Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | A "short" reply from a newly-wed bride!!

First, congratulations!! I didn't know you were getting married!! June is the perfect month for a wedding

This post is right up my alley!! Ask me anything!!

1. Yes, everyone is right - 6 to 8 weeks before is when to send out your invitations. There are a few exceptions - 6 weeks before my wedding was Good Friday. I waited until the Tuesday after to post them. (If you're Catholic, it's apparently a faux pas to send out wedding invites during Lent ? I'm not Catholic so I'm just going on what I was told by my m-i-l )
Allow 2 - 3 weeks for replies. If its formal, ensure you include your self addressed, stamped reply card & envelope. Or, informal you can have phone or email reply. Give yourself 2 to 3 weeks before the big day to have all of your numbers into the caterer. Someone always cancels at the last minute too. Most caterers will adjust if there is only 1 or 2 people and it is a sit down (mine was).
2. Money. It's not nice, but you can put, in small letters on the wedding invite - presentation preferred - It works, and in this day and age it is happening more and more. Or, like someone else said, do you have a favorite shop you can register at. I registered at Sears and Home Outfitters, and requested gift cards on my registery. Another idea is - presentation towards XXXX - we were going to put bedroom suit but decided against it. Most people will be okay with it. Your old blue haired aunties will still make you a blue, pink and black quilt for your bed even still!! (My auntie Marg did! But I still love her for it!) My best suggestion is to register for a few items you know you will want / need - towels, linens, dishes. Especially for your shower. It doesn't have to be a lot either - I just did a small registery, and ask everyone to include the gift receipts. This way, if you don't like it, you can always get store credit! (Worked for me!)
Um, what else? Uh, yes, in your shower invites you can say if you are registered / wanting cash and where. It's not completely faux pas.

The stuff to worry about right now, as its a year before - your dress. Find or arrange your dressmaker if you haven't already. Book your place and your photographer, they book up early for June weddings. You also need a JP or minster / priest.
Start looking at your rings, shoes, invites at 6 months ahead. Plus you music (if any) if you are having a shag (social) should be booked too.
Get the m-o-h and wedding party outfitted by 3 or so months before - sooner if you have to order in dresses etc.
Get the groomsmen and groom dress 6 weeks to a month before.
And RELAX. It seems overwhelming and I know it is. I pray you have an awesome m-o-h or sister etc to help you!!
Plan for everything to fall apart in one way or another at least once. DON'T STRESS!! (I did waaaaaayyyyy toooo much - I'll share my left overs with you!!) AND HAVE FUN PLANNING!!!!!

Happy Wedding Planning!!

Cassandra

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Cassandra

Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.

IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!

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