A very romantic, fairytale-esque time, TRUE TRUE…but let’s get real and down to the nitty gritty of planning the wedding.
I have to say that there are tons, I mean LOADS of experiences you have and while yes, some are stressful, there are so so many fun things you get to do! I have to admit, I actually thoroughly enjoyed my nine month planning experience. I was quite hands on with everything from choosing the flowers to the cake flavors to the menu for the reception. Even made a moss “B” for the front door of our venue.
And what a venue it was…Founders Hall in Roswell, Georgia. Folks, this place is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend it! There is a very elegant and romantic vibe seeping through every inch of the lovely antebellum style space. Tami, Tracy, and Emily {our wedding planners} were super fabulous and so helpful in making our wedding day so beautiful. We’re eternally grateful! www.roswellfoundershall.com/. We opted for the Package Deal with Founders which included the fabulous, talented Melodie from http://www.angelwingsphotography.com/ and our yummy food from http://www.talkofthetownatlanta.com/ and finally our delicious cake from http://sweetcarolinescakes.com/
Okay, so now, back to your fiancé during this pivotal time…didn’t think you’d get off that easy huh? Ladies, we all know men, right? It only takes one little football game, basketball game, baseball game, tennis match, golf tournament, roller derby, speed skating {heck, anything that is under the realm of a sporting event} to keep him preoccupied and absent from a few meetings with the florist and the like. Don’t worry at all about this and don’t take it personally one little bit…he’s protecting his manhood from all this girly stuff you’ve thrown at him! Good for him! Let it slide.
Let me give credit where credit is due though, I got very LUCKY with Dylan. He was a part of almost all of it. I’m talking things like accompanying me to meetings, giving his opinion, knowing when not to give an opinion, being supportive when the
Every guy is different just like every girl is…so that means each engagement and wedding planning experience will be different. It should be different and unique to you just as your relationship is. Don’t go down that road {that we as women often do} and compare your wedding planning experience to anyone else’s. It’s yours, so own it.
First off, get yourself organized. Get a planning book or make a binder for yourself. I used The Ultimate Wedding Planner and Organizer.
Another piece of valuable advice I can offer is to get a family member, sibling, bridesmaid, maid of honor, etc to help you with some of the duties. I was so blessed that my mama and daddy, sisters, bridesmaids and girlfriends were all very involved. You’ll need some help…you simply can’t do it all alone. Sometimes it’s easier to delegate responsibilities. Barnes and Noble also has wedding party responsibility cards that you can actually hand out to your attendants. I didn’t do this for fear that the wedding party would drop out like flies for being “micro-managed” so to speak. By all means though, use whatever is at your disposal and whatever works for you and your crew.
When planning your theme, tear out magazine pics you like and check out wedding websites. Make an Inspiration Board to be clear about your vision. One of the websites that my dear friend, Whitney introduce me to that I loved to peruse is http://www.stylemepretty.com/. Even video clips. Check it out! Another fave of mine is http://www.etsy.com/ for gifts and décor. There is a special wedding tab with tons of little unique items from cake toppers to cuff links. I got my dad’s gift from etsy…a beautiful handmade, engraved handkerchief.
When it comes to your bridal couture, pick two or three bridal shops and make appointments for fittings. Know your budget upfront and don’t try on a dress that exceeds that budget. No reason to. When you try them on, look in the mirror, twirl around, do a little dance, practice what the dress will look like on you when you move. Note: You will NOT be standing still during your wedding day so get a dress that accommodates walking down the isle and dancing. Before you go to your fittings, tear out dress photos that you like to give the salesclerk the idea of what dresses to pull for you. Vision baby, I’m talking vision!
The rest of the planning…settling on your venue, your color pallet, your flowers, the décor, etc. is a fun process so take a deep breath and let yourself enjoy it. Sure, you can’t have EVERYTHING you want on your wedding day, for one bc we all don’t have a million dollars to throw around. You can, however, take things and ideas you want and make them happen on a budget. You want a handmade wedding sign, paint your own. You want a special party favor, make it. You want that pair of Christian Louboutin's but know its not in the budget then go to http://www.myglassslipper.com/ and opt for the more affordable Badgley Mischka approach. {hint: that’s what I did}. Enlist a family member or bridesmaid to help with some of these tasks. My dear friend, Kim Kulavic, helped me pour candy corn into 150 mason jars and tie raffia bows. Bless her sweet heart! My sister Jenny helped me with the hotel welcome gift bags. So many others helped out in other great ways! Gotta give a shout out to my parents for everything as well…and I mean EVERYTHING…soooo supportive and involved in every way humanly possible!
Once you’ve made some decisions and the day quickly approaches, remember to take care of yourself. Get some exercise, read a good non-wedding related book/magazine, go on date nights with your fiancé, and by all means, GET SOME SLEEP. Nobody wants under eye circles on their big day. Eeeek.
The last piece of advice I’ll throw at ya…don’t forget to pre-pack all the items to take to your venue on your wedding day. Print it out!
- Marriage License {if the Groom or Best Man doesn’t take it}
- Your wedding dress, shoes , undergarments
- Groom’s ring
- Garter
- Honeymoon bags if jetting off straight from your wedding reception.
- Gifts for bridesmaids/family members {I did this at the bridesmaids luncheon but did save my dad’s gift until the wedding day as a thank you for walking me down the isle}
- Flip flops or comfy shoes to change into for the reception if desired.
- Makeup for touch-ups throughout the evening
- Deodorant and body spray/perfume…no one wants a smelly bride!
- Tissues or a handkerchief
- Breath mints or mouthwash
- By all means, remember your “Somethings…” Old, New, Borrowed, Blue and don’t forget the sixpence for your shoe!
With that, I'll bid you adieu and say GOOD LUCK!!! HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment