Wedding Series: Bridal Showers

Hello everyone.

I don't know how to write any more. It's been crazy long. I have so many exciting things to share. There is so much happening in life and time just seems to fly by. I have less than 3 months left and I am panicking. I spent $40 on a wedding binder 2 months ago. I opened it today. 

Why? Because my wedding was almost called off about 2 times. There were a lot of unresolved issues that were kinda just brushed away from the surface. The root had to be dealt with for them to permanently go away. It took a lot of time, sorrow and tears. A lot happened and blah blah, fast forward to - today, when I realized that I don't have the one thing I need the most - time. I am almost the same weight I was in April. I lost 4 lbs since then. So, let's forget about my health at this point. I started insanity 2 weeks ago I am supposed to finish by September 6. From September - October, the plan is to do Ripped in 30 by Jillian Michaels.

But the fact that we couldn't book or decide anything until the wedding issue itself was solved - screwed up everything. Now I have a total of 3 months. To do EVERYTHING. Three months. Threeeeeee.

On top of that, I don't have a wedding outfit. I won't have an outfit until 3 weeks before the big day. That is a frightening thought. I won't have time for fittings, customization, or to fix anything. I pretty much have to pick up a ready-made garment and go with it. The dream was to design my own and get it custom made. It's just not possible with the time line I have. So, skip that.

So, get this - no dress. No jewellery. For the ceremony or the reception. I'll be sitting on a plane with nothing but 3 weeks of time. The time line is crazy. I don't know if I will find what I truly wanted to wear for my wedding. It's a risky game.

Cut to - the big things. Venue. Caterers. Bands. Transportation. Accommodation. DJ. Florists. Decor. Phew! I can only tick off one thing, the venue. The rest is still in the researching process. How can I begin checking off things on this 150 page wedding binder? HOW?

Coming up - Bridal Shower and Bachelorette!

You know what I realized? No matter how organized you are or how amazing you are with wedding planning, you're still going to have some unexpected road blocks. You're gonna be stressed, regardless. For me, that is everyday!

Right now... the focus is the shower, which is in 2 weeks. I feel like blogging everyday for my to-be brides because I've put together some great check-lists and tips. But I just don't get the time. I get caught up with something or the other. But I am giving this a thought - a Wedding blog series. 

My current stress is stemming from the bridal shower RSVPs. I've caught some people at a bad time. Some are in another country for other weddings. It's just not happening for me at the moment. I didn't send out formal invitations, only because it's convenient to do it over Facebook or the phone. But I am still expecting about 18-20 people including family, my friends and my mom's close friends.

This is the only time in my life where I get to plan a huge party for my friends and family. Although, it's stressful, there's also joy to it. The best thing is - I am sticking to my favorite theme ' Sex and the City.' The problem is, I have too many ideas but no time to execute them.

Here's a quick BRIDAL SHOWER checklist for you guys:-

A month before

• Decide on a venue. Restaurant or someone's home? Your own house? What does the bride want? If it's at a restaurant or a party room, make reservations.

The venue is gonna be my house. I had my stag at a restaurant and it's a formal setting. I wanted a casual/homely feel and for everyone to get together at a place where they are comfortable. Plus, no outsiders/servers to deal with. It's a private setting with only friends and family. No men or babies, of course! It's gonna be a ladies-only afternoon :)

• Set the date and time. Ideally, the shower falls 2-3 months before the wedding.

I've set the date and time already. It falls exactly 2.5 months from when I leave from here. It's coming up in two weeks. And the time is 4 pm.

• Create invitations (print or social media). Send them out to the bride's friends and family.

I chose Facebook for invitations because it's easier to get RSVPs on the event page itself rather than doing it the traditional way.

• Pick up a pen and paper and decide on a rough budget. You should have an estimate.

My rough budget is $500. This includes everything - the favors, prizes, food, drinks, decorations, set-up etc. I've spent $275 already on favors, decorations and prizes. The food and drinks are the only things left. So, I might be a tad bit above the budget. It's always good to have a number in mind, so you can budget yourself accordingly.

• Purchase bridal shower decorations (for the home). If the restaurant needs to be decorated, make arrangements and see what they can do for you.

I got all the decorations already. Balloons, streamers, centre pieces, wall stickers, honeycomb balls, puff balls, ceiling lanterns, backdrops and banners. The only thing missing is a Pink Tulle ribbon to wrap around the stairs along with fresh flowers. Oh, and thank you notes! See, jotting things down really helps and keeps you on track!

• Decide on table linen, centre pieces, music and activities (if you're planning to do it traditionally!)

I've got table covers, 2 centre pieces for the dessert table and the food able, some music for an after-party and some of the activities planned. I need help with games. Where are my bridesmaids at? =D 

• Create a list of tasks and assign bridesmaids. 

I don't wanna do this. I feel like I can manage. All you need to do is show up and party =)

• If it is a theme party, purchase decorations in accordance. Also buy other paper goods and party props.

It most definitely is a theme party. As I said, 'Sex and the City.' Sadly, there isn't anything I can buy in accordance to it. So, I've kinda got to create everything at home. I haven't started yet. But I plan to start day after tomorrow.

• Purchase favors/return-gifts.

Done, done, done. I just finished purchasing favors yesterday. Mom, nani and I assembled them all last night. They are nicely put away already. 

• If guests have offered to bring in treats, call to confirm what they plan to bring and adjust your menu accordingly.

Again, all I need is for you to show up and I'll take care of the rest.

• Figure out registry options for your shower.

I am not registered anywhere. I don't like this registry business, tbh. This is my personal opinion. I think it's wrong to ask for presents, let alone make a list of what you want. No matter how much I tell everyone not to bring anything, they still are gonna bring something. That's just the norm (which I dislike!) That's why I did a lot of prizes and give-away gifts for games and activities along with favors because it makes ME feel guilty. As for registries, I think it seems selfish to select items that you want for a present. I think it's so impersonal. There is no personal touch in knowing that you are gonna give me something I chose for myself. Hate it. Although, no offense to those who like this system. It may be more practical for baby showers. But not for me.

• Figure out your outfit. What are you planning to wear? 

I went shopping with mom twice. I didn't find anything I liked. Nothing that screams, 'YES! This is the dress!' I am going again on Thursday with the hope of actually finding one this time. Sigh. If not, I'll pick a dress from my closet and wear it. Not too excited for shopping with the weight I am carrying around. Still 20 lbs away from my wedding goal weight. Weight lost so far: 22 lbs.

• Purchase spirits, if you're having cocktails.

Yes. I wanna serve Cosmopolitans. There is no way that this is gonna be over-looked because this is a very important part of Sex & the City. But then I thought, not everyone is gonna consume alcoholic cocktails. So, I am gonna make two versions of it: non-alcoholic and alcoholic. For the alcoholic version: the addition will be 1/2 a shot of citrus vodka. The rest contains cranberry juice, a shot of lime juice and 2 dashes of orange bitters. I need to buy VODKA! But if my ladies have any other requests, you can let me know =)

• Pick up kitchen accessories you're gonna need (cake stands, punch bowls, platters, cupcake stand, straws, disposable plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, napkins) 

I've picked up everything! =D 

A week before - I will start checking off this list next week! 

• Confirm RSVPs
• Confirm cake and cupcake order at the bakery.
• Assemble and/or gift-wrap favors - Done.
• Buy groceries.
• Create a mental floor plan and figure out seating area for the guests - Done.
• Prepare shower games and activities.

A day before

• Prepare any menu items that can be made in advance (or do prep work)
• Set up tables, assemble decorations, favors etc.
• Touch base with bridesmaids - confirm who's bringing what and ask them to arrive early to help.
• Run last-minute errands.

Checklist credit: theknot.com