The to-do list just got smaller...

Soooo how much have I accomplished this past month....

I've booked the reception and the photographer.  Purchased, designed, printed , assembled, addressed and mailed the invitations.  As far as my big item to-do list goes I've complete a lot.  And the best part I have complete faith that I will not go over budget.  I have a clear idea of my wedding, the date and how I want the day to play out.

A rough timeline is as follows:

8am wake up, shower, relax and eat breakfast with my Bridesmaids
then
10:30(or maybe 11) start working on hair and then makeup
    (Now the real chaos will begin and this will become a blurrr)
2:30 - get dressed and start taking pictures
3:15 - leave for the ceremony
4:00 - ceremony starts
4:45-5:45 - pictures, pictures, PICTURES!!!!
6:15 reception begins
9:45-10pm start wrapping up for the night(maybe a post-wedding bowling bash at the hotel)

I know there is still a lot more to work out as far as the details are concerned but I'm not too worried because I know I will have time during the summer to knock out most of those.  But I'm soo soo excited about the process left before me because I know it's leading up to one of the most important and happiest days of my life.  I can't wait for my wedding day but by no means and I prepared for it at the moment.  I look forward to being married and growing closer with my fiancee and being happy.  I know he is the most wonderful person and that there is nothing that I can't do with him by my side.  I think many people get lost planing this day that has to epic and so over-the-top special that they forget what the day is about.  We are trying to keep it simple, yet fun.  I know that there is more to the day than just the wedding. It's the start of our lives together and a great way to celebrate our love for each other.  We are keeping our wedding small so that we see everyone and that it is special to us. I don't want to look back at my wedding day and wonder, "Did I see everyone that I invited?" "Did I spend time with all my guests?"  I want to know that I had a wonderful time with everyone that is coming and that I probably wouldn't change a think.

Well there is more to write later but for now....That's all folks!!

The plan upto now....

So I recently signed the contract for our wedding reception.  I didn't end up with our unique idea but I did find a venue that was budget friendly.  We've confirmed the church with his Dad and contacted the photographer.  We even went to Michael's and found a set of invitations that we like.

So now what is there left to do....
> decide on and order the Bridesmaids dresses (I can't choose between long or short)  
> finalize guest list, print and mail invitations
> meet the Caterer and the baker
> decide on the menu and the cake
> plan out the ceremony and reception (including decor)

Now to consider a theme:
How do I want to feel on my wedding day: elegant, comfortable, beautiful
How do I want my wedding to feel: intimate, romantic, elegant, fun

Ideas:
>candle lit ceremony and reception
>flowers, flowers, flowers
> Flowing curtains
> rectangular tables
> finger foods, small plates, family favorites
>dessert bar - cupcakes, cookies, candy bar
>photobooth
> lots of love in the room
   

The other things that need to get done that aren't in my control are the bridal shower, RSVPs, bachelor/bachelorette parties.
> some ideas that I have that I would love
     - alphabet shower
     - bowling bachelorette party
     - bridal party brunch

I'm confident that this wedding will be as I pictured it without breaking the bank. (Even if I have to DIY or cut corners)

inspiration from Pinterest

I love the table design here.  I'm sure my fiancee would tell me it's too much polka dots so I guess I'll have to hint at it for my Bridal Shower.




Vow Inspiration



Wedding Recpetion:  Simple yet beautiful



Signage to liven up the reception



I love this idea for a photo

If little kids planned weddings...

My 5 year old nephew was sitting next to me when I was looking up some ideas for my wedding and he kept making suggestions.  He told me the dresses should be blue and that they have to be long because the short one looks silly.  When I asked him if he wanted to plan my wedding, he said yes.  So I began asking him a few simple questions like what color should my wedding dress be? Where are we getting married? Will there be flowers?  What food will we serve?  What flavor is the cake?

He told me that my dress should be purple, that I'm getting married in the movie theater and yes there will be flowers. My other nephew volunteered to make sandwiches and french fries.  They haven't decided on the cake.

So that's all I have from the munchkins, they found the playdough and wii remotes so now they are otherwise occupied. TTFN

About 9 months to go....

So it's been a while since I last posted anything.  I've been very busy with my first full time teaching job.

Since I last posted I have designed my wedding invitations as well as priced the pieces that I need to complete my pocketfold invitations. I've narrowed down my bridesmaids dresses to two styles that will complement my sisters LBD with Emerald Green sash.  I realized the other day that my wedding will be approaching quickly.  I should have my reception deposit soon and then my to do list will be as follows:

Book Reception
Book Church
Book Photographer
Order, Assemble and Mail Invitations
Register for gifts
Find an apartment with my Fiancee
Bridal Shower
Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Cake
Flowers
Alterations (around August)

Looking at my to-do List there are some things that I wanted to focus on.  I've had a hard time trying to decide and describe what I would really like to do for my Bridal Shower as well as my bachelorette party.  The main rule that my fiancee and I decided upon for the "last night of freedom" as it is called is that there is no nakedness, nudity or strippers.  I think it's silly that I'm looking forward more to my bridal shower than I am the bachelorette party.  (I guess it's cause I'm not really a girl who takes in the night life) I want something simple yet classy.  I'm a fan of the 1950's and that style of fashion.  There is a dress at David's Bridal, that is similar to a dress that I like for my maids, that I would love to wear to my bridal shower (permitting it looks good on).


Bridal Shower:  I've considered many themes that I would enjoy and for some reason I though that I would have to plan it myself and just give it to someone to execute. ( I guess that is the teacher in me.) Martha Stewart has some wonderful ideas and my favorite is the Alphabet shower.  The Bridal shower is themed in the Brides name and the gifts all have a letter so that when displayed it spells out her name.  I love this idea because when I was trying to narrow down the theme of my wedding it realized it was a mixture of a color scheme and really all about us.

Wedding theme:  My wedding is going to be simple, romantic and fun.  It is all about me and my fiancee and the many things we enjoy together. The colors are mainly Emerald green, Ivory and Black with silver accents. While considering the theme I was also trying to design my ceremony and I found some images online from either Real Simple or Brides (most likely Brides.com) about things that I liked.  I love the hanging candles and while that might not work inside the church is does show the intimacy of the ceremony that I'm looking for.  I also love the isle and Bride's entrance in the black and white photo.  I asked my fiancee if it is possible to create this look at the church. He said maybe.

Well that's all I have for now.  Next time I'm going to post some wonderful DIY websites that I've found to create everything from logos to save the dates.  The best part... they are FREE!!!

responsibilities

So I was searching for bridal party responsibilties online and came accross two lists that I had to combine.  The girls list is from another blog (myotherhalf ) and the guys list came from an internet search (Bride and Groom) . 

Responsibilities: Maid of Honor

You are the bride’s right-hand woman and strongest ally through the entire process. You’ll be there to support her emotionally and to help her make decisions for the big day. Your responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with other bridesmaids
• Host bridal shower with help from bridesmaids
• Plan bachelorette party with help from bridesmaids
• Keep record of gifts received at various parties and showers
• Spread the word about the couple’s registries
• Hold onto the groom’s wedding band on wedding day before they exchange vows
• Hold bride’s bouquet during the ceremony
• Arrange bride’s train at appropriate points in the ceremony
• Bustle bride’s train after the ceremony
• Sign marriage license
• Make a toast at the reception
• Collect gift envelopes and keep them in a safe place
• Purchase wedding day attire (dress, accessories, shoes)

Responsibilities: Bridesmaid

As a bridesmaid, you’re considered an important person in the bride’s life. Just like the maid of honor, the bride also looks to you for suggestions and help. A bridesmaid’s responsibilities include:

• Help the maid of honor with bridal shower
• Help the maid of honor plan the bachelorette party
• Spread the word about the couple’s registries
• Assist with DIY projects (invitations, wedding favors, etc.)
• Help direct guests to their seats
• Purchase wedding day attire (dress, accessories, shoes)

The honor of being a part of the bridal party comes with a cost. It’s not cheap to be a bridesmaid, so you’ll need to be prepared for the financial responsibilities as well. Stay tuned for next month’s “What About the ‘Maid?” as we break down the costs of being in the bridal party.

Best Man

• Plan and host the bachelor party.
• Rent or purchase wedding attire that is the same as the groom's.
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Arrange for transportation to ceremony for self and groom.
• Arrange for transportation of the couple as well as self to the reception.
• Arrives with the groom at least 1 hour before the ceremony.
• Helps keep the groom calm.
• Supervises groomsmen and ushers.
• Holds bride's wedding ring if not being carried by the ring bearer.
• Escorts the Maid (Matron) of Honor during the recessional.
• Forwards payment to musicians and officiate from the groom.
• Stands to the right of the bride in the receiving line.
• Makes the first toast at the reception and reads congratulations telegrams.
• Dances when the music starts and asks other guests to dance.
• Transport newlyweds to the honeymoon suite or airport after the reception.
• Organize the return of any rented wedding attire for all men in the wedding.

Groomsmen and Ushers

• Purchase or rent wedding attire.
• Assist in planning and financing the bachelor party.
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Arrive dressed at least 1 hour before the wedding.
• Fold and distribute wedding programs.
• Ensure that all family members have corsages/boutonnières before being seated.
• Seat guests as follows:
  • Single females are escorted on the right.
  • Single males should walk along the left side.
  • Escort the female of a couple on the right with her date walking behind.
  • Guests of the bride are seated on the left.
  • Guests of the groom are seated on the right.
  • Leave first few rows unseated to accommodate family members.
  • Seat the mother of the groom.
  • Seat the mother of the bride.
  • Roll out the aisle runner.
• Light candelabras, as needed.
• Escort bridesmaids during the recessional.
• Check for any items left by guests at the ceremony site.
• Collect ceremony decorative items such as baskets, pew bows, and aisle runner.
• Dance when music starts and ask other guests to dance.
• Decorate the newlywed's car.

Wedding Frustrations

So my goal is to spend less than $10,000 on my wedding and still get as many parts of my dream wedding as I want.  But because of this recession it seems that my wedding may not happen at all.  Cost is a major part of any wedding and trying to save up enough to pay for everything is driving me crazy.  Every time I work out a plan it falls apart.  If things don't start looking up soon I may have to start cutting a lot out and sacrificing my original vision. Our guest list is as small as we can make it without making people mad or offending friends and family.  Part of me is trying to stay optimistic and the other part of me is trying to get real and decide what to do about our wedding.  Should we change venues, have a smaller wedding, do we cut the guest list again and hope we don't offend family, do we ask for help paying, do we push back the wedding or do we just elope and have a traditional wedding later when we can afford it.

I'm getting really frustrated with our parents and conversations we have over the wedding.  Everyone wants us to wait yet it hurts us to be apart.  We will get the look of shame if we are living together out of wed lock and if we live together odds are we won't save much for the wedding.  Anything extra I can save now is going to be squashed when I have to start paying back student loans.  Part of what is upsetting is that I'm being told to save for my wedding, save for an apartment, and consider pushing back my wedding but I have my wedding dress hanging in my closet because it was on sale so it was purchased. (and to be honest I'm fretting that I made that decision too soon)

I honestly don't know what to do and I'm not sure how much longer I can be optimistic about the wedding.  I can only sacrifice so much of my dream and my plan before it's not even my wedding.  And if I'm not getting what I want I don't even think I'd do it.   So it seems like the choices are push back the wedding, elope/locals only wedding or not get married.  And I don't want to do any of those.  Where is the fairy god mother to make my dreams come true.  All I can say is HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!