Knowing I needed to take a deep breath I sat silently before my Lord this morning. No words. I just listened and basked in His love. The rest of my morning was spent going through my wedding notebook (a spiral) to get myself back on track. It seems the past three weeks I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Ha! Funny saying, but the person who made it up must have been feeling just like me!
As I thought about what I should share today, so much came to mind that I didn't know where to begin. It's been five days since my last post and I can't begin to tell you what all I've done. However, I thought I'd give you some tips and a glimpse behind the scenes with The Mother of The Bride.
On May 16th, Bryan Oler took Bruce to dinner to say, "I'm in love with your daughter Lindsey and I want her to be my wife." Some people have said, "Seriously? People still do that?" Well, they do if they want to marry our daughters. After "the man to man talk", which went amazingly well and lasted three hours, we knew the proposal was happening and soon. Lindsey was aware that a proposal was eminent but did not know the week, day or moment. Therefore she had been researching venues, dates, and looking at Bridal magazines, especially after she knew Bryan had talked to her dad. Then as you know the proposal happened and like ready, get set, GO-we were off and running!
Now, some brides are fortunate enough to have a Wedding Planner; a person to takes care of every detail. Have you seen Father of the Bride, with Steve Martin? Gotta laugh when you think about that Wedding Planner; talk about over the top! Believe me, it can happen. Other brides however, like Lindsey, have their mom and a wedding coordinator. Remember, every wedding is different; unique to each bride and groom. Some choose a simple wedding, others over the top, while others fall somewhere in between. Try not to compare your wedding to others. I've been to some church weddings with cake and punch receptions that were just as fun and memorable as one of those over the top weddings. In either case, finances are a must to consider. If you are the Bride-to-be, don't make your parents feel terrible if they don't have the money to give you the wedding of your dreams. Work within your budget. Also keep in mind where there is a will, you can usually find a way. If your are creative and want to do the work yourself...you can make it happen for less, I'm just sayin. If you have 1500.00 or 150,000.00 the most important thing about your wedding is that two people fell in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together being blessed by God and living happily ever after. You don't need fluff to make that happen.
Lindsey and Bryan's Wedding
Getting started-Please note, this is based on the Peele/Oler wedding and helpful tips we have received from other Brides and all those magazines. Our Venue has a wedding coordinator which is a huge plus. Our florist (who is also a wedding coordinator) will be sure Lindsey walks into the venue and it looks just like we planned. The two coordinators will work together to assure everything looks as planned and that the reception goes according to plan. We should get to celebrate and trust they will keep things running smooth while we celebrate worry free. One more important coordinator- the church. The wedding coordinator at our church has covered every details of the ceremony and will assure everyone is in place, and the order of the service goes according to plan. Whew! Lots of details folks!
With that said here are those tips.
- Father and Groom talk.
- The proposal.
- Purchase a wedding calendar for the Bride and the Mother of the Bride. Be ORGANIZED!
- Plan the budget. Give yourself a buffer because chances are you will go over.
- Have a few dates in mind.
- Check your church calendar or the place where you want the ceremony to take place. Book it.
- Tell your Bridesmaids and groomsmen you would love them to be a part of your special day.
- Tell the Flower Girls, House Party and any others you want to be a part of the wedding day.
- Book your venue. (The place you will have the ceremony and reception.)
- Sign up for weddingwire.com and put the website on your save the dates and face book.
- Reserve a block of hotel rooms if you have out of town guest coming in town.
- Reserve the Bride and Groom Honeymoon suite.
- Put the Bride and Groom guest list together to determine your numbers.
- Find The Dress! The wedding dress can take 3-4 months to order.
- Purchase the veil or hairpiece and order your wedding shoes.
- Select your Bridesmaid dresses ordered - 3-4 months out
- Order the Flower girl dress(es)
- Book Musicians ASAP- (ours for example-soloist, organist, harpist, band)
- Book Florist- Schedule meetings.
- Book Photographer for Engagements, Bridal portrait and Wedding Day.
- Book lighting (if desired or needed)
- Save the Dates go out 4 months before the Big Day.
- Be sure to sign up for weddingwire.com and put the website on your Save the Date
- Order the invitations three to four months out.
- Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.
- Request a returned RSVP three weeks before the wedding.
- Reserve hotel rooms for out of town attendees, parents, etc...
- Go to several cake tastings and order the wedding cake 3-4 months out.
- Register for gifts at several locations. (Pottery Barn. Dillard's, Williams-Sonoma, etc...)
- Choose your menu selection at your venue or with your caterer
- Coordinate dates and get ready for showers -enjoy!
- The Bride should write thank you notes after each shower and then after the wedding of course.
- Plan a Bridal luncheon the day before the wedding. (Someone may host this for you.)
- Work with Grooms parents for rehearsal dinner. (Hostess by the Grooms parents)
- Determine if any transportation is needed. Limo, bus, etc...
- Work with hair stylist for the perfect wedding day look.
- Determine if someone will do the Brides/Bridesmaids make up for the wedding.
- Get gifts for your Bridesmaids and anyone who is in your wedding party. (remind the groom)
- The Bride will have a gift for the Groom.
- Prepare for the honeymoon.
- Mani-pedi day before
- Day of...don't have anything on your to do list. Ask a friend to be your eye's and hands that day. Share details with her so you don't need to worry. Relax!
Extra expenses:
Dresses for the showers, luncheon, etc...
Hostess gifts for everyone who host a shower or party in your honor.
Engagement dinner/party.
Shower gifts and of course all those extra things. Again...stay in your budget!
Bridal book and guest registry book. Jewelry. Mother of the Bride dress. Sister of the Bride dress.
Etc. etc. etc. Seriously!
Lindsey and I are thankful for Bruce who works so hard so we can spend all the money. LOL! Seriously...it's his joy! And to family and friends who have prayed for us during this time and who have made this precious season of life such a sweet and joyous celebration; we are so very grateful. Most important our Heavenly Father gets all the glory. He designed marriage, brought Lindsey and Bryan together and for this we are so very thankful!
More to come-
The Mother of the Bride
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