38 days to go. I remember when I started my beloved Wedding Wednesday posts more than a year ago seen here, the countdown was 400+ days and now we’re within 5 weeks…the end of planning/the beginning of married life is so soon I can feel it.
I’m promising myself I am going to finish my big items as soon as possible so the few weeks/weekends prior to the wedding can be spent relaxing by the pool, grilling out with family and friends, and savoring every moment of the fun looming.
Here’s the last few areas/items to tackle:
1. Finalize parking/direction cards to get our guests from the ceremony to the reception
2. Confirm hotel reservations for all out-of-town guests
3. Finish purchasing groomsmen and ring bearer gifts
4. Complete ceremony programs–draft is being put together now so this will be done soon!
5. Discuss songs to play/songs to avoid with our band, Scat Springs
6. Finish thank-you notes for all gifts received
7. Complete the application to get our marriage license
8. Work with Mary Alice to finalize ALL details with each vendor–florist, ceremony musicians, reception venue with rentals and setup, catering, band, photographers, videographers, cake baker, etc.
9. Send the bridal party and family a final weekend itinerary for timeline of events
Since I had so many comments about how helpful the last etiquette post was, I thought I would include a few more…my Mom will be so proud đ
The Thank-You Note: In sending thank you cards for gifts, truth be told that the sooner you can tackle this, the better. For bridal shower gifts, handwritten notes should be written within 2 weeks upon receiving the gift. For actual wedding gifts received at the wedding, the proper deadline for sending out is within 6 to 8 weeks. The easiest way to get this done quickly–tackle a set number of notes each day and you’ll have them finished in no time! Don’t forget to call out the specific item you’re writing the thank you for…this is not a time to say ‘thanks for the gift’. Here’s an example:
Dear Bob and Betsy,
Thank you so very much for the thoughtful wedding gift. We are so excited to begin using our new coffee maker and know it is sure to become a much needed necessity every morning. We were so happy you were able to join us at the wedding, and enjoyed catching up with the two of you. All our love and we hope to see you again soon.
Best,
John and Julie
Tipping Vendors: Tipping is an expression of gratitude for above and beyond service. Gratuities are usually added into the final bill, so pay attention to your invoices and note exactly what you’re paying for. Choosing to tip someone is completely up to you and your discretion and should be given for superior services only. The customary amount is between 15-20%. People who fall in the potential category of receiving an additional gratuity include the following: Catering Manager, Bartenders, Wedding Planner, Limo Driver, Florist, Photographer, Baker, Musicians, and Ceremony Officiant.
Yay, so excited for you!!!
I just found your blog today and I'm getting married in 38 days too!! Yay June 11th!!! I so wish I would've found your blog sooner because our engagement will have been 20 months long! I'm so ready for it!!
So, so exciting, Natasha!!! I have a feeling my Wedding Wednesday posts are going to fly by too and I will be in your exact shoes! đ I agree with you on Thank You notes and getting those out as quickly as possible! đ Good luck tackling your last few items and enjoy every moment of your BIG day around the corner!
Liesl đ
I can't believe how close it is! 38 days will go by so fast. đ
Good luck! Those last few weeks are definitely the most stressful! Just remember to relax and just let go on your wedding day, things may go wrong but who cares! Enjoy all you've planned over the last year.
Only 24 days left for us! Eeek! So, thank-you note question: what about when people send a wedding gift to you prior to your wedding date? Do you go ahead and write/send the TY, or do you wait and send it on joint stationery after the wedding has occured?
love this! eeks!!
Your big day is so close! I love those pillows!
I'll bet you can hardly wait for your big day! You're one patient girl, you've had an insanely LONG engagement!!! With all this time to prepare I'll bet it will be beautiful. Congrats on your upcoming special day!!! đ
Ahhhh it's so soon!! So excited for you guys!
I love those Mr and Mrs Pillows!!! Are they yours?
AHHH it's sooo soon!!! I can't wait to see all the pics of the BIG day!!!
Very exciting! Enjoy every moment!
I can't express how important it is to tip vendors… we worked with some amazing people and I was so happy to be able to tip them at the end of the night for such a job well done.
As far as the thank you's that's very important too. The weekend of my shower I had all my shower thank you's finished and mailed that Monday, and our wedding thank you's will be sent as soon as I get our pro pics back. I'd like to put a little photo collage insert in each thank you card.