I don’t know how, but we’re less than 3 months away from the wedding! The wedding I’ve been planning since last July. Back when Chris and I got engaged, it seemed like November was so far away, but now it just feels like time has flown by. I can’t even imagine how some people pull all of this off with a 6 month or less engagement. I feel like it took me 6 months just to choose a venue, so props to you if you’ve survived a short engagement!
There’s still so much that needs to be done, but it finally feels like everything is starting to come together. I don’t want to underestimate the little things that still need to be done though. I’m indecisive when it comes down to little details, so needless to say, what’s left on the wedding to-do list most likely won’t be checked off for another month or so. I don’t want to drag this out longer than I should, so to hold myself accountable, I’m going to write it all here and give myself deadlines! If it works for my monthly goals, it should also work for wedding planning, right!? Here’s a little peek into my life right now.
Things to do before September:
– Call the jeweler and get my wedding band design process going
– Reserve ceremony chairs
– Decide on shoes and jewelry for my dress (Probably should have been done already!!)
– Finalize ceremony music (We’re having a violin & cello duo- music recommendations are greatly appreciated!)
– Send band a must-play list
– Finalize reception room layout
– Choose a location for my bridal photo shoot
– Finalize ceremony readings
– Book our getaway horse & carriage
– Finalize our second line parade route (Fun New Orleans wedding tradition I’ll write more about!)
Things to do before October:
– Begin dress fittings (Doing this early since bridal photos are in October)
– Create a weather backup plan (Let’s just pretend it never rains in Louisiana, because if our ceremony can’t take place in Jackson Square I’ll probably have my first bridezilla moment)
– Finalize first dance details
– Buy guest sign in book, favors, sparklers, card box, second line umbrellas & handkerchiefs
– Finalize reception decor layout
– Make cake pulls (a New Orleans wedding tradition I’ll also be writing more about!)
– Review day-of timeline
– Mail wedding invites
I literally have like 100 wedding related things floating through my brain at any given moment. My biggest fear is that I’m going to forget something crucial, so I’m trying to get it all done now. I know once we get closer to the wedding day, I probably won’t even care! I’m just ready for the party and week long honeymoon!
Feel free to leave any advice you may have when it comes down to the last stretch of planning! I really want to fully enjoy my last month of being engaged and have everything taken care of! Last minute scrambling is not my forte!
Heather Hammel says
I seriously have no idea how people have short engagements with big elaborate weddings. It just seems impossible to me. There is just so much to do when it comes to wedding planning! Thank God I got a lot of brainstorming and my wedding binder put together before I became pregnant/ found out I was pregnant b/c I seriously don’t know how I would’ve been able to do that between the fatigue, lack of motivation, and morning sickness- although I’m still dealing with all of that at 21 weeks. I am really trying to get as much wedding planning done as possible before Rory is born (our wedding date is about 5 months give or take after she is born depending on when she is actually born) because I know that it will be hectic trying to do wedding planning with a newborn and then also going back to work full time after she is born and taking care of 3 dogs. I think I might just be crazy.
http://dogmomchic.blogspot.com/
Alicia says
That’s so exciting that you are so close to your wedding. I am just now starting the process of planning mine in New Orleans. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
Stephanie Hartley says
Oooh I’m really excited to hear more bout the New Orleans traditions you’ll be incorporating into the day – that sounds like such a lovely way to make it a little more unique. I hope that it doesn’t rain (and you avoid Bridezilla moments) and I can’t wait to hear more updates!
Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
Chloe says
Girl i feel your pain! In 2 more weeks I’ll be at the three month mark and panic is setting in! We just have to remember what all of this is really about
Kathryn Hadel says
Ahh so exciting, Dara!! I just got married in NOLA this January & had pics in front of that cathedral! It was a destination wedding for us. Are you from New Orleans? My only advice is to have every single detail and DIY project done two weeks before the date! So then you can just relax and soak in every minute 🙂 Congrats girl!!
Xx, K
http://www.jassamineelaine.com
Dotty J Boucher says
I am so excited about you and for your wedding you have been dreaming about. I know soon you will be thinking of things that you may have forgotten or is this enough , is the napkins in place things like that, but know to take a break… close your eyes and think of nothing . Remember this day coming is about you, enjoy every minute of it and be blessed..
my prayer for you is that your wedding is as perfect as you are and your marriage last more than a lifetime together..
@tisonlyme143
Marette @ Floradise says
You’re having a parade! So awesome! When I was in New Orleans I saw a wedding parade and it was so much fun!
Floradise: http://www.maretteflora.com
chelsea jacobs says
Ahh SO soon!!
Kelsey O'Brien says
This is all so exciting! I am currently Maid of Honor for the first time so girl – I feel you. Long to do lists. As for the weather, I’m totally crossing my fingers for you and hoping it all runs smoothly!!!
xoxo Kelsey
Blondes & Bagels
Falon says
Your to do lists are very manageable! I’m a wedding coordinator and it can be really stressful in the last few months. Try to relax and enjoy the process (and your fiance!) as the big day gets closer!
Cassandra says
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! These last few months will fly by so be sure to stay organized, but enjoy each and every moment!
Rachel says
This wedding is really sneaking up! I hope the rest of your planning goes smoothly – before you know it it’ll be your big day!
Meghan says
So exciting!! But lots of work to be done! Hope you enjoy every moment leading to your special day!
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
How EXCITING! Congrats! I think you’ve got the right mentality in trying to not stress at the end and fully enjoy the moments as they come.
Rebecca Hicks says
Yay!! The wedding is so soon. I can’t wait to read all about it. 🙂
All Things Big and Small Blog says
It seems like you have everything under control so my only advice is to enjoy your time! And enjoy your wedding! I was too stressed to enjoy it and regret it!