ONE!

I'm a little behind.  Yesterday was actually the one month mark, but I wasn't feeling up to blogging.  I haven't had a whole lot of motivation this week for wedding related stuff.  I'm starting to feel better though, so it's time to knock out the last of the stuff I need to do for the wedding.  

I didn't get nearly as much stuff done this month as I had hoped.  A lot came up and then I just really wasn't feeling working on wedding stuff.  I'm so glad that I planned ahead on a lot of this stuff so that I don't have to freak out right now.  

Here's what I want to get done this month:

• Order programs
• Order and send Indiana Reception postcards
• Reserve wedding night hotel (yeah, I know)
• Get BM shoes ordered (still waiting on my BM to decide!)
• Buy garters
• DIY flower hangers
• Buy mason jars for centerpieces
• Finish burlap table runners
• Finish Guest Book
• Finish burlap bunting
• Order flowers
• Order "chalkboard" seating chart
• Stock the bar
• Confirmation emails with all vendors
• Complete the favors
• Pack for the honeymoon
• Transport everything to Mom's house
• Send out the wedding packet to the VIPs
• Confirm RD details

That's all I can think of right now.  I'm chopping some stuff off of my original to do list.  I'm running out of time and motivation and some stuff just has to go.  It's not as important as I originally thought it would be.  Wish me luck!

To Do List for This Month

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We've arrived at the fun part of the planning, folks.  Now is the time when the stress starts affecting my body.  In the past few days, I've started having trouble breathing.  It only happens when I get stressed.  I need to relax and get everything under control.  

I know that it will be much better when I actually get these invitations out the door.  They are such a huge burden.  I don't know why I stress over these so much.  They are just going to be thrown away.  I really should have gone with something super simple and not even worried about it.  Especially since the way these invitations look does not show how much time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears have gone into them.  They seem relatively simple.  I can't believe how long they are taking and how much effort has gone into them.  It is disturbing.

Anyway, here's the rest of the things I'll be doing this month:

• Get BM shoes ordered 
• Order programs from Vistaprint 
• Order special wedding underwear 
• Order honeymoon lingerie 
• Buy garters 
• Order Indiana reception postcards 
• Complete OOT bags 
• DIY flower hangers for ceremony (for on aisle chairs) 
• Order paper lanterns 
• Buy lights for paper lanterns  
• Order burlap for table runners
• Order mason jars for centerpieces
• Complete favors: phase 2
• Finish Vanilla favors
• Order train passes for honeymoon
• Address envelopes for invitations
• Finish RSVPs
• Stuff and seal envelopes
• Buy stamps for invitations & RSVPs
• Mail invitations by July 30th.
• Order dinnerware
• DIY flower girl basket
• Ask people to be readers
• Order flowers
• Reserve wedding night hotel
• Finish guest book

That's all I can think of right now.  And I'm sure that's more than enough to keep me busy for the next month.  Wish me luck, readers.  I am going to need it.  

Progress

Well, peeps.  It's here.  Two months until the wedding.  Actually, two months yesterday.  It's time to commence the super freak out.  AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I can't believe it.  There are only 61 days left until our wedding day.  It really makes me dizzy and nauseous to think about.  The good news is that I managed to get most of the stuff done on my to do list for this month.  

• Ask people to be readers at the ceremony
• Belly bands for the invitations
• Buy address stamps 
• Buy stamps for invitations & R.S.V.P.s
• Buy tour package for honeymoon
• Complete ceremony playlist
• Complete cocktail hour playlist
• Complete dinner playlist
• Complete the popcorn part of the favors (Changed to vanilla)
• Complete wedding packet (with schedule)
• DIY "reserved" signs for ceremony
• DIY flower girl basket
• DIY Photo Scavenger Hunt
• DIY Ring bearer box
• DIY signs for bride and groom chairs
• DIY thank you parasol
• DIY wooden signs
• Figure out wish jar
• Finish DIY guest book
• Mail out invitations by July 30 (might run into next month's to do list)
• Order dinnerware
• Order envelopes for invitations & programs
• Order headband/tiara
• Order jewelry
• Purchase or DIY veil
• Put together VIP ladies' bags
• R.S.V.P.s for the invitations
• Reserve wedding night hotel room
• Stuff envelopes and put on wax seals

I should be able to cross a few more items off my list tonight and tomorrow.  That's because the invitations will be DONE!  I should be sending them tomorrow.  Finally.  I can't wait for these things to be out of my house.  I'm sick of them!  

I planned to buy the dinnerware last Friday, but that didn't happen.  Other expenses popped up.  I'm not hugely worried about that though.  Still plenty of time.  

I don't think the hotel room is ever going to happen.  Same for the guest book.  I just haven't come up with any more inspiration for it.  I think I'm going a different direction than I thought with the flower girl basket.  So, I mostly finished the original basket but now I might be trashing it in favor of something new.  We shall see.  

That's all I've got for now.  I'm having a crappy day and I'm not looking forward to finishing up these invitations tonight.  But, I just need to keep telling myself, only one or two more days of these things and then they will be out of my life FOREVER!  And then I can focus on some of the other projects that I've got in the works!  My new to do list should be up later today or tomorrow.  And then I'll have a panic attack!  Yay!  :)

THREE!

The fact that there are only three months to go until the wedding makes my stomach jump up into my throat.  I feel a little dizzy/nauseous about it.  There is still a bunch to get done.  At least I had a productive month.  I've got another to do list for this month as well.  

I will finish the following items by July 24th:

• Ask people to be readers at the ceremony
• Belly bands for the invitations
• Buy address stamps 
• Buy stamps for invitations & R.S.V.P.s
• Buy tour package for honeymoon
• Complete ceremony playlist
• Complete cocktail hour playlist
• Complete dinner playlist
• Complete the popcorn part of the favors
• Complete wedding packet (with schedule)
• DIY "reserved" signs for ceremony
• DIY flower girl basket
• DIY Photo Scavenger Hunt
• DIY Ring bearer box
• DIY signs for bride and groom chairs
• DIY thank you parasol
• DIY wooden signs
• Figure out wish jar (?)
• Finish DIY guest book
• Mail out invitations by July 30 (might run into next month's to do list)
• Order dinnerware
• Order envelopes for invitations & programs
• Order headband/tiara
• Order jewelry
• Purchase or DIY veil
• Put together VIP ladies' bags
• R.S.V.P.s for the invitations
• Reserve wedding night hotel room
• Stuff envelopes and put on wax seals

It's pretty overwhelming.  I keep telling myself that if I get all of this done in the months prior, I won't have to stress so much in the month before the wedding.  It's just going to be a little extra stressful this month and next month.  ;)

This weekend, I am just going to relax.  I had to run myself ragged to get almost everything done for this past month's to do list.  You wouldn't believe how much time goes into making those damn pocketfold invitations!  It's not difficult but it takes forever!  

I think that most of the items on this month's list should be fairly simple.  Again, probably more time consuming than complicated.  But, I'm ready!

To Do? To Done!

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It's the night of the 23rd which means I should be finished with my to do list for the month.  Unfortunately, that's not completely true.  I've done a great job getting things done this month, but there are two things that I haven't gotten done yet:

• Finalize the centerpieces

• Decide between paper lanterns and String Balls
• Get my dress alterations started
• Decide on the favors and get them started
• DIY "tears of joy"
• Finish DIY guest book (a challenge...)
• Book all hotel rooms for the honeymoon
• Book hotel room for wedding night
• Redo the "dye disaster"
• Order Philip's wedding band 
• Order photos and finish the photo memory book
• Order ceremony sand
• Order wedding party gifts
• DIY table numbers 
• Finish updating the wedding website
• Find and order ties for the groomsmen 
• Decide on a program design
• Finish DIY personalized Hangers 
• Finish the pocketfold invitations 

I haven't booked the hotel for our wedding night.  I just haven't figured out which hotel will work best for us.  Fingers crossed that I will be able to check that off the list after this weekend.

I also still haven't finished the guest book.  I still haven't figured out how to get the design painted on the cover.  I think I'm going to end up doing something else with it.  

Anyway, I'm still pleased that I got so much done this month!  Stay tuned tomorrow when I will reveal my insane to do list for the next month!  :S

My list is shrinking!

After a highly productive weekend with my family in Indiana and a few days of productivity back in Colorado, I have a few more things to cross off of my to do list.

• Finalize the centerpieces
• Decide between paper lanterns and String Balls
• Get my dress alterations started
• Decide on the favors and get them started
• DIY "tears of joy"
• Finish DIY guest book (a challenge...)
• Book all hotel rooms for the honeymoon
• Book hotel room for wedding night
• Redo the "dye disaster"
• Order Philip's wedding band 
• Order photos and finish the photo memory book
• Order ceremony sand
• Order wedding party gifts
• DIY table numbers 
• Finish updating the wedding website
• Find and order ties for the groomsmen 
• Decide on a program design
• Finish DIY personalized Hangers 
• Finish the pocketfold invitations (In Progress!)

Of course, we finished the Tears of Joy and the Table Numbers in Indiana.  And I also got the alterations started on my dress.  

I ordered the gifts for my maids and my flower girl.  They should be here on Tuesday.  I may still pick up a few small items for them, but I think I've got the major ones out of the way.  

I also ordered the groomsmen's ties.  I decided on this one:

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I really wanted this one:

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But it still isn't in stock.   So, I'm settling.  I think the other one will be cute.  The circles/bubbles on the tie should tie in with the pearls I'm having the girls wear.  

I ordered the photos for the memory book.  I spent $1.95 on 106 4x6 photos, two 11x14 photos (for the house -- not for the wedding) and that's including shipping.  If you'll remember, when PhotoWorks went out of business, I got a $30 credit towards Shutterfly.  And, I used the current free shipping coupon code (SHIP30 -- You have to spend more than $30 to use it).  I should have those next week.  It says June 24th, but last time it took only 2 days to arrive.  Once it gets here, it should take just an hour or two to finish up the memory book.  :)

I also ordered Philip's wedding band.  It should also be here on Tuesday.  I will be sure to take some pictures of it when it arrives and I'll definitely give it a review.  

I am feeling good about how everything is coming along, but I still have a few big things to take care of before the 24th.  I have to pick up some stuff this weekend to work on the centerpieces and the favors.  

The invitations and inserts are all cut out, so I just have to put them all together now.  It should just be one more night of work.  Hopefully I can finish that up on Sunday night when Philip goes to work.  

The guest book will be the death of me.  I am still stumped about what to do with it.  I'm sure I'll figure it out.  I might stop by Michael's this weekend and see if I can get some inspiration.

We still have to book our wedding night hotel.  I'm still trying to decide where we want to be and what will be the best option for us.  I am going to talk to Philip about it this weekend and see if he has any preferences.  Hopefully we will get that checked off the list on Monday or Tuesday.  

And, redoing the dye disaster shouldn't take long.  I just haven't felt like dying my fingers blue recently.  I'm sure it will be the last thing done off of this list!  

lastly, I hope to pick up the ceremony sand this weekend.  I have had some trouble finding sand in the colors I want at the price I want.  I may be doing a little project next week to meet both of my needs.  ** Fingers Crossed That It Works **

Phew!  I'm so close!  I know that it will all be finished in time for my deadline... even if it drives me a little bonkers.  ;)

To Do List Update

If only, right? (Source)

I've been working on a bunch of the items on my list.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to complete many more in the past week. 

• Finalize the centerpieces
• Decide between paper lanterns and String Balls
• Get my dress alterations started (June 13th)
• Decide on the favors and get them started
• DIY "tears of joy" (In Indiana)
• Finish DIY guest book (a challenge...)
• Book all hotel rooms for the honeymoon
• Book hotel room for wedding night
• Redo the "dye disaster"
• Order Philip's wedding band (So close!)
• Order photos and finish the photo memory book
• Order ceremony sand
• Order wedding party gifts
• DIY table numbers (To be completed in Indiana)
• Finish updating the wedding website
• Find and order ties for the groomsmen (almost!)
• Decide on a program design
• Finish DIY personalized Hangers 
• Finish the pocketfold invitations (Next week!)

I got all of the invitation stuff printed.  I need to cut it all out and then start putting it together in the pocketfolds.  I don't have the R.S.V.P. cards printed yet because I'm doing each one individually and I have to figure out some spouses' names and children's names to put on the cards.  I should be able to finish all that next week when I get back from Indiana.

Speaking of Indiana, I should be able to cross a few things off of my list this weekend while I'm there.  We will be doing the "Tears of Joy" and the luminary frame table numbers.  I ordered the glassine envelopes a few days ago.  They already arrived but I have to pick them up from the post office (darn box wouldn't fit in the mailbox).  I have the photos printed on vellum paper and cut out for the table numbers.  I'll also be getting my dress fitted!  

I think I have a good idea for the centerpieces, but I have to do a mock-up first to be sure.  I'll let you know when I have decided!

I've tried working on the guest book a few times, but I haven't had any luck.  I gave up on Monday night because I managed to slice open my finger on a piece of glass.  This project shouldn't be so complicated.  I think I may be abandoning my logo idea and looking for something else to do with it.  

I think I have a new idea for the favors.  I am not going to say what it is just yet.  I'm really excited for it though!  I will hopefully be able to put together a mock-up of it in the next week and then I'll let you know if it's as wonderful as I think it will be.  :)

As far as the things on the list requiring money, those have been put on hold temporarily.  Philip and I each had to have our cars worked on the past 2 weeks.  Altogether, it's been over $500 worth of unexpected expenses.  So, wedding party gifts, wedding band, ties, and our wedding night hotel have to wait a bit longer.  

Speaking of the wedding band, something has changed.  While we were shopping, Philip got his finger sized and tried on a few bands to see what he liked.  He's still sure about the plain band, but he now wants something thinner than the 8mm.  So, I'm either going to go with a 4mm or a 5mm (he tried on a 5mm in the store and thought it maybe could be a little thinner).  I will probably be ordering this one or this one.  

I think that's all I've got to update for now.  I'll keep you all posted as things get finished!

Crossed off my list!

A few nights ago, I tried to knock two things off of my to do list for the month.  It didn't work out.  I couldn't find a pencil anywhere in our house, so I couldn't finish our DIY personalized hangers.  Who doesn't have a pencil??  Ugh... frustrating!  

And then, I couldn't figure out how to get the design/logo/monogram onto our guest book.  I had planned to just trace the logo onto the fabric like I did with the aisle runner, but the fabric for the guest book is navy.  So, I couldn't see through the fabric to trace it!  I still haven't figured out how to do it.  I think it's going to involve some lights underneath or something.  Oh, well.

However, despite my failures with those two projects, I have managed to knock a few things off of my to do list.  First, we have booked ALL of our hotels for our honeymoon!  Yay!  :)  Now all we have left to book/buy are our mini-tours and the train tickets.  Still 120 days left to get those booked and paid for though.  

Also, I finished updating our wedding website.  I think it's how I want it to look now.  And, I think it should answer any questions our guests might have.  I hope!  

Next, I think I've found the ties that I want the groomsmen to wear:

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I really like it.  There's just one problem: Amazon currently only has 1 in stock.  I'm going to wait a week or so and see if they get more in stock.  If not, I do have a few back-ups:

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The best part is that all of them are only $9.95 each... and they're Amazon Prime, so I get free 2-day shipping.  :)  

I've made a decision between the paper lanterns and string balls.  It's going to be paper lanterns all the way.  I just can't make myself like the string balls more than the paper lanterns.  I probably won't be ordering those until next month, though.  

And, I'll be measuring Philip's finger this weekend so that we can order his ring and get that checked off the list, too!  

So, for a recap, here's how the list is looking so far:

• Finalize the centerpieces
• Decide between paper lanterns and String Balls
• Get my dress alterations started (June 13th)
• Decide on the favors and get them started
• DIY "tears of joy"
• Finish DIY guest book (a challenge...)
• Book all hotel rooms for the honeymoon
• Book hotel room for wedding night
• Redo the "dye disaster"
• Order Philip's wedding band (So close!)
• Order photos and finish the photo memory book
• Order ceremony sand
• Order wedding party gifts
• DIY table numbers (To be completed in Indiana)
• Finish updating the wedding website
• Find and order ties for the groomsmen (almost!)
• Decide on a program design
• Finish DIY personalized Hangers (Darn pencils!)
• Finish the pocketfold invitations (Next week!)

It's exciting to be able to cross things off the list!  Especially since I'm only 3 days in!  I'm confident I'll be able to finish the rest of the tasks by June 24th.  :)