Thursday, August 14, 2008

Purple wedding help (again)

I need your help again, and yes, it's still about stuff that is wedding-related and purple. But first, let me rant, because maybe it will make me less bitter.

Originally when we were making our invitations, we were going to print them at my office for free, using black ink. But the printers at my office that we could use for free weren't great quality, and the ink looked a little light on the cardstock. Then we decided we'd print at Torsten's office using the fancy printer there, with the added bonus that it was a color printer, so we could print in purple. But the printer couldn't handle cards that small, so with quality in mind, we decided to pony up the money to have the cards printed professionally. We used a great printer that Torsten has used a million times before for work--great prices, great quality.

Except not so much, this time. The first mistake was that they erroneously assumed that we wanted more cards printed than we did. The second mistake was that when we hadn't given them enough cards for the number they thought we wanted, instead of calling, they just printed them double sided, so that the RSVP card, which has to be sent back to us, was on the back of the information card, which the guests need to keep.

That was frustrating, but they were good about it, and ordered new cards from Paper Source after I sent them the link, and reprinted them immediately. Torsten picked them up the other day, and last night I sat down and started working on sorting and numbering the RSVP cards and putting return address labels on envelopes. Which was when I discovered the third mistake, which is that the ink on the invitations and the English insert cards is too light.

It looks great on the return address labels and on the German insert cards, but it looks like it was done on a printer that was about to run out of toner on the others. It's not terrible, and not worth the time it would take to order more cards and reprint, but it's frustrating because if we had wanted that quality of printing, we could have done it ourselves on a friend's crappy LaserJet.

And then I discovered the fourth mistake, which is that two sheets of the return address labels are totally smeared and completely unusable. This mistake is easily rectified because I discovered an extra pack of label sheets that we can just bring to them to reprint, but it means that Torsten will have to make an extra trip to the printer to drop them off and another to pick them up, which is not convenient at all.

ANYWAY. We sent an email to the printer tonight, detailing problems three and four and saying that since it's too late to reprint, we would please like a partial refund. Because the whole reason we paid for this was to have gorgeous invitations that looked absolutely perfect. Invitations that were printed in such perfect ink that the beautiful font that I spent ages choosing will really pop. And it doesn't. It looks fine, and most of the guests will never notice. But it doesn't look fabulous.

And the whole reason we're making our own invitations is because we wanted them to be fabulous. That's why we--and our friends--bothered spending the time punching holes in the pockets and putting cream-colored paper behind them for a polka-dot effect. That's why we bothered lining the envelopes with vellum even though it adds a tedious extra step to the whole process. Because we want our invitations to be fabulous, down to the very last detail.

Plus, we paid for fabulous. So we will see how they respond.

Actually, writing that all out did make me feel better. So now I can move on to the actual point of this post. I need you all to help me find wedding earrings. I'm looking for something that's purple, formal, and dramatic but not insane. My hair will be up, but loosely so and still curly, and there's the veil, so I don't want anything too over-the-top that will just mean that there's too much going on around my face. I've found a few options on Etsy, but I'm not sure anything is quite right.

1. I found these first:


They're really pretty, but my sister pointed out that they're a bit casual, and I think she might be right. Plus, it's hard to tell how big they are from the photo.

2. Then I found these:


But maybe too small? Or again, too casual? Something seems not quite right.

3. I like these:


But the wires are a little too funky for me, I think, and also maybe the beads wouldn't be formal enough in person?

4. These were even made "with a wedding in mind":


But was it MY wedding the artist had in mind? I just don't know. Which is why I need your help.

Do you like one of the above pairs? If so, which one? Or if not, do you have suggestions of earrings to buy instead? You all found me my shoes, and now I need you to work your magic again!

84 comments:

  1. I really like pair number 3. I think your problem is going to be that anything purple outside of amethyst will look casual. But #3 is the least casual.

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  2. I am TOTALLY NOT crazy about #2 at all. #4 looks cheap (sorry!). #1 I already gave you my reservations about (size?). Finally, #3 is cute, simple, elegant. Also your hair is curly and you're wearing a veil, so there's a lot "going on" around your head, which is why I like the simplicity of 3.

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  3. Ohhh, my vote is for number 4! A friend of mine makes her own jewelry and made something similar for all of her bridesmaides. Simple yet elegant!

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  4. I like number 3, too. Number 1 is very pretty, but I'm not sure how it will translate with wedding attire.

    I loathe pair #2. For everyday wear, they are fine. Most definitely not dressy enough for such a special occasion.

    Do they need to be super-dangly? I imagine you can find a nice teardrop pair that would suit both you and the occasion.

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  5. I really, really like number 3 the best. They seem the most formal and...elegant? to me. You know, the EXPERT ON ELEGANCE.

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  6. Check out this site:
    http://www.moniquesboutique.us/Earrings.html

    Everything is totally customizable and there are several different styles and shades of purple to choose from!

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  7. I don't know what your price range is but here are a few. There's a Ross Simons located in Tysons Corner mall, I think:

    http://www.ross-simons.com/products/257696.html

    http://www.ross-simons.com/products/267266.html

    http://www.ross-simons.com/products/239859.html

    http://www.ross-simons.com/products/299236.html

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  8. #3 is chic. Plus, I like the deep purple color. The others are pretty, but just not right, somehow.

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  9. Number three. I promise you, it isn't too funky, and it will never fall out, and it's delicate enough without being too simple. It has enough deco and is just all-around perfect.

    Where did you find them???? I require them to continue living.

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  10. I like #3 but yes, the beads may be too casual. I think #4 may be your safest bet--and they're really sweet and pretty.

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  11. Actually, I don't think any of those are quite right. But if those were my only choices, I would go with #1.

    I say keep looking. If I find any, I'll send you a link!

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  12. Or maybe T could buy you some real amethyst earrings as a wedding gift? ;) Just an idea ...

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  13. 1 and 3, I don't think 1 is too casual. I agree with another commenter that #4 looks cheap.

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  14. OK, so I'm not a great resource for jewelry. But, while we're on the subject of your purple wedding ... I thought of you the other day. Apparently, the fall line of nail polish colors have lots of options in PURPLE. And I was thinking maybe that was right up your alley for the wedding? Of course, I can't remember which brands, but I recall there were quite a few. So, it'd be worth checking out OPI and Essie and others. And if not for the wedding, certainly for other times in the next few months!

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  15. The thing about the ink = maddening.

    The third pair of earrings is my favorite. But I agree most with the commenters who suggested that Torsten buy you a pair of real amethyst earrings as a wedding present. That gives me little happy neck shivers, and also you could wear them on every anniversary.

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  16. I actually don't mind the first pair. I don't think they're too casual.

    Here is a link though:
    http://weddingjewelry.com.au/purple_jewelry-category-448.php

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  17. I love number 3. I think they look really elegant. The other ones are maybe just a tad too casual, especially numbers 1 and 2.

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  18. PAIR FOUR is IT!!!!

    They are so fancy- not overly purple with the clear beads there ... I JUST LOVE THEM!

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  19. I think paid #1 is way too big for a wedding and may look silly. I like #3, but they may be a bit too "modern"... I'll look around to see if I see anything that might work. I love work projects. or projects done during work...

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  20. Hmm, Jess I just don't think any of these options are special enough. I wonder about ordering off of Etsy for something like bridal wedding jewelry. Maybe beads aren't the way to go? I am not sure.

    I wore my mother's pearls at my wedding. I guess I just have the idea that the jewelry should be...real? I really think that Torsten should go pick out some amethysts for you. And you can wear them on your anniversary. That is a fabulous idea, Swistle.

    There are some gorgeous ones on this site under Amethyst - Artistic Expressions: http://www.jewelsforme.com/

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  21. I like the #3 and #4. I think 3 is different. 4 looks elegant. Good for you for complaining about the printing. Hopefully you'll get some money back!

    (I'm Britt btw, I started commenting willy nilly without introducing! Hi! I've been lurking. Now I'm commenting :) )

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  22. I like number one as long as they are not too long.. i love the color though :-)

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  23. How about something simple like this:
    http://www.target.com/Silver-Amethyst-Earrings/dp/B0019SSTS2/
    Or these: http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Amethyst-Filigree-Teardrop-Earrings/dp/B0015DXAWQ/
    Or these: http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Silver-Genuine-Amethyst-Earrings/dp/B000300Z1Q/
    Out of the ones you suggested I like #3 and #4 best.

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  24. Oh, I just love pair #1. I don't think they look informal at all. In fact, I think they will look so elegant against your dark hair and the white of your gown.

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  25. craziness about the invitations. I like the small beaded ones. I think smaller can be nicer for a wedding. the only ones i wasn't a fan of were the ones with the wires - that kind of design just might not match your dress.

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  26. Of all of these, I like #1 the best -- I may be biased, though, because I wore really similarly shaped earrings at my own wedding. They were really a pain to find (and I was dumb and waited until two weeks before the wedding to look), because it turns out that unless the color is really strong, or they are sparkly, they just blend into the background. I think this might be something that you need to try to find in person -- how do they *really* work, with your hair and veil?

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  27. To be honest, I'm not really digging any of them. I like pair 4, but they seem too. . . I dunno. Cheap? And pair 3 seems too out on the town-ish. If I were you, I'd keep looking, but if I had to choose one, I'd go with 4.

    Sorry not much help :(

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  28. I LOVE pair # 3! They are so beautiful, classy and elegant, I think. They'd be lovely.

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  29. I like #3 the best. I think they add the biggest purple punch.

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  30. that is INFURIATING about the printer. i hope they cough up some cash for you.

    i've had lovely experiences with Arbor Beading Company, who modified some earrings for me at my request. this one comes in purple, or i wonder if they'd make this one for you in purple?

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  31. Jess, what do you think of these? Click on the picture to make them bigger.

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  32. I went back and looked at the choices THREE times because I couldn't believe everyone liked #3. I guess I am the outsider here, and I think they look like a bunch of grapes.

    I'd vote for #4. With wedding earrings, I think you want something really simple. You don't want to take away from YOU. If you have big earrings, they will dominate photos. Your beautiful face should be the focus. I do agree that a real pair of amethysts would be awesome.

    So sorry to hear about the printer issue :( I sure hope they make it right for you.

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  33. I like number three... and personally I love how the wire looks.

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  34. I agree with some of the commenters above - I don't think any of those are your earrings yet! They don't look "wedding" enough.

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  35. My Favorite is actually #3. To me, they look the most formal. I think that maybe I just don't like the crystal/kind of homemade look of the other ones.

    Also, as many mistakes as those printers made, they should be giving you a full refund. There is no excuse for that all those errors and the poor quality.

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  36. Out of the 4- I vote #3. They look the most elegant. I've also emailed you some pics of other ones that you might like :)

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  37. I like number one. Subtle and elegant. :)

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  38. I really think #1 is pretty and simple. With all that is going on; the face, the veil, the hair you don't want anything too outlandish.
    Purple is one of my fav colors too, so I so enjoy reading about all the purple items in your wedding! :-)
    Paula

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  39. #1 Because they are a really pretty color, and the length is flattering as it will frame the face
    #3 Because they are simple, elegant, and yet unique.
    Let us know which one you choose!

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  40. I like three the best. I think they are FABULOUS. One would be my second choice.

    Pair 4? They look to me, like a preschooler made them, I'm afraid. Skip :)

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  41. Overstock has a ton of nice ones that are well under $100:

    http://www.overstock.com/search?keywords=AMETHYST+EARRINGS&taxonomy=sto4&sortOption=Lowest+Price

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  42. Number three is my favorite. BUT I think that number one may be dressier than you think. I think they're more dressy than a few of the others, actually, and they could be stunning.

    Have you looked for a pair of Swarovski crystal ones (similar to number 4), but with a slightly dressier clasp? I have a pair just like that that I wore as MOH in my best friend's wedding (she gave them to me) and they were similar, but SLIGHTLY dressier. I'll see if I can see who made them.

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  43. I really like #3 too. Numbers 2 and 4 look a little too casual to me. Good luck!

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  44. #3 is my favorite. Simple and eye-catching but not too dramatic and dangly.

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  45. I love #3.They are very elegant and look classy.

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  46. What a PITA regarding the printer!

    I've actually had a lot of luck with Amazon's jewelry. Sometimes those beaded earrings end up looking a lot more casual in person than they seem online (voice of experience on too many occasions).
    Not knowing your personal style, I think these are incredibly cool:
    http://www.amazon.com/Echo-of-the-Dreamer-Amethyst/dp/B00068TSDQ/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1218731616&sr=1-34

    But these may be more appropriate:
    http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Silver-Round-Amethyst-Earrings/dp/B000KPP5LE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1218731771&sr=1-2

    Will be anxious to see what you pick!

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  47. Ohh, these are pretty too:
    http://www.amazon.com/Ct-T-W-Genuine-Amethyst-Sterling-Earrings/dp/B000MUSZ2I/ref=sr_1_93?ie=UTF8&s=jewelry&qid=1218731942&sr=1-93

    I heart jewelry. :)

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  48. I think that all of them are too casual, but that might just be me. I like people's suggestions about getting amethyst earrings that you can wear after the wedding.

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  49. Honestly, I'm not a fan of any of them for the wedding. I think they are all really cute for everyday wear, but not your big day!

    I went to Macy's (unfortunately I'm not finding much online to show you) and was able to find some really elegant but not too flashy earrings and a bracelet. I went with Givenchy and if I remember correctly they had some crystaly type earrings that had a purple tint. You may want to check it out, and it wasn't too expensive.

    Sorry about all of the invitation drama. I know that must have been frustrating.

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  50. I love #1, I don't think they're too casual. I also like 3. Don't like 2 or 4 much.

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  51. http://www.bluenile.com/amethyst-pearl-earrings_5867?filter_id=0&nav1=gemstone_jewelry.asp&catid=190

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  52. OMG. LOVE these.

    http://www.bluenile.com/amethyst-diamond-earrings_7291?filter_id=0&nav1=gemstone_jewelry.asp&show_all_pages=0&catid=190&set_shape=

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  53. oops. Those were really pricey. Sorry.
    OK- I'll stop commenting now.

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  54. I think they are all a bit too casual. My wedding earrings were from the Nordstrom crystal collection and I LOVED them. They come in colors as well.

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  55. Sorry about the invitations. Hope that works out.

    I LOVE #3! The wire doo-dads. They are classy and unique. LOVE THEM.

    The others are really pretty too. I don't think you can go wrong here, to be honest.

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  56. I like fiona picklebottom and freckledk's suggest the best so far, though I think 3 is lovely. Not sure it's formal enough for a wedding, though it's certainly elegant.

    I guess this really depends on what level of formality this wedding is meant to have.

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  57. I really love #3 because they are so artistic and unique. :)

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  58. Number 3 - they are special, yet they don't attract too much attention.

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  59. I'm with Slynnro, now that I saw where my earrings are from. Nordstrom has a great crystal earring selection, and they aren't too pricey.

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  60. I like the third ones the best actually
    but if you are not feeling it?
    I would choose the first, or you could look at some amethyst earings, I love those.
    perhaps amethyst and pearls?
    maybe something like this?
    http://www.theprettypearlshop.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=37

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  61. #3. I have a similar pair with black beads at the end and love them. They easily dress up or down.

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  62. The invitations situation would make my head explode. I so get that you want it to be perfect. So frustrating. But they sound amazing, regardless.

    None of those earrings say wedding to me, I don't think.

    But I think these are the earrings I would wear, I just adore them.
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8867799

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  63. I like number four, myself. But here's another idea, if you guys are doing the traditional bride/groom gifts for each other: have Torsten spring for a nice, formal set of real amethyst earrings as his gift for you.

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  64. I only like #1, really. They're beautiful!!!! I don't think they're too long for a wedding at all, but it will come down to what they would look like with your dress. Hell, get them anyway - they're fabulous, and you can wear them later or something!

    I really don't like the other ones. They all look kind of not right for a wedding; too casual or crafty or something.

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  65. i like number 3 the best. #4 looks cheap (as already stated) but #3 is definitely the classiest :)

    i don't wear a lot of earrings often so i'm generally not good with this stuff :/

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  66. What about earrings like these;

    http://www.sobrietystones.com/Products/earrings/images_earrings/E70_gemstone_amethyst_bali_d.jpg
    http://chicinparis.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/709_madison_hj_04-small.jpg
    http://www.silver.uk.net/images/uploaded/9/10/normal_0658f7c819ca72784f9e160b1.jpeg

    When is your wedding again? A couple of months? I could totally make you some, if you like :)

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  67. I think they are all a bit on the casual side. I do however love the ametyst earrings they have on overstock.com
    http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Earrings/Amethyst,Gemstone,/gemstone,stone,/2353/cat.html
    Check em out!

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  68. I like number three. The purple pearls are classic and it is a cery modern feel to them.

    I think they will look great. Can't wiat to see what you picked out!

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  69. Of the four, I like #1 best. #2 and #4 look cheap to me too (sorry). I agree with the amethyst suggestion because a) it's your wedding day and b) I'm not a huge fan of fake jewelry worn for any formal event.

    A few possibilities for your consideration:

    Forzieri option

    Ridiculously expensive, but stunning H. Stern option that's just kind of fun to look at

    Expensive Barney's option that might be too light for your definition of purple

    Trish Becker long option
    I own a pair of her simple single briolette earrings in aquamarine and silver and adore them.

    Trish Becker Three Drop option

    Trish Becker w/ pearls option

    I'll keep looking.

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  70. I vote for #3.

    Beautiful, simple, gorgeous shade of purple.

    And because the creator gave the length measurement you can do a quick approximation of your hair with the veil on and measure down from the hole in your ear to see where the purple will be.

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  71. The only ones there that I like are #3, and I really do like those. Simple, classy, elegant.
    They are the only ones that don't look 'homemade' to me, and they give the most purple as well.
    I don't think you should be scared off by the wires. They'll look totally normal once you get them in, I think..

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  72. Another vote for #3. Are you going to post pics of your invitations? They sound really cool (even if they printer did f*ck up).

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  73. I thin kpair number three are REALLY pretty. But go with what feels good for you :)

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  74. that's so annoying with the invites, oy. it would drive me insane. glad you guys are making it work though.

    and i vote for #1. all of them are super cute but 1 is my fave. :)

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  75. #s 1 and 3 are my favorites :)

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  76. honestly, i like #4 the best....while they may look a lil cheesy close up, the crystal will capture the light really well in photos, and they look the most weddingy-y. well, those or the first ones. i'll keep my eyes peeled when i'm internet shopping for you :)

    also, apologies for the MIA ness. i've been reading, jsut nto commenting...but i'm back! big hugs for you! i can't believe it's getting so close!!!!

    (and the invitations will be FABULOUS.)

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  77. I love the third pair and think they would really elegant on your wedding day!

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  78. So I found these on etsy but Im not sure about them...just a thought

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  79. it would help if I added the link!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14171658

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  80. I love #1, hate #2 and like #3 and #4.
    Really do love #1. Do they look casual? :-S

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  81. WOW. Geez. You have a lot of comments. I am planning my wedding too and have been blogging it. It is hard to select which earrings I like best without seeing your dress. Sorry to hear about the headaches with the invitations. We are printing our own too and it went very smoothly. I was relieved. So far, we haven't hit any glitches which makes me think that our chances for some horrific event happening DURING the ceremony slightly increases. LOL I've blogged that too.

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  82. I believe you've already tallied the votes, but I'll tell you anyway that I like the third ones.

    Also, that sucks about your invitations. I've heard it said, though, that one thing goes wrong or gets screwed up at every wedding. Let's just hope that was your one thing, and everything will be beautiful and smooth sailing from here!

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