and spa services

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Technorati Tags: Bar, Decor, Flowers, Free Stuff, Discounts, Contests, list, rings, Wedding Party, Wheat Grass

Bridal Hair Style Possibilities

June 7, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: The Bride's Stuff

Everyone’s been asking me how I want to wear my hair for the wedding. Up until this point all I knew was that I wanted it down as opposed to an updo. After looking around the web though, I keep coming back to the same style with only slight variations. Loose curls – that is all.

Sanaa Lathan

Gabrielle Union

Viola Davis

Taraji Henson

Nia Long

Kerry Washington

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Technorati Tags: Bridal, Hair, hair style, hairstyle, Headpiece

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 51-75

June 3, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Behind the Scenes, DIY

If you missed the first 50, you can find them here:

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 1-25

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 26-50

——————————————————

51.   Search the internet for DIY videos done by other people. You can find them for everything from bouquet arrangements to cake baking. DIYnetwork.com is a good place to start
52.   Grow your own flowers for your wedding. If you start early enough, and grow flowers native to your region, you should have plenty to use in bouquets or centerpieces
53.   Use fruit as centerpieces. Apples, Oranges, Pears and Lemons have good color and are far less expensive than flowers. Plus, what your guests don’t take with them, you can donate to a local food bank
54.   Search etsy.com for handmade goods that are unique and customizable. Some items are just as expensive as mass made goods, but if you do a little digging you can find some good values
55.   Watch wedding related forums and message boards, especially those local to your area. People will often post about their good experiences with little-known vendors who offer a really good deal. Theknot.com and partypop.com are good places for this
56.   Stay on top of your budget. Keep all your contracts in one place so you know exactly where they are if you need to refer to them. Question every line item to be sure it’s something you should be paying for
57.   Keep a spreadsheet or use software to manage your budget. Know exactly how much you owe each vendor and exactly when that amount is due
58.   Sew your own garter
59.   Rather than pay someone you don’t know to officiate your wedding, ask someone close to you to become ordained. You can do so online without much trouble.
60.   Instead of hiring a and or a dj, enlist the help of a friend and use your iPod to keep the crowd entertained. Create your playlists beforehand and have your friend keep an eye on it.
61.   Plan your wedding yourself. Wedding planners are nice when you can afford them, but if you’re working with a tight budget, you can take on the role yourself.
62.   Be willing to compromise on the food you serve your guests. Lunch is always cheaper than dinner and buffets are generally cheaper than plated meals. Work with your caterer to find the best balance between your ideal situation and your budget
63.   Everyone wants whiter teeth for all the pictures they’ll be taking on their wedding day, but instead of splurging for zoom whitening, use a drugstore kit. It may take a little more effort, but the results should be comparable
64.   Find non-bridesmaid dresses for your bridesmaids. Just because they’re not labeled as such, doesn’t mean they can’t be worn as bridesmaid dresses. Shop department store websites, where they’ll usually have a decent amount of stock and in many different colors. And chances are if it doesn’t have the bridesmaid dress label, your girls will be more likely to wear it again.
65.   Ask only your closest friends to be your attendants. The more attendants you have, the more you’d spend should you choose to give them gifts.
66.   If your ceremony or reception venue are already very ornate or make a statement by themselves, go light on the décor. Years from now, no one will hardly remember what your centerpieces looked like
67.   Use address numbers from the hardware store for your table numbers
68.   Use saveoncrafts.com for DIY supplies
69.   Keep all your receipts for everything you buy. You may not use something and need to take it back. You’ll want to get back every penny you can for it.
70.   Shop Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving in brick and mortar stores for deals on things like craft supplies, dresses and shoes.
71.   Shop Cyber Monday the Monday after Thanksgiving online to find deals similar to those on Black Friday
72.   Take advantage of free shipping for anything you order online, even if it means you have to wait a little longer for it. Patience is a virtue
73.   If you have a vintage feel to your wedding, visit antique stores and flea markets to find deals on décor. As a bonus, you can use the pieces in your home after the wedding.
74.   Use a site like bagborroworsteal.com to find jewelry and other accessories for your wedding day that you might not be able to afford otherwise.
75.   Use a wholesale club like Sam’s Club or Costco to purchase flowers for your DIY bouquets and centerpieces

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Technorati Tags: Bridal, Candleholders, Candles, Detroit, Florist, Flowers, fonts, Hair, hairpiece, Headpiece, Invitations, letterpress, Makeup, postcard, Save the Dates, Shoes, veil, vendors, Wedding

IKEA Fun Finds

June 1, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Reception

This money saving post is brought to you by the common sense that I should’ve been using all along.

I loves me some IKEA – especially the Market Hall, where you can find all kind of stuff for your home, both practical and decorative. On a recent trip to the big blue monster, I took my camera and found a couple items that could easily be repurposed for wedding decor.

There were plenty of candles to choose from, but I was partial to these because they were unscented and not tapers.

All of the smallish containers pictured can be used to hold flower buds or candles, despite their common descriptions (i.e. toothbrush holder).

When I saw the boxes, I kept thinking of a vessel for cards. I mean you could always go with the white lacy mailbox/basket contraption…if that’s your sort of thing. But if it’s not, and you like something a little more modern and a little less unnecessarily frilly, you might like one of these numbers. And they come in a bunch of different colors and fabrics.

So enjoy the gallery and let us all in on your dirty little repurposing secrets. Because I’m sure I wasn’t the only one eyeing that toothbrush holder as a bud vase.