The Real Deal….
After this last month and a half of disasters, breakdowns, planning (just to re-plan), the dress fiasco, people not listening to directions, and DIY projects, we have made it to the home stretch! 10 DAYS.On August 5th, exactly one month before the wedding, I got an email from EVERY vendor we hired. It was like clock work. Hey, you have a month left, I need to know this, you owe that and oh yeah give me your left arm while you're at it. I truly feel there should be some sort of excused days off from work, kind of like maternity leave. Planning a wedding is a full time job and if you actually have a full time job you know that there is little time to get everything done. I’m not saying we need three months off, but an extra week or two would help!
Matt, who has little to no opinion about the wedding, has tried to help but when it comes down to it, I’m the one with the vision. Even though he did try to help me from having a panic attack because my dress doesn't fit by saying “Ash, you only have to wear it once” doesn't really make me feel better. But the effort is there. I feel bad for him. If he didn't think I was crazy before he sure as hell thinks it now. Let's talk seating chart...
Any bride you talk to will say the seating chart sucked! I thought it would be a breeze. Our families get along and there are not too many people that want to kill each other. About four hours later, I realized I was wrong. What would have made the seating chart go smoother is if people knew how to read directions or answer a simple question. We all understand if you can’t make it, but god dammit just tell us. I have no interest in chasing you down to see if you are coming to the wedding. And to those of you out there who asked me about hotels last week, I love you but you are giving me serious wrinkles.
Even though I am complaining about all of this I have to say, Donna, my Mom has dealt with most of it. She's the one home, living in the house full of wedding crap, everywhere. She has done most of the crafts, sent out the invitations, fixed the favors, shopped for the gift bags, organized the responses and dealt with me. Yes, I have to answer many questions regarding the vendors and style but she's the one filtering through the little things. I may have said it before but that women deserves a honeymoon…. Alone! I will not leave out my Bridesmaids, friends, family and sister. They have contributed, planned and organized anything and everything we have asked of them to help with. Plus they planned a pretty amazing bachelorette party! 
Planning a wedding has been interesting, I have learned all vendors will upsell you and tell you that you have to have the latest and greatest. Finding a venue that allows you to bring in your own booze in has been a DREAM! Be nice to your Mom, because she's going to save your ass more than once. Take time to breath, it’s just a wedding, it's just a wedding (repeating in my head hourly) and remember what a wedding is really about! Love!The day is about family and friends coming together to celebrate a long life of love and happiness. It might cost you more than you have ever imagined and you may pull your hair out, but when the day comes there is no turning back so you might as well enjoy it as much as you can. So… for everyone's safety and my well being PLEASE PRAY for GOOD WEATHER!
-Ash
