Here are some updates to our wedding planning. I don't know if you guys care for or like this type of blog but writing it all out helps me realize what I have done and what I need to do. Hopefully you guys don't mind!
Date: May 17th, 2014
Ceremony: My parents' church that I grew up in
Reception: The clubhouse of the lake community where I grew up
Colors: Navy, apple green, brown, white
Theme: Country (we live in the boondocks and he grew up on a farm - we're not doing this because it's trendy!)
Honeymoon: Cruise from Florida to the Bahamas. We're also spending a few days at my parents' vacation house in FL.
Bridesmaids: I'm having two bridesmaids. I've known them for 5 and 7 years. I'm really excited to have them standing next to me.
I wanted them to be a dress that was somewhat casual because the wedding is not formal, that could easily be worn again, that was affordable, and that they liked. We ended up with this:
Definitely not a traditional style but we loved them. To dress the dress up a little bit they will be wearing their hair nicely and wearing pearls that I am purchasing for them. They will also wear heels for the ceremony. For the reception they can change into boots if they want (since that's my plan).
Decorations: I'm inspired by this photo that I got from Pinterest for the centerpieces.
The tablecloths for the guests' tables will be white. In the center of the table will be a green circle of fabric. In the middle of that circle will be a mason jar with a flower arrangement. In a circle around that will be little candles. I just have to figure out how to incorporate the table numbers.
The tablecloths for the serving tables and the bar will be navy. I plan to add a few flower arrangements in mason jars or vases to those tables as well.
Music: My brother has a band that plays weddings so his band is playing live. They will also MC the reception.
First dance - We are torn between four potential songs....
Then by Brad Paisley
Only You Can Love Me This Way by Keith Urban
Me and You by Kenny Chesney
Whatever It Is by Zac Brown Band
Thankfully we have time to choose! But since we want my brother's band to play it I want to give them a list relatively soon.
Father/Daughter Dance - Father and Daughter by Paul Simon
Mother/Son Dance - Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Food: You can't really have a New Jersey wedding without Italian food! We originally wanted BBQ (to keep with the theme and because we love it) but Italian food was much better for our budget. We are meeting with the caterer over my Christmas break to figure out the menu.
We still have a lot to figure out. For example, I still have no idea what my FI and his groomsmen will be wearing! We also have to meet with the priest to discuss the ceremony. We're having a traditional Catholic ceremony so there isn't much to pick regarding wording but we need to decide on hymns and readings. Fun stuff!
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I had my first bridal shower this past weekend! It was a lot of fun. It was very small - just some family from Florida and some friends. I know it's pretty early for a shower but my Oma wanted to throw it when my mom and I were in FL at the same time - which only happened this past weekend lol.
I already posted this picture in one thread but I like it so I'm going to post it again :P
Thanks so much to everyone for loving the BM dresses!