Friday, October 15, 2010

Everything I Need to Know About Wedding Planning, I Learned From My Best Friend’s Wedding

Crisp, bold colors of autumn’s arrival made her ivory pearls and pristine dress glisten. 

October 9, 2010 proved to be the quintessential Michigan day for a fall wedding. And after having planned the entire weekend sans wedding planner, Courtney- my best friend from college, deserved nothing less than the perfect day. 

I can safely say after last weekend that one never fully understands the great magnitude of preparation and— need I say—stress that a wedding involves until you’re part of the bridal party or it’s your own.  Now, I know a little bit more of what I’m in for.

Things I’ve learned:
  • It’s never too early to begin writing an itinerary and figuring out where everyone needs to be.
  • In the words of the bride, a wedding is like Stage Management 101 (or maybe even 401).
  • Have a notebook and highlighter handy at all times.  You never know when you'll need to make a list.
  • Above all, remember to breathe, smile, and enjoy.

Now, for some green things I picked up from her fabulous day:
  •  Their wedding website allowed guests to RSVP meal choices and activities for the weekend online and paper-free.
  • All of the programs were from a recycled, reused source.
  • Not only did she use her mother’s veil, she also donned a piece of lace from her mother’s wedding dress as a hair accessory.  It was absolutely gorgeous.
  • All “welcome bags” were in the form of reusable grocery bags.
  • They utilized local wines and snacks (Michigan dried cherries mixed with homemade granola... an incredible combo).
  • Shuttles transported guests en masse from hotel to church to reception.
  • They had adorable signs made that hung from their ski lift chair (oh yes, we took a ski lift to a champagne toast... in a word, amazing).  On one side it said “Just Married” and on the other it had their newly shared last name.  The sign will now be reused as décor for their home.

So, not only was their wedding a stunning success, it was good to the planet too.  I couldn’t be prouder of her and I was so honored to be part of their wonderful day! ☺

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