Spring '07 Brides To Do List

Springbride,

You have gotten alot done. We only need to book a photographer, honeymoon and dj. I have to put the wedding favors together and I will be doing my own invitations, so not much left to do. I started early so, I would'nt be so stressed out when time started getting closer to the date.

Wow Springbride360 you are certainly on the ball! Good for you!

I have already,

Brought Save the dates
Paid most of the money for the wedding and reception site.
Booked dj
Booked florist
Paid for wedding dress
put a deposit on bridal shower location
brought invitations
currently in the process of interviewing wedding coordinators

Acutally, I'm a fall '07 bride, but I have:

1) Booked ceremony/reception site
2) Booked photographer
3) Booked DJ
4) Booked videographer
5) Ordered and received favors
6) I'm also burning CD's - I already have the master copy
7) Picked out my invitations
8) Booked site for pictures after the ceremony
9) Booked wedding coordinator
10) Have all of my centerpieces
11) Booked florist

From a bride that is getting married in 19 days, I must say you are all on the ball!

Are you getting nerves yet Rhony?

I Have:
Ordered wedding gown (On its way-Paid in full!)
Ordered Brides Maids Dresses (Coming back Early Dec-Paid in Full!)
Make-up artist (Me!) and a friend to do eyelashes
Decided on a photographer
Decided on a wedding coordinator
Interviewing Florists
Deposit on Restaraunt for Reception
Block Hotel Reservations (contracts signed)
Married & Engaged Couples class (attending)
Set the start date for counseling with my Pastor (Start in January)
Decided on centerpeices (Just need to buy)
Decided on favors (need to buy)
Process of finalizing menu
Finalizing invitation wording
Started my registries (Macy's, Crate & Barrel, and Target)
Bought pre-made invitations (due to print in December)
Purchased the Groom's wedding ring

Still need:
Ceremony musicians
Decide on songs!
DJ
Decide on WHICH cake from Publix (grooms cake too-will be a surprise)
Rental Car
Hotel Reservations for us (need to stay in a DIFFERENT Hotel from family)
Secure Honeymoon (depends on my internship rotations)
Programs
Veil/Tiara
Shoes
Attendant Gifts
Write Wedding Vows

There is some more things too..

Wow ladies...you all are kickin' butt w/your planning. I was doing really well until...I lost my job!!! But, so far I've done:

1. Booked the wedding/reception location
2. In he process of choosing the menu now
3. Ordered my dress - somehow God will provide a way for me to pay for it.
4. Found my bridesmaid dresses
5. Chosen the bridal party
6. Booked the DJ
7. Interviewing makeup artists/hair stylists
8. Chosen my florit - ya'll ever check out Costco online?

Still need:
Videographer/Photographer
Limos
Book the hotel
Decide on a honeymoon
Find & Pay for FHs ring
Send the save-a-dates
Choose invitations, favors, veil/tiara, shoes, bridal party gifts, secure location for rehearsal dinner, centerpieces/decorations.

With 8 months to go, I see that I have alot still to do. Just pray ladies that I can get all of this done w/a clear head & w/o havin' to hurt anyone.

Honey, my wedding is 8 months away as well, and there is still alot of work that I need to get done. I have complete faith that we will accomplish our goal and our day will come out better then we could ever emagined.

[quote="housewife147"]Are you getting nerves yet Rhony?
[/quote]

Yes Wifey I am, but I know they will kick in strong on my wedding day. Every bride I know says they really didn't get nervous until the wedding day.

What are somethings you can do to try to knock off some of the nervousness. I dont want to have that feeling, and I dont want to start crying when I walk down the aisle. I am a cry baby and I want to try something to control that.

Wifey that is a major concern for me. I cry so easily. I don't want to mess up my make-up. I am praying that I don't cry all the way down the aisle and hammersy if my fiance starts to cry, then it will be raining tears up in that church!!!

I am going to try to look straight ahead at some sort of object, so I wont focus on people crying, all whick trying to mantain a smile. Or maybe I should think about something that makes me mad.

I like your suggestion of finding something to focus on. That is a wonderful idea. Thanks Wifey!!!

Your are certainly welcome. My aunt told me this little trick when I had to recite a speech in front of my class, and it worked.

[quote="DaughterRhonda"]Wifey that is a major concern for me. I cry so easily. I don't want to mess up my make-up. I am praying that I don't cry all the way down the aisle and hammersy if my fiance starts to cry, then it will be raining tears up in that church!!!
[/quote]

Whoo hoo! That ought to make for precious pictures! (smile)

Hi Ladies..I am SOOOO behind!!! Here's what I've done

Secured Wedding Coordinators (My aunt and cousin do weddings all the time)
Decided on Colors (Chocolate, Latte & Ivory)
Save The Date Cards
Picked out invitations (just need to purchase)
Chosen and secured soloists (friends of mine...no charge!!!)
Selected attendants--meeting with them next month.
Wedding dress...just needs to be altered/modified..(Aunt is excellent seamstress!)

My biggest hurdle has been my venue. Since I am having an all-in-one wedding/reception... I'm trying to locate a place that will accomodate. I have 2 in mind, and have appointments to see this weekend.

Okay,judging by what I've said...someone be honest with me...exactly how far behind AM I? I have 7 months from TODAY!!

[quote="ieasha]
Whoo hoo! That ought to make for precious pictures! (smile)
[/quote]

I sure hope so -- LOL!!!

You are doing fine Jay! Hopefully you will be able to secure your ceremony/reception venue quickly because these places get booked months in advance.

Yep, they do book a year in advance. Once you book the place where you want to have your wedding and reception everything else will fall in place. Start to map things out and plan when you will start to purchase things. Dont wait to do a million things at the last minute. My wedding is only 8 months away, and there is still alot of things that I need to do. I mapped out everything. I typed up our vows, the wording for my bridal shower invites, the wording for my wedding invites, the complete order of my bridal shower, the complete order of my wedding ceremony, the wording of my rehearsal dinner invites, put a deposit on the location for the rehearsal dinner, I typed up the musical selections that I want played during my wedding ceremony and reception, and typed up a list of all the vendors I will be using. And I did all of that before I kicked out a dime.

Wifey you are no joke girl!

Wifey, u got it all under control!!! I'm printing out your post so I can work on the same things! I have what I call "THE NOTEBOOK", that has everything from budget to colors to copies of invites, pictures of cakes, price quotes, etc. I'm going to work on these items this weekend. I know once I get the venue nailed down, half the battle is won, so I'm trying not to stress too much about it!

Girl, you will be fine

Ok Ladies, here is where I am:
I have Wedding Gown
Brides Maids Dresses
Flower girl dresses all in my spare closet
photographer/videographer
wedding coordinator
I did all my own bouquets. From mine to the girls including throw away they are in my wall unit.
Got garters, flower girl baskets
Got the favors
Did broom
Secured site for Wedding & Reception (we are doing a all in one)
Block Hotel Reservations for out of town guests
Decided on centerpeices and bought all the supplies. I have nt put them togther since I have no place to store 14.I did put 2 together so I can get the effect.
Bought favors
In Process of finalizing menu
Finalized invitation wording
Bought pre-made invitations I will print them soon since I just got the wording together
Did the wording 4 programs and scriptures to be recited during ceremony
Hired dj obtained soloist
Picked out music for entrance and exits
Bought Unity candle
Decided on cake
Hotel Reservations for us
Secured Honeymoon
Working on veil we are doing ourselves.
Purchased Tiara
Writing Wedding Vows
I don't think I forgot anything. I still have to finish writing my vows and pay for everything

Wow, talk about prepared!

Aj, I am a control freak and I know things popup at the last minute, so i'm trying to do as much as possible b4 hand so I can try to deal w/the other later. I'm in rehab for the control thing. Ladies pray for me!!:)

Dang Taj, your are the bomb. I am coming to your house so you can help me.

Girl it wld be my pleasure. I love coordinating parties and functions. I just am not smart enouh to charge!lol Seriously though, I love it too much and I'm afraid if I charge people it will become work.

Ok that is wonderful, we can start a business togethor, you do the work and I get paid. LOL, just joking. Did you send a note to Askalot for our vibride reunion?

Absolutly! I'm looking forward to it.

YOu Ladies are really on the ball! It's great to get those things taken care of early so that you won't be too stressed out close to the wedding. House you are planning and paying for your own bridal shower? Tell your girls they need to woman up and handle their responsibilities, I hope that you don't have to do that yourself. Rony, I too thought of ways to keep me from crying and it didn't work. I cried at my bridal shower and all day on my wedding day (happy tears of course) It was truly my nerves. I don't there is anything to avoid it. You will be fine, whether you cry or not.

bump bump

I have:
Deposit on church
Deposit on reception hall
Deposit on dress (it' SOOO beautiful)and veil
Found bridemaids dresses
Got menu
Deposit on honeymoon
Started premarital counseling through church
Found soloist
Got D.J.'s
Found someone to make cake
Got music for ceremony

Still to do:
Find invitations
Find jewelry/tiara/shoes
Find Bridesmaids jewelry/shoes
Find limo service
Find photographer
Find who will do hair and makeup
Find how I will do my hair
Figure out if we are writing our own vows
Figure out HOW WE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR ALL THIS...lol..

Hi ladies, this wedding planning is not as fun as I thought it was. Don't get me wrong I'm enjoying it but it's getting a little hectic. My wedding is in May. I made and sent out my save the date magnets, picked out my bm and fg dresses, pick out the tux and I think I found my dress. I have picked out the mob dress yet because I still trying to find another color to add to the wedding which seems to be the hardest thing. My colors so far is burnt orange and white. It's going to be outside. I still haven't find a cake company or dj. Not to mention that I'm not completely happy with my reception site so I'm still looking. I know you can say it. I have a lot to do in such so time. Please pray for me:-) any suggestions is welcome and if I can help please let me know. I'm normally good with planning.

soontobebride and KMED122: Where are you getting married? There are so many people on this site from all over that can give suggestions on photographers, djs, bakeries, etc.

Am I crazy or retard( or both)? But I could have sworn today was the 3rd of November.

[quote="housewife147"]Am I crazy or retard( or both)? But I could have sworn today was the 3rd of November.
[/quote]

You are definitely not crazy Wifey. It's not the 4th but some messages are saying that. Weird.

House you are planning and paying for your own bridal shower? Tell your girls they need to woman up and handle their responsibilities, I hope that you don't have to do that yourself.

Yes, I am going to plan and throw my own bridal shower. My bridesmaids keep telling me to stay out of it and they will handle it, however the things that I want, and the location that I want is very expensive, so I feel it would be selfish of me to put that kind of burden on my girls. I have numerous things planned over the next few months that will cause them to spend money and I dont want to take advantage of them. Everyone has there own families and there own responsibilities. My bridal party will however be throwing me a bachorlette party and I am leaving it completely to them ( for one I will have no control). All I was told is it will be a weekend event.

Still to do:
Figure out HOW WE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR ALL THIS...lol..
[/quote]

When you figure that out please let me be the first to know. I struggle with that problem all the time.

Welcome KMED! Don't worry. We will make it FUN! You have quite a bit done already. May is 7 months away. Print out our Free checklists to make things easier!

Housewife47....when I figure it out....best believe I'll be broadcasting it all over the place! I mean seriously this stuff is gonna break a sista! Sheesh! I'm trying not to let any of that get to me though. One good thing is that I'm Liberian, and both my mother and father are VERY well known in the Liberian community, so what normally happens is we basically help each other out. For example this weekend, my mother is going to send out patron letters to friends and family. My mother has people that will both donate the food AND cook the food, so what she going to do is start contacting those she wants to cook and those that will be donating the food. So I thank the LAWD that at least we won't have to worry about food or if anything we might just have to fill in any gaps here and there at the most. Even though we are sending out the patron letters me and my fiance are not relying solely on that especially with all the deposits we are now paying...If I have to pay ONE MORE DEPOSIT I think I might cut somebody! I don't even like typing that word anymore....

Hey Ajiamarie I'm getting married in Charlotte NC.

FH and I were just talking this weekend about it and I have nooooooooooooo idea where we are going to come up with 21K in 10 months from. FH doesn't want to push it back or cancel it. I am so stressed behind this now. Actually, I'm getting a little depressed behind this and I'm not as enthused anymore. :-(

Girl I know the feeling Everything could be going so great until I money is due for something. I would have never guessed in a million years that weddings could be so expensive.

I know right? I want this day sooo bad but I have to pray that I will have it. Please pray for me guys!!! And the other brides in the same predicament.

[quote="SeptBride"]FH and I were just talking this weekend about it and I have nooooooooooooo idea where we are going to come up with 21K in 10 months from. FH doesn't want to push it back or cancel it. I am so stressed behind this now. Actually, I'm getting a little depressed behind this and I'm not as enthused anymore. :-(
[/quote]

Askalot God is faithful!!! Throughout this whole process He has moved some amazing mountains for us! Be encouraged.

I totally understand and will definately keep you guys lifted up in prayer. The most important thing to remember if there is life(mortgage, bills, car notes, etc) after the wedding so don't spread yourselves too then. We went through alot of financial stress when planning our wedding but if I can offer you guys some tips I will tell you what I did to make some things a little easier.

1) Initially I decided to cut cost with my wedding planner, invitations and flowers. I let my friend/soror who's a wedding planner coordinate, make my flowers, decorate, make my invites and programs. My Godmother to direct my ceremony since she and my mother have that business together.

2) I began purchasing things 2 weeks after we got engaged and decided on a date/colors. I got personalized bookmarks off of ebay last December. Do whatever your budget will allow. Say $50-100 every pay period to purchase things. I get paid 2x a month so that's how I did it.

3) I used artificial flowers so I went to places like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and my Coordinators went to their spots to purchase things. I decided on my centerpieces and begin purchassing what I needed for the. My MIL purchased 72 votive candles & holders from cudge.net for $60 for me. We used the hurricane glass holders that my mother and Godmother use for their business. I also ordered candles my burnt orange/terracotta candles from candles4light.comin January when I got my taxes they were like $140 and my 300 Program/CD cases from bliss for .37 each.

4) My husband and I came up with a plan to pay for the photographer & videographer. He put a certain amount aside from his checks each month for 5 months to pay one and I did the same for the other. By doing this we were able to send both of them their money in June. So they were paid far in advance.

5) We had my planner to work on one project at a time so that we could afford to pay for it and know what's already done. We paid her her fee and sent her extra money to buy things she needed.

6) Because I let her do my invitations versus ordering from a company I saved about $800. You can look at invitations online and order a sample from the company and use the sample as an example to go by to make your own.I ordered the paper & envelopes from a store online. I did the same thing with the programs. I ordered linen paper from shoplet.com and purchased clear labels and ink cartridges on ebay.

7) I purchased most of my wedding items, including both my wedding dresses, veils, shoes, BM's jewelry, FG's dresses, personalized ink pen favors, BM's gifts , etc from ebay. Ladies, I'm a stickler for a good bargain and I promise ebay was my best friend for the 10 months of planning my wedding.

8) My parents paid for the reception venue and food and his parents paid for the church rental,honeymoon(we will take in June) and our CD's

9) Lastly, I really wanted to have chair covers but I knew that we had really stretched ourselves very then so we did not get them. Making that decision hurt me to my heart but it saved us about $1200.
You really have to decide what's something that you can really do without. Renting chair covers for $1200 and you won't have them anymore after the wedding is what I had to keep telling myself.

Well, I hope this helps some of you. If I can be of any help to you please let meknow because you all helped me out alot. Best wishes

Well said PB&J. My FH and I saved also and bought things every pay check and that is how we did it also.