Ask the Marrieds Anything

LittleSweetie

And we'll answer  What do you want to know about the big day?  Anything we can help with here?

Ready, go!

kclepire

The last week or 2 weeks what were the last minute items you were running around completing?

Clare13

What's the best thing to do for yourself the week of/ day of the wedding? 

LittleSweetie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:29c6cda3-d647-4a9a-bcc2-db159b8d0267">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]The last week or 2 weeks what were the last minute items you were running around completing?
Posted by kclepire[/QUOTE]

<div>Programs/reception stationery (bar sign, guest book sign, table numbers, etc), escort cards, meeting with the DOC, making arrangements for final payments, OOT bags, answering questions of the WP/family</div>

LittleSweetie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:8c67c8dc-e4ca-45a8-80f5-40a130223f4c">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]What's the best thing to do for yourself the week of/ day of the wedding? 
Posted by Clare13[/QUOTE]

<div>For sure a pedicure/manicure the day before.  Day of - getting a good night's rest, eating as much as I could for breakfast, drinking water and staying hydrated, putting on sunscreen :)</div>

kristigiles

ooh sunscreen....good thought

LittleSweetie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:8c5488d7-04c7-40d3-888b-899512f4093a">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]ooh sunscreen....good thought
Posted by kristigiles[/QUOTE]

<div>Yeah two things:</div><div>1) Put it on before you squeeze into your dress</div><div>2) Ask someone else to put it on, because the sunscreen ruins your nails</div><div>
</div><div>I learned these things from experience!</div><div>
</div><div>Ok where are the other marrieds to help a girl out here???</div>

Muffers

Anything you'd do different or that you wouldn't spend as much time doing/worrying about now that you know what you know?

Izzygrim

How crazy were the last 2 days before the wedding? Do you think it's realistic to have the vast majority of things done before the last 2 days?

qwerty777

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:575686a8-9760-4076-af50-882a28881ccf">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]Anything you'd do different or that you wouldn't spend as much time doing/worrying about now that you know what you know?
Posted by Muffers[/QUOTE]


I bought coloring books, crayons, glow bracelets for all the kids. My cousin's 4 spoiled brats found where they were stashed for the ceremony and stole all 200 of them. None of the coloring books or crayons were touched. Waste of time and money.

qwerty777

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:83ddb739-f978-4091-9ee3-148e6bf2ff84">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]How crazy were the last 2 days before the wedding? Do you think it's realistic to have the vast majority of things done before the last 2 days?
Posted by Izzygrim[/QUOTE]

I had quite a bit of stuff to do for the last two days. I worked overnights the whole week prior to the wedding, and Thursday night/Friday morning was spent frantically cutting out programs and escort cards. Other than that, all I had left was to get my nails done, and figure out last minute details for the rehearsal. And yes, I do think it is realistic to have everything done before the last two days. I'm just a procrastinator.

PS. Remember to bring your processional music to the rehearsal if it isnt something that other people know.

LittleSweetie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:575686a8-9760-4076-af50-882a28881ccf">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]Anything you'd do different or that you wouldn't spend as much time doing/worrying about now that you know what you know?
Posted by Muffers[/QUOTE]

<div>Hmmm... Definitely wouldn't have spent as much time worrying about the room block.  People will find a place to stay, regardless of how much effort you put in for them/try to help them out.</div><div>
</div><div>Wouldn't have spent as much time/effort on invitations - would have hired that $hit out!</div>

LittleSweetie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:83ddb739-f978-4091-9ee3-148e6bf2ff84">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]How crazy were the last 2 days before the wedding? Do you think it's realistic to have the vast majority of things done before the last 2 days?
Posted by Izzygrim[/QUOTE]

<div>I think it's realistic to have almost everything done.  Mike and I both took Thurs/Fri off.  I can't remember what I did on Thursday, but Friday was quite busy - errand-y type stuff.  Don't even attempt to get anything done the day before besides being where you need to be.  Drop anything that's not done - chances are no one will miss it if it's not done (ahem, my OOT bags that I furiously tried to finish on Friday!).</div>

qwerty777

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:3fc8bd2f-139a-4a5b-9c3b-66e158bf53c5">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything : Hmmm... Definitely wouldn't have spent as much time worrying about the room block.  People will find a place to stay, regardless of how much effort you put in for them/try to help them out. <strong>Wouldn't have spent as much time/effort on invitations - would have hired that $hit out!</strong>
Posted by LittleSweetie[/QUOTE]

Completely agree! Or I at least would have done more research on the cost of the paper (go to Anchor Paper--NOT Archivers). I think I spent way more money than I would have just ordering pre-made invites.

kristigiles

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:3fc8bd2f-139a-4a5b-9c3b-66e158bf53c5">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything : Hmmm... Definitely wouldn't have spent as much time worrying about the room block.  People will find a place to stay, regardless of how much effort you put in for them/try to help them out. Wouldn't have spent as much time/effort on invitations - would have hired that $hit out!
Posted by LittleSweetie[/QUOTE]

<div>Good thing I figured this one out early enough!  Thank you wedding paper divas!!! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" /></div>

kristigiles

Is it really that important to have a seating arrangement?  It seems like more work than its worth...

LittleSweetie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:9f18294e-e127-4c80-8d53-31ebaa740155">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]Is it really that important to have a seating arrangement?  It seems like more work than its worth...
Posted by kristigiles[/QUOTE]

<div>IMO - yes and no.  Make sure to keep some tables reserved for family and the WP, but other than that, it depends on how much effort you want to put into it and how many "awkward" family/friend situations there might be that you want to avoid running into by assigning seats.</div><div>
</div><div>If you can afford to have extra tables set up, then go for it.  If people seat themselves, they're probably not going to fall out into perfect 8-person or 10-person tables.  Have a couple extra set up so that the few 1- and 2-seat spots aren't awkwardly filled.  After all, you want your friends/family to have fun at your wedding, not sit at a table they feel uncomfortable at because they were late or didn't save seats.</div><div>
</div><div>In any case, I think escort cards are a great idea, whether or not they have table numbers on them.  People can use them to save their seats, instead of tipping chairs and/or throwing coats over chairs.  It is also a good idea if you're having a plated dinner and need to indicate meal choice to the wait staff.</div><div>
</div><div>HTH</div>

kclepire

I'm not married yet, but I am a firm believer in seating charts.  We went to a wedding last summer where it was open seating.  FI and I didn't know anyone else and we ended up at a table all by ourselves.  It was akward.  People next to us were trying to fit 11 ppl at their table so that a couple didn't have to split up.  Seating chart would help eliminate this.

threemarie24

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:8c67c8dc-e4ca-45a8-80f5-40a130223f4c">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]What's the best thing to do for yourself the week of/ day of the wedding? 
Posted by Clare13[/QUOTE]

<div>We had a destination wedding, so we stayed in a hotel the few days before the wedding. I made time to be by myself in the room and took some long baths and just relaxed and tried to stay in the moment as much as I could. </div>

threemarie24

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:575686a8-9760-4076-af50-882a28881ccf">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]Anything you'd do different or that you wouldn't spend as much time doing/worrying about now that you know what you know?
Posted by Muffers[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Well I think every bride "has" to have details, but to me, now that I am planning my AHR (THIS Sunday!) I wanted so many personalized thing there like a MR and MRS banner, but after I thought about it it will be for ONE day and we will never use it again.  But looking back at my wedding day I loved every detail...just wished we would have had more liquor on hand since we ran out and had to go get more. </div><div>
</div><div>I also think "needing" to one up the next bride is something you should try and NOT do. Meaning everything time someone comes to the board with yet another DIY project they are doing or something cute they just saw...you dont have to somehow incorporate it into your wedding. I'd stick to the long list you already have and make it a reasonable length. However if yo use something that already matching what your look is, and you can easily get it done, go for it....but try not to put more on your "must do list"  two weeks from your wedding  <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" /></div>

threemarie24

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:83ddb739-f978-4091-9ee3-148e6bf2ff84">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]How crazy were the last 2 days before the wedding? Do you think it's realistic to have the vast majority of things done before the last 2 days?
Posted by Izzygrim[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I started freaking out about one month to go... knowing I had stuff I wanted to do and knowing I'd never do it. I vented A LOT, thankfully I had people who knew I just needed to cry/laugh/bit*h get my thoughts out of my head or I'd explode.  About two weeks out were actually really, really bad for me, I think I was OVER stressing myself, OVER thinking every detail. you just cant do that to yourself.   I finally calmed down and took everyday for what it was about one week out. I looked over my list, cut a ton of it, and just tried to stay in the moment. I think I also helped my DH out my NOT freaking out too much that week, as I kind of freaked out at him the whole month...whoops! </div><div>
</div><div>ONE word: delegate!!!!! FIND people who have offered their time and take them up on it....even if it some girls on here. we ALL would would to help..DELEGATE</div>

laura_fett

How many days did you take off? Was it enough time or too much time? Going back on it, how much time would you take off knowing what you know now?

beka0404

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:bdb48ee8-d515-403e-b859-eb062f23f61a">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]I also think "needing" to one up the next bride is something you should try and NOT do. Meaning everything time someone comes to the board with yet another DIY project they are doing or something cute they just saw...you dont have to somehow incorporate it into your wedding. I'd stick to the long list you already have and make it a reasonable length. However if yo use something that already matching what your look is, and you can easily get it done, go for it....but try not to put more on your "must do list"  two weeks from your wedding  
Posted by threemarie24[/QUOTE]

<div>Agreed, agreed, AGREED. I saw a great post on this on Offbeat Bride a long time ago. Here is the link: <a href="http://offbeatbride.com/2007/05/your-wedding-is-not-a-contest">http://offbeatbride.com/2007/05/your-wedding-is-not-a-contest</a></div>

threemarie24

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_ask-marrieds-anything?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:501be53d-d3d4-445f-898c-12f367c383bdPost:a162e3a2-bb3c-41ff-8546-b71a481f65f3">Re: Ask the Marrieds Anything</a>:
[QUOTE]How many days did you take off? Was it enough time or too much time? Going back on it, how much time would you take off knowing what you know now?
Posted by laura_fett@hotmail.com[/QUOTE]

<div>Well thankfully I can work on wedding stuff at work...well kind of, I do but just discretely. If you were getting married on a Sat, with a Fri RD, I'd say have wed be your last day of work. </div>

Muffers

great advice, ladies. thanks for sticking around and sharing your wisdom with us!!

That offbeat bride article is SO freaking spot on.  thanks for posting it. it's good to remind ourselves that our weddings are not contests and there is no prize at the end of the day - except that you're married

leggwilliams

EXCELLENT article. I just bookmarked it to serve as a reminder when things get stressful. Love it!

RTrepanier

Final vendor checks, confirming timeline, arranging tip and final payment checks.

RTrepanier

Relax - do what relaxes you so you aren't in a tizzy on your wedding day.  Anything that isn't done by now will be unecessary stress.

RTrepanier

We had a Saturday wedding.  I worked M and T the week before and then took off for the honeymoon straight away on Monday.  I used the time off mainly to catch up wiht out of town family and pack for the honeymoon - wedding related tasks should be arranged/completed at this point.