Real Jewish Brides: Less then 3 months to go... and I'm still obsessed with lists - Smashing the Glass

Lists. Emails. Research. Repeat. This is my current mantra as I pass the 3 month mark. The first To-Do List I wrote was appropriately titled “A Big List”. In it contained tasks, comments and follow-up actions of what I thought, was everything I needed to think about and arrange in the lead up to the wedding.

Since then, that list has expanded, contracted and developed appendices. Why oh why did Netflix have to screen Gilmore Girls now? Ddon’t they know how long it takes to proofread addresses and invitation artwork? Why do people tell you once the “big things” are done, the rest falls into place? The big things are the easy part. It’s the finer details that test your decision-making capabilities, ignite a creative spark you never knew you had and challenge your emotional resistance.

This month, I’ve ticked off a little bit of everything- invitations, menus, lighting, flowers, religious traditions and fashion and it’s been great fun!! I’ve certainly received an education when it comes to stationery. I used Etsy, and Style Me Pretty to kick-start my imagination and quite quickly came up with a modern and elegant design for the main invitation.

Linda Abrahams, the stationery supplier I used, was really enthusiastic and focused on delivering this design and so I set my objective: let’s get this done and dusted! As numerous versions of the design were emailed back and forth with comments and amendments, it became very clear that the only way to reach the final draft stage was to get specific with the details.

I had no idea about card weights, types of personalisation and envelopes…surely your guests don’t judge your invitation on the quality of the envelope it comes in? It goes straight in the bin! But, I confess…I spent at least four hours, avoiding the treadmill, trying to make this decision. I was guided with beautiful samples of card weights and tutored in the topic of table plan versus escort cards. And so the final draft was approved and I could tick it off the list! My lesson outcome: Study the options and start stationery early.

Another wedding superstar is floristry and I would advise everyone to start their ideas-board with Pinterest. When someone asks what kind of flowers you’re having at your wedding, generally speaking, you avoid answering this question to keep it a surprise, and answer by using various combinations of adjectives: wistful and floaty, dramatic but romantic, vibrant, incredible, and, the classic but most internationally-understood adjective…Beautiful.

For a florist, these lyrical words help to orchestrate your floral symphony. I was introduced to an experienced and extremely creative event-florist who planted (pardon the pun) so much confidence in the idea I had for the Chuppah, I left the first appointment raring to go. When it came to choosing a bridal bouquet, reality curbed my flow of efficiency. “A bouquet costs how much? I’ve never spent that much money on flowers in my life before. (Karen Cinnamon: see this post for a realistic guide to wedding expenses so that you never have any more surprises!)

It was at this point I graduated to Senior-Level Pinterest-er and found images of bouquets against similar-style dresses to mine, that weren’t going to need First Class flights to be flown to Manchester. At a very productive meeting this week, I deleted another bullet point from the list.

As I head off to Tel Aviv this weekend to celebrate the wedding of my future sister-in-law, I fully appreciate the depth of her excitement: no more lists, no more emails, no more double-checking- it’s time to get hitched!