Last year, I attended six weddings and two bachelorette events: from rural Vermont to California Wine Country to Florence, Alabama to Simpsonville First Baptist Church. Recently, I realized that the last six movies that I had watched either centered around or included a wedding (from 27 Dresses to Wedding Crashers to Mamma Mia). On the first weekend of May, I was in a wedding party for the first time. My sorority big sister married the perfect guy for her. We wore purple and carried peonies down the aisle of a D.C. Catholic church. The reception (complete with Beef Wellington and an open bar) served the dual purpose of college reunion.
As I wrote this blog, the things at the top of my to-do list were "decide on shoes," “iron bridesmaid’s dress” and "pack Lily’s shower present.”
Make your life a little easier during the upcoming nuptial-filled months by embracing a few of these ideas:
- Organize your theme and ideas with a Pinterest board. You can easily share with your bridal party, family, or vendors.
- If, like me, you can easily get distracted by wedding photos or fun ideas on Pinterest, find a method to limit wasted time. For example, choose to only log-on once a month, limit the time per session, or download an app like StayFocused.
- Save money on flights, dresses, and gifts: Set up Kayak flight alerts, and book flights, car rentals and hotels through sites with a lowest price guarantee and a loyalty program. Sign up for a free Ebates account, google “coupons for Macy’s” (insert generic registry store of your choice), and buy gifts and dresses during sale weekends (hello there, holiday weekend sales): I've bought some really nice gifts using all three methods together!
- Borrow or rent your outfits (for example, from Renttherunway, or Men’s Wearhouse).
- If you’re in the wedding party for a faraway event, make sure you carry-on anything that you couldn’t live without if your checked bag doesn’t make it as planned.
- Uber and carpooling: just do it. Your budget will thank you, plus you might get a free designated driver out of the deal.
- If you’ll be standing for more than a few minutes, don’t lock your knees. It’s simple yet essential to remember.
- Use the occasion to try that new fashion trend you’ve been eyeing: an elegant undo, a funky bow tie or those bright blue heels. Check out The Knot’s guide to wedding attire to keep things appropriate.
- If you’re having a hard time getting excited about going to another wedding, try to embrace the family/college reunion or networking aspect. If all else fails, people-watch.
- Befriend a few of the couple's childhood friends or extended family members: you're bound to hear some great stories and you'll help make the wedding festivities more enjoyable.
Now, eat, drink and be married!
