Getting married? Don’t shave your legs!
Posted by Lin Cullen on Tue, Nov 03, 2009 @ 03:32 PM
As I write this today I am in the throws of planning another big party at my home for friends. My second in a few months as Lawrence and I got married this past summer in our back yard and I decided to go that one alone… I am after all an event planner so you wouldn’t think that would be a big deal.
Gotta have a timeline
The ribbing I received was hilarious, particularly the jokes at the wedding in the speeches about my timeline. You see I am all about plans and timelines… I like the orderliness of it. And when you are planning any sort of party you must have a timeline to ensure everything goes smoothly – even the most impromptu party needs a timeline otherwise it will just look like an unorganized mess.
So, if you are planning any sort of party or, particularly a wedding, once you’ve decided on your location and the theme, be sure to start with a draft timeline of the events. It will also help you to ensure you have everything covered off. Everything will be much easier.
A few more tips if you are planning a wedding or party…
Know your attire
Choose your dress first. Reason: Your attire and that of the wedding party will set the tone. And no matter what you think you want, you will change your mind when you and your Beste get out there looking.
Remember it’s all about YOU
Go to a wedding show. Reason: A rather tedious exercise, but you will get one of those nice planning packages that will guide you and drive you nuts at the same time. And ideas are in abundance – you will have the opportunity to pick and choose what is important to YOU. Let’s face it, its all about YOU… go with it, enjoy it, savour it – it won’t last long!
Make a list
Make a list, the first of many I promise, and list YOUR priorities – photographer, music, and food are my first three recommendations. Reason: this is what you will spend your big money on and rightly so. You want it perfect. And music and food are important to your guests (see it slowly slips from being about you).
It’s gonna rain – plan on it
Another big money vacuum… If you are planning an outdoor event, ensure you have proper facilities – good solid (read expensive) tent, washroom facilities, etc. As well, ensure traffic flow works in an efficient and convenient manner. Reason: It will rain… a story for another time!
Check, check and double check
Do your timeline… and update it regularly! Reason: They’ll make fun of you but they will appreciate knowing exactly what is expected of them. And if you falter, someone with a timeline will pick you up.
Don’t forget about him
Include your fiancé… this is a time when he knows better than to intrude (YOU, YOU, YOU) but he will really appreciate it. For me it was the menu. After my Beste and I chose the menu, I was shocked to realize Lawrence thought pink soup was absurd. It became an opportunity to put him in charge and knowing the caterer as I did, I had no problem, whatever he picked would be fabulous. Reason: If you are spending your life together, you had better start learning how he thinks and respecting that. The theory of a happy wife, happy life works tenfold the other way!
Don’t shave your legs
Lastly… ladies, on the big day don’t shave your legs! And if you must, be sure to have some of those tiny round clear band-aids, and don’t use a new razor. Reason: you WILL cut yourself, like you’ve never done before, and it will bleed and bleed and that stick thing men use will be useless. But the cute little tiny band-aids will save your day!