April 21, 2008

Two Full-Time Jobs

When I was a little girl, I always dreamt that my wedding would be a fairy-tale affair. I had ideas of the colors, the theme, the music, the dress—everything would be just so. Now, as an adult, I realize that much of the frilly stuff we thought we needed as starry-eyed kids isn’t really necessary. And the uber-cheesy music we wanted at age twelve wouldn’t really be appropriate now. For instance, I know my fiancé would probably hurl if I suggested Shower Me With Your Love or I Swear as our first-dance songs—they don’t fit us. But they were my ideal when I planned my imaginary wedding in the early 90s. Of course back then, I was planning to marry Jordan Knight of New Kids On The Block, so suffice it to say, many things have changed.

What never enters into your consciousness as a kid though is the idea of planning a wedding while you’re working a full-time job. Oh sure, as daughters of the 1970s and 1980s, we knew we would grow up to be career-women. We dreamt of futures as doctors and lawyers and writers and teachers…but those dreams were just as fuzzy around the edges as our early wedding fantasies. They were vaguely glamorous and purposeful, but I know for me, the fantasy careers never included any hint of the realities of making a living.

And when it comes to wedding planning, nobody tells you how hard it’s going to be to get everything done. No one tells you that you have to schedule vendor meetings on weeknights—because all the top-notch vendors are working weddings every weekend. It’s hard to fit everything into your own schedule, and then you have to factor your fiance’s busy, full-time working schedule as well. You have to make calls during breaks at work—because when you get off work, the church office is closed. You decide that vendors who come to you automatically get consideration because they’ll save you a trip through southern California traffic.

So yeah, I know I’m not the only bride who feels like I’m now working two full-time jobs. And I wish I could say I found a solution and the key to perfect time management. What I will say is that every bride I’ve talked to continually reminds me to put most of my energy to the bigger more important wedding details that you and your guests will remember (food, party, photography) and not to stress too much on others (chair covers, ribbon colors). For every full-time working bride, perhaps this is the way to keep your sanity while planning the wedding.

But really, are you sure there aren’t more hours in the day? Cause I could really use ‘em.

Posted by Nichole at 3:08 p.m.

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