Mani Mela Bride, Brianna, is just 17 days away from her wedding – and she’s back with her latest blog on the world of wedding planning. Catch up with Brianna below:
I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. I’ve heard from many that these weeks before the wedding will fly by faster than I can say “I do!” Those people are certainly right. It feels like yesterday that there were still 100 days to go! Little details running through my mind keep my brain humming, and my to-do list building, but I have to say – this time of my life is thrilling, exciting, and there is so much beauty within all the chaos! I am trying my best to soak up every last second because I know it will come and go far too quickly (and I have to be honest – I actually really enjoy all this hustle and bustle.)
As I’m sure many brides can understand, these last couple weeks before the wedding are filled with lots of list making, double checking, and then triple checking all those lists. The only real stress I’ve felt while wedding planning has been during these final couple weeks, and it is only because my biggest fear is forgetting something (you don’t even want to know how many of these dreams I’ve had). So here is my list of little details to add to your final planning to-do checklist, and I hope it will help spare you any unnecessary stress:
- Guest Book – This is a detail usually left to deal with at the end of the planning and purchasing. Etsy has some great options, but if you want anything customized or elaborate, you should start thinking about this at least 6 weeks prior to your wedding. There are also so many great alternatives on Pinterest if you want to do something other than the standard “sign in” book. Here are some of my favorites:
Guest book stones
- Garter – If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought all about your overall look a million times – makeup, hair, dress, accessories, but don’t forget about your garter! Yet again, Etsy is a great resource! Not only are there beautiful alternatives to garters typically found in most bridal shops, but you can find them cheaper on Etsy. Coordinate with your wedding colors or incorporate your theme, you can personalize it however you’d like. I found my garter on Etsy, and it came included with a toss garter, too. Quite the steal!
- Favors – It’s important to thank your guests for celebrating your special day with you, and there are so many ways to do this! There are a broad range of favor ideas, and the best part is that favors are a great way to further incorporate your theme with the wedding decor. If you have a rustic wedding, follow your theme (think take home flowers, or elements of the decor in your take home packages such as twine ties). If your wedding is centered around one specific color, a color coordinated candy buffet is a beautiful favor idea. I don’t want to spoil any secrets, so I’ll save what we chose to use until a later date. 🙂
- Logistics – Logistics are a huge deal. I notice I feel so much better once I figure these details out, and the stress feels like it’s melting away. So make a detailed floor plan, call up your wedding coordinator, figure out who is helping with set up and take down, write up a timeline, get in touch with your vendors. You will be prepared, and you will feel SO much better.
Of course there are many other things to consider, but get these taken care of and you’ll be left with only minor details. Good luck with your wedding planning, and I can’t wait to share all the details of my own special day with you in practically no time! 🙂
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