Saturday, March 26, 2011

Wedding Preparations

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Slim·Fast.

Being a bride is a full-time job, especially when you’re getting married on a tight budget. Getting married on a tight budget means being your own wedding planner and florist. It means that everything else in your life,including your husband-to-be, is going to fall by the wayside as you get ready to be a wife. It means making a zillion phone calls, sending a zillion emails and wishing you had a private secretary to help you keep up with it all. It means hardly having time to eat, and being glad for an occasional can of Slim-Fast to keep you going.

I thought I was being very clever and saving a great deal of money by doing all the flowers myself. I ordered flowers wholesale through a local florist. I picked them up in several buckets the day before the wedding and carried them down the street to the chapel. When we should have been getting ready for the rehearsal dinner my mother and I were instead feverishly arranging enormous bouquets of flowers for the altar. I came to have the highest regard for the skills of florists. The altar looked beautiful when it was finally decorated, but I was exhausted.

As for the bouquets and floral headpieces for myself and the bridesmaids, as well as the corsages for the mothers and centerpieces for the tables at the wedding breakfast, I saved oodles of dollars by making them myself as well. I knew that there was no way I could make them all the day before the wedding, so I got started weeks before, using dried flowers, mostly roses and herbs, entwining them with ribbons and wire. My apartment had by that time become a workshop, where wedding presents and were stored as well as everything I needed for the wedding projects. It would have been nice to have a separate apartment just for wedding stuff.  

My sister Andrea was the matron-of-honor; I did not have her wearing a floral wreath on her head like the bridesmaids but a tartan Tam O’Shanter. Have I said that we were planning a Scottish wedding? My father was to wear his kilt in the MacLachlan tartan, and my sisters and I were to wear our tartan sashes. The sashes and the Tam had to be ordered directly from Scotland, as well as the brooches with the family crests, and so there was a great deal of running back and forth to the Scottish shop. In the meantime, four days before the wedding Andrea rebelled against wearing the Tam, saying that a Scottish friend told her that no woman in Scotland would wear such a thing to a wedding. I said I did not care what they did in Scotland, my wedding was a “Scottish Fantasy,” like Mendelssohn’s symphony. There was a heated argument. Luckily, we were speaking again by the wedding rehearsal. And she agreed to wear the Tam.

As for Michael the bridegroom (yes, it was his wedding, too) he refused to wear a kilt, which made the Scottish wedding fantasy even more of a fantasy. However, he looked handsome in his mourning suit. Because of our budget and the size of the chapel, only ninety people could be invited. Michael, however, wanted to fill the place to the rafters with his friends. He took matters into his own hand and began inviting people over the internet. So when the day of the wedding dawned, we had no idea how many would actually be there.

We had a caterer, a local woman who could whip up a hearty country breakfast for the ninety plus souls who were expected to show up.  We decided to serve a buffet because then it would not matter as much what the exact head count was. The caterer could also provide china and flatware. Budget constraints ruled out having crystal or even glassware and so we had to fall back on sipping champagne out of plastic flutes. Mercifully, my friend’s mother entertained a great deal and had enough large linen table cloths for the dozen or so tables. She also lent us her silver samovar for tea. I hoped that nothing would get lost or stolen.

Getting everything set up for the reception the night before the wedding gave new meaning to the word hectic. What made it worse is that a local lady, whose name ironically was "Joy," decided to “help” and ended up arguing with me about how to arrange the wedding breakfast. I wanted to scream. Looking back, I should have put my foot down more. However, the hall was lovely when we finished. We decorated the windows with white tulle and fresh ivy trailing down. The centerpieces were in place on the linen tablecloths. All I had to do when I went home that night was pray that the cake would be delivered on time. (It was.)

Have I mentioned my gown? It was made by an Italian dressmaker in the village of Mt. Airy who excelled at patternless sewing. She created a gown for me based upon a picture from a magazine of a Victorian bride. She knew exactly how much tulle and Thai silk to use. It was everything I wanted: simple, elegant and traditional. Later I had the train made into a christening  gown for our baby daughter.

 Yes, preparing for a wedding, even under the best circumstances, can be stressful. It is important to remember that it is only one day and that what really counts is the married life that lies ahead. What held me together amid the flurry of activity was seizing a few moments of quiet time whenever I could. Also, taking vitamins kept me healthy, not to mention those liquid meals by Slim-Fast. At least when I walked down the aisle, I looked the part of the radiant bride and had the energy I needed to enjoy my day of days.

BlogHer is hosting a sweepstakes from 3/28-4/20 with the giveaway of a Slim-Fast gift pack (worth $100.) Visit the Promotions & Prizes section.

Here are the rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.  
Visit the Official Rules.
Visit the Official site.

89 comments:

Karianna said...

Ah, beautiful! I remember how stressful my wedding was - and now that my brother is getting married this summer, I know I need to shape up.

(karianna-at-karianna-dot-us)

Tabathia B said...

I would love to try slim fast to lose weight the healthy way
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/52535229210038272
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I remember when Beth went to y'all's wedding, she went on and on that it was the most beautiful one she'd ever seen! The details were exquisite, as I remember she said, and yes, I can see from your post that they were. Martha Stewart herself would have been speechless, I think.

I LOVE the idea of making the baby's christening gown from your wedding gown train--it is like something from a poem! May God bless you and your groom and little daughter, always!

Now I have a hankering for a nice, cold, chocolate flavored Slim-fast, mmmmm ;)

AStarrA said...

How exciting! Best of luck!!!
disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

Gloria Richards said...

It's been almost fifty years since I was married, but I remember the day well...an experience akin to a day with the Keystone Cops. And I know I was much thinner then.

Anonymous said...

Great story. I will one day be a DIY bride, making everything from my bouquets to my cake toppers. It's daunting! Not to mention losing weight. Maybe that's why I keep putting off saying "yes."

traveler said...

Your blog post was lovely and enjoyable. I think with summer coming up soon it would be an icentive for me to lose the extra weight with Slim Fast. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Pick Me Pick me! =) Would love to see pics of your wedding! Jennz21@aol.com

MCantu1019 said...

Thanks for the chance to win some slim fast. Maybe it's just what I need.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

kolpin said...

i'd love to try slim fast
kolpin4680 at gmail dot com

anonymous said...

Using the Slim-Fast liquid meals is a great idea when you're pressed for time and have a lot going on. Not to mention that it's portion controlled so you know how many calories you're getting and that it's nutritious. Congratulations on your wedding. LPoser1 [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I was lucky for my wedding that my Mom is a pastor and walked me through everything!
maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

Jeanentt said...

I am a 41 year old working mother of three who gets up every weekday morning at 5 a.m. and runs seven miles. I also do strength traing with weights and watch what I eat. I'm more fit now than I was in my twenties and I still feel like I'm in my twenties not to mention everyone says I still look like I'm in my twenties.

JC said...

Congrats and best of luck!
Slim-Fast gift pack would be great to try, love healthy choice.

JC said...

http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/54061714219597824

Shelly Leatham said...

BEST OF LUCK!!

I'm currently trying to lose some weight and get healthier!!
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Shelly Leatham said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/sleatham1/status/54117319995162624
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Howell said...

I would love to try Slim Fast.

hlee99 (at) gmail (dot) com

wizardewu said...

Slim Fast would help me lose weight!

eugeniewu (at) gmail (dot) com

Kelly Massman said...

My husband and I are on a weight loss journey! We have joined the gym and our goal is to workout every other day! The hardest part is eating better and/or substituting meals with something like Slimfast!

Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

peg42 said...

Weddings can be so stressful. I remember trying to keep my weight down for that special day.
Now, (many years later) I'm back to trying to get weight off.
Thanks so much for this giveaway.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

sweepmom said...

Yes, weddings can be very stressful, especially when you do all the work yourself or with very little help. That was the case for me as well. All the stress paid off though. My wedding was great!

Unknown said...

I am trying hard to get back on track after a winter of illness after illness. I am back on my treadmill, waiting impatiently for the last of the snow banks to melt away from the side of the road so I can walk. Slim fast might be that little boost I need

Unknown said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/56034967385407488

buzzd said...

Weddings can be stressful. I want to lose weight so I am watching what I eat and try to walk more

Deborah said...

I suppose I have to really be thankful that for me, wedding planning was simple and easy. I guess I was too young and dumb to understand all that could have gone wrong. I enjoyed reading your story and was pleased that everything turned out so well.

asthenight at gmail dot com

Stephanie said...

congrats! need to lose weight and would love to try slim fast
tvollowitz at aol dot com

sodahoney said...

i was calm at my wedding but my 2 daughters wedding stressed me out.

sodahoney said...

Blog http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2011/04/enter-for-chance-to-win-slimfast-gift.html

ms-texas said...

i need to lose some weight and a slim fast prize pack would be a great way to do it!

debbiebellows(at)gmail(dot)com

ms-texas said...

i tweeted!

http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/56190940548825088

debbiebellows(at)gmail(dot)com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

would love to rethink my ways of portions and eating

clc408 said...

Your wedding sounds lovely! I have a goal to drop ten pounds before my vacation in July.

clc408 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/clc408/status/56327008812142592

ma04santos said...

Best of luck!! I have been married for 26 years..... And know I would love to try Slim Fast, because I need it.

Deb said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/56762597046890496

Erin Bakal said...

While it sounds like it was stressful, I'm glad that you got the wedding you wanted! And I also LOVE the idea of having a Christening dress made from the train of your dress. Beautiful!

Princess Golden Hair said...

You sound like you are a strong and beautiful woman. While weight should not define us we need to eat healthy if we want to be with our family's for years to come.

teechbiz at gmail dot com

KaHolly said...

As I age, I'm trying harder to live a healthier and longer life.

Aron said...

I am in awe of the pic of you and your wedding dress! I am speechless--and as my friend would tell you, that does not often happen, lol! Not only is your gown incredible, but you look Incomparable! I'll have to e-mail you a pic of my mom on her wedding day in 1962... :)
~Aron <><

rubymoon said...

You have such wonderful ideas and such great creative spark. What lovely memories you are creating. Best of luck in life. Kudos also for getting fit and healthy!

mail.nw415@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I too had a budget wedding, and only 5 days to pull it off but we did it and the love from the wedding remains....truly has grown stronger. Our commitment to better health has grown as well and Slim Fast will be a part of that. I am queenesperfect at yahoo.com

Nicole J. said...

Really great ideas!

mmburdette22 said...

The only tiem I can lose weight is when I have an event coming up that I want to look good for. Weddings are a good excuse to get in shape!

mmburdette22 AT yahoo DOT com

Unknown said...

I am moving into a home I am buying in Kuna, Idaho. We are waiting for the phone call to".... come in and sign".. Anyday now. My back is almost broken from a botched back surgery, but this home has a hot tub!! My goal is to stay healthy, lose 12 lbs, and be happy. After I move in I want to have a special party for all my dear friends that have helped me get through all the hard times. Yes, winning the Slim Fast contest would really help me and my broken body maintain a healthy lifestyle! Thanks. Kris

Denise S. said...

I'd like to lose weight before our upcoming summer vacation. About 30 pounds at least!
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

Sweeter the berry said...

Congrats on your wedding. It can be very stressful.
I want to try slim fast formy busy lifestlye.

letessha@yahoo.com

Kerry said...

I would love to try slim fast to drop a few pounds before summer!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/59392908196982784
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Cori Westphal said...

One quick thing I do every day is run up my stairs! I go up and down at least 20 times a day and if I just put a little fire in my step, I burn a few quick calories!

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Cori Westphal said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/59825898551119872

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Erica C. said...

I always exercise more often before a big event...I should try this too!

sy said...

congratulations :D my friend is also preparing for her wedding and it's very stressful, so much to organize.

sy said...

tweet https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/60129945107693569

msrodeobrat said...

i have not had the honor of preparing for my stressful day yet, but it will be coming soon and i too am trying to get it done mostly my by myself.. thank you slimfast for being fast and making me skinny for important days
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

~dab said...

I'm not trying to slim down for a specific event, but rather I'm trying to improve my overall health and wellness. Although, since swimsuit season is rapidly approaching, it would be nice to be rockin' a slimmer body at the beach :)

Thanks for hosting the giveaway! :)

Ashley said...

I've been trying to eat healthier and get ready for bathing suit season. It's not as easy of fun as it sounds. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

oldnavyash@aol.com

Ashley said...

I tweeted about it http://twitter.com/smash906/status/60335884012232704

oldnavyash@aol.com

Nancy said...

Your wedding sounds like it was beautiful. It seems as though we could all use more energy and healthy habits on a daily basis, not just for the big events.

Nancy said...

My tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/60346737017094146

sksweeps said...

Wow! I'm impressed at everything you managed to do yourself! We got married at the house we had just closed escrow on (obviously couldn't afford anything else), I made my dress, didn't have a huge crowd, but did buy a cake and flowers. Yes, stressful!

sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

Anonymous said...

I am also planning my wedding right now, so I know what it's like! Keep on truckin'!

marylou3285 said...

being the mother of the groom I need to look good so I don't embarass anyone.....been cutting carbs and Iam getting closer...ya

AEKZ2 said...

Let's all shape up together! I recently signed up for a fitness class and I'm loving it.

annettekz2@yahoo.com

Valeen said...

I am definitely trying to eat healthier and be more active. Not only to be a better mom, but to teach my kids by example! Then I want to go on a celebration vacation to celebrate our healthier family!

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Weddings should be filled with fun and laughter, usually we are too stressed to do either. I had to blow dry my hair on the way, by hanging my head out the car window.

spiersrp at gmail dot com

bdiane34 said...

Your wedding sound wonderful. I am trying to eat healthier and be more active.
sweokgrl@gmail.com

bdiane34 said...

I tweeted
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/60495102757441536

Jessica said...

Your wedding sounds lovely!
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

Trisha D said...

i forgot everything on my wedding day, but 16 years later at least he knew what kind of forgetful wife he was gonna get!!

taylorbagels said...

I need something like this to help me with weight loss, i need to lose more than 60 pounds but nothing seems to work except starvation, ugh

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

I have used slim fast before, and had great results. I am thinking of using it again

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/60609980763602944

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

willdebbie said...

I was in a dear friends wedding recently and I was more stressed over this than when I myself got married
willdebbie97 at yahoo dot com

susansmoaks said...

our sixth anniversary is this month and i would love to trim up for our night out on the town
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Jinxy and Me said...

I had a wedding on a budget too since we paid or it ourselves. It was stressful, but also a lot of fun!

nesta 67 {at} live dot com

Margie said...

I always take vitamins, eat healthy, and exercise everyday to keep healthy. I store my email over in my Blogger profile. Thanks for the contest!

js22 said...

SlimFast has always been a great way to get a nutritious breakfast when I'm on the run!
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.

js22 said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/60738190046265344
email in blogger profile.

shelley said...

I just turned 40 and am feeling the same way. I have again started working out and eating better. I feel much better these days. My husband does slimfast and swears by it! He would absolutely love it if I won this for him!

shelleymikey at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I remember our wedding day 12 years ago. It was the most magical day ever. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

Betty C said...

You have my utmost admiration! I wore a borrowed dress; my fiance did all the planning because I was attending college out of town and I just showed up for the event. Very low key, only family at the wedding and a small reception for close friends.

Betty C said...

Tweet - http://twitter.com/willitara/status/60782220868206592

Unknown said...

I’m going on a trip to Hawaii in a few months & I’ve been working out and eating better to loose weight and tone up so I can look good in my bathing suit.

ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Unknown said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/60789541329575937

ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

Sand said...

Congratulations!

I'm currently single but have weddings to attend this year and that's one of the best way to meet men right? My parents actually met at a wedding. So, I need to be in fighting shape for these weddings.

elena maria vidal said...

The randomly selected winner of the Slim-Fast sweepstakes is Kelly Massman! Congratulations, Kelly! I have emailed you privately with the information on how to claim your prize! Thanks to you all for participating! I LOVED all of your comments and kind words. You have all inspired me to lose weight!

Unknown said...

Ah, beautiful! I remember how stressful my wedding was - and now that my brother is getting married this summer KongregateMiniclip