Ok, I don’t quite have a dress yet… but I did try on my first ever wedding dress last night! The appointment wasn’t even supposed to be for me; B’s mom, sister and I headed over to a local big box-style dress store to check out a few bridesmaid dress styles I found online. While one was a complete miss, the other (a one shoulder, knee-length) dress was perfect! Classy and fun. We didn’t order them yet, but unless something amazing comes along I’d say this is the one.
During the wait for the bridesmaid dress fitting, B’s sister Julie found a beautiful wedding dress and insisted that I try it on. I was a bit wary since most of the consultants were pretty busy, but our consultant said it wouldn’t be a problem. I can’t share too many details here in case B ever reads the blog, but it was gorgeous. Very vintage, classy and elegant. While I definitely want to try on more dresses before making a decision, this was a very good starting point. I’ve made an appointment at a very small sample size boutique for mid-February, so hopefully I have some more dress details soon!
But we do have a date! This past weekend was a busy one- we did a site visit for the ceremony venue on Friday afternoon and fell in love. It is a local farm that was privately owned, but was turned over to the forest preserve a few years ago. It is stunning and full of trees (and snow, unfortunately). Then on Saturday, I met with our reception vendor for a final measurement and contract signing for the backyard wedding tent. Sunday we played around with our guest list to accommodate our new guest count: 152. This morning, I sent in the official application for the ceremony venue. So, I am excited to share that on September 8, 2012 I will be a married lady!
Of course I had to do a Filofax shot for this… I am counting on that darn planner to get me through the next eight months! And the adorable “I Do” sticker is courtesy of Sandra after our great sticker trade. I just still can’t believe that I’ll be married to B in 235 days. No, I didn’t count. The Knot did it for me!
Anyway, I have a LOT to do before then. I’m not even going to start listing it here. But between my Filo, wedding planning binder, and some incredible friends and family, I know it will be a beautiful day. The next big steps will be finding and confirming a caterer, and getting my dress. Then we can move onto all of the tiny details that make the day completely ours. You know I’ll keep you updated on everything!
Are any of you planning a big event this year? Maybe a wedding or a graduation? Or, if you’ve already tied the knot, what would be your one essential wedding planning tip?
#1 planning tip…don't let other's opinions get in the way of how you want your wedding to be! It's so easy to fall into the trap of wanting to make everyone happy, but you just can't please everybody, so make yourself happy and do what you want (within budget and reason, of course!)
Joey and I watched a movie with a wedding in it last night, and Joey actually said, "I wish we could get married again, it was so much fun!" haha. It was fun…but also a lot of work! A year later, I don't think either one of us are remembering all the stress that went into planning the day.
Have fun dress shopping!
Oh how exciting for you! I got married almost two years ago, and it was the best day. Make sure you have a good master of ceremonies, so you can really relax on that big day. And don't try on too many dresses, the first guesses are often the best. And how you know when you found it? Your mom will cry when you get out of the changing cubicle in the right dress. And take it easy on the planning, there is a lot less to do than everybody thinks so you can enjoy it all!
My big events this year: my husbands novel will be published, and I will defend my thesis and get a phd (if everything goes well of course.
Congrats! That sounds like so much fun!
I'm not planning any big events this year myself, nor am I attending any, except for some graduation parties this summer. I'm hoping to be in graduate school, and moved into my own place (hopefully in Chicago) by Fall. Congrats again!
Yay! That's so exciting, and I love the sticker.
One piece of advice that someone gave us was to take a moment alone, just the two of us. We wanted to and we should have, but we never got that chance. I wish we had. So if you and B can steal a moment away from everyone, photographer included, I say go for it.
@Whit- Very good point. And your wedding was beautiful, so I definitely have to pay attention to all your pointers! We're actually dress shopping on your anniversary- I'll definitely share details 🙂
@Girlinmaths- Excellent advice! I have some great friends helping out with the wedding, so I know I'll be able to enjoy the day. And I agree on the dresses- I am so indecisive I know I can't try on too many. Congrats on your husband's novel and good luck with your PhD!!!
@A Chic Coincidence- Thanks! Good luck on graduate school and getting to Chicago- pretty amazing city if I do say so myself!
@Kanalt- I really love that idea. We were at a wedding where the couple was alone for almost an hour, which I thought was a bit much, but hopefully we can sneak away for at least a few minutes to just breathe and enjoy being married!