There are just 25 days to our wedding. Crazy. In the next few days I need to ensure that I have RSVPs for EVERYONE. That's 240 people total- about half of which have replied already. I promoted RSVPing online via Facebook and through the Wedding Wire email option. Both were a great help and I did receive some responses.
What has been done in the last week:
met with two event rental vendors and received quotes from both
met with the musician for our wedding and confirmed the song my cousin will sing at our wedding
check evite to couples shower hosted by grooms aunt and uncle- to see who has responded
update registries so everyone has plenty of options to choose from and range in price points
rescheduled engagement session to Tuesday the 10th because of rain out on Saturday April 30
What I still need to do this and next week:
accept contract for event rentals- much of this will be determined by how many RSVP
give head count to caterer
hold 2 meetings with officiant
meet with church wedding coordinator
think about and email musician about prelude music
dress fitting with bridesmaid
couples shower on Saturday
start sending thank yous
submit revised paperwork to church for reception
groom needs to find my wedding band
find shoes for big day
pow-wow with friends over bachelorette party
design ceremony programs and print
finish compiling wedding party gifts
obtain the marraige license
send wedding day schedule to wedding party and vendors
complete DJ information form online
get flowers to wedding cake vendor
should I go on?
The only funny thing about this is last night the groom and I watched How I Met Your Mother- Season 2 disc three- the wedding episode. Neither of us had laughed so hard (you might even say) ever. Probably because its all of our worst fears on display. As long as Randy doesn't get "cool guy" tips and buzz his hair right down the middle... we'll be fine.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Invitations and RSVPs.
6 weeks before the wedding is supposed to be the latest you should send wedding invitations per traditional etiquette. Once I started printing the insert cards myself-and my mom and I had to correlate so she could help with stuffing the envelopes and putting everything together- I knew it was going to be close.
The RSVP date was precisely 1 month from the wedding date. In reality, I could have made the RSVP date May 1- but worried that people may procrastinate.
If you haven't yet RSVP'd to the wedding- it's not to late and we would love to share our special day with you! If your card is in the mail- perfect.
If you think that some how I inherintly know that you will be there or won't be there-I don't know (ESP was never my forte). Please just send your card or go to our website to RSVP. Next week at the very latest. Otherwise you may not have a seat or a meal or there may not be enough cake... or...or....or..........and then the bride fainted because she was in a panic.
Let's make sure we can all enjoy the day. :)
Thank you!
The RSVP date was precisely 1 month from the wedding date. In reality, I could have made the RSVP date May 1- but worried that people may procrastinate.
If you haven't yet RSVP'd to the wedding- it's not to late and we would love to share our special day with you! If your card is in the mail- perfect.
If you think that some how I inherintly know that you will be there or won't be there-I don't know (ESP was never my forte). Please just send your card or go to our website to RSVP. Next week at the very latest. Otherwise you may not have a seat or a meal or there may not be enough cake... or...or....or..........and then the bride fainted because she was in a panic.
Let's make sure we can all enjoy the day. :)
Thank you!
Friday, April 29, 2011
29 days to go...
There's a lot to do in the next month! There are still vendors to choose- specifically for event rentals. I had two meetings lsat week for event rentals- today I received the second RFP. It's decision time- with so little time remaining- decisions must be made.
We have two meetings left with our Pastor- Jeff Lindsey of Colonial Church. He knows both of us sinec we are members and has been very supportive of us throughout our relationship with eachother as well as our relationshpi with God.
RSVPs- are trickling in and we have received only 1/3 to 1/2 of the approx. 240 that were sent. If you haven't RSVP'd yet- you can do so on our website: weddingwire.com/millieandrandy. Email millieandrandy@gmail.com or message me on facebook if you don't have the password to get in. If you have our save the date handy- check for the password on the back.
There are headcounts to provide for the caterer, event rentals (dance floor, chairs, napkins, table clothes are all affected by this number), cake, and number of programs to print; music selections to provide to the DJ, music selections to choose for the ceremony, wedding bands and other accessories to buy, gifts for the bridal party, a timeline to create for the wedding weekend so that everyone in the wedding will know where they need to be and when, duties to assign and delegate, a marraige license to secure, final gown fittings and for some- first gown fittings...
Where is my paper bag? I think I am going to hyperventilate.
In short- please RSVP.
If you have RSVP'd- thank you!
If you know you're coming- please let us know so that everyone can enjoy themselves on the day. That way everyone can eat and I won't have to worry about dividing 80 chicken entrees 3 ways.
We have two meetings left with our Pastor- Jeff Lindsey of Colonial Church. He knows both of us sinec we are members and has been very supportive of us throughout our relationship with eachother as well as our relationshpi with God.
RSVPs- are trickling in and we have received only 1/3 to 1/2 of the approx. 240 that were sent. If you haven't RSVP'd yet- you can do so on our website: weddingwire.com/millieandrandy. Email millieandrandy@gmail.com or message me on facebook if you don't have the password to get in. If you have our save the date handy- check for the password on the back.
There are headcounts to provide for the caterer, event rentals (dance floor, chairs, napkins, table clothes are all affected by this number), cake, and number of programs to print; music selections to provide to the DJ, music selections to choose for the ceremony, wedding bands and other accessories to buy, gifts for the bridal party, a timeline to create for the wedding weekend so that everyone in the wedding will know where they need to be and when, duties to assign and delegate, a marraige license to secure, final gown fittings and for some- first gown fittings...
Where is my paper bag? I think I am going to hyperventilate.
In short- please RSVP.
If you have RSVP'd- thank you!
If you know you're coming- please let us know so that everyone can enjoy themselves on the day. That way everyone can eat and I won't have to worry about dividing 80 chicken entrees 3 ways.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Registering
With 30 days to go to the W-day- there is a lot to get done. One of them being the registry. It's fun to think of all the gifts that we may receive as people wish us well in our future together. It's difficult to find a common ground on certain things. My fiance doesn't see the point of having fine china or cloth napkins- he thinks of it as just more stuff. I can see his point. At the same time, I think about dinners with family and friends- I remember my childhood and setting out the good china for Easter, Christmas, birthdays and celebrations of the like. I've always thought of registering as being more of a fun activity- where you can envision what your home will look like - and making the space you reside your home. It's been a fine line to walk. Hopefully our relationship will survive our differing opinions on the registry. My fiance, who prides himself on being positive and liking to surround himself with positive people has repeatedly said "no one is going to get that for us". My response has been- our registry is a wish list- we may not get everything and that's ok (really it's ok!). It's taken some time and patience to sort through the registries and how to handle them.
When we have differences of opinion in wedding preparations I try to remind myself that it is good preparation to build our conflict resolution skills for later in marraige and in life.
When we have differences of opinion in wedding preparations I try to remind myself that it is good preparation to build our conflict resolution skills for later in marraige and in life.
Dress Shopping on Saturday.... with a road trip
This was originally written back in October- but somehow I forgot to post it.
I"m excited but nervous about tomorrow. I, along with my mom and good friend, are headed to Rochester to look at wedding dresses. I"m going to check out Jenni's Bridal Boutique and Mestad's. I have appointments at both. My good friend who is coming with is pregnant- so I hope we don't wear her out! My mom, in her own words can be domineering. I'm not worried about being a Bridezilla, but I'm worried about her turning into Momzilla. I think my best bet is to stick with my plan of paying for my dress myself since she has so much on her plate right now.
I can only hope that she doesn't get too domineering and will listen to some common sense tomorrow. I'm holding my breath for now- we'll see how it goes I guess!
I like to think I'm fairly logical in how I think about wedding budget, what's within my means to pay for things and what not. When my fiance, my mom, and myself were all sitting down together and the conversation turned to wedding plans- things started spiraling out of control. She later apologized, but I am concerned about a repeat performance. I just want everything to go smoothly and I don't want to end up fighting with my own mother. Sad.
I have to remind myself not to put too much energy into stressing out about things that haven't happened and things I have no control over.
We'll see how it goes. I'm pretty sure I won't be ordering anything tomorrow to avoid a blow out.
I"m excited but nervous about tomorrow. I, along with my mom and good friend, are headed to Rochester to look at wedding dresses. I"m going to check out Jenni's Bridal Boutique and Mestad's. I have appointments at both. My good friend who is coming with is pregnant- so I hope we don't wear her out! My mom, in her own words can be domineering. I'm not worried about being a Bridezilla, but I'm worried about her turning into Momzilla. I think my best bet is to stick with my plan of paying for my dress myself since she has so much on her plate right now.
I can only hope that she doesn't get too domineering and will listen to some common sense tomorrow. I'm holding my breath for now- we'll see how it goes I guess!
I like to think I'm fairly logical in how I think about wedding budget, what's within my means to pay for things and what not. When my fiance, my mom, and myself were all sitting down together and the conversation turned to wedding plans- things started spiraling out of control. She later apologized, but I am concerned about a repeat performance. I just want everything to go smoothly and I don't want to end up fighting with my own mother. Sad.
I have to remind myself not to put too much energy into stressing out about things that haven't happened and things I have no control over.
We'll see how it goes. I'm pretty sure I won't be ordering anything tomorrow to avoid a blow out.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
d-day... dress day
Today, I am so nervous. Today my mom and I are picking up my dress from mestad's in Rochester. My mind is filled with what-ifs. What if they ordered the wrong size? What if I don’t like it? What if my dress was given to someone else?
Then, there's the whole subject of making sure we get down to rochester and back to pick up the kids in time. The daycare closes at 4.30pm.
Im stressed and I should have ordered my coffee decaf.
Then, there's the whole subject of making sure we get down to rochester and back to pick up the kids in time. The daycare closes at 4.30pm.
Im stressed and I should have ordered my coffee decaf.
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Sunday, February 13, 2011
Florist... part 2
After a less than thrilling experience at a floral shop (see preceeding Florist entry). My fiance and I have opted to try out Bellagala's florist. The only florist left for our wedding date was Jennifer F. That is fine with me though- she has some very stunning work on her online portfolio. (LOVE IT! DId anyone see the boquet with the tulips??? I happen to love tulips and I love what she did there!) All we had to do was put down our $200 deposit and now we meet with her. If, per chance, we don't like her work, prices etc- we can get our $200 back within 14 days of our meeting with her. Not too shabby!
I wish I had a better understanding of Belagala earlier on- it's really helpful to have the online payment system, reservation system and all of that. I have tried to contact countless other florists, and they either didn't write back or the communication just came to a halt. OR in the case of the flower shop we went to- just poor communication between employees leading to a poor customer experience.
I wish I had a better understanding of Belagala earlier on- it's really helpful to have the online payment system, reservation system and all of that. I have tried to contact countless other florists, and they either didn't write back or the communication just came to a halt. OR in the case of the flower shop we went to- just poor communication between employees leading to a poor customer experience.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
say yes....
To the dress.
My fiance was picking on me a little bit for watching this via netflicks. "Aren't all the episodes the same? They're always at the same store."
"Yes, but that's the premise of the show."
He didn't have much to say after that.
All these episodes make me wonder about my own dress. Will I love it as much as I think I do? Should I have chosen something/one of the other top contenders? I ordered 1 size down to allocate for losing the baby weight- will the baby weight come off? Should I have chosen the dress that made my mom cry after the veil was on (but here's the thing- I don't like veils- they make me itch). My mom has been extremely reassuring saying to me time and time again that she thinks I made the right choice. It's nice to hear! One of my bridesmaids went through the same question- did I make the right choice? Its good to know its not just me.
Maybe someday if Randy and I ever renew our vows I'll take a trip to kleinfeld to search for the dress. Maybe.
My fiance was picking on me a little bit for watching this via netflicks. "Aren't all the episodes the same? They're always at the same store."
"Yes, but that's the premise of the show."
He didn't have much to say after that.
All these episodes make me wonder about my own dress. Will I love it as much as I think I do? Should I have chosen something/one of the other top contenders? I ordered 1 size down to allocate for losing the baby weight- will the baby weight come off? Should I have chosen the dress that made my mom cry after the veil was on (but here's the thing- I don't like veils- they make me itch). My mom has been extremely reassuring saying to me time and time again that she thinks I made the right choice. It's nice to hear! One of my bridesmaids went through the same question- did I make the right choice? Its good to know its not just me.
Maybe someday if Randy and I ever renew our vows I'll take a trip to kleinfeld to search for the dress. Maybe.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5
Labels:
choices,
gowns,
say yes to the dress,
weding gown
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Waiting for the dress...
I was so nervous that there was some unknown, unforseen reason my dress didn't get ordered. I don't know why- it was completely unwarranted. I called Mestad's to make sure that it was going to be in on time- they confirmed that yes, the dress is anticipated within the next month.
Phew.
Next item: revising our wedding and reception times.
Phew.
Next item: revising our wedding and reception times.
Labels:
ordered,
waiting,
wedding dresses,
wedding gowns
The dress....
I've been so nervous about my dress coming in. Did anyone else feel that way?
All the time and the trying on dresses and figuring out what you're looking for- what is you- what's not.
I also ordered a size smaller since I've been working off the baby weight. Since July I've lost 12" between my hips, waist and other parts.
Did anyone else have nervous anticipation with their gown?
Were you disappointed when you got to try on YOUR exact dress or was there a sigh of relief?
All the time and the trying on dresses and figuring out what you're looking for- what is you- what's not.
I also ordered a size smaller since I've been working off the baby weight. Since July I've lost 12" between my hips, waist and other parts.
Did anyone else have nervous anticipation with their gown?
Were you disappointed when you got to try on YOUR exact dress or was there a sigh of relief?
Labels:
ordered,
waiting,
wedding dresses,
wedding gowns
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Florist
After a long game of phone tag, my fiance and I are going to meet with one of the Forists we are considering. Paeonia Floral is in Robbinsdale. The business was actually one of my prospects when I worked at a newspaper. I think the contact that we had may have been dismissed from her position. The owner, Heather, called me back on Saturday and we were FINALLY able to nail down a time for our floral consultation. Paeonia is a locally owned floral boutique- and Heather broke off from the well known Stems and Vines. We'll see how the meeting goes. If we don't like what we see, we may meet with The Loft or go with one of the Bellagala florists.
Does anyone have any tips on working with the florist? Questions to ask during the consultation? Anyone?
Does anyone have any tips on working with the florist? Questions to ask during the consultation? Anyone?
Labels:
consultation,
florist,
flowers,
Paeonia,
phone tag
Monday, January 31, 2011
And a sigh of relief.....
My last entry- "Nervous..." has been resolved- at least for now. The individual who I struggled with how to deal with has turned a corner (much to my relief!) We really don't need drama in wedding planning- it's supposed to be such a happy and exciting time! Could everyone please keep their fingers crossed and pray that we don't back pedal??!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Nervous....
I've been really nervous about getting everything ready for the big day- it's been affecting how much I've been writing. To be clear- I'm not nervous about getting married- I'm nervous about everything coming together, everything being taken care of, all the T's crossed and all the I's dotted....
There are so many expectations of what the big day should look like, what should be included- that it's tough. You start to feel like if you cut a corner or leave something out or don't get the top of the line whatever-it-is you're going to disappoint someone. My fiance and I have come to terms with not being able to have the biggest most elaborate wedding reception EVER. At the end of the day, I end up worrying that what isn't as important to us will wreak havoc on us from the external forces- which we have no control over.
I'm constantly reminding myself that it's about what we want and what we are comfortable with. It becomes difficult though with all of the wedding hype, the expectations- of what "HAS TO BE".
I've started to become concerned, that while I don't feel like a Bridezilla, others that I interact with may shy away if there are too many cooks in the kitchen.
Does anyone else ever feel this way? What did you do? I've tried to talk to the individual but my attempts to talk reasonably seem to go unheard. *SIGH*
I read the book that I included above- it's a lot about how the big white wedding wasn't a big white wedding until after World War II. Reading this book helped to keep me grounded and focused on the why of the big day- instead of the what and how much and can we push the envelope and the budget over the edge?
I can't justify spending outside of our means, and I can't justify spending money that is "anticipated".
My worst fear- above all others- is that if we do outdo ourselves (and our bank accounts!) is that we won't be able to pay the balance of things when they are due. A meal promised to attendees.... will end up with no food at all. To me, that would be the most embarassing thing- to have said "yes we can" when no... no we couldn't....
There are so many expectations of what the big day should look like, what should be included- that it's tough. You start to feel like if you cut a corner or leave something out or don't get the top of the line whatever-it-is you're going to disappoint someone. My fiance and I have come to terms with not being able to have the biggest most elaborate wedding reception EVER. At the end of the day, I end up worrying that what isn't as important to us will wreak havoc on us from the external forces- which we have no control over.
I'm constantly reminding myself that it's about what we want and what we are comfortable with. It becomes difficult though with all of the wedding hype, the expectations- of what "HAS TO BE".
I've started to become concerned, that while I don't feel like a Bridezilla, others that I interact with may shy away if there are too many cooks in the kitchen.
Does anyone else ever feel this way? What did you do? I've tried to talk to the individual but my attempts to talk reasonably seem to go unheard. *SIGH*
I read the book that I included above- it's a lot about how the big white wedding wasn't a big white wedding until after World War II. Reading this book helped to keep me grounded and focused on the why of the big day- instead of the what and how much and can we push the envelope and the budget over the edge?
I can't justify spending outside of our means, and I can't justify spending money that is "anticipated".
My worst fear- above all others- is that if we do outdo ourselves (and our bank accounts!) is that we won't be able to pay the balance of things when they are due. A meal promised to attendees.... will end up with no food at all. To me, that would be the most embarassing thing- to have said "yes we can" when no... no we couldn't....
Labels:
big wedding,
budget,
fears,
reception,
white wedding
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Bridal Center.. new name new location...
Bridal Center.. I mean Diamond Bride... I mean....
Bridal Center has a new name and new location. I haven't been there- but I received their postcard in the mail alerting me to their new location and name. They have a press release with all the details.
I can't help but wonder... can you put lipstick on a pig? My mom compaired the shop to "Ma and Pa Kettle"
The photos of the new store, on their website, look nice. The lady who worked with me when I visited is not shown in the staff photo.
While I had a less than satisfying experience at Bridal Center- 41 years in business doesn't just happen in the formal wear business. Hopefully the changes are for the better.
Bridal Center has a new name and new location. I haven't been there- but I received their postcard in the mail alerting me to their new location and name. They have a press release with all the details.
I can't help but wonder... can you put lipstick on a pig? My mom compaired the shop to "Ma and Pa Kettle"
The photos of the new store, on their website, look nice. The lady who worked with me when I visited is not shown in the staff photo.
While I had a less than satisfying experience at Bridal Center- 41 years in business doesn't just happen in the formal wear business. Hopefully the changes are for the better.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Royal wedding: What will Kate Middleton wear????
With the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton so close to my own (just 1 month prior)-- I couldn't help but wonder. What will the future princess wear??? There's so much speculation- will it be Bruce Oldfield? Karl Lagerfeld? Vera Wang? Elizabeth Emanuel designed Princess Diana's wedding gown with all of it's yards upon yards of fabric, big pouf sleeves, and a viel that wouldn't end.
I imagine Kate in something much like what I have chosen- which is similar to that of Carolyn Besset Kennedy. Simple yet elegant, modern yet flowing.
We'll see!
I do have this secret fear that somehow she will have chosen the same dress I have.... even though her family is reportedly very well off (did you hear they want to help pay for Kate and William's wedding?)
What kind of dress do you think Kate will wear?
I imagine Kate in something much like what I have chosen- which is similar to that of Carolyn Besset Kennedy. Simple yet elegant, modern yet flowing.
We'll see!
I do have this secret fear that somehow she will have chosen the same dress I have.... even though her family is reportedly very well off (did you hear they want to help pay for Kate and William's wedding?)
What kind of dress do you think Kate will wear?
A Day off of work...
Tomorrow is MLK Day. No work- which is nice. My fiance and I are hoping to spend some time together. Our day care lady is open and we're hoping to get some school work done (him), house work (me) and maybe a mid-day date and wedding prep. I made a wedding registry for us on the Crate and Barrel website over a year ago- they were having a $100,000 wedding sweepstakes and one of the caveats was that you had to have a crate and barrel wedding registry. They do have great stuff- very clean and modern, to more traditional pieces. Since it's been so long since we registered initially- many of those items may no longer be available. So that is on our to-do list (along with so many OTHER things). It seems like an easier task to accomplish given it's a holiday and we can just walk-in without an appointment.
Life with kids is crazy. It's so busy as it is- that planning a wedding on top of our plentiful day-to-day activities- I feel like many tasks get put aside (which makes me nervous).
I'm very fortunate though- I have great family and friends in my life who are supportive and let me know, when I'm not so sure about things, that everything will come together and it will be special.
Life with kids is crazy. It's so busy as it is- that planning a wedding on top of our plentiful day-to-day activities- I feel like many tasks get put aside (which makes me nervous).
I'm very fortunate though- I have great family and friends in my life who are supportive and let me know, when I'm not so sure about things, that everything will come together and it will be special.
Labels:
Crate and Barrel,
Day off of work,
registry
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