Looking back over the planning process, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect before we leave for Hawaii. I have enjoyed this board a great deal, first starting out as a lurker and then joining in as much as my schedule allowed. You ladies are an amazing support group and have made the whole planning process so much easier. I want to thank you for sharing your stories, your planning, your weddings and your inspiration.
What I learned throughout the planning process:
No matter what, we are bound to change our mind several times, about everything…flowers, colors, etc. Thank goodness for flexible wedding planners. You will find yourself doubting details more and more as you get closer to the wedding.
Dealing with airlines over the phone is a pain. Forgo the torture and pay extra fees. Keep a careful eye on itinerary changes, chances are, if they make a change you might end up on another flight with no assigned seats.
Beauty wise, begin building your tan about 2 months before the wedding. Go slowly and invest into the ergonomic mega beds. As for the nails, I had decided to do my own, but because I had to type so much during my internship, I wanted to make my nails stronger, so I went with shellac (twice to try it out) and then found the gel overlay at the end, which is pretty strong. I hope it holds up.
Packing will be an interesting process since you will be packing for a vacation but also carrying everything wedding related. I suggest finding a place in your closet where you can place everything you will need as you are remembering and coming across things.
What’s been the most fun about the whole planning process:
Checking out the Knot board on regular basis
Receiving subscription to Brides magazine
Loving every moment of being the ‘Bride’
Purchasing everything that has the word Bride on it
Blinging out shoes
Watching FI cut components of the invitations and STDs
Watching Say Yes to the Dress marathons without anyone being able to stop you or comment
Watching the Wedding Wars on VH1 with FI
Indulging in workout bootcamp sessions, tanning, waxing, spa treatments, teeth bleaching, and dance lessons because it is for the ‘wedding’
Attending wedding shows
Having amazing friends throw even more amazing bridal showers
Designing our stationary
Hearing ‘Aloha’ spoken on the phone
Having an engagement photo session on the campus of our University
Listening to our song over and over again
Sharing all the details about the wedding with friends and family
Watching mom’s face light up while trying on wedding dresses
Trying on over 50 wedding dresses before finding the one
Creating a video of ‘the journey to finding the dress’ for mom and FI to view after the wedding
Seeing FI’s face when the wedding countdown hit 7 days
Choosing FI’s tie
Searching for the nailpolish color to match FI’s tie
Making the favorite wedding poses book
Discovering Hawaiian culture and music along the way
There have been many more fun things, but that's all I can think of now.
Good luck with the planning process everyone, next time I chat, I'll be a Mrs.