popping by

2 more days & it would've been exactly 3 mths since i last blogged.
kinda got myself so caught up in living out my daily routines that i forgot i even had a blog.

planning for my big day has been hectic and rather troublesome.
but as the day goes by with more and more decisions being made each day for the preparation of it,
it's somewhat exciting yet nerve-wrecking for me.
being such a control freak, i anticipate the end result but being paranoid as usual, i fear for hiccups. it's a rollercoaster ride for my emotions. but i'm glad somehow that no matter what it is, i have people whom i can ask advice from and friends offering their help in every possible way.

many say, wedding is about the couple. but i say, it's through the preparation of it where you'll get to see who shares your joy and every ounce of it is instilled into making things work.

i am clearly aware how a 'wedding' or 'being married' is not the 'final destination'. it's more like a milestone. a start for a new phase of my life.

as usual, instead of harping on the bad (i forgot what's bad hah!), i rather harp on the good/blessings i received.

• i had gu with me all the way altho i'm told how men usually can't be bothered
• i had iman to help me with the bridal shop scouting and wedding band scouting (lucky me!)
• ching to help with the planning & music list
• lijun offering to help me my MUA for mom/sisters but too bad our dates clashed
• Ranna with all the guo-lai-ren advises (can't say how grateful i am)
• two hansum man agreeing to help emcee
• dear couz who shares my excitement & agreed to help jaga guest list & open car door
• feng n YL agreeing to be my sisters
• Ben agreeing to help come along with me to describe what i want for my photoshoot & asking around for cheaper instax film px & imparting gu knowledge on wine choices
• HL agreeing to be bouncer for my album during AD....
• & of course not forgetting dearest mom & dad.

i'm blessed with the help from so many lah. aiyo. can't complain. :)

so far i think i have half my checklist completed:

18 mths before...

• Set wedding dates. Checked! Date is on 12 Sept 2010, Sunday
• Prepare guest list. Checked!
• Book venue. Checked!
• Keep reference folder to file away ideas. Checked!
• Keep a separate file for payments & receipts. Checked!
• Book bridal package. Checked!

12 months before...

• Place order for wedding bands. Checked!
• Select bridal attendants & assign roles. Checked!

stuff that's still pending:

9 months to go...(December 2009)

• Book JP
• Book ROM date
• Discuss menu. Set date for food tasting.
• Plan music selection (finalize song list with chingling)
• Shop for bridesmaids'/groomsmen's outfits, my bridal accessories e.g. heels & jewelleries etc
• Review guest list
• Enquire about bridal car rental
• Discuss different looks with hair & makeup artists and go for trials. Confirm looks.

6 months to go...(March 2010)

• Confirm music list, menu & liqour list
• Pre-Wedding photoshoot.
• Collection of wedding bands

3 months to go...(June 2010)

• Finalise guest list & start planning seating arrangements
• Confirm transportation
• Send reminders for venues & solemnisation officiant
• Confirm all wedding decor ideas, bouquets, centerpieces
• Send out invitations for out-of-town guests

2 months to go...(July 2010)

• Send out local invitations
• Confirm out-of-town guests have received invitations
• Choose thank you gifts for attendants
• Organise seating arrangements

1 month to go...(August 2010)

• Chase late RSVPs, finalise guest list & seating arrangements
• Confirmation of gowns & bridesmaids' gown to be ready on time
• Prepare fees / angpows where applicable, e.g. officiant, bridesmaids/groomsmen
• Start breaking in your shoes so they won't pinch on the day
• Confirm all other arrangements that has not been finalised.
• Start planning emcee script. To share schedule with them.

2 weeks to go...(late August 2010)

• Collect dresses
• Arrange for bridal flowers to be sent to my house early on the day.
• Go thro emcee's script. Prepare our own wedding speech.

1 week to go...(Early Sept 2010)

• Finalise all minor arrangements that hasn't been done.
• Arrange for a bridesmaid to accompany me and help me on the day
• Give all payments to bestman; leave him to pay the respective people.

On the day (12 Sept 2010)

• Let chief bridesmaid take charge of everything which includes reminding the other attendants of their duties.