Planning, planning, planning

My first marriage was a quick, small wedding.  While it wasn't a courthouse wedding like most "A" school kids (I was 19 at the time, fresh out of bootcamp) it may as well have been.  It was thrown together in 2 weeks, the pastor was a friend of my exes family, and it was in a church I've only set foot in once since then, and that was to attend another wedding.  My fiance's previous marriage was a courthouse wedding.  When we sat down to plan, we knew there were some things that each of wanted that we didn't get out of the previous marriages.  Well, aside from a lasting relationship and a successful marriage.  But those were the obvious things.

I wanted specific people to be there.  While only one of my best friend's was able to attend my first wedding, that was pretty much it for my attendees.  The rest were all my exes family.  I wanted people I actually care about to be there and celebrate with us.  My fiance wanted a real wedding ceremony.  Not just the JOP giving his spiel and peace out.  So we sat down and put together what would make us both happy.

The big pieces were the easy part.  Venue, food, officiant, guests....all easy.  Heck, even my dress was shopped for and purchased in a day.  I am definitely not a "Type-A" bride.  Online shopping all the way.  In fact, I go this weekend for my fitting to see the alterations that were made to the dress I purchased.  I can't wait!  But then the details.  Shoes.  Oh, the story with the shoes.  I almost choked an online chat representative, through the internet, while ordering shoes.    We don't have to worry about decor, or music, or any of that, but there was still things like a cake topper, garter, bouquet, and favors to deal with.  And wedding bands.  Not to mention where we were going to stay during the week, what to do in lieu of a reception, where to have that, and transportation.

You know what I learned?  Bridezillas are not crazed brides.  They are brides who have finally snapped under stress.  I have already had at least 2 meltdowns.  The first being over the guest count alone.

Some details seem bigger than they are.  The cake topper and garter were actually fairly easy to get.  Once we knew what we wanted, it was a matter of finding where to get it.  Have I mentioned my love for online shopping yet?

Check lists are your friend.  Google them for ideas, modify them as your own.  Check them often.