I wish that I could tell you all that our wedding planning is going wonderfully, or be able to share with you our date or venue, but that isn’t yet the case. As organized as I am, some things are just out of my hands. Like finding a darn place to get married! It seems that every place we visit is too expensive, too small for our wedding, or looks too much like a wedding factory. I never thought it would be so hard to find a simple, rustic, outdoor spot to say I do!
Despite the lack of perhaps the two most important aspects of any wedding, we are moving ahead with planning and ideas anyway. And this led to yet another problem… fortunately this one was much easier to solve.
I love my wedding planner. The three ring binder is full of ideas, worksheets, and space galore for doodles, number crunching, and the like. But all of these wonderful pages also create back breaking bulk. I’m talking an A5 Filo on steroids here! I think I carried it around for two days right after I got it, thinking about how great it would be to have all of my ideas at my fingertips. That ended pretty quickly. I realized I needed something small and portable where I could jot down quick ideas and add to lists. My first thought was my Malden- I presently have an “Etc.” section that could easily be turned into a “wedding” section. But I quickly realized that what I really wanted was a bound book where I could write ideas, but also use as a journal of sorts once the wedding was over.
Determined not to shell out any cash on my little endeavor, I looked around for what I already had and came across two contenders, a black Moleskine cahier, or a red Piccadilly notebook. I went back and forth with both- testing pens, portability, etc. Long story short, the Piccadilly won. In the end, it came down to its appearance, portability, paper quality, and the fact that it looked a bit nicer than the Mole. I’m imagining looking back at it years down the line, and showing it to my kids someday. I’m sure they’ll just be thrilled about that!
So, here is my new wedding planner sidekick in all of its glory:
Ok, it’s not all that amazing. But it is very practical, plus I received it as a birthday gift from B’s mom last year so it also has some sentimental meaning. And really, I didn’t need an extravagant book for this purpose. This notebook will just serve as a portable arm of my jumbo wedding book- I plan to use it for lists and journal entries throughout the wedding planning process. I haven’t written any journal entries yet, but I have already started lists including a pros & cons list of a backyard reception:
And a list of places I’ll need to change my name after the wedding (this list is already way too long for my liking!):
I’ve also started lists of the pros & cons of another wedding venue we visited recently, ideas of items we’d like to register for at certain stores, and a list of songs we want to have on our reception playlist. I’ve got to say, it’s great having this little notebook in my bag when a song comes on the radio, or when I see an item in the store I know we’d love to have. It’s way easier than carrying around a giant binder, and much more secure than sticking a Post-it in my Filo and hoping I don’t lose it before I transfer the details over.
So, all of my married readers, do you have any ideas for lists or sections that I need to have in my new wedding notebook? I’m sure I’ll come up with more, but it would be lovely to have your ideas!
Oh wow!! I couldnt use a bound notebook as i always make mistakes and have to rip pages out!!! I am so excited for you 🙂
I didnt think about the fact you have to change all thoes things when you change your name, oh my that is some list to concour 🙂
Cannot wait to hear more about it <3 xxx
Once again, I LOVE your handwriting! This notebook will be such a keepsake in your later life. I hope you'll enjoy the process of planning THOROUGHLY. Remember, it's not about the wedding, it's the marriage that'll count (LOL)
And I think you should live in Holland, because the majority of the married women here keep their own name. Much less hassle …. (hehehe)
9 months later and I still haven't changed my name on too many things…guess I should change my name on social security card before taxes roll around again. Changing your name is no fun at all. Then men don't have to do anything, just enjoy having a live-in housekeeper and cook!
I didn't even make an attempt to change my name. I only use my husband's name on facebook! haha. But professionally it would be too much of a pain to change my name. My mum was so upset. She called and asked hubby if he was ok with it! 😉
@Imy- Yeah, I am definitely afraid of that! But, I figure that is part of the imperfection that makes me… me 🙂
@Jotje- Wow, I'm glad you like my handwriting- I typically hate it! I swear, it is the darn Lamy nib that does it 🙂 And yes, it is definitely about the marriage!
@Whit- Haha! Yeah, that's why I'm making the list now! I've already got over 20 places between work and personal stuff… not looking forward to that 🙁
@CP- I definitely thought about keeping my name, but it is very important to B that I change it. Plus, I'm not in a career where my name is at all well known (yet) and since I blog as just J I figure why not?!
I second the gorgeous handwriting and am of course am avidly reading all your wedding posts!! Thinking of all the places to change my name hadn't really even occurred to me other than work/bank/passport so that was a fab tip.
Lx
Thanks, Louloudorset! I am still so surprised people like my handwriting so much- I always feel like it is so messy!
And isn't it crazy to think of all the places we need to change our names? Although, most of my usernames for websites involve part of my last name, so I'm sure my list will be longer than most peoples!
Btw, I can't wait to see which wedding planner you pick!!!
Oops – I originally commented about this on the wrong post. Sorry!
Anyway…
One list I found helpful is that of the people involved (if you know this already) – the obvious: maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen; and the not-so-obvious: minister/priest/JOP, singer/musicians (if including), people to hand out programs, readers, etc. The list will come in handy if you have a program/bulletin printed up because you will need to list all if those people. Of course, your list will be determined by what you include in your ceremony, but most of these people need to be (traditionally) paid and/or given a gift.
Oooh, good point, Kanalt! I have all these people in my head, but at some point I'll have to write them all down. I think my main wedding planner actually has spaces for all of these people/jobs- I just have to find it again!