Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Wedding Planning - My Thoughts

So...I had no idea went into a wedding until I had to plan one on my own. Absolutely no idea. From an outsider's point of view, it looks easy. Pick a church, pick a reception hall, select your favorite foods, find the perfect dress, and you're done, right?? No. Soooooo wrong.

Things you don't think about:
How are you going to find the addresses for all your guests?
What veil will you wear? Shoes? Makeup? Jewelry?
And what about your bridesmaids? Their dresses, jewelry, hair, shoes.
How about the vows...your own or the traditional?
There's the photographer, caterer, videographer, pastor, baker. Don't forget about the selection process, meetings, decision making, contracts to fill out, checks to write, and schedules for all of them.
Where are your wedding bands coming from, and what will they look like?
What scripture verses do you want to use?
What order will people walk down the aisle, and to what music?
What are your flowers going to be and where are you getting them? And don't forget...you need them for pews, the altar, bouquets, corsages, centerpieces, and miscellaneous other things.
Don't forget gifts for the following people: bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, any other people who help with the wedding, and friends who throw you showers.
Speaking of showers, when are they going to be? Don't forget to make your guest list and give the shower planner all the addresses. And be prepared to write about 20 thank you notes soon after.
You need to reserve hotels for all your guests and find your own for your wedding night.
The honeymoon is obviously important...so it needs planned and reserved, and plane tickets need bought.
Pick your food for the reception, select a dj, and give him all the songs you want played.

Oh my goodness the list goes on and on. I could write for four more hours.

So I want to take this opportunity to apologize to all my friends who have gotten married before me and I've shown little compassion for their wedding planning process. I had no idea. And I want to now tell you that if I'd known, I would have offered to help more. :)

And also, this is not a plea for help. I have many friends offering their hands, and it is MUCH appreciated. Thanks so much. You are all a blessing.

Don't get me wrong...planning a wedding is fun. It really is. But it's also a full-time job on top of your regular full-time job. I'm just looking forward to less than 3 months from now when I'll be a married woman and down to just 40 hours/week. :)

For ideas on planning a wedding, check out the following sites:
www.theknot.com
www.brides.com
www.weddingchannel.com

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