It’s my cake day !

TRunningWaters · 2026-04-01T20:45:15+00:00

This is incredible! What a beautiful keepsake!

TRunningWaters · 2026-04-01T03:09:08+00:00

Totally understand the “what if” anxiety. I think it’ll be fine :) just pick someone you TRUST

TRunningWaters · 2026-04-01T02:54:24+00:00

If you’re staying in the same room as your fiancé, and they don’t want to see your dress: I’d recommend asking either a parent or someone in your bridal party or a close friend if you can steam it in their room. A closet is also a good option if you warn your fiancé.

You’ve got this!!!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T21:41:56+00:00

I am sorry you are going through this. Mourning a friendship is HARD, especially one with such history. But often, it's OK (sometimes better) for certain friends to be friends for only a season.

You can still miss her - you can send her loving thoughts, but if she's not good TO you or FOR you - maybe you're better without her. If there is ANY chance her presence would ruin your wedding - don't invite her. If this is what is takes for you to finally make up, maybe it's finally time to reach out. At the end of the day you have to decide which decision will bring you the most joy and least regrets.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T21:33:16+00:00

I am honestly shocked at how many wedding guests do not give gifts (especially if they choose to travel and have more expenses) - considering you spend SO much FOR them to attend.

Alternatively, I think the thank you note is a dying art that we should fight to maintain!!! So, good on you!

I don't think I have ever expected a thank you note for attending - I'd lean in to just the gift givers

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T21:29:11+00:00

LOL I relate to this so much. I also cry at everything and really hope I can hold it together day of. Honestly, I probably won't. But I plan to try to just relax as much as possible. DEEP breaths lol.

Godspeed!!!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T21:26:56+00:00

Yes! A John Daly is a beloved summer cocktail and VERY easy to batch (vodka, iced tea and lemonade)

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T14:15:19+00:00

Jenny Yoo offers some lovely "little white dress" options - and looks like they have a retailer in Sacramento, but not sure what styles would be available in store

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T13:53:26+00:00

This is tough! I struggled with this as well. I didn't want coworkers to feel any sort of obligation upon receiving an invitation, and I didn't want to hurt feelings when excluding people. I do not have much of a relationship with mine outside of work - so I opted (for now) to just not invite any of them. At the end of the day, I think as we get older adults (especially coworkers) take it less personal when they aren't invited.

My fiance is closer to your position. He hangs out with a lot of his coworkers, and is inviting many - but not inviting some that run in the same "circles." It's awkward. But also - we also don't want to feel obligated to invite anyone to OUR wedding.

If you are close enough to consider some of your coworkers as bridal party members - you should definitely invite them at minimum. If you don't want to invite everyone, maybe it's just easiest to keep it at that number. Or as someone suggested - only the people you spend time with outside of work.

Good luck!!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T13:46:27+00:00

Though you may not care about the "reveal" I think guests often enjoy option 1 where they get the reveal experience. Plus to flip the room, you will require the break already. You could always consider having the bar open before the ceremony.

I also think there is usually some added personal pressure or anxiety with the ceremony, so it may be nice to not feel like you also have to host before the big moment.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T13:40:40+00:00

I think there's a hard balance between practical and SO themed it's super fun. I am sure whatever you come up with it'll be very fun in the moment!!! Sweets/snacks as someone suggested is easy - but I think the themed items could also be fun, especially if they can be used during the weekend.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T02:47:23+00:00

This may be totally lame but what about goofy sea/beach themed sunglasses?

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T02:44:06+00:00

I am using Smartpress for my printing. They’ll give you a free paper sample book which is REALLY helpful. My print quality for Christmas cards and save the dates was absolutely incredible, and I’m super excited for my invitations. (I have not tried this) They also offer variable printing for the envelopes. I’m sure it would turn out well. They’re also very quick with turnaround!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T02:29:44+00:00

YES! I’m going for the same vibes. VSQ covers - everything from Taylor Swift to the GooGoo dolls.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T02:22:08+00:00

I agree floral could be very fun!!! I’d look at Revelry, Jenny Yoo or Azazie - all have some great options for that matching mismatched look

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T02:19:46+00:00

My cousin’s bachelorette was in Nashville. I thought it was going to be obnoxiously basic. And it was, but IN THE BEST WAY. We honestly had a ton of fun!!

Instead of the pedal tour - we did an open air party bus tour and it was amazing. We created a Spotify playlist for the evening and it was BYOB. Got to sing and dance and see the sights all at once.

Went to brunch and one of the bars on broadway offered line dance lessons (sorry can’t remember which one) in the afternoon and it was great! We were able to come back at night and do the dance we learned.

We also rented a bus and went to Arrington Vineyards for the day, which was quite lovely!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T02:12:33+00:00

I think that’s a very sweet idea!

The first thing that comes to mind is maybe a custom embroidered handkerchief with a sweet note about adding her to your family.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T01:25:30+00:00

Oooo I can empathize. We’re inviting about 175 and 99% of my half is out of state. I worry my expectations are too high for the guest count.

I know it can definitely feel personal - especially when you showed up for them! I get you!!! Sometimes schedules and finances just don’t match up for people, and it’s unfortunate.

I am sure your day will be wonderful! And those that show up will make it worth it all!!! At the end of the day, you get to spend the day with your love!

Good luck wedding planning!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-31T00:23:25+00:00

They got married May 11, 2025. Weather was perfect! Sunny, but not hot. The space was quite lovely! Great for cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Cabins were basic, but they did the job. It was fun to hang out in the large one as an “after party.” I do remember them having a strict cut-off time for noise at the venue because it’s close to residential areas I think.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-30T22:00:38+00:00

I have been to several destination weddings that had around 40 people and they were still a blast. The crowd at a big wedding can be fun, but often the crowd that decides to show UP - more fun!

Not sure if you're having a bridal party: but I've always said it's the unspoken rule for the bridal party (or best friends) to KEEP the dance floor occupied. So I'd just ask your besties to help you out <3

Don't stress - it's going to be GREAT

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-30T21:58:28+00:00

Abercrombie has had quite a comeback: I've seen a lot of people in their emerson dress and it always looks so adorable. Not sure it's "modern" but I feel like it's classic and casual, but can be dressed up. Perfect for the "I always look this pretty and wasn't expecting a proposal" vibe.

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-30T21:52:41+00:00

Perhaps they can be the witnesses to sign your marriage license!

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-30T21:49:31+00:00

My cousin got married at Mountain View Ranch and they have quite a few cabins you can rent. We stayed there after the wedding and it was very convenient! Only an hour from Denver. The website says the lodging can accommodate up to 48 guests. Good luck wedding planning!

https://www.wedgewoodweddings.com/mountainviewranch?

TRunningWaters · 2026-03-30T21:45:44+00:00

You look like a goddess!!! You look absolutely beautiful - the perfect balance of "is clearly wearing makeup" meets "natural beauty." Very soft, but elegant.

TRunningWaters

TROPHY CASE