I did this back in October, but there’s been so much planning since then. Time to do it again.
A- Autumn-themed. Yes, I’m getting married in October and yes, I’m using fall colors, but that does not mean I want a fall-themed wedding. As a matter of fact, I don’t want an anything-themed wedding, but every time I get a wedding-related email from a wedding-related website it suggests I outfit my reception with leaves! and acorns! and haybales omigod no.
B- Band. In the end, we couldn’t swing it and will be going with a DJ. I’m OK with the decision. I think Michael is a little bummed about it, but unless anyone wants to donate a few grand to us we’re going with a DJ. The end.
C- Ceremony. As soon as the church is officially booked I need to start planning my ceremony. Will there be readings? Who will do them? Is there a unity candle? How will I decorate the pews? The packet says no receiving line at the church but if I ask pretty please with Jesus on top will you let me?
D- Dinner. I better get to eat some of it. For what we’re paying for all our guests to eat I’d really like to taste the food. I hear that often the bride and groom don’t really get to eat. Hi, do you know me? I like to eat.
E- Engagement. Six months in a few weeks. It’s going by so quickly!
F- Father/daughter dance. I still haven’t figured this one out. The song I had in mind is too fast and so many of the traditional ones kind of creep me out. I wanted to surprise my dad, but perhaps I should let him help pick it.
G- Groomsmen. Five to my seven girls. Which means two lucky lads get to walk with a lady on each arm. Ow, ow!
H- Hair. I think I’ve been very much NOT a Bridezilla throughout this whole processes. The only thing that may be considered a little bitchy is that I told my girls I don’t care how you do your hair, you just can’t wear it like mine. That’s not too bad, right?
I- Invitations. They’re being designed! I can’t wait to see how they turn out.
J- Jewelry. I am wearing a simple gold and diamond bracelet that belonged to my great-grandmother. I need to figure out the earrings.
K- Knowledge. I’ve been picking the brains of former brides for helpful hints and tips, must-dos and stuff not to worry about it. I even emailed my friend last night and asked about her undergarments! Luckily, she loves me and responded right away.
L- Love. Oh yeah, we got that covered.
M- Music. It is “suggested” that we use the organist in the church for our ceremony music. I’m not really sold on that idea since I have a specific song I want to walk down the aisle to and I have a feeling the organist doesn’t know any David Gray. So I’m looking into a string quartet or trio. I think it would be very pretty.
N- Need tissues. Feel it my be inappropriate to put inside bra. Will make bridesmaids carry in their bras instead.
O- Ocean. Cross your fingers it doesn’t rain because I really want pictures by the sea.
P- (Um, apparently I forgot ‘P’ my first time around. Interesting.)
Q- Questions left to answer. What time will the ceremony start? Will that leave enough time for outdoor pictures afterwards? I don’t really want to see Michael before the ceremony, but a lot of people recommended it. Should we?
R- Rehearsal dinner invitations. I think we need them, his mom thinks we don’t. Thoughts?
S- Shoes. I haven’t bought them yet but I’ll need them when I got for my dress alterations so I have to get a move on. I’ve thrown out the idea of colored shoes and decided to go the traditional white. But fabulous white, natch.
T- Transportation. We have a big bridal party so only the girls are going to have special transportation to and from the hotel, church and reception. I haven’t done enough research yet to make a decision, but Rhode Island has a super cute trolley that gets used for weddings and I might do that instead of a limo. Maybe. We’ll see.
U- Undergarments. I think my something blue will be blue undies. Cute, no?
V- Vacation. I could use one with all this planning. Thing is, I’m basically saving every penny so a vacation isn’t really an option
W- Wish list. aka, my registry. Um…I kind of want everything on it. Right now.
X- eXercise- Since I started I’ve lost a good amount of weight and toned up. But I still can’t banish that pesky under-arm flub. So annoying!
Y- Youngsters. There will be none attending the wedding. Sorry, parents.
Z- So, I don’t have a Z. Sorry.
60 comments
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March 11, 2008 at 11:02 am
Courtney
Why won’t your church let you have a receiving line? You should be able to!!!
I vote for not seeing Michael before the ceremony. More special that way!
March 11, 2008 at 11:03 am
Sara
Aw, this took me right back to my wedding planning days.
My tip? If you want a string quartet or trio, look at a local college. They generally have graduate students or really good undergraduate music majors and can put you in touch with someone for super cheap, but they’re still amazing.
I was against seeing my husband before the ceremony, but we decided on doing that. I LOVED it. We had a special moment just the two of us before the craziness began, your hair and make-up are the most fresh they’ll be all day, and we were able to head straight to the reception. Think: cocktail hour and you’ll actually get to go!
Your MOH can also just fold up tissues for you and hold them against the stems of her bouquet so she isn’t pulling them out of her boobs in church
If no receiving line, you could always just dismiss the rows one at a time. And if you do a receiving line, please don’t make your bridal party part of it - it’s awkward being a guest but having to greet all of the bridal party, as well.
Okay, that’s enough from me. I love wedding talk, if you can’t tell! Oh - and don’t worry if it rains. Umbrella pictures are super cute!
March 11, 2008 at 11:18 am
aly
as a Friends fan, you will appreciate this. Please, no matter what you do, do not make your walking down the aisle song, Groovy Kind of Love. It still angers me to this day.
March 11, 2008 at 11:28 am
Jessica Lynn
In regards to Q: Seeing the fiance before the ceremony is going to give us at least an hour more before the ceremony to be together, take picts, and all of that good stuff. Plus, if I waited til the church doors opened to see him for the first time…I would be sobbing and a wreck because I would be too emotional. Tears=ruin makeup=bridezilla.
Good luck with booking your church, you must be so excited! Have you thought about how you’re going to exit the church/reception hall? I bet youre going to have your guest do something fab. like release doves or having fire breathers instead of throwing rice. =)
March 11, 2008 at 11:28 am
Are You Willing to Change
So cute…It sounds like you’ve got pretty much everything in line for your wedding. That’s so exciting!
March 11, 2008 at 11:34 am
carrie
What about “My Girl” for the father/daughter dance? It’s slow and probably would be meaningful for your dad.
My husband and I did not see each other before the ceremony and the walk down the aisle was so special. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything! BUT…we didn’t have a lot of time to take pictures after the ceremony. So, my suggestion (not that you asked for my advice!) would be to have separate transportation for the bridal party so they can go to the reception early or provide drinks for the bridal party - that way they are not pressuring you to hurry.
And, I think invitations for the rehearsal dinner is a must, but it could depend on how formal the dinner is…if it’s casual, maybe you don’t have to send them?!?!?
March 11, 2008 at 12:13 pm
DevilsHeaven
“…..but if I ask pretty please with Jesus on top will you let me?”
KILLING ME! lol
As your wedding day twin, HI! I’ve struggled with the whole pics before/after. The thing that decided it for me in the end? DAYLIGHT. I want outside pics too, and after an hour-ish cermony that starts at 4pm? Daylight? not so much by 5ish. So, as sad as it makes me, I’ll have to see F before the wedding.
And invites for the rehearsal dinner, really? I don’t agree. They are you wedding party, how can they not know they’re suppose to be there? Won’t everyone follow each other anyway from the church to dinner? Now, a reminder e-mail? Certainly. Non-wedding party members, maybe an invite.
Maybe I’m over simplifying it?
Or, I’m just cheap.
March 11, 2008 at 12:15 pm
judi
a few comments if i may…
don’t worry about dinner, or well - it shouldn’t be a big deal but you do have to make it happen. if you just chill at your table, people will come to you w/ hugs & kisses & cameras. nobody will be at all bothered that you’re sitting down for a few minutes and enjoying your meal, and if they’re not coming to see you, it’s b/c they’re busy boogying down to the DJ anyway.
the hair thing? so not bitchy at all. music? we had a trio (violin, cello & flute) play leonard cohen’s ‘hallelujah’ and it was amaaaazing. not sure why no rehearsal dinner invites - it’s a party! people have to know to come, don’t they?
seeing each other pre-ceremony is such a personal call and i didn’t want to do it at first, but it was *really* helpful and i was glad we did. we still made it a special “first look” moment and i kinda liked that it was private (well, the photographer was there, but that’s all).
March 11, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Sara
Oh - and for the record, seeing each other before does not at all ruin the walk down the aisle. It’s still incredibly awesome.
March 11, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Jessica
#1 I’m not married, but have been in several weddings where the guests got impatient waiting for things to start while pictures were being taken. Well…foo on them! Take your pics after the ceremony. There’s nothing like witnessing that moment when the groom sees his bride appear in the doorway and start walking towards him. AWWWW!
#2 Kudos on the “no youngsters.” Little kids at weddings annoy the heck out of me…actually they annoy the heck out of me in general. Especially when they let “adorable” 12 year olds catch the bouquet. End of rant.
March 11, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Kateastrophe
Naah you don’t need invitations to the rehearsal dinner. I used my wedding website and email. All those people sort of know they need to be there anyway and why spend even MORE money on MORE invitations!?
I haven’t been to a TON of church weddings but my cousin and his wife didn’t have a receiving line (as I think I know it) they walked up the aisle and shook hands with everyone as they let them out of their pew. I thought it was super classy and a great way to say hi. Is that the same thing? Am I retarded?
Start your ceremony at like . . . 1. Then you have time to do pictures at the church, get to the reception, pictures there (around sunset . . . gorgeous light!) and then party! That’s what I think
I love Wonderful World for a Daddy/Daughter dance. It’s so sweet and the perfect tempo, in my humble opinion.
Ok I’m done now. Hahaha
March 11, 2008 at 12:51 pm
JenBun
I almost died when I read “pretty please with Jesus on top”! That’s hilarious!!!
March 11, 2008 at 12:53 pm
dactyl
am i big goober for noticing that there’s not P??
March 11, 2008 at 12:54 pm
apollocreed
Z for Zac Efron!
He’s sooooo dreamy!!!!
March 11, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Jamie
You could also have a cute little hankie made that Michael can keep in his pocket for you to use during the ceremony. Maybe even get ones for both mothers? I really liked this site…
http://www.ffcembroidery.com/weddinghandkerchiefs.htm
Cheesy? Yes. But it’s a wedding, and I think a nice, simple touch.
March 11, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Dutchess of Kickball
As for your arm flab, everyone has it. But here is a quick and easy exercise to get rid of it. Standing up, hold 1 dumbbell by the end part over your head with both hands. Bend your elbows, lowering the dumbbell behind your head, and lift up again. You should be able to do 3 sets of 15 with a serious burn after rep 12 or so.
March 11, 2008 at 1:15 pm
dreamgrrl
Oh man I should do one of these too! Soon things are going to be picking up more and more!
I think asking the girls to just not have hair like yours is reasonable! I’m only asking that they wear their hair up on my day - in any way they want. Don’t even get me started on the father/daughter dance! No kids at our wedding either
p.s. take pics after - its a good way to have quiet moments together when you are SO happy! that’s what we’re doing. and if we miss cocktail hour, I am having someone make us a plate of the apps!
March 11, 2008 at 1:15 pm
julybug
Yay! I didn’t want to be the first to tel you there was no P. P for Perfection.
March 11, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Michelle and the City
no haybales? what?!! lol
what about email invitations for your rehearsal dinner? that way you don’t have to spend any $
March 11, 2008 at 1:20 pm
littlespoon
No bebes at the wedding? Not even a flower girl? My flower girl was amazing. Didn’t fidget, threw every petal, giggled at appropriate moments and danced her heart away at the reception.
And as for the pictures? Do it after. Trust me you really want that moment when he sees you for the first time. It’s incredibly special.
March 11, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Darcie
A couple of things:
1. You can call me about bras any day.
2. EAT dinner! I LOVED the fact that we sat and ate and had our first dinner as husband and wife. You’re going to be dancing up a storm - you need the nutrition and people can wait… have the moment with your new husband.
3. Some people love it and some people hate it but I thought seeing eachother before was the best thing we could have done. I was so calm and it was great to hear exactly what he was thinking - it’s not like he can gush all over you at the church. And clearly, he still got choked up when he saw me again. The veil was the added touch.
4. Invites for the rehearsal - do them. Use publisher and buy some cheap paper and you’re good to go. You got mine so you’ve seen it… let me know if you need help. =)
Miss you and love you!
March 11, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Amanda
Let’s follow the alphabet shall we?:
D: I helped cater weddings this past summer and found that the caterers would put together a nice basket of food, cake, and champagne for the bride & groom and have it waiting for them wherever they end up the night after. I helped cater weddings with my 2nd family, who were catering to close friends, so it was kind of a gift to the couple from them. But, I’m sure if you asked for something like that they might be able to put something together for you.
Q: I go either way with the seeing each other before the aisle. Two of my closest friends from high school did it opposite of each other. I found I fell towards the side of seeing each other before, especially if it’s just you two and the photographer. And if your photographer is worth their price, they’ll be able to capture the rawest emotion and the purest moment between the two of you. It makes for some fantastic memories.
That’s my two cents [letters] worth!
March 11, 2008 at 1:33 pm
J P
My assvice RE: receiving line: I “suggested” to my sister that she and her husband do the recessional and then swing back around to the choir room while everyone left the church (bonus alone time!), make their grand re-entrance, do the bubbles and then do the receiving line, so that people could go to the reception when they were through instead of just standing around. It worked out really well.
March 11, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Sassafras
I had haybales at my reception and you haven’t picked my brain on anything wedding. Gee I wonder if they’re related?
Whether not to see Michael before is a hard decision. I wish we had done pictures before, BHF is glad we didn’t.
Everything sounds lovely.
March 11, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Kitty
I am all for taking pictures beforehand. Believe me, you will still have the moment of shock of walking down the aisle to your future hubby, and he will still be amazed at how beautiful you look, even if he has seen you in your dress. Plus, it reassured me to see my husband beforehand and get to hang out a bit before the craziness. AND, you get to go to your cocktail hour! ‘Cause girl, you will want a cocktail after all that adrenaline.
March 11, 2008 at 1:57 pm
LSM
We chose not to see each other before the ceremony but cut down on the after ceremony picture time by doing all the separate pictures beforehand (bride alone with her family and bridesmaids, groom alone with his family and groomsmen) and then the pictures together afterward.
I’ve been married now for almost 18 years, and one of the decisions I am happiest about to this day is not having any young children in or at my wedding. And, as a parent, I like “no kids” weddings too. More opportunity to enjoy the event without worrying about how the kids are holding up!
March 11, 2008 at 2:01 pm
poodlegoose
Haha… I feel you on the autumn-themed thing. I mean, I’m getting married on the 31st, and even though I know I’m completely asking for it, I’m not having a Halloween themed anything. We can save that for parties later on, I guess.
I really wanna wait for him to see me until I walk down the aisle, but I guess in the long run, it doesn’t really matter all that much. Good luck to you in choosing all of these… I’m going to have to come back to your site to look when I’m starting to plan more
March 11, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Jess
OMG I have so many things to say about this list. I am seriously going in order because I could write one of these myself and they would not be that different. I suppose this is because we are getting married one week apart and so we are at very similar places in the planning process.
A–I am SO SICK of being told that I should have PINECONES as centerpieces. GAH. It’s a wedding that happens to occur in autumn, not an Autumn Wedding.
C–We have that issue too. Our officiant gives us a lot of leeway with the ceremony, which is great except now we have to design it. It’s on my list. We’ll get to it. Someday. I haven’t even THOUGHT about pew decorations yet. Except NO PINECONES.
D–Our caterer is all about the bride and groom eating. They actually assign someone unofficially called the “bride stalker” whose job it is to tail us and bring us what we want and make sure we get our food first so we have at least a few minutes to eat. Maybe ask your caterer if they can do something similar?
N–Maybe you could have Michael carry a classy handkerchief in his tux/suit pocket and borrow it during the ceremony if need be?
O–I was worried about rain ruining our photos too so my photographer showed me samples of some photos he did at rainy weddings. They involved very cute umbrellas and some really classy, atmospheric photos. Even if it rains I’m sure you guys will be able to figure out a way to do some photos by the sea, and maybe the rain will add a certain emotional element to it.
Q–We decided to see each other before the ceremony but make it a special moment when we see each other for the first time, just us and the photographer. That will be more intimate and we can be together for those extra-special moments before the ceremony. And if you decide to do something similar, I’m sure Michael will still have a huge thrilled smile on his face when he sees you walk down the aisle.
R–We aren’t doing rehearsal dinner invitations, at least not printed ones. If you’re inviting all your out-of-town guests then it’s probably a good idea to have actual paper invites. But if it’s just the bridal party + dates or whatever, you can probably let them know more informally.
U–I bet a lot of people do blue underwear because it is the only invisible thing. I am stuck because I was thinking of doing that too but I also wanted purple underwear because I love purple. I’m going to do purple shoes, though, so maybe that will be enough. Oh wait, now I’ve reverted to S.
Y–We are not having kids either. And our honeymoon resort will be adults-only. I want kids, but not yet.
This is probably the longest comment I’ve ever written! And I didn’t even say half of what I was thinking because I was trying to keep it short. Sorry!
March 11, 2008 at 2:06 pm
elizabethews
Yay for no youngsters at weddings. This was a big arguement during our planning process. He said yay; I said nay. I lost, BUT no one wanted to bring their kids with them, so even though they were invited, none came!
As for tissues, you can ask your florist to build some into your flowers/flower holder thing. My “old & blue” hankie was tucked nicely into my bouquet handle.
March 11, 2008 at 2:09 pm
notsojenny
okay, i have to comment as i’m reading…
M - if you haven’t done it yet, i suggest talking to a local music class. they’re much cheaper thank going with the professionals, just go to hear them first
Q - i’m very old fashioned, so i thought i would oppose seeing each other before the ceremony. but the more photos i see and talk to people who’ve done it, i can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t. wouldn’t it to be nice to have that moment next to each other, and alone?
R - i don’t think you need them
T - have a friend who did a trolley… loved it!
Z - is for zzzzz! you need rest girl!
March 11, 2008 at 2:10 pm
katelin
I love this list. As crazy and hectic as wedding planning sounds, I really love hearing about your adventures as to give me something to look forward to in the future as well.
Good luck with everything!
March 11, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Penelope23
I love the idea of no youngsters. Not that I don’t like kids, but I wouldn’t want them at my wedding. The are too out of control.
March 11, 2008 at 2:21 pm
crystall
That’s it. You’ve convinced me to elope.
Second of all, backwards push ups will help with your so called “flab.”
March 11, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Stephanie
A quick wedding tip…
We used a DJ too b/c of $$ (plus I like my music to sound liek the artist) but had a string quartet for the cocktail hour and ceremony. We live in NYC so I was able to go to Juiilard (the music school) and get a great quartet for very little $. And they were awesome!!!! Perhaps if you live near a college with a great music program you could look into this. They were very professional - they auditioned, dressed in tuxes and blk dresses, and were a highlight!
March 11, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Peter
Which means two lucky lads get to walk with a lady on each arm.
Jackpot!!!
March 11, 2008 at 2:39 pm
erin
String quartet sounds like a great idea! I recommend!
March 11, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Kate
String quartet- jealous. Much jealous
Rehearsal dinner invites- overkill, but could be cute and very sweet overkill. Up to you, and certainly not “necessary.”
Hair- that is just nowhere NEAR Bridezilla
Rain- totally manageable; and stormy coast photos are hot. I do NOT want rain or wind on our wedding day, like all brides, but when we chose our reception venue, we chose a fabulous place on the South Coast of Wellington, which is beautiful in the sun and rugged/dramatic in the rain.
Seeing Michael- everyone seems to do this now. I still don’t want to. I’m thinking the 27 Dresses moment, and I want our guests to share that.
Underarm flab- I hear you. My arms are like big joints of meat, thanks to working out until I got buff and then growing a giant layer of fat. Eww.
March 11, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Britni
So many questions still to answer. Good luck
March 11, 2008 at 3:07 pm
wedding in 13 days
FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE — I LOVED HER FIRST by HEARTLAND
i just picked it for my upcoming, 1st time i listened to it I was crying!
On itunes there is the single, or a cd with multiple versions of the song.
HAVE A LISTEN! You will cry too!
March 11, 2008 at 3:13 pm
wedding in 13 days
here are the lyrics!!
Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love your alone in this place
Like there’s nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I’m not gonna stand in your way
But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she’d find you someday
But it still hard to give her away
I loved her first
How could that beautiful women with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time
But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she’d find you someday
But its still hard to give her away
I loved her first
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I’m going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first
March 11, 2008 at 3:20 pm
The Lisa Show
One of my bridesmaids wore her hair like mine. It pissed me off.
No flower girls?
March 11, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Stacey
Comment as I read please!
C-suggestion….if you can’t do a recieving line, you might think about releasing the tables for dinner at your reception and then you and Michael eating last. I was at a wedding that was like that and it was kind of cool, that way they got to talk to all of their guests and their hostess kept them moving. If you find this tacky, forget I said it.
H-HI! I totally told my bridesmaids they could not have their hair like mine, but honestly you won’t care once you are all made up and you are all together.
Q-I had issues with this because the latest I could get married was 1pm and I really wanted a later wedding! So I did not see Rob beforehand but I know people who have and they had their own special moment before and I would have done that too had I gotten my later start time. They actually thought it was more special to have their moment before but this is up to you.
R-Rehearsal Invites. I did them, I had to though because I had to have a count and I’m all controlling and anal like that. Rob was in a wedding though where the Bride and Groom typed up a whole intinerary on really nice paper with a elegant font that involved rehearsal dinner times and bringing a guest and all the times and plans for the day of the wedding and I thought that was very cool.
V-Honey, you will swoon in bliss on your honeymoon. Just wait. Best. Time. Ever.
Y-totally agree.
Fun post! Gosh I miss it. I know it seems stressful at the time but I could talk about my wedding all day. I still look at my pictures all the time.
And you two are so darn cute, it will be wonderful.
March 11, 2008 at 3:29 pm
KR
I vote for not seeing him before the ceremony also. I got married this past October and we were SO stoked we did it that way…made it really special and exciting when I saw him.
Oh, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE to eat too…and didn’t really get to enjoy our way-too-expensive food because I was so excited…however…they packed up a cool little package of it for us to take with us afterwards, so we got to enjoy it later!
March 11, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Slightly Disorganized
just don’t do unity sand, where you pour pink and blue sand from seperate containers into the same vase. Lame.
March 11, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Anna
Yes, I want photos by the ocean, too!
Definitely think about your available daylight when you plan your times. I just checked, the sun sets around 6 p.m. in your area on your wedding day, so if you want photos afterwards, you’d probably want at least from 4:30-5:30 for photos. Your photographer can help, this is a really good question for him!
And I’m sure someone already wrote this or said this to you, but DEFINITELY insist your caterer pack a picnic basket or something for you, complete with giant hunks of cake. We forgot to do this and STARVED, thank goodness our friends had sent over strawberries and chocolate to our hotel!
March 11, 2008 at 4:10 pm
lfar
SEVEN brides maids! Wowser!
Why don’t two of the girls just walk down together?
March 11, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Laurie
This is so fun!
The blue undies is adorable - I wore baby blue lace boy shorts and loved it. Let’s be honest, a lot of people will be seeing your tush all day too. Getting dressed and assistance going to the bathroom
I was hell bent on rehearsal dinner invitiations but was also told they were unnecessary. What we did was send a designed “pretty” email announcing the details, directions. It worked out great and I still sort of got to send out “invitations.”
March 11, 2008 at 5:56 pm
notperfectdotcom
I thought it was just me, I don’t want kids at my wedding either!!
March 11, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Stephanie
Here is all my assvice.
For the father daughter dance / mother son dance (we only did one, it was just too long and painful at too many weddings we went to) we did the country song “Let them be little” I think Alan Jackson sings it. Slow, sweet but not butterfly kisses cheesy.
As for tissues, for my something old I carried one of my great grandmother’s hankies with a new fancy one wrapped around it. It had my new monogram on it. I also gave one to my sister, grandmother, mother, MIL and step mother in law with their last initial on it. It was a really nice keepsake that only cost like $12. Plus it is way nicer than having Puffs extra soft fuzzballs all over your face at your wedding.
March 11, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Stephanie
OH! If you want to use a quartet (I did and LOVED IT) and you live near a university, look into them. You can probably post it on a board in the music building or something that you are seeking a group for your wedding or “private event” They probably have a group that you could get cheaper than a “professional” group.
March 11, 2008 at 7:25 pm
sizzlesays
Z- after all that you need to do, you’ll need your Zzzzs!
P - is for how pretty you will look on your wedding day.
And it’s not bitchy to tell your bridesmaids they can’t do their hair like you. Not at all.
March 11, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Miriam D
I kind of want an autumn wedding whenever I get married…
And you better get to eat the food! I’d be pissed if I didn’t. Why’d I get such good food then?
March 11, 2008 at 7:37 pm
christine
I couldn’t even keep reading after “pretty please with Jesus on top.” I had to step away from the computer and laugh for a minute. I love those moments of comic genius - I hope you laughed to yourself as you typed that.
March 11, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Megan
In keeping with the alphabet theme…
A - hay bales? Gross.
C and H - no receiving line? Jerks. You definitely should look into asking pretty please with Jesus on top, though, because I’m pretty sure that’s the way to get what you want out of the church ladies. Also, the hair decision is quite reasonable– at least you’re not foisting some style on women with all different types of hair (well, I don’t know about your bridesmaids, but I’m comfortable making that assumption here).
R - maybe you could do something creative/non-traditional? Not an Evite or anything, but not a(nother) crazy-expensive calligraphy-on-vellum-or-whatever invitation.
Y - good call. How are you letting guests know? I always feel like that’s the hardest part to deal with, within that decision.
P.S. I love reading about your wedding prep, even though mine is only hypothetical at this point.
March 11, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Z
Glad to hear there is no theme-wedding in your future!
March 11, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Katie
I made the rehearsal dinner invitations myself with pretty stock paper I found at Target. They have them in every color of the rainbow so it was easy to find a card and envelope in our colors. I looped a cute bow through the top. Easy and fast and most importantly cheap! And I also didn’t ask his mom! She never mentioned them so I just did it on my own
P.S. We tried to eat at our wedding, but I swear neither of us were hungry at all. It’s amazing. You are just so excited and happy and just want to talk to everyone that food is the last thing on your mind. We actually forced ourselves to sit down and finally we both said, “Umm, are you hungry? “Nope!” “Let’s go mingle!” Our reception hall was nice enough to send us home with doggy bags for later
March 12, 2008 at 12:47 am
libby
ahhh the under arm flub!!!! worst thing. ever!
March 12, 2008 at 9:22 am
gibsondog
Zzz - I agree with previous posts. Zzzz is for sleepy time. I think I may have to take a sleeping aid the night before the wedding. I’m afraid I won’t sleep and I don’t want bags under my eyes for the big day!
I never thought of rehearsal dinner invitations?!! Hmm? Does a formal email work?
P - Problem solver kit. Clear nail polish, hair pins, sewing kit, shout stick, advil.
March 12, 2008 at 11:35 am
Each
Y is my favourite.
kids dont want to be there, its not fun for them and just stresses out the parents and makes the rest of the guests want to commit mortal sins.
best descion!
March 12, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Kelli
You are so cute, being a bride is so fun! In the end you are going to do what works for you on all these things, but I will tell you this: On our wedding day, we took all the separate pics, etc, and then cleared out the church auditorium, except for my man and our photographer. The music played and I walked down the aisle to him, and we got to have THAT amazing, magical moment. What happened next, for me, was even better. The first thing I wanted to do when I saw him was tell him all the things I was feeling right then, and let him see how pretty I was, and just enjoy being with him on our wedding day, and I got a chance to do all of that. If you wait to see each other AT the ceremony, it’s a great moment, but then you can’t talk or laugh or dance because you have to get married.
Obviously, you can do all this talking after the wedding too, but there’s something about that moment that is just timeless. I’ll never forget it. I’m no expert, but that was genuinely my favorite thing of all that happened at our wedding. It was so special, and it gave us a chance to spend a few minutes with the person we wanted to see the most on that day, each other. Just a thought. 
Have a great week!