A Life of "Wifery"

In all the years before I met my fiance, I was determined that marriage would never be written on my "to-do-before-I-die" list, nor would it be allowed to cross my path at any time during my 20's if it had to enter my life at all.  I stuck to those vows until I met *Chris* and then all was lost. Now I find myself excited about learning how to cook-- a chore I refused to enjoy all through my high school and college years. The thrill of looking at dishes and towels and sheets overwhelms me, and I catch myself frequenting sites like http://www.realsimple.com/ and http://www.marthastewart.com/ in search of home decor tips, health and exercise advice and NEW RECIPES!!!! I can't believe how domesticated I've become in the past three months. Pier 1 is my new favorite store-- their place mat designs and napkin rings are fabulous, and their ideas for space saving and storage are incredible! Who would have thought home-making could bring so much joy to one's heart? 

Must they eat cake?

 The cake:  majestic, beautiful, artistic, and potentially very expensive! That's why I'm only having a real topper, and the rest will be elaborately decorated Styrofoam.  For my guests, mini cheesecakes with a raspberry drizzle will be a splendid refreshment on a hot July afternoon. 

Pictures from: www.theknot.com

When it comes to seating charts I'm sort of at a loss.  Assigned seating is complicated and I'll probably leave most of my guests to their own devices, but I think the most intimate family members should have seats of honor near the head table, close to the bridal party.  Arranging them shouldn't be too difficult, but coming up with a creative and elegant name card might be tricky.  Here are some ideas that  I got from Martha: 

These are pretty and simple and they would add just a touch of color to the tables.

I'm really excited about this one! I think pink butterflies would be the perfect touch to embellish my tables.  Here's the How To: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/laura-butterfly-seating-cards?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/creative-seating-cards#slide_47

 

 

I just think this one is so cute. How creative to have little sun chairs with umbrellas for a beach reception.

Save the Dates?

The next thing on my to-do list is save-the-dates...yaaay... or not.  Actually I am pretty excited about picking out pictures and figuring out how to put 'em together on a postcard like this: 

I really like the collage idea. It's fun and interesting to look at and provides room to be creative and original, without being super expensive or tacky.  However, this layout provides a little romance and simple elegance:

It's modern and classy, which I'm hoping will fit right in with the rest of the wedding.  However, choice #1 gets points for allowing the fun side of Chris and I to come out. We can't be serious and romantic all the time! Thoughts? Votes? Input?

Google Docs

My brilliant friend Kristina recommended Google Docs for all the lists (namely the guest list) of things I need to keep track of.  Even though I'm only a couple days into planning, I can already tell that Docs is going to be a lifesaver. It's so handy because Chris and I both have gmail accounts, which means we can share and edit our guest list (which is set up as an excel sheet), and as I'm writing this I just had the genius idea to put a music list together too! Docs is making it remarkably easy to organize the most confusing and complicated parts of our wedding, and I am forever grateful to Kristina and to Google for their help!

Flower Plans

I'm so excited about picking out flowers! I love flowers. I think hydrangeas, peonies and cabbage or tea roses are on the list for bouquet options.   I'm not crazy about frills and furbelows on the pews and doors, but flowers are a must.  Real flowers are preferred. 

Pink flowers will be perfect.  Since the bridal party is going to be in black, and I'm in white, a splash of pink will complete my wedding trousseau's look. 

I'm still debating about table decor.  I would love for flowers to be the centerpiece of every table in the banquet hall, but realistically speaking, that's probably not going to work.  Although, I've been told that depending on the price of the flower, it could be doable.  Simple, elegant, beautiful and timeless are my goals when it comes to decoration. If that can be achieved then I shall rest a happy woman.

Checklist

Groom- check

Wedding dress- check

Bridesmaids picked- check

Bridesmaids' dresses- check

Colors- check

Decoration ideas- check

Flower ideas- check

Wedding date- TBA

You would think the wedding date would be the first thing to fall into place, wouldn't you? Ha! Well, this weekend has been a merry-go-round of drama as we attempt to find a day this summer that will provide a photographer, a reception venue, a pastor, and the whole family all at the same time.  Oy vey.  I JUST WANT TO GET MARRIED!!!! And that's the point right? And if the point is to "just get married" then why all the stress? Why the big to-do? Why bother with a $500 dress, plane tickets, invitations and flowers?  

As I began to realize the frivolousness of it all, I suddenly had an epiphany of ridiculousness.  If I have to have a wedding and can't have it on the ideal Saturday, what about a Monday?!?!? It's perfect! None of the venues will be taken (which might be more cost-effective), and travel for the guests will be cheaper (and it's not like it would make that much difference taking work off on Monday and Tuesday rather than Thursday and Friday) right? Fail.  So then I suggested elopement--an idea which almost didn't fail...until my mother found out. After that there was the argument about having the wedding in PA instead of MN.  No good.  Now, after a weekend of stress and tears I'm still dateless, but things are looking up.  One last desperate option would be a Friday in July.  Goodness gracious, this life of wedding planning isn't going to last very long if this keeps up!