Houston, We Have Liftoff!

Or rather, we have a date. Either way it's liftoff for wedding planning. Which is probably less predictable and more stressful than a NASA space flight. But in many (very much different) ways, just as wondrous. We have confirmed our preferred date with our very generous wedding host, and it's set to go off on June 12th, 2010. I have a year and just a handful of days to pull this off. I don't envision a terribly extravagant event, so I have plenty of confidence that it will go over pretty easily. So here marks the beginning of the journey and we're onward to the preliminary guest list.

In the same sense, I think I already have colors and a "theme" picked out. We are believing that we are going to go with light and bright blues and bright limey greens, centered in the theme, "Under The Stars". It should work well for us seeing as we're having the wedding at my to-be-brother-in-law's acreage... outside... in the evening/night (and possibly wee hours of the morning)... Under The Stars. It also gives me a perfect reason to do a balloon ceiling with streamers and hanging stars like in one of my older posts... :) Win-Win for me!

Picking a Date... Again

Ok, so I have two potential dates picked, June 12th, 2010 or September 11th, 2010. Just have to run it by a few key people. I'm leaning towards June 12th, hopefully it works with our wedding host and the V.I.P.s. We're going to have the entire wedding out at Dan's brother's acreage, so either month should bring us decent weather (typically). Plus those dates will definitely not interfere with football season. I have my parents' guest list, waiting on the list from Dan's family, and we're still plugging through the friends lists. Everything is starting to come together again, much more quickly and a lot easier than the first attempts. I guess we just have a better idea now of what we want and need to do.

It's Your Wedding: Take It Back

There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a traditional white wedding, but sometimes it is nice to send your guests home with a little something extra that makes yours stick out in their minds for years to come. Today’s weddings are all about options that reflect your personalities and style.

Ceremony Ideas
Location If you opt to not host your ceremony in a house of worship or in the same location as your reception, choose to exchange vows at sunrise on the beach or at sunset from the rooftop of the tallest building in your metropolitan area.
Refreshments Use the season or your location as an opportunity to greet guests with a refreshing drink. Lemonade and sweet tea will quench your guests’ thirst while gathering in the blazing sun, or serve hot apple cider to warm your guests during chiller months.
Grand Entrance Make your entrance especially grand by being escorted by your pet dog or by arriving on a white horse.
Vows and Readings Not a new concept, but speaking from the heart by writing your own vows or incorporating personalized poems into your ceremony will surely grab the attention of your guests.

Reception Ideas
Location You shouldn’t feel bound by the need to have your celebration in your hometown or the town in which you currently reside. Don’t be afraid to consider something unexpected. Bring your event to your favorite vacation spot or another location that has special meaning to you and your hubby. Everyone can appreciate some time away.
Venue Type Think outside the banquet hall and bring your celebration to a naturally beautiful venue like a garden or museum. Your guests will enjoy strolling around picturesque grounds or appreciating timeless works of art.
Seating Arrangements Add some visual interest to your setting by interspersing different shaped tables throughout the room, or seating your guests at long tables for a family-style affair.

Catering Ideas
Bars who doesn’t like something with the word “bar” attached to it? Your guests will delight in all things bar, from a mashed potato bar or dessert bar to an espresso or martini bar.
Ethnic Cuisine If you have a strong heritage, have visited a favorite world destination together, or even just have an affinity for a particular variety of cuisine, revolve your menu around that ethnic specialty.
Family-style Offer delectable comfort foods with a twist, served up family-style – a great icebreaker for your guests.
Seasonal Take inspiration from the season and serve a menu that offers a theme of seasonal favorites. Lemon grilled salmon or maple-glazed chicken are always hits.
Courses Break out of the conventional chicken-or-fish mold and base your entire meal around cocktails and appetizers or coffee and desserts.
Fondues Fondues are making a comeback, and whether you prefer sweet chocolates or savory cheeses, your guests will relish in the rich offering.

Flowers & Decor Ideas
Color Scheme Try pairing a few uncommon colors together or featuring varying shades of the same color throughout your space.
The Food Pyramid Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes.
Au Natural Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pinecones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance.
Lighten Up Floating candles in a shallow bowl add lighting and elegance to your tabletops. Or arrange multi-level candles on a mosaic of mirrors or tiles and surround them with seashells or flower petals. Placing coffee beans or red hot candies at the bottom of a vase or bowl to hold the candles steady also adds an aromatic effect.
Consult your Inner Child For the kid at heart, fill decorative bowls with your favorite candies – such as jellybeans and M&M’s in your wedding colors. These centerpieces are sure to be a hit with your guests!

Entertainment Ideas
Ceremony Music If “Here Comes the Bride” doesn’t suit your style or personality, choose a song that does. There is no written rule that states you can’t make your grand entrance to a rendition of your favorite Beastie Boys’ song.
Non-traditional Instruments If you desire live music over a DJ, consider tying your musician selection to the theme or location of your event. A beachside bash naturally lends itself to the sound of steel drums, while a trumpet quartet will sound impressive in an elaborate cathedral.
Themed Music Take it one step further and zone in on the music that is indigenous to your wedding location. Guests attending a Mardi Gras-themed event in New Orleans will bask in a cocktail hour of Dixieland jazz.
DJ and a Band Can’t decide which you would rather have? Have both to ensure that all types of music are represented throughout your day to please both your 85-year-old grandmother and your 21-year-old cousin.

Photography Ideas
Photojournalism More and more brides are leaning toward hiring a photographer who specialized in a photojournalistic style. These photographers shy away from posed shots and aim to capture all of the candid moments that you’ll always want to remember or may have never seen.
Creative Shots Hire your photographer to follow you throughout your entire day (leading up to the “Do Not Disturb” sign, of course). While it may make you feel anxious to have someone photograph you as you get ready, these shots will help you to remember the joy and anticipation of every part of your big day.

Cake Ideas
Minimal Adornments Some brides believe in the “less is more” adage. A simple cake minimally ornamented can make a bold statement.
Square Tiers Looking for a subtle way to break away from the ordinary? Square tiers make a modern presentation. Whoever said “it’s hip to be square” must have been in the cake business.
Cake-free If cake isn’t your favorite dessert, then don’t feel the need to serve it to your guests. Apple crisp, peach cobbler, or even cupcakes are always crowd-pleasers.
Sugar-free The end-of-meal offering doesn’t have to be made of flour and frosting. Think savory instead and visit your local cheese shop to have them construct wheels of cheese in tiers for your guests to cleanse their palates at the conclusion of the night.

Attire Ideas
Wardrobe Change Today’s brides are opting to wear not one dress, but two! Wear an elegant gown while you exchange vows and slip into something a little more comfortable to round out the evening.
Anything but White A white wedding dress symbolizes innocence and purity, but if that’s not your style, feel free to bring out your colorful personality by adding a splash of color to your attire. You can be as subtle as a colored sash or jewels or as bold as a fuchsia-colored dress.
Something Borrowed Anything retro screams chic these days. So why not consider donning your mother’s vintage gown as a tribute to a family legacy. A few alterations can make it your own.

Stationery Ideas
Ethnicity If your heritage is important for you to represent on your big day, do some research and find a stationer who offers multi-cultural invitations and announcements.
Creative Touch For more intimate, casual gatherings, request the honor of your guests’ presence in an innovative and entertaining way. Here’s an idea - have your invite printed on a balloon so guests have to blow them up to receive the message.
Programs Do something a little different with your programs by including personal photos or by printing them on something that serves a dual purpose like a fan.
Storybook Get the most bang for your program buck by including stories of how the two of you met, who introduced you, and your relationship to everyone in the bridal party. Think of all the time you’ll save by not having to explain all of this to your husband’s childhood neighbor during the reception!

Transportation Ideas
Grand Entrance If the size of your bridal party doesn’t warrant a stretch limousine, consider arriving on horseback, on the back of your husband’s motorcycle, or in the passenger’s seat of your dad’s antique car.

Favor Ideas
Double Duty Décor Elements Use photo frames as place cards or potted plants as centerpieces, and let your guests take them home at the end of the night.
Something Useful Give your guests something they can enjoy for years to come. A small bag of seeds to plant will remind them of your big day every time they smell the flowers.
Something Edible As if a five-course meal wasn’t enough, send your guests home at the end of the night with an extra treat of your favorite candies or special hometown delicacies.
Donations With a high emphasis on karma these days, give something back and make a donation to your favorite cause in lieu of knickknacks. Your guests will appreciate the altruistic gesture.

Gift Ideas
Attendants After seemingly endless Friday nights planning showers and licking envelopes, your bridesmaids are going to need a little pampering of their own. A spa gift certificate is the perfect way to thank them for their hard work.
Gift Baskets Make out-of-town guests feel welcome by greeting them with a basket of goodies in their hotel room. Include some essentials that will make their stay more comfortable and incorporate some items that are reflective of your wedding location. Nothing like some bottled water and Vermont maple syrup to get them through the weekend!

Registry Ideas
The Gift of Travel If time away is more important to you than a waffle iron, consider setting up a honeymoon registry. Many travel agents offer services to collect, record, and apply contributions from your guests toward your honeymoon expenditures. Some even allow guests to contribute to specific activities at your destination location, such as scuba diving lessons or boat rides.
The Gift of Life If your house is already stocked with all of the essentials, give something back instead. Many eco-friendly organizations such as the World Wildlife Federation offer donation registries.

Venue Type Comparisons

Size up the sites - use this cheat sheet to weigh the pros and cons of various types of venues.

Venue Type: Great Because…: The Downside…: Here’s the Deal…:
Banquet Halls/Function Facilities
• Cost efficient and hassle free wedding packages available
• Tons of wedding experience makes site coordinator an invaluable resource • Weddings can look mass produced
• Multiple events held per day, affecting your starting and ending times The average banquet hall’s ambiance may require some imagination to make it your own. Consider it a blank canvas upon which to create your stylistic masterpiece
Hotels/Resorts
• Onsite accommodations and added amenities (concierge, shuttles, spas etc.)
• Proximity to airports and/or vacation destinations
• Low or no rental fees • Hotel ballrooms and cuisine can be generic
• Ballroom dividers may be unappealing (ask to see in advance)
• Potential lack of privacy - larger hotels host multiple events at once Providing everything in one location, these venues make things super easy for your guests. Of course, amenities, ambiance and cost vary greatly depending on the hotel or resort.
Country Clubs
• Golf and other activities may be available for guests
• Great outdoor photo opps • Facilities not completely private (members still on site)
• Food may be average or limited Interiors vary, but the grounds will almost always be striking (lakes, golf courses, marinas – you name it). You may have to be sponsored by a member.
Restaurants
• Good food is their specialty
• Fully decorated interiors punch added pizzazz often lacking in basic ballroom décor.
• Space limitations – make sure the space can fit a dance floor and band or DJ
• Potential lack of privacy – if your group size doesn’t warrant renting the entire place, you may be close to regular patrons Most have experience hosting large functions – so planning is relatively painless. If you’ve got a certain look and price point in mind, chances are you can find a restaurant to match.
Mansions and Historic Houses
• Impressive architecture and manicured grounds provide a distinctive setting
• Privacy – these venues usually host one event at a time
• Higher rental fees
• Space – if there’s no large ballroom, parties may have to split into smaller rooms or take place outside
• More restrictions - noise, décor and rental times
• Accessibility – these venues are often in secluded locations The style quotient is high, but expect to allocate more effort and more of your budget for this luxury.
Libraries and Museums
• Distinctive architecture and cultural ambiance
• Exhibitions on display add element of entertainment • Higher rental fees
• Public government space – means potentially restrictive rules, hours and red tape
• Often little coordinating assistance Your guests won’t soon forget this setting, but you may want to hire a professional planner to help with details.
Public Parks, Gardens and Beaches
• Solve decorating dilemmas when Mother Nature does the work for you
• The natural setting complements relaxed weddings
• Necessary permits and many restrictions
• Outdoor disturbances – insects, dirt, mud, allergies, noises, temperature
• Must plan a backup for inclement weather Don’t think these natural settings are a breeze – everything must be rented, from tables and chairs to portable restroom facilities and dance floors.

Reception: Sample Timeline

Sure, you may have been to dozens of weddings, but when it comes down to planning your own reception, it’s hard to know what is supposed to happen when.

00:00 - Cocktail Hour – (bridal party takes pictures). After your “I dos,” you and your husband leave the ceremony first – followed by the bridal party and your photographer – to take your first photographs as husband and wife. At this time, your guests will head to the reception site. To keep the mood festive and fun, cocktail hour should begin as soon as guests arrive at the reception, whether that happens five minutes or an hour after the ceremony.
01:00 - Grand Entrance/First Dances Husband and wife…..Mr. and Mrs….this is the time for your grand entrance. The facility or event coordinator will gather your guests to await your arrival. Typically the bridal party and both sets of parents are introduced, followed by the bride and groom. Since all eyes are on you, this is the perfect occasion to step immediately into your first dance. Sometimes the father/daughter and mother/son dances can take place at this time as well – or you can choose to hold those dances after the meal.
01:20 - Welcomes and Toasts After your first dance, all eyes are still on you. With everyone gathered, this is a perfect time for the parents, the bride and groom, or the honor attendants to speak. The host (often the father of the bride) may choose to welcome and thank your guests for coming. Someone may say a blessing. The best man and maid of honor may also choose to speak at this time.
01:30 - Eat, Drink and be Married… Whether you serve a sit down meal or buffet, this is the time when everybody eats. The bride and groom and their parents are typically served first or are the first to hit the buffet. This may seem contrary to etiquette, but serving them first affords the time to make table visits while the rest of the guests are seated. Your band or DJ will play subdued “dinner appropriate” music at this time (Sinatra and old standards are a favorite). Word of advice to the bride and groom: make sure you take advantage of this time to eat!
02:30 - Get your Groove On Take the lead and hit the dance floor! Guests usually follow the lead of the bride and groom, so do your part to ensure a packed dance floor. At this point, you should have already greeted your guests and accomplished your duties as hostess. Remember – this is your party, so have fun.
04:00 - Cake Cutting About an hour before the reception’s finale – your waitstaff will begin preparing for dessert and coffee. The cake cutting signifies to guests that it is appropriate to depart anytime thereafter, so make sure it doesn’t happen too early, or you could find yourself alone at an empty reception.
04:15 - Back to the Party Of course, many of your guests will forego cake and coffee for more drinks and dancing. The band or DJ should kick right back into lively dance music for those all-night partiers who relish another turn on the dance floor.
04:30 - Bouquet Toss/Garter Removal If you plan to do a bouquet toss, it usually occurs as one of the last events of the evening. Make sure your florist prepares a throwaway bouquet so you can keep your original as a keepsake.
04:45 - Last Dance/Last Call Take advantage of this opportunity to leave a lasting impression, and end your wedding on a high note. The right tune for the last dance will have your guests reluctant to leave. It needn’t be slow song; something lively can ignite the mood for the after party, should you desire.
05:00 - Send-off! These days, receptions are so fun and involve so much pre-planning, the bride and groom no longer wish to make an early getaway. In fact, they’re often the last to leave! Make your send-off the evening’s finale. Your coordinator will usher everyone to watch as you make your getaway. Have guests blow bubbles, toss rose petals or even light sparklers to wish you on your merry way towards a lifetime of happiness.

Reception: Rental Checklist

Depending on your wedding venue – and the type of reception you’re planning - you may need to supply some, if not all the items needed to host your event and serve your guests. Here is your ultimate reception rental checklist

When you book your reception site, be sure that you understand what’s included in the rental fee. Each venue is different, so you have to clarify with the site manager which items the venue provides and which you must provide. As always, make sure that everything you have agreed upon is put in writing. Depending on the venue – and the type of reception you’re planning - you may need to supply some, if not all the items listed below. Here is your ultimate checklist:

Tables
Here’s a breakdown of the types of tables you may need:
Guest Tables
36-inch rounds seat 4-6 guests.
48-inch rounds seat 6-8 guests
60-inch rounds seats 8-10 guests.
6 ft rectangle seats about 8 guests
Cake Table(s)
Appropriate size depends on size of cake, whether you’ll also have a groom’s cake, and whether you’ll display both cakes on the same or separate tables. 48-inch round usually works well
Head Table
Seats bridal party. Often consists of rectangular tables placed end-to-end.
Sweetheart Table
in place of head table, small table that seats the bride and groom while the rest of the wedding party sits at guest tables.
Buffet Tables
If you have decided on a buffet dinner, you’ll need to arrange several food stations, such as meet carving, etc. (Buffet tables may be provided by the catering company.)
Gift Table
Size depends on the number of guests you are expecting.
Guest Book Table
A small table for your reception guest book.

Chairs
To Consider: For a seated dinner or buffet, you will need to provide seating for all reception guests. For a buffet style cocktail reception you may able to get away with enough chairs for half or more of the total number of guests. You may need to rent or purchase chair covers separately. High chairs for children should be available from rental companies.

Linens and Chair covers
Consider: Linens and Chair covers may be included with the rented tables and chairs, or you may need to source them elsewhere.

Tableware
For a formal sit-down reception, tables are usually set with complete place settings. At a buffet reception where guests serve themselves, plates and silverware may be located at the buffet table.

Tent
A large tent or canopy may be required for receptions held outdoors to protect you and your guests from the sun or rain.

Options: Tents and canopies come in different sizes and colors. A smaller tent (20-by-20 feet) will accommodate about 40 guests at a sit-down dinner. A 20-by-40 about 200, and a 60-by-100 about 500 or more. Depending on the shape of your reception area, you may need to rent several smaller canopies rather than one large one. Contact several party rental suppliers to discuss the options.
Take pictures of the site for references for your tent rental company. Although they should survey the facility themselves before they set up the tent, the pictures are a good reference for them when you first set up an appointment.

Heaters/Air Conditioners
You may need to rent heaters if your reception will be held outdoors and if the temperature may drop below sixty-five degrees. There are electric and gas heaters, both of which come in different sizes. Gas heaters are more popular since they do not have unsightly and unsafe electric cords. In warmer climates, portable AC units may be rented for outdoor events.

Dance Floor
The size of your dance floor will depend on how many guests you expect. They can range from 12 by 12 feet up to 20 by 30 feet or larger. Get some graph paper and make a floor plan, and bring this to you when you visit your rental company.
16’x16’ (up to 100 persons) - 16’x20’ (up to 150 persons) - 20’x24’ (up to 200 persons)

Ten Ideas to Personalize Your Wedding

It’s all about you so take back your ceremony! It is a ritual – time honored and sacred – but that does not mean your wedding ceremony has to be like every other. Of course, some couples choose to be extremely original and opt for exchanging vows on a roller coaster, while bungee jumping or even dressed as trekies. Good for them for such uninhibited displays of originality. But even if you prefer a more traditional and “scream-free” wedding ceremony, you can still find creative ways to infuse your ceremony with elements that are distinctly you.

Location
Not every wedding ceremony must take place in a house of worship. Outdoor locations and other unique ceremony sites can make for ceremonies that are both spiritual and memorable.

Refreshments
Welcome and refresh your guests by serving lemonade, iced tea or water. It’s a nice touch, and your guests will appreciate the gesture. Depending on the season or nature of your wedding, you can use your refreshment of choice to tie in the theme or style of the day.

Personalized Pew/Row Decorations
Who says your ceremony decorations must be floral? How about draping framed photographs of the bride and groom tied with ribbon over the ends of each row?

Customize your Programs
Summer brides – how about the shape of a fan? Or keep the shape and style traditional, and include personal letter or poem to add some interest to this often overlooked detail.

The Grand Entrance
There are other ways to make your entrance beyond the traditional march with your father. Ride in on a horse. Or be escorted by both parents, a close uncle, brother, friend—even a pet!

Personalized Aisle Runner
You will know this is your ceremony while walking down the isle on a runner personalized with your monogram or logo.

Beyond “Here Comes the Bride”
If walking down the isle to the same song as thousands of brides before you doesn’t sound appealing, there’s no reason why your favorite tune can’t make a memorable substitute!

Mix up the Bridal Party
Who says your maid of honor must be a “maid?” If your best pal happens to be a guy, have a “man of honor.” Same goes for the best man; there’s no reason why there can’t be a “best woman.”

Not Crazy about the Unity Candle? Try the Sand Ceremony
Instead, combine sand into a beautiful bowl or vase. The sand can be of two colors, creating a visual representation of the joining of two families and something you can keep and cherish forever.

Write your own Wedding Vows, Readings, Poems
Nothing puts that special personalized stamp on a ceremony quite like vows and readings prepared by the bride and groom themselves. These spoken words expose your mind and your heart to each other and to your audience.

"I Have To Do WHAT?" Weddings Don't Have to be Boring.

Okay, for those of you who have spent your lives dreaming of caterers in tuxedos, formal black and white dinners and all the elegance of a full cinderella wedding - this post may not be for you! This post is for all the brides out there who hate the idea of a formal, same as all the others, wedding. Who said a wedding had to be that way?

Many brides today are under the impression that things like the meal, the dress, the size of the wedding, the cake, etc are all set in stone based on what is ‘exceptable”. The truth is, more and more brides are thumbing their noses at the “traditional” wedding frills, and doing things in a new, unique way!

Here are some examples of brides doing things their own way:

1. Not so formal reception - A couple getting married were the kind who loved to camp, loved the outdoors, and spent all their free time playing sports. The idea of a staunch, formal dinner and dance was not their idea of “celebrating”. So, they opted for a beautiful outdoor wedding followed by a catered bar-b-que and a baseball tournament! (Yes, the bride played in her dress, lol - and it wasn’t a small dress)

2. At a wedding earlier this year, the bride disliked flowers very much. So, instead of flowers, she used candles as her decor and candle lanterns as the “bouquets” for the wedding party! The only flowers were in the bride’s own bouquet!

3. Another couple I read about had a traditional dinner because their parents requested it, but decided against a dance. Instead, after the dinner, they rented out a bowling alley for a bowling tournament - tuxes and all!

Here are a few things that most bride’s think must be included:

- A Reception: Most bride’s believe that they are required to put on a reception. This is not true. Traditionally, the reception was a party the family put on in the couples honor to celebrate the marriage and was not the couples responsibility. Today, many many couples choose to put on their own, which is perfectly acceptable. But there are some couples who find the idea of a reception, as traditionally done, to be very boring and out of character. If you are one of those people, don’t worry! Spend some time think about what sort of celebration would be most meaningful to you, and then incorporate that into your wedding day!

- A Wedding Cake: No, you don’t HAVE to have a wedding cake unless you want one!

- The Wedding Party: For legal purposes, you have to have 2 witnesses (generally the best man and maid of honor) and an officiate or justice of the peace. All other members of the wedding party are optional and should only be filled if you personally want them to be. Don’t have any children in your life - don’t stress about finding some connected child just to have a flower girl or ring bearer! And by the way the wedding party can be anyone you wish, including friends, sisters, mothers, aunts, even your grandma, if that’s what you want!

- Alcohol: There is NO rules saying you have to serve alcohol at your wedding. There are many people who for personal or religious reasons, do not drink. If you are one of those people, don’t feel pressured to have alcohol involved!

- Flowers and Decorations: There is not a single decoration item that is a MUST. If you don’t like flowers, don’t use flowers. If you don’t like candles, don’t have candles! If you hate ivy and tulle, leave it out! There is nothing wrong with using your own creative mind to come up with unique and original decorating ideas.

- Guest Book: Many brides have already decided that the traditional guest book is not for them, and that is perfectly fine! There is no reason why you have to have any type of guest book at all - but if you want to have a record of the guests and their wishes - there are many other ways it can be done as well.

- The Wedding Dress: It doesn’t have to be white, it doesn’t have to be poofy, it doesn’t even HAVE to be a dress!!! If you are having an informal wedding and hate dresses, wear a suit. It’s your wedding after all, you should be comfortable! Of course, if you love the poof DO IT, cause you only get to wear a dress like that a few times in your life. Friends of my family are avid motorbikers, for their wedding he wore a black leather jacket and black leather chaps over his best jeans and she wore all white leathers: vest, pants, jacket.

There are more, but those are the areas that came to mind. In the end, there is only very few things that are a MUST for a wedding:
- a bride and a groom
- an officiate or justice of the peace
- 2 witnesses
- a marriage certificate, a pen and the required wedding vows
Everything else is there to help celebrate the vows and the signing of that paper - so what better way to do that then with activities that have meaning to you rather then activities you dread?
Found at Dream Budget Weddings

Planning: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these 7 simples things will keep a bride from turning into a bridezilla!

1) Procrastinating
Don’t put it off…do it now. If you keep pushing everything back you WILL run out of time. Procrastinating will add even more stress to this already stressful time.

2) Trying to do everything yourself
Don’t feel like you can’t ask family and friends to help during this stressful time. Chances are, they will be more than thrilled to help. You can use help with invitations, making vendor calls, planning the rehearsal dinner and a bunch of other things.

3) Booking the wrong vendor
Be sure to do research before you book a vendor. Ask for referrals from past brides, family and friends to get you on the right path. Once you have those referrals, as the vendor for reviews from past clients.

4) Inviting too many people
Don’t invite more people that you can afford. Be sure to keep an accurate count of the guest list and talk to parents and in-laws about their guest list.. If necessary, share the need to reduce the guest list. Do this BEFORE the invitations are mailed.

5) Expecting everything to go perfectly
…not that it won’t go perfectly, but be prepared for slight deviations in the plan. This will reduce the stress the day of the wedding.

6) Hiring the wrong photographer
Wedding pictures are lifetime memories that will be shared for generations. You should select the photographer that best fits you needs and style to ensure your memories will be best captured and shared with others.

7) Going overboard
Don’t feel like you have to do everything that was done at another wedding. Remember that this is YOUR wedding and it should be a reflection of the bride and the groom.

Planning: Weather and your Wedding

I found a helpful service from Weather.com that allows you to register your wedding location and date in order to receive weather details on it. It will give you average weather for your wedding, until you get within a closer deadline, at which point it gives you a weather forecast for the 10 days before your wedding. You are also able to enter wedding events (ie. bachlorette, engagement party, wedding shower, etc.) and receive the details on those as well. Head to Weather.com and chose the "Wedding Planner" under the "Plan Ahead" tab to start your personalized wedding weather forecaster.

Wedding Planning Software

I stumbled upon a fantastic program today for wedding planning, ElmSoftware's iDo Wedding. They have a version for couples planning their own wedding that has a 30 day free trial. I downloaded it at home during my lunch hour today and it is FANTASTIC. I am very happy with it. It has options that you wouldn't imagine and a very easy to follow online tutorial to show you how to use it and all the added features you might not find without the tutorial. For $30 you can buy the product key for the downloaded program, or for $40 they will send you a CD copy. I am really considering buying this program at the end of my trial. It does almost everything. When you first go to use it, it asks for the name of the bride and groom, the wedding date, and a time. These all can be changed later if need be. It then asks if you would like to see the tutorial. It is long, and I'm going to go through it in parts as I need them, but it is very helpful.
Main Screen

You can then start entering contacts. Contacts are entered as individuals, so man, wife, children, are all entered separately. This seems tedious, but it helps out greatly and saves the address when you say "Save and Add New Contact" so you just enter names until you need to change the address. This helps greatly for later on when one is trying to arrange a seating plan and everyone is listed as an individual. It also gives you the statistics on your list, such as total numbers, numbers on groom's/bride's/both's lists, A / B lists, the number which do not have an entered address, etc. This is compatible to upload a list from Excel or Outlook.
Contact List

After that, you can start into the invitations. It asks you to select the people out of your list for all your invitations, then in the end gives you the total of invitations, how many (and which) people haven't been assigned an invitation, and even creates the wording for addressing your invitations and envelopes. It will print your labels from your invitation list right from this program. It then prepares your RSVP list, where as they start arriving, you can enter in the information for those coming and not, and even enter and keep track of meal choices (if needed). With the RSVPs you can enter names of escorts that were previously unknown. You can make changes to the RSVP list at anytime if needed.
Label / Report Printing

Once your RSVPs are in, then you can check out your attendees page. From here you can coordinate hotel rooms, flights, table seatings, etc.
Table Seating Arrangements

If has other features including a checklist, budget organizer, gift recordings - which also keeps track of your thank you notes sent out, time lines, events calendar, vendor organizer, etc.
Checklist and Timelines

I highly recommend this. I'm almost done putting my tenative guest list in here and it's fantastic because it does all the counting and thinking for you. I now know that most of the guests are my fiances, that he doesn't know many of the family members on his mother's list either, and that I have a lot of addresses to find. But I love the calendar feature and how everything is mapped out perfectly.

My Mood: Impressed