Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Wedding shoes and stress free news! haha

I haven't really progressed too much in the wedding planning. I am still searching for the catering. I think I have pretty much found the rental company, but catering is something I still feel really lost on. I can't go over budget on this. I am stressing out about it. Stressing like crazy. It will work out in the end...



I have purchased the shoes though! I am so excited! They came in the mail today, and I love them! I am concerned that I will be taller then Joe. I am almost sure I will be at least as tall with those 5 inch heals. We'll see. I really love them, and it would stink to have to return them. I plan on trying them on with Joe blindfolded next to me. Hahaha.




I am about to book.....(drum roll please).....
A wedding planner! More specifically, a day of coordinator. If somebody would have told me a year ago that I would hire one, I probably would have laughed in their face. As this planning comes closer to the big day, I have come to the realization that I will have to go through so many vendors. I am so worried that I, or somebody close to me will have to run around like crazy on that day. I am also worried about the room change. I don't want any family member to have to lift a finger. The rental companies that I have corresponded with have told me that they either don't do a room change, or I found out that the price was insane and it wouldn't even include putting up the decorations! That is when I saw a wedding deal online with The Smitten Bride. I quickly e-mailed them for more information. I met up with them, and my mom, Joe, and I fell in love with them. I  met up with two ladies from the team and loved their personalities. I was worried, because I recently attended a bridal expo and when asked about a room change, (in her loud and slightly obnoxious voice) she stated that the catering company would do it. I was scared they would give me the same attitude. When we asked The Smitten Bride, there response made me feel so great. They will have their team physically do the room change! They will make sure everything is put together exactly how I want it. I instantly felt relieved. We left so excited and my mom felt a lot calmer. That was super important to me. We are about to sign the contract within the next day or so. Now they do offer a lot more then just the room change, but that was my main concern. They will assist with other things such as creating a timeline (which has stressed me out since we are having a cocktail only reception), they will be in charge of the rehearsal, they will be there all day on my wedding, they will set up and break down, make sure to oversee the other vendors, they will look over all the contracts and make sure everything is perfect, and many other things. The best part? A stress free day. 


I am a little stressed, but also really excited.

Monday, January 9, 2012

194 days...

Until the wedding!

I can't believe it's already 2012. I'm sitting here typing up this blog a year and one day after Joe purposed to me. Ahh such sweet memories.

I have really been slacking in the planning department. I planned to do some planning in December, but with work and Christmas, I never really felt up to it. I am finally anxious and ready to continue the planning. Below are things I have already booked/purchased.

  1. Venue - Kitchen Chicago
  2. DJ -  Windy City Mix
  3. Photographer - AE Photography
  4. Dress - David's Bridal
My next goal is the table/chair rentals and catering. This has been ridiculously difficult. Everything is so expensive. I knew what I was getting into, but it doesn't make it any easier. My biggest worry is the room transformation after the ceremony into the reception. I've been watching a lot of Whose Wedding is it Anyway? and it makes me long for a wedding planner who can make everything go smoothly. Those are just so expensive. 

I am now trying to find somebody who can make jewelry. I know what necklace of my dreams looks like, I just need somebody to make it!

My small goals are to create a timeline of the day and brainstorm on what the decor will consist of. It will help to book the rentals first, so that I know exactly how much I have. 

I need to finalize the save-the-dates and send them out this month!

Bridesmaids dresses need to be picked out (this month?) and purchased soon

Ahh, I also need to start eating better and losing weight! This starts tomorrow! 



So much to do!