The wedding. Yes, the wedding. It was totally hectic and I was rather nervous. I was so exhausted I couldn't put together my thoughts about it...until now. Got a snippy e-mail from the bride. Sigh. So here goes:
Things I did well: I was on time with everything. I stayed for the wedding, set up and took down things at the church with VERY little time in between (she got married at this church that had like four weddings that day, less than an hour between each), I did a beautiful job on the bouquets, etc. etc.
Things that did not go well: I made this rose sphere (that she wanted) for the flower girl that fell apart (from the oasis foam). That was bad news. Then, she wanted these centerpieces on three foot tall vases. They became rather top-heavy when the centerpiece was put on it. One of the vases broke--I had only ordered twelve and she had twelve tables. Therefore, I had no choice but to put one of the centerpieces in a different vase (this was while I was setting up for the reception). Also, I had trouble with the lilies opening (it's interesting, because the following day, I had an abundance of open lilies--dag nabbit!) so I improvised as best I could (which is what most florists do anyway if something goes wrong--it stipulates that in the contract). I had this fear of the centerpieces toppling over during the dinner. She did not mention this in her e-mail, but she may just be trying to be nice. Who knows.
To me, it was a learning experience, you know? I won't do those three foot tall centerpieces anymore. I can say with honesty that it doesn't work well. And I can also honestly suggest fake flowers for a rose sphere OR an alternative for the flower girl.
My mother has suggested I do flowers for funerals instead. I kinda think that's a good alternative given that brides are unbelievably demanding and people don't really pay attention to the flowers at funerals.
The thing is, the florist for the wedding afterwards just simply dropped the flowers off in the vestibule and went on his or her merry way. I was there, supportive and made sure everyone had their flowers. Sigh. But that doesn't mean a hill of beans, does it. Whateva. I'll get over it after a cigarette and a glass of wine tonight.
I took very few pictures. I'm so upset over the experience that I don't even know if I want to post them. Again, I'll chalk it up to learning. Sorry this is so lengthy.
Between the break-in, the wedding and now the birth mother, I have been rather emotionally overwhelmed and have fallen off my wagon of getting myself together--financially, physically, mentally. It's going to take some time for me to get back up and running again. I think I may get that prescription for the antidepressant filled 
I need a little help right now.
So I'll talk about it...finally
April 15th, 2008 at 05:01 pm
April 15th, 2008 at 05:29 pm 1208280553
On feeling overwhelmed with all that's going on...I'll mention here again a place I've found very helpful. I don't always do all the suggested missions but flylady.net has proved very helpful to me the last few years. It might work for you as well.
April 15th, 2008 at 05:33 pm 1208280811
The thing that kills me is that if she knew the amount of work I put into doing those flowers, maybe she'd understand. I had three nights where I barely slept and worked to the bone.
Thanks for the smilie face. It's good to know I can lay my embarassing business on the table and not be judged for it.
April 15th, 2008 at 05:45 pm 1208281544
Post the pictures, I bet the flowers were lovely!
(How old was the flower girl? maybe she shook the sphere!)
I do notice flowers at a funeral!...but, the feeling is different than in a wedding...a lot of brides think if the wedding is not "perfect", then the marriage won't be...
April 15th, 2008 at 06:09 pm 1208282992
April 15th, 2008 at 06:36 pm 1208284604
I had no wedding attendendants (no bridesmaids) and had the flower budget used for corsage/bouquets for all the important female family members. Each item was labelled with the person's name. But somehow not all the items got to the right person. Oh well, I didn't get any dirty stares from the ladies left out.
April 15th, 2008 at 08:22 pm 1208290967
Get back in the right frame of mind and things will look a lot better. Things are not as bad ad they seem and we all stumble. It's what we do after we stumble that matters.
April 15th, 2008 at 09:37 pm 1208295466
So A, go gently with yourself. You did your very best. You poured your heart and soul and body into this celebration, to the point of physically depleting yourself. I'm sure at some level, the bride feels this. In any event, your tremendous energetic gift added immensely to her special day.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:19 pm 1208297998
My husband did get into the weddings and the pay in insane (Wedding vidoes). BUT the brides tend to be insnae too. LOL. Likewise, he tries to steer clear. He'll do them, but it is really a high stress industry. You are expected to be perfect. & I know my dh has no desire to turn it into a permanent business likewise. More like occasionally for friends. & then he doesn't charge them much so they can't complain.
Well, hang in there.
May 9th, 2008 at 07:07 am 1210316859